6 Days Classic Xian Beijing Tour

Day 1 Xi'an Arrival

Highlights: Airport / railway station pick up

Welcome to Xian ! Your tour guide will meet you at Xian Xianyang International Airport (or railway station), then escort you to your hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to explore this ancient capital of China.

Note: if you arrive at Xian in early and want to have some activities arranged for the rest time, please let us know in advance. There are many options available (with extra costs), including: 1. visit a local family and learn to cook Chinese dishes or making dumplings; 2. have an interesting class of Chinese calligraphy or painting in Tangbo Art Museum; 3. explore the bustling Zhonggulou Square where the beautiful Bell Towers and Drum Towers are located at.

Arrival Ideas: Xian is only about 2~3 hours flying from majority of big cities in China, such as Beijing, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, etc. You can also get to Xian by high speed trains from Beijing (5.5hrs), Shanghai (6-7hrs), Guangzhou (8.5-9hrs), Hangzhou (6.5-7hrs), Pingyao (3hrs), Zhengzhou (2hrs), and so on.

Day 2 Xi'an Terracotta Warriors Tour ( B, L )

Highlights: Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Ancient City Wall, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Great Mosque

After breakfast, drive about 40 km to discover one of the greatest man-made wonders in the world – the Terracotta Warriors and Horses , built by the first emperor of China Qin Shihuang to protect him in his afterlife. Over 8,000 life-size warriors, horses and chariots, buried in 3 pits for more than 2,000 years until uncovered by a local farmer in 1974, form an ancient military army with complete battle units of infantry, cavalry, etc. Standing in front of these figures, one can’t help being amazed not only by the ambition of Emperor Qin Shihuang but also by the fabulous artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans. (Before the Terracotta Warriors Museum visit, you will have a rare opportunity to make a miniature Terracotta Warrior on your own under the instruction of a local potter.)

After lunch, return to Xian to take a wonderful stroll on the Ancient City Wall , the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Enjoy panoramic views of modern Xian while you leisurely examine this well-maintained city wall which is 12 meters high and 18 meters wide with a total circuit of nearly 14 kilometers. Leave the City Wall, then go to wander leisurely around bustling and lively Muslim Quarter , a place where you can try different local snacks and explore Muslim culture. Don't miss the Great Mosque of Xian which is a fusion of Chinese culture and Islamic culture, a sacred religious site with huge ancient architectural complex, also a surprisingly quiet land away from the bustling Muslim streets. After the Great Mosque visit, you will be escorted back to your hotel. (If you want to stay more time at the Muslim Quarter for dinner and relaxing, or want to explore the nearby Bell & Drum Towers on your own, please let your tour guide know)

Optional activities: 1. Take a relaxing cycling on the Ancient City Wall; 2. Enjoy a wonderful Tang Palace Dance Show (usually from 8pm to 9pm) after a hearty dumpling dinner at a local restaurant.

Plan B: There is also a Plan B, especially recommended during peak season (May to October), which is to go to accommodate at the foot of Mount Huashan (about 2hrs' driving from Xian) so that you will have more leisure time for tomorrow's Huangshan hiking.

Day 3 Xian & High Speed Train to Beijing (B, L)

Highlights: Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi History Museum

After breakfast, head to Da Cien Temple , a famous Buddhist sutra translation site during the Tang Dynasty. Big Wild Goose Pagoda is the most famous building in the temple. The pagoda, rising to a height of 64.5 meters, was built by the famous Buddhist master Xuanzang to preserve classic scriptures he bought back from India during the early Tang Dynasty. Xuanzang was the prototype character for Tang Seng in the famous Chinese novel “Journey to the West”. (Note: It costs an extra 30 RMB if you want to climb up the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.) After (or before) visiting the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, you will be provided a free experience of trying on the Hanfu which is the solemn costume of the emperors and their families, the ministers and the noble in the ancient dynasties of China. Seize this rare opportunity to take some photos to record this unique memory!

Next is an educational visit to the Shaanxi History Museum where you can ramble in the modern exhibition halls to appreciate historic relics such as porcelains, paintings, and currencies dating from the Zhou to the Tang dynastic periods (1100BC to 907 AD). (Note: Shaanxi History Museum may be replaced with other activity or attraction because of crowding tourists during July ~ early September and China’s National Day during Oct.1-Oct.7. You may check details with your travel consultant.)

The rest of today is free for you until get escorted to catch a high speed train to Beijing (about 5hrs), the iconic city and capital of China! You will be met by local tour guide at the Beijing West Railway Station and escorted to check in your hotel in downtown by a private comfortable vehicle. The rest of today is on your own to relax.

Day 4 Beijing (B, L)

Highlights: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace

After breakfast, start to explore the historical face of Beijing with a brief visit to Tiananmen Square , now the largest city plaza in the world. Tiananmen Gate on the northern side of the square was the site where Chairman Mao announced the establishment of the People's Republic of China.

Stepping into the Tiananmen, you will see one of the world's five most important palaces – Forbidden City , a huge palace complex of more than 9,000 rooms where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties lived. Pass through various doorways in this magnificent structure to admire the beautiful and well-preserved buildings decorated with yellow-glazed tile roofs, white marble bases and splendid colorful paintings. After Forbidden City exploration, take a short visit to Jingshan Park where you can get a nice shot of one watchtower of Forbidden City and take a panoramic view of Forbidden City.

After lunch, drive to the outskirts of Beijing to spend an enjoyable time in the Summer Palace , the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. Stroll around ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges and corridors while feasting your eyes on the vast lotus in Kunming Lake and the colorful paintings in the Long Corridor.

Optional activities: 1. You can watch a wonderful Kungfu Show in the Red Theater (Hong Ju Chang) which usually starts at 19:30; 2. Enjoy the classic Chinese art performance of Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theater during 19:30-21:00.

Day 5 Beijing (B, L)

Highlights: Mutianyu Great Wall, Sacred Way, Bird’s Nest and Water Cube

After breakfast, drive about 70km to witness one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Great Wall . Visit the Mutianyu , a less crowded yet well-preserved segment of the Great Wall built in the Ming Dynasty. It will more than live up to all of your expectations! This great wall, linking Gubeikou in the east and Juyongguan in the west, was served as the vital military strategic point in the ancient time. Moreover, Mutianyu section is the longest great wall in China so far and since protection work is well done here, tourists can now see its original appearance and enjoy the real ancient culture of great wall. Also, spectacular natural scenery in Mutianyu Great Wall always impresses visitors here for its abundant vegetation. You will take a cable car to ascend the Great Wall, then hike the most beautiful and interesting part of Mutianyu. It's a wonderful experience to climb up its rising towers to enjoy scenic views and take brag-worthy photos of the wall wriggling along mountain ridges. After the exciting time, descend Mutianyu Great Wall by cable car. (Note: If energy permits, you can hike up or down which takes about 40 minutes to climb steps. Please tell your likes to your travel consultant.)

Continue your trip to Sacred Way , a 7-kilometer-long passage leading to the Imperial Tombs of 13 Emperors of Ming Dynasty. The Emperor, known as the Son of the Heaven, who came from Heaven to his country through the Sacred Way, also would return to Heaven through this road. Take a walk through the largest archway in China and Great Palace Gate and you’ll see the magnificent stone guard of 12 sets of mythical animals and 12 officials. Then drive back to Beijing city and take a short stop at the Beijing Olympic Village to view its famous Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the outside.

Optional activity: 1. Enjoy an exciting and safe toboggan ride (about 2~3mins) down Mutianyu Great Wall; 2. After the whole day's tour, treat yourself a great dinner to taste the famous Peking Roasted Duck.

Day 6 Beijing & Beijing Departure(B)

Highlights: Temple of Heaven, Hutongs

After breakfast, drive to the imperial site of the Temple of Heaven . Originally a site used to pay homage to Heaven and pray for good harvests, it is now a bustling place where locals take part in traditional activities such as Tai Chi, dancing, kite flying, water calligraphy, and others.

Then get back to the central city to hop on a rickshaw to experience the Beijing Hutongs – small alleys made by neighboring quadrangle dwellings. Shuttle among different Hutongs to get a feel of the old Beijing lifestyle, visit various antique shops and small boutiques, and truly feel the historical changes of Beijing, also pay a visit to a local family's home in the traditional Hutongs.

Your Beijing tour is now about to end. Your tour guide will escort you to catch your flight/train to next destination.

What’s Included

• Professional licensed English-speaking guide
• Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary
• Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star standard)
• Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary
• High-speed train from Beijing to Xian (second class seat)
• Airport (and train station) pick up and drop off
• Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels
• All meals as listed(“B” for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; “L” for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; “D” for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.)
• Accident insurance
• Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

Not Included

• China visa
• Personal expenses
• Accommodation not listed in the itinerary
• Single Room Supplement
• Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary
• Recommended optional activities
• Beijing arrival flight or train on the first day
• Xian departure flight or train on the last day
• Excess Baggage Charges
• Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.

Pricing Note

Final pricing is tailored to your travel dates, party size, hotel preferences and confirmed services. Your proposal will clearly list every included and excluded item.

Travel Tips

Pack comfortable walking shoes and clothing suited to the season. Keep your passport available on travel days, and tell your planner about mobility or dietary needs before departure.

Related Posts

When Is the Best Time to Visit China?

First-Time China Travel Guide

How to Plan a Private China Tour