Imperial China: Beijing & Xi'an
7 Days Through 5,000 Years of History
Trip Highlights
- Mutianyu Great Wall — the most spectacular section
- Forbidden City private historian tour
- Terracotta Army in all three pits
- Muslim Quarter night market
- City Wall sunset bike ride
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive Beijing
Beijing- Airport/station transfer
- Orientation walk: Wangfujing and Night Market
- Welcome dinner: Peking duck
Stay: 4-star hotel, Dongcheng
Forbidden City & Hutong Deep Dive
Beijing- Tiananmen Square
- Forbidden City (3.5 hrs, historian guide)
- Jingshan Hill overlook
- Hutong rickshaw tour
- Drum Tower neighbourhood at dusk
Stay: 4-star hotel, Dongcheng
Great Wall at Mutianyu
Beijing- Private car to Mutianyu
- Cable car up
- 3-hour guided wall hike
- Toboggan descent
- Temple of Heaven on the way back
Stay: 4-star hotel, Dongcheng
Summer Palace + Train to Xi'an
Xi'an- Summer Palace morning (2 hrs)
- High-speed train to Xi'an (departs early afternoon, 5.5 hrs)
- Muslim Quarter arrival dinner
Stay: 4-star hotel inside Xi'an City Wall
Terracotta Army Day
Xi'an- Full morning at Terracotta Army (pits 1, 2, 3 + bronze chariots)
- Traditional Xi'an lunch
- Shaanxi History Museum afternoon
- City Wall evening bike ride
Stay: 4-star hotel inside Xi'an City Wall
Xi'an Hidden Gems
Xi'an- Great Mosque of Xi'an (China's most beautiful Islamic architecture)
- Old South Gate neighbourhood
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda
- Tang Dynasty dinner show (optional)
Stay: 4-star hotel inside Xi'an City Wall
Depart
Xi'an- Free morning — Bell Tower, local breakfast
- Transfer to Xi'an airport or station
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What's Included
- 6 nights in 4-star hotels
- High-speed train Beijing–Xi'an
- Daily breakfast + 4 dinners
- Expert guides at all sites
- All entrance fees
- All transfers
Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches
- Personal spending
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I fly or take the train between Beijing and Xi'an?
We recommend the high-speed train (5.5 hrs). It's convenient, scenic in parts, and the experience of Chinese high-speed rail is itself worthwhile. Flying saves 3 hours but adds airport hassle.
Is 7 days enough for Beijing and Xi'an?
Yes — 3 nights in Beijing and 3 nights in Xi'an is a comfortable pace that covers all the major highlights without rushing.
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