Day 1: Beijing Arrival
Attractions & Activities: Arrival Transfer
Accommodation: Beijing
Meals: None
Arrive in Beijing, the capital of China and a city with more than 3,000 years of history. Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, you will be met by your driver and transferred comfortably to your hotel for check-in.
The remainder of the day is free for you to relax after your journey. You may explore the surroundings of your hotel at your own pace, enjoy local dining options, or simply rest and prepare for the exciting days ahead.
Day 2: Beijing
Attractions & Activities: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Wangfujing Pedestrian Street
Accommodation: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, begin your exploration at Tiananmen Square, one of the largest city squares in the world and a powerful symbol of modern China. Continue to the Palace Museum, also known as the Forbidden City, where generations of emperors lived and ruled for nearly 500 years. Walk through grand halls, courtyards, and imperial residences while learning about China's dynastic history.
Later, climb Jingshan Park for panoramic views overlooking the entire Forbidden City, offering one of the best photo opportunities in Beijing. In the evening, stroll along Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, a lively commercial area filled with shops, local snacks, and vibrant city life.
Day 3: Beijing
Attractions & Activities: Mutianyu Great Wall, Olympic Green (Beijing Olympic Park)
Accommodation: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast
Today features a highlight of any China journey—the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Known for its excellent preservation and scenic mountain surroundings, this section offers a less crowded and more enjoyable experience. You may hike along the wall or take a cable car to admire sweeping views of this world wonder winding across forested ridges.
In the afternoon, return to the city and stop at Olympic Green (Beijing Olympic Park). Photo opportunities at the Beijing Olympic Park allow you to appreciate the modern architectural achievements of Bird's Nest and Water Cube, and the legacy of the 2008 Olympic Games.
Day 4: Beijing
Attractions & Activities: Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, Imperial College Museum, Shichahai Hutong Tour, folk art experience
Accommodation: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast
Begin the day with visits to the Lama Temple, one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist temples in China, followed by the Confucius Temple and the Imperial College Museum, which highlight ancient Chinese philosophy and education systems.
In the afternoon, experience traditional Beijing life with a rickshaw ride through the historic Shichahai Hutongs. Walk along Yandai Xiejie, cross Yinding Bridge, and view the Bell and Drum Towers from the outside. Enjoy a hands-on cultural activity such as paper cutting or Peking Opera mask painting, offering insight into China’s rich folk traditions.
Day 5: Beijing
Attractions & Activities: Temple of Heaven, Qianmen Pedestrian Street, Liulichang Cultural Street, Xianyukou Food Street, Capital Museum
Accommodation: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast
Visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Wander through its vast grounds and admire its harmonious architecture, which reflects ancient Chinese cosmology and philosophy.
Continue to Qianmen Pedestrian Street and Liulichang Cultural Street, famous for traditional shops selling calligraphy, antiques, and artworks. Stop by Xianyukou Food Street to sample local Beijing snacks before concluding the day at the Capital Museum, which provides a comprehensive overview of the city's history and culture.
Day 6: Beijing
Attractions & Activities: Panda Pavilion, Summer Palace, Old Summer Palace
Accommodation: Beijing
Meals: Breakfast
Start the day at the Panda Pavilion in the Beijing Zoo, where you can observe China’s beloved giant pandas in a carefully designed environment. This visit offers a rare chance to see these iconic animals up close.
In the afternoon, explore the Summer Palace, an exquisite imperial garden featuring Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, and elegant pavilions. Continue to the Old Summer Palace, whose ruins stand as a poignant reminder of China’s history and the former grandeur of imperial garden design.
Day 7: Beijing–Xi'an
Attractions & Activities: High-speed train transfer
Accommodation: Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, your Beijing driver and guide will escort you to Beijing West Railway Station to board a high-speed train to Xi'an. Enjoy a comfortable and scenic journey across northern China.
Upon arrival in Xi'an, you will be met by your local driver and guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free, allowing you to rest or explore nearby areas at your leisure.
Day 8: Xi'an
Attractions & Activities: Terracotta Army, Huaqing Pool
Accommodation: Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast
Travel to Lintong in the morning to visit the world-famous Terracotta Army. This extraordinary archaeological discovery features thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots guarding the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
In the afternoon, visit Huaqing Pool, renowned for its natural scenery and romantic Tang Dynasty legends involving Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Yuhuan. Afterward, return to Xi'an city and check in at your hotel.
Day 9: Xi'an
Attractions & Activities: Mount Hua hiking
Accommodation: Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to Mount Hua, one of China's Five Great Mountains and famous for its steep paths and dramatic scenery. Begin your challenging hike from the North Peak and continue through Golden Lock Pass, Middle Peak, East Peak, South Peak, and West Peak.
Lunch can be taken either on the mountain or at the base, depending on your hiking pace. In the afternoon, enjoy panoramic views from the summits and, weather permitting, admire the stunning sunset before returning to Xi'an.
Day 10: Xi'an
Attractions & Activities: Qianling Mausoleum, Famen Temple
Accommodation: Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast
Visit Qianling Mausoleum, the joint tomb of Emperor Li Zhi and Empress Wu Zetian, located on Liangshan Mountain. Explore the museum area and learn about the powerful figures of the Tang Dynasty and their lasting influence on Chinese history.
Continue to Famen Temple, one of the most important Buddhist sites in China. Visit the Famen Temple Museum, which houses precious Buddhist relics from the Tang Dynasty's underground palace, offering deep insight into Buddhist culture and art.
Day 11: Xi'an
Attractions & Activities: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an City Wall, Muslim Street
Accommodation: Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast and hotel check-out, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of ancient Xi'an and an important Buddhist landmark associated with the Silk Road. Learn about its role in the transmission of Buddhist scriptures to China.
Later, explore the Xi'an City Wall, the best-preserved ancient city wall in China. You may choose to ride a bicycle on top of the wall at your own expense. End the day at Muslim Street, where lively markets and local Shaanxi snacks provide a perfect conclusion to your Xi'an experience.
Day 12: Xi'an Departure
Attractions & Activities: Departure Transfer
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy free time until your scheduled transfer in the afternoon. Your driver will escort you to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.
This marks the end of your memorable 12-day journey through Beijing and Xi'an, filled with imperial history, cultural immersion, and natural wonders.