7 Days Beijing-Xi'an Tour :A Journey of Wonders Through Two Historic Cities

Summary

Day1 Beijing Arrival
Day2 Beijing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Qianmen Street
Day3 Beijing: Summer Palace, Lama Temple, Beihai Park, Shichahai
Day4 Beijing: Badaling Great Wall, Dingling Tomb
Day5 Beijing-Xi'an by High-Speed Rail: Ancient Wall, Muslim Quarter
Day6 Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Great Tang All Day Mall
Day7 Xi'an Departure

Day 1 Beijing Arrival

Welcome to Beijing! I’m truly excited to meet you and have the opportunity to be your host during your stay here.First, we will arrange a tour guide and driver for you to ensure that you have a safe and comfortable experience throughout your trip. This journey is divided into two parts: Beijing and Xi’an—both cities rich in history and culture. We will guide you through the unique cultural charm of each city, let you taste traditional foods, enjoy beautiful scenery, and create wonderful memories together. We hope this trip will be truly worthwhile and unforgettable for you.

After landing in Beijing, the capital of China. You are greeted by your guide who will be holding "Your Way Holiday" sign at the airport outside the luggage claim area with a welcome signage displayed and then transferred to the hotel directly. The rest of the day is own yours to relax and recover from jetlag.

Day 2 Beijing

After breakfast, the tour guide will meet you at the hotel entrance, and from that moment, your journey officially begins.This morning we will visit the grand Tian'an men Square , which covers an area of about 44 hectares , making it the biggest urban city square in the world. Many constructions of great historical importance have been built on and around it. For example, it was here that Mao Zedong declared the founding of the People's Republic of China, marking the beginning of a new era for the Chinese people and the dawn of a new life. It holds great historical significance,so soldiers and citizens raise the national flag every morning at 7 o’clock to honor great leaders, remind themselves to stay vigilant, and look forward to a better future.

From there you will enter the Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City to explore its fascinating halls and pavilions. It is the largest and best-preserved ancient palace complex in the world. The name "Forbidden City" signifies a sacred place where ordinary people were once forbidden to enter. It was the residence of ancient emperors and their concubines with orderly layout and magnificent palaces reflect the grandeur of imperial life. The beauty of this place is evident in every detail, from the bricks beneath our feet to the ceilings that shield us from the wind and rain. Everywhere you look, you can see the dedication and craftsmanship of the ancient builders who poured their heart and soul into creating this masterpiece.

Lunchtime has arrived, and we will take you to taste traditional Chinese cuisine. Peking Duck is one of the most famous traditional dishes in Beijing, known for its crispy skin, tender meat, and golden color. The duck is typically sliced thin, served with shredded scallions, cucumber strips, and sweet bean paste, all wrapped in a thin pancake – the taste is absolutely exquisite. Zhajiangmian is a traditional Beijing noodle dish, made with a special sauce mixed with stir-fried diced meat, shredded cucumber, and carrot strips. The noodles are firm and the sauce is rich in flavor, offering a deep taste of Beijing with every bite.

Then, you will visit the Temple of Heaven where you can see the local people do morning exercise.Our first stop is the Temple of Heaven where ancient emperors held ceremonies to pray for a good harvest and the prosperity of the country. As the dwelling of the God of Heaven, it covers an area even larger than the dwelling of the emperor.The total area of the Temple of Heaven is approximately 273 hectares, which is more than four times the size of the Forbidden City. The architecture of the Temple of Heaven is deeply infused with ancient Chinese cultural elements. For example, the shape of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is circular, while its base is square, reflecting the ancient Chinese philosophy of "Heaven is round and the Earth is square."

After that, we will head to Qianmen Street, where we can enjoy dinner while experiencing the Beijing vibe.Qianmen Street is one of Beijing's famous historical districts, rich in history and cultural heritage. The architectural style of Qianmen Street blends traditional Beijing architecture with modern commercial design. Many old shops, commercial establishments, and teahouses along the street still retain the architectural features of the Ming and Qing dynasties, showcasing typical ancient Chinese architectural style. It is a hub for many traditional goods and handicrafts. Here, visitors can find many items with local Beijing characteristics, such as traditional Beijing kites, Peking opera masks, and Chinese tea. The combination of traditional "market culture" and modern commercial atmosphere makes it a great place to learn about Beijing's traditional commerce.The food in Qianmen Street is diverse and rich. Here, you can taste classic Beijing dishes like Peking duck, mung bean juice , zhajiangmian. In addition to shopping and dining, Qianmen Street is also closely linked to Beijing's performing arts culture. The Qianmen Theatre is one of the most famous old theaters in Beijing, where traditional Peking opera and other regional operas are often staged. The cultural atmosphere of Qianmen Street attracts many theatre and art lovers, and we may have the opportunity to enjoy a wonderful performance while strolling around the area.

Today’s journey has come to an end. The driver will take you safely back to the hotel. You can relax and rest, and we will make sure everything is ready for the next leg of your trip, ensuring you enjoy a convenient and comfortable journey in the days ahead. We hope you’re having a great time and that you create unforgettable memories here. Enjoy your evening and rest well!

Day 3 Beijing

Once you've finished breakfast, you will continue your journey to the Summer Palace, the largest and most beautiful Chinese imperial garden. As a true masterpiece of China's classical landscape architecture, the Summer Palace seamlessly integrates natural beauty with numerous ancient Chinese structures, including courtyards, halls, temples, pavilions, walkways, and bridges. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. Visiting the lakeside during sunset, the warm sunlight reflects off the water, casting a golden glow. The surrounding architecture, vibrant flowers, and lush greenery are perfectly mirrored on the lake’s surface, creating a stunningly tranquil scene. As you wander through its vast expanse, you’ll encounter serene pathways lined with willow trees, while traditional Chinese art and culture are evident in every corner. This breathtaking view offers not just a visual feast, but a deep sense of peace, making the Summer Palace an unforgettable experience that captures the essence of China's rich heritage.

The next attraction is Yonghe Temple which is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist temples in China. It was originally the residence of Emperor Yongzheng and later transformed into a temple. As an important Tibetan Buddhist temple, many Tibetan monks perform religious activities here every year. The temple houses numerous Buddhist statues, with the most famous being the statue of Manjushri, which stands 18 meters tall and symbolizes wisdom. Many monks and visitors offer incense here, praying for the fulfillment of their wishes. The architectural style of Yonghe Temple blends Han Chinese and Tibetan Buddhist elements, featuring spacious courtyards, elegant halls, and numerous Buddhist carvings and murals, showcasing exquisite architectural art. Some of the buildings' roofs are adorned with unique golden tops, symbolizing the holiness and wisdom in Buddhist culture.

It’s time for lunch again. The tour guide will lead everyone to the restaurant, and you can choose your favorite food. If you want to try Beijing’s specialty dishes, you can opt for Quick-Fried-Tripe. This traditional Beijing snack is made by stewing pork stomach, pork lung, and Huoshao (a type of bread similar to small steamed buns) together. The broth is rich, the ingredients are well-seasoned, and the texture is satisfying, making it a nourishing dish with a distinct Beijing flavor. Rolling-Donkey is also a great choice. It’s a traditional dessert with a crispy outer layer and various fillings like red bean paste and date paste. Taking a bite of this crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside treat will not only satisfy your cravings but also let you taste the authentic flavors of old Beijing.

Next, we will head to Beihai Park. It is one of the most famous royal gardens in Beijing, with a deep historical background and cultural significance. Beihai Park is one of the most famous royal gardens in Beijing, with a deep historical background and cultural significance. Historically, Beihai Park has attracted countless scholars and famous figures, many of whom have left their footprints here.Wen Yuan Ge, located in the park, is a place for displaying artworks, preserving many historical documents and calligraphy works. It promotes traditional Chinese art while allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a strong cultural atmosphere.  The park also displays many historical relics, with the Nine-Dragon Wall being the most famous.The wall features nine dragons, intricately coiled and vividly depicted. It is one of the oldest and most complete Nine-Dragon Walls in China, representing the essence of traditional Chinese architectural art. The White Pagoda is also one of the most iconic structures in Beihai Park. Standing at about 35 meters tall, it is a symbol of Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Our next destination, Shichahai, is located near Beihai Park. Shichahai is one of Beijing's famous historical and cultural scenic spots. Not only is it a place of beautiful scenery, but it is also a region rich in history, surrounded by many old Beijing alleys and historical sites. The water surface of Shichahai is perfect for boat tours. Visitors can rent a small boat, leisurely row across the lake, enjoy the beautiful scenery along the shore, and experience tranquility and relaxation. The area around Shichahai is home to numerous traditional Beijing alleys, which hold an important place in the city's traditional life. The narrow alleys here preserve the essence of old Beijing, allowing visitors to experience typical Beijing hutong culture. Strolling through these alleys offers a chance to understand the charm of old Beijing. Shichahai often hosts traditional cultural events, with folk performances, traditional operas, dragon dances, and lion dances regularly taking place. You can enjoy the beauty of Chinese traditional culture while touring the area.

After dinner, the driver will take you back to the hotel. You and your family can enjoy the beautiful evening in Beijing at your leisure. We wish you a restful night’s sleep, as tomorrow’s journey will be just as exciting and full of new experiences!

Day 4 Beijing

After breakfast, you will visit the World Heritage site Great Wall. The Great Wall of China stretches approximately 21,196 kilometers, and its construction spanned several dynasties. The most well-preserved section is the Ming Dynasty Wall, which remains a stunning testament to ancient engineering and military defense.The less-crowded Mutianyu."If you haven't climbed the Great Wall, you haven't seen China." Many of your friends who visited China before might have told you this. It is indeed an experience of life. As one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, Mutianyu section of Great Wall used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs. It's known for its beautiful surroundings - dense woods and rich pastures changing colors with the seasons of a year.

For today’s lunch, you will also follow the guide to a local restaurant and choose your favorite dishes. I’d like to recommend two Beijing specialty foods for you. Shuan Yangrou is a very popular Beijing hot pot dish, where thin slices of lamb are briefly dipped in a boiling broth and then served with dipping sauces like sesame paste and garlic sauce. The flavor is delicious, and the meat is tender. Common hot pot broths include clear broth and spicy broth, and taking a bite of this warm, flavorful lamb is sure to be a treat. Tanghulu is a traditional street snack often found in Beijing, where hawthorn berries, strawberries, and other fruits are skewered and coated with a layer of hard, crispy sugar syrup. It’s both sweet and tangy, making it a popular treat and a symbol of Beijing’s street food culture.

After lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, we will take you to the Dingling Tomb in the peaceful shadow of Longevity Mountain. Dingling is one of the Ming Dynasty's Thirteen Tombs and the tomb of Emperor Ding of the Ming Dynasty. It is the only royal tomb among the Thirteen Tombs that is open to the public and is also the one with the most historical and cultural value. After extensive archaeological excavations, many well-preserved artifacts were discovered, covering various aspects of the Ming court life, culture, art, and daily necessities. The tomb's underground palace yielded a large number of goldware, porcelain, books, utensils, clothing, and other items, all of which reflect the luxury and power of the Ming emperors. As we walk along the Sacred Way, we can see rows of stone statues of animals and officials on both sides of the road. These statues were placed to guard the imperial tombs and symbolize the power and dignity of the royal family.

Today's itinerary has come to an end. I hope everyone had a great time. After the driver safely takes you back to the hotel, you and your family can rest and enjoy the evening in Beijing. Tomorrow, we’ll be heading to another historical ancient capital of China, Xi'an. Something to look forward to!

Day 5 Xi'an

After finishing your meal, please make sure to take your personal belongings with you., we will drive you to the train station, and you will take the High-Speed train to next detination--Xi'an, where is an ancient capital of China as well. And our local guide will pick you up at the exit of the train station with a wecome signage "Your Way Holiday" and take you to your hotel immediately and you could have a rest.

After getting off the highway, our tour guide will first take you to have lunch. Xi'an's cuisine mainly features noodle dishes, such as Youpo noodles and Liangpi. Youpo ndddles is a typical Shaanxi noodle dish, known for its unique preparation where the cooked noodles are served with hot oil poured over them, instantly releasing a fragrant aroma. The noodles are chewy, and the oil is rich in flavor, complemented by garlic, chili, and vinegar, making it spicy, savory, and aromatic. Xi'an Liangpi is a very popular cold dish with a smooth texture, perfect for cooling off in the summer. Liangpi is made from rice or wheat flour and is typically served with shredded cucumber, garlic sauce, and chili oil, offering a deliciously sour and spicy taste, especially refreshing in the hot weather.

After that, you will visit the Xi'an Ancient City Wall, which is the best-preserved existing ancient city wall around China.It has a history of more than 600 years, with a total length of about 13.7 kilometers. The Xi’an Ancient City Wall is the only city wall in the world where a marathon can be held, and a marathon is held here every year.The wall still preserves defensive structures such as watchtowers and arrow towers, showcasing the wisdom of ancient China's urban defense system. There are some excellent shows in different time every day, such as, Antique City Wall Gate Opening Ceremony, Acrobatics Show. If you are available to arrive there in the show time, it's a good chance for you to take a closer glimpse of Chinese culture. Riding bicycles on the city wall not included. 

After touring the Terracotta Army, it will be close to lunchtime, so we will head to the Muslim Quarter,it is a food paradise. If you want to try traditional Xi'an cuisine, lamb soup with flatbread (yangrou paomo) might be a great choice. First, tear the flatbread into small pieces, then soak it in the soup. Once the bread is fully soaked, take a bite of the bread, noodles, lamb, and soup all together,it's absolutely satisfying. Another classic Xi'an dish is the Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger).Meat is stuffed into a flatbread and drizzled with savory gravy.All you need is one bite, you’ll feel an overwhelming sense of happiness. After eating your fill, you can stroll around this historic market, where the Hui people have gathered since the Tang Dynasty, bringing with them rich religious and cultural elements to this street.

After lunch at a local Chinese restaurant, today’s journey has come to an end. The driver will take you safely back to the hotel. You and your famliy can relax and rest to prepare for the journey of tomorrow.

Day 6 Xi'an

We first arrive at the largest actual burial pit of terracotta figures the Terracotta Warriors where cover an area of over 20,000 square meters. More than 8,000 burial items have been unearthed here, including soldiers, horses, chariots, weapons, and other military supplies. What is most astonishing is the exquisite craftsmanship of these burial items. Each terracotta figure differs in facial expression, height, posture, hairstyle, and other details. This not only reflects the military strength of the Qin Dynasty but also showcases the superb pottery skills of the artisans.Believe me, when you stand here in person, you will definitely be awestruck by the grandeur of Terracotta Warriors.

After visiting the Terracotta Army, it will almost be time for lunch. You can follow the guide to a local restaurant and choose the food you like. If you'd like to try Xi'an's specialty dishes, I would recommend sour soup dumplings and Suan La Fen . Sour soup dumplings is a unique type of dumpling in Xi'an. The characteristic feature is its sour broth, typically made with ingredients such as sauerkraut, tomatoes, and chili. The dumplings are filled with pork, beef, or lamb, and when you take a bite, the sour and spicy flavors blend together, creating a unique taste. Suan La Fen is made from sweet potato starch noodles, served with a sour and spicy broth. The noodles have a smooth texture, and the broth is tangy and spicy, perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors. It’s usually accompanied by pickled vegetables, chili, and garlic, giving it a distinctive taste.

Then, you will tour the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, which was built about 1,300 years ago in the Tang Dynasty to store the Buddhist scriptures brought from ancient India. It has seven floors, with wooden pavilions built on each level to store Buddhist statues and scriptures. Climbing to the top of the tower offers a panoramic view of Xi’an’s cityscape and the ancient charm of the old town. It is an important heritage of Buddhist culture and reflects the cultural exchange between China and foreign countries during the Tang Dynasty. There is a musical fountain show in the square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and the lights and music create a relaxing atmosphere.

The next stop is the Tang Dynasty district, where the architecture, shops, and streets all retain the distinctive style of the Tang Dynasty. The district hosts many historical exhibitions, art shows, and cultural activities, allowing you to explore the rich culture and art of the era. The lively streets blend ancient charm with modern energy, and the vibrant nightlife is always filled with color and light. At different times, you can enjoy dazzling light shows, traditional dance performances, and live music concerts, offering a unique chance to experience the life of the Tang people and feel the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. As you wander through the streets, you’ll be surrounded by the ancient craftsmanship, local delicacies, and traditional fashion, giving you a deeper appreciation of Tang culture. The district truly reflects the grandeur of the Tang Empire and lets you step into a time of cultural brilliance.

After dinner, you can return to the hotel. We will arrange a driver to take you there safely. The rest of the time is yours to arrange as you like. We hope everyone gets a good rest and relaxes after a busy day.

Day7 Xi'an Departure

After the meal, please make sure to take all your personal belongings with you. Our driver will take you to the airport or train station. This marks the end of your journey from Beijing to Xi’an. We hope this trip has left you with deep and beautiful memories, and that you were satisfied with our service. China look forward to your next visit!

Price Per Person in US Dollars

Price Includes 1. Cozy Ride: Enjoy the comfort and spaciousness of our air-conditioned car, offering scenic views. 2. Bilingual Expert Guide: Benefit from a personalized experience with a guide fluent in your language, catering to your needs. 3. Entrance Fees: Access all attractions and activities mentioned in the itinerary without worrying about additional entrance fees. 4. Seamless Transfer: Enhance your experience with convenient hotel or train station pickup and drop-off service. 5. Connect Seamlessly: Stay connected with complimentary onboard WiFi, allowing you to share your experiences in real-time. 6. City-to-City Train Tickets: Include the cost of train or flight tickets between the cities listed in the itinerary, ensuring a smooth and efficient travel experience. 7. Selected Hotels and Daily Breakfast: Experience a comfortable stay in handpicked hotels, each chosen for its quality and amenities. Enjoy a daily breakfast at the hotel, starting your day on a delicious note. 8. Complimentary Water: Receive a complimentary bottle of water for each person, keeping you refreshed throughout your journey. 9. Travel Agency Liability Insurance: Benefit from coverage under our travel agency liability insurance, providing added protection and peace of mind during your trip.

Price Excludes 1. Personal Expenses: This includes phone bills, laundry, additional tours, postage, and any entertainment fees not covered in the itinerary. 2. Meals: While meals are not included, our guide will recommend the best local food spots, giving you the chance to explore and choose based on your preferences. (Average cost per person for a regular meal at local eateries: 40RMB/6USD-80RMB/12USD) 3. Tips: Tips are not mandatory but are recommended for excellent service. If you feel satisfied with the service, you may consider leaving a tip. 4. Insurance: Insurance coverage for personal loss, illness, or damages incurred during your trip is not included. 5. Optional Activities: Any optional activities listed in the itinerary are not included in the tour fees, allowing you to choose and participate based on your preferences.