7-Day Beijing & Xi'an Highlights Tour
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7-Day Beijing & Xi'an Highlights Tour

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.

The Forbidden City
drum tower

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.

The Great Wall
Mutianyu Great Wall

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.

Xi'an City Wall
Xi'an City Wall

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.

Terracotta Warrior No. 1 in Xi'an Lintong Museum
Xi'an Lintong Museum Qin Dynasty Relics Handling

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.

Anrenfang Museum
make your own Terracotta Warriors

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.

Beijing hutong
a home-visit in hutong

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Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

DAY 1 Beijing Arrival

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.

DAY 2 Beijing | The Core of the Beijing's Imperial Axis

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.

DAY 3 Beijing| The Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall at Mutianyu

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.

DAY 4 Beijing |The Summer Palace and Qianmen Avenue

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.

DAY 5 Beijing to Xi'an |A Taste of Tang Dynasty

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.

DAY 6 Xi'an |Secrets of the Terracotta Army

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.

DAY 7 Xi'an Departure | The Little Wild Goose Pagoda

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.

Regent Hotel Beijing
Regent Hotel Bedroom
Regent Hotel Restaurant
From US$1,319 p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

Price includes:

  • Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
  • English speaking local guide
  • Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
  • Flights/trains between itinerary cities
  • 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.

* Number in your group

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Customize Your Tour

Customize Your Tour

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Maximize Your Flexibility

Maximize Your Flexibility

  • Your own personal guide and ride.
  • Explore at your own pace.
  • Unparalleled flexibility, impossible on a group tour.
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Ensure Your Satisfaction

  • The Top 20% nationwide guides at your service.
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Live Your China Story

Live Your China Story

  • Authentic local culture and lifestyles.
  • Understand the culture by living it.
  • Uncover fascinating histories and witness New China.
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