A Perfect Introduction to China's Ancient Capitals
Designed for first-time visitors to China, this 7-day journey offers the ideal way to experience two of the country's most historically significant cities in just one week. Perfect for travelers who want to efficiently explore China's imperial past while enjoying authentic, immersive, exclusive experiences beyond the typical tourist trail.
This itinerary can be customized to suit your interests, ensuring a memorable journey through China's rich history and culture.
Suggested 7-Day Itinerary
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1-5 Beijing |
Explore imperial history, savor local cuisine, and enjoy scenic gardens |
| 6-7 Xi'an |
Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, stroll the ancient city walls, and hanfu experience. |
Tour 'Wow' Points
Discover Beijing's Imperial Axis: A Grandeur Unmatched
Visit Tian'anmen, the Forbidden City, and the Bell & Drum Tower, linked by Beijing's central axis—one of UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage Sites. Explore the symmetrical layout of the ancient capital, tracing the path of emperors past.
Explore a Top-Ranked Section of the Great Wall
The Great Wall at Mutianyu is ranked top among all parts of the Great Wall on TripAdvisor.Walk leisurely through the watchtowers, enjoying a superb view of the Mutianyu Great wall snaking across the mountains.
Re-live Old Beijing on Dashilar & Qianmen Street
Rediscover the pulse of old Beijing at Dashilar and Qianmen Street. Wander through restored alleys, where the time-honoured brands whisper stories of the past. Explore boutique stores, where artisanal crafts capture the essence of today's Beijing. Feel the rhythm of history and innovation intertwining in this vibrant district.
Unearth Secrets of the Terracotta Army and its "Hidden Collectibles"
Marvel at the 2,000-year-old clay army that once guarded Emperor Qin's tomb. Join a guided tour to see and touch the artifacts from the same era, including the first unearthed terracotta figure. Immerse yourself in the role of an archaeologist by participating in a conservation workshop.
Become a Chinese who Lives 1300 Years Ago
Transport yourself to the Tang Dynasty in a museum showcasing dresses, musical instruments, furniture, and calligraphy. Slip into an embroidered hanfu robe and stroll along the ancient city wall.
Savor Beijing's Soul in Hutong: From Street Eats to Imperial Delicacies
Feast on street favorites like roast buns with minced pork and flatbread stuffed with beef, then unwind with a palace-inspired afternoon tea featuring delicate pastries and tea rituals—a harmonious blend of humble and refined Beijing.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Amazing and Effortless Experience Overall!
China Highlights is totally legit and they planned our visit in Beijing perfectly, they were also great with being flexible to meet our unique needs and timelines, with multiple changes on the fly. Our guide in Beijing, William, was amazing as well! William was friendly, kind, thoughtful, funny, and also was great at keeping us on track timing-wise (as we didn’t make this particularly easy for him lol). Cannot recommend both China Highlights and William to anyone else looking to visit China for the first time! more
Jun 2025, jamesrkable
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A culture of hospitality and smiles
Beijing was prettier and far less crowded than anticipated. Colin aka Po Po, our guide, enhanced the experience with his knowledge and wicked sense of humour. He made every moment special for us.We spent about three days in Beijing and surrounds. China highlights offerings were high quality, including accomodation, car, driver, guide and selection of real local restaurants. Being vegetarian wasn’t an issue at all. Visiting historical quarter of Beijing along with Hutong walk and Confucius Beijing temple were unique experiences- which became more special with Colin’s interest in philosophy and wonderful global perspective. Despite language barriers- we were greeted by scores of locals with genuine smile and curiosity. We shall be back (hopefully with Colin) to explore this wonderful culture. more
Jun 2025, Inderjeet
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Beijing group tour
We had a group tour for our clients and William was our guide. He was knowledgeable, kind and flexible throughout the tour. Our clients loved the way he explained diverse topics. We would recommend him for our future groups too.Thank you William and God bless! more
Jun 2025, Prima Rodrigues
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at the arrival hall. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel.The rest of the day is your own to explore Beijing.
After breakfast, Starting with Tian'anmen Square You will visit the famous sites on Beijing's central axis, including the Forbidden City.
In the Forbidden City. Your guide will help you explore carefully-selected places in the Forbidden City. In addition to giving a background introduction on architecture, history, and art of the city, your guide will explain to you stories of the famous figures in the 2 dynasties and help you to trace elements of their lives here.
Capture some photos of the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower, which told time in ancient days. Then, walk along a hutong near Shichahai Lake. Your guide will explain the traditional residential houses in Beijing. Taste some traditional snacks loved by locals and desserts that were once exclusive to the royal court.
In the morning, your guide and driver will take you to the Temple of Heaven – a place where emperors used to pray for a good harvest. The Park is full of life. Immerse yourself in the lives of local people – now and centuries ago – through joining in local elderly people's morning activities.
In the afternoon, hike the Great Wall at Mutianyu. In order to save time, we will arrange round-trip cable car rides to ascend and descend the Wall, instead of spending about 40 minutes climbing steps. On the Wall, you will have free time to walk around, after your guide does some introductions.
In the morning, visit the Summer Palace. It is where the emperors used to retreat from the summer heat.
Your guide will show you the palace area and the lake area. The best way to do sightseeing at the Palace is by taking a dragon boat on the lake. On the way, you will have a chance to view all the beautiful palaces around the lake.
In the afternoon, stroll along Dashilar and Qianmen Avenue to imagine the area's past prosperity and feel its renewed vitality. Then, enjoy a magnificent view of Beijing's central axis from Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower.
Enjoy a high-speed train ride to Xi'an (about 6 hours).
Travel back in time to China's most famous dynasty at the Ansrenfang Heritage Museum. Appreciate the exquisite elegance of life 1,300 years ago. Dress up like someone from the Tang Dynasty and take amazing portrait photos on Xi'an's Ancient City Wall.
Enter the Terracotta Warriors Museum via tram, and witness three captivating pits that display the concealed power of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's extensive military force. Your guide will provide insights into their fabrication and safeguarding, emphasizing the precise workmanship, lasting strength, and the former colorful brilliance of these historical sentinels.
Get up close with the first restored Warriors, learn the restoration story, handle Qin Dynasty relics in the Conservation Laboratory.
Head back to the city and visit the Muslim Quarter for a glimpse into the lifestyle of Chinese Muslims.
Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty Buddhist architectural gem, symbolizes the integration of Buddhism into Han Chinese culture. Ring the bell for blessings and luck to conclude your China trip.
In the afternoon, your guide will accompany you to the train station or to the airport, for your departure.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Price includes: