12 Days Beijing Xi'an Tour

    This 12 Days Beijing Xi'an Tour is a deep cultural journey that brings you face to face with China's imperial legacy, living traditions, and breathtaking landscapes. Beginning in Beijing, this well-paced itinerary allows you to explore the capital at a relaxed rhythm, combining iconic landmarks, historic neighborhoods, and meaningful cultural experiences that reveal both the grandeur and the everyday life of the city.

    In Beijing, you will walk through the heart of the nation at Tiananmen Square and the Palace Museum, admire panoramic views from Jingshan Park, and enjoy modern city life along Wangfujing Pedestrian Street. A visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall offers an unforgettable encounter with one of the world's greatest wonders, complemented by photo stops at the Olympic landmarks—the Bird's Nest and Water Cube. Deeper cultural exploration continues with visits to the Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, and Imperial College Museum, a traditional rickshaw ride through Shichahai Hutongs, and hands-on folk art experiences such as paper cutting or Peking Opera mask painting.

    As the journey progresses, the 12 Days Beijing Xi'an Tour highlights Beijing's spiritual and cultural richness with visits to the Temple of Heaven, historic Qianmen, Liulichang Cultural Street, and the Capital Museum. Encounters with giant pandas at the zoo add a delightful touch, while strolls through the Summer Palace and the Old Summer Palace showcase the elegance of imperial gardens. A comfortable high-speed train then carries you southwest to Xi'an, marking the transition from one ancient capital to another.

    Xi'an's extraordinary heritage unfolds with visits to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses and the romantic Huaqing Hot Spring, steeped in Tang Dynasty legends. Adventurous travelers will appreciate the full-day hiking experience on Mount Hua, one of China's most dramatic sacred mountains, where steep paths, soaring peaks, and sunset views create a truly rewarding challenge. Additional excursions to Qianling Mausoleum and Famen Temple further enrich your understanding of Tang Dynasty history and Buddhist culture.

    The final days of the 12 Days Beijing Xi'an Tour bring you closer to the soul of Xi'an with visits to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the remarkably preserved Xi'an City Wall, and the lively Muslim Street, famous for its local snacks and vibrant atmosphere. As you depart Xi'an, you leave with lasting memories of ancient capitals, sacred mountains, and timeless traditions—an unforgettable journey through the heart of China's history and culture.

    Highlights

    • The Fobidden City: a sprawling imperial palace complex that served as the home of emperors for over five centuries
    • The Summer Palace: an imperial garden during the Qing dynasty built by the Chinese Empress Cixi as a pavilion for quiet retreat
    • The Mutianyu Great Wall: as one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall used to serve as the northern barrier defending the capital and the imperial tombs
    • Olympic Green (Beijing Olympic Park): the modern architectural achievements of Beijing built for the 2008 Summer Olympics, featuring the iconic landmarks Bird's Nest and Water Cube
    • Shichahai (Shichahai Hutong Tour): the most iconic attraction in central Beijing, known for its three interconnected lakes (Qianhai, Houhai, Xihai) and surrounding traditional hutongs, temples, and courtyards
    • The Temple of Heaven: the site used by emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to offer sacrifice to heaven and pray for bumper harvests
    • Qianmen Pedestrian Street: the most famous pedestrian street of Beijing located just south of Tiananmen Square, which blends traditional Qing Dynasty-style architecture with modern shops, famous restaurants and time-honored Chinese brands, offering a lively experience with old-world charm and a nostalgic trolley
    • The Terracotta Army: a vast collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang
    • The Huaqing Pool: a complex of hot springs involving the deep, yet tragic, love between the Tang Dynasty Emperor Xuanzong and his favorite concubine, Yang Guifei (Yang Yuhuan)
    • Mount Hua: one of China's Five Great Sacred Mountains, it is famous for its extremely steep, precipitous trails, Taoist temples and stunning scenery
    • The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda: one of Xi'an's iconic buildings witnessing the spread and development of Buddhism in China
    • Xi'an City Wall: one of the oldest, largest, and best preserved Chinese city walls, it was built under the rule of the Hongwu Emperor of the Ming dynasty to protect the city from the Northern Yuan and potential unrest.

    General Information

    Code of Tour: CTT0000081
    Length of Tour: 12 Days
    Arrival City: Beijing
    Departure City: Xi'an
    Price of Tour: inquiry

    Code of Tour: CTT0000081

    Details of Tour

    • Day 1: Beijing Arrival
    • Day 2: Beijing
    • Day 3: Beijing
    • Day 4: Beijing
    • Day 5: Beijing
    • Day 6: Beijing
    • Day 7: Beijing-Xi’an
    • Day 8: Xi’an
    • Day 9: Xi’an
    • Day 10: Xi’an
    • Day 11: Xi’an
    • Day 12: Xi’an Departure

    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.

    Service Included

    • Accommodation: Four-star hotels throughout the trip;
    • Daily hotel breakfast;
    • Excellent English-speaking tour guide;
    • Transportation in a vehicle for 5-19 people;
    • Yunnan tourism package insurance;
    • Two bottles of mineral water per person per day.

    Service Excluded

    • Lunch and dinner throughout the trip;
    • International transportation for arrival and departure;
    • Chinese visa fees;
    • Personal expenses;
    • Single room supplement.

    Group Tour Service Standards

    • For groups of 2-4 people, there will be an English-speaking tour guide as driver.
    • For groups of 5-10 people, there will be an  English-speaking tour guide and a Chinese driver.

    Price Notice

    Prices during Chinese national holidays will be applied accordingly.

    Itinerary Notice

    To offer you better travel experience, our company reserves the right to adjust the order of the tour itinerary, but the content of the tour will not be reduced. If certain attractions cannot be visited due to force majeure or policy adjustments, our company has the right to cancel or replace them with equivalent attractions, and any fees for replaced attractions will not be refunded.

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