Beijing - Xian Highlights Tour

- The Forbidden City: The Imperial Palace, home to 24 Emperors between 1420 and 1911. Great squares, halls and gates contrast with the intricate networks of side halls, gardens, courtyards and quarters for those who lived in this 'city within a city'. The exhibitions, both permanent and temporary, are also absolutely fascinating. Expect to spend at least 2-3 hours, wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
- Tian'anmen Square: The world's largest city square and enduring symbol of China's national pride, surrounded by many imposing buildings including the Heavenly Gate (entry to the Forbidden City), Museums, government buildings and Chairman Mao's Mausoleum.
- Treasure Houses: Treasure house has undergone 4 time renovations, the present one takes up almost 220 square metres, more than 440 treasures on display belonged to Qing dynasty royalty, half of which have not never been on display in the old one. It's worthy of visiting.
- Temple of Heaven: Situated in the southern part of the city, the temple of heaven covers the total area of 2,700,000 square meters. The temple was built in 1420A.D. It is the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties would offer sacrifice to heaven and pray for good harvests. The main buildings of the temple including the Circular Mound Altar, Imperial Vault of Heaven and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest.The surrounding gardens are full of interesting activities, particularly weekend mornings.

- Mutianyu Great Wall(with round way cable car): This less-crowded section of the Great Wall is a pleasant drive 90km NE of Beijing. A cable car takes you to a good section (avoiding a very steep climb), where you can walk along the wall, through the watch towers and enjoy superb views as it snakes across the hills and mountains. Walk along the wall on your own interest and return by cable car. Wear good walking shoes and protection from the weather.
- Beijing Olympic Green(exterior visit of Bird Nest and Water Cube): Located at the north end of the central axis of Beijing City, Olympic Green hosts 50% of the competitions in the Olympic Games. With a large area of 1215 hectares, it contains a 760 hectares green forest, National museum, exhibition area, Olympic Village and Olympic competition avenues. Approximately 31 venues are used in Beijing Olympics, including National Stadium, the Bird's Nest and National Aquatics Center.

- Shaanxi Historical Museum: The history of Shaanxi is said to be the history of China, and this museum is quite simply one of the nation's best. Four major galleries in large, Tang-style buildings house a vast and impressive collection, beautifully displayed. Most of the item labels are in English, although some other information on the exhibitions is not, but your guide can help here. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Terracotta Warriors: Discovered accidentally in 1974, this incredible army of over 7000 soldiers, archers, horses and chariots in full battle array has guarded Emperor Qin's tomb since 210BC. Each figure is unique, and the painstaking repair and excavation continues in 3 pits which are protected inside huge hangars. 1.5 hours from Xian, there is also an excellent museum and film about the history of the vaults. Photos (no flash) are allowed. Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Big Wild Goose Pagoda: A major Buddhist site, the simple, elegant brick Pagoda stands in the grounds of the attractive Da Ci'en Temple. The Pagoda was built in the 7th century to house the Buddhist materials that Xuanzang (Tripitaka) brought back from his epic journey to India. The Temple complex has several large halls with some great Buddhist statues and murals.

- City Wall: The walls, ramparts, gates and watchtowers form one of the oldest and most complete city defences still around. Built in the 13th century on the foundations of the original Tang Forbidden City surrounding the city centre. You can walk, rent a bike or take an electric cart around the full 14km circuit, with great views of the city on either side.
You can have other options on the City Wall as following:
Biking with RMB20/bike;rickshaw riding with RMB30/person for round trip of South Gate/less South Gate, 2 people occupy; Golf Cart with RMB10/person for round trip of South Gate/less South Gate, RMB50/person for whole circular tour.
- Forest of Stone Steles Museum: A fascinating collection of inscribed stone tablets (steles), from very ancient to quite modern (Han-Qing Dynasties, 206BC-1911). All kinds of calligraphies and scripts tell stories, poems, classics, reports from around the Empire. Other exhibits include early sculptures and objects from Imperial tombs. This was once a Confucian temple, and the architecture and grounds are well worth a visit on their own account.
- Muslim Quarters of Xi'an: The Muslim quarters lies 100 meters west of the Bell tower in downtown Xi'an.The 500 meters long avenue paved by bluestones are dotted with many unique stall, souvenir shop, café and bars which are mostly run by Muslim people. Tourists, especially from overseas come and shop here.
- Gao's Courtyard(includes Shadow Play): A traditional Chinese dwelling in the Muslim quarter that belonged to the founder of the successful Gao family, who produced many officials, officers and businessmen. The repairs won the 2002 UNESCO Asia-Pacific prize for cultural heritage protection. The courtyard buildings have exhibitions of period furniture, paintings, pottery, porcelain, photos and demonstrations of folk art, including a ‘shadow puppet’ play with traditional music.