Day 1 Arrival • Airport Pick-up & Check-in
Schedule
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All-day: Airport Pick-up (Time to be confirmed)
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Our professional driver will pick you up at the airport with a sign and transfer you to your downtown hotel by private vehicle.
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Free time for rest, jet lag adjustment and adapting to the local climate.
Accommodation
High-end hotel in downtown Beijing (Qianmen / Wangfujing / Chongwenmen area), close to subway stations for convenient travel.
Transportation
Private air-conditioned tour vehicle + experienced professional driver.
Meals
All meals at your own arrangement.
Recommendations: Peking duck, Zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste), Yaoji Fried Liver, Lu Zhu (stewed intestines), Ai Wo Wo (glutinous rice cake).
Notes
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Please keep your phone accessible; our guide will reconfirm your pick-up details one hour before arrival.
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If you arrive late, you can check in directly at the hotel and join the scheduled tour the next day as normal.
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Light meals are recommended on your first day to avoid stomach discomfort caused by dietary changes.
Day 2 Beijing • Temple of Heaven • Forbidden City • Jingshan Park
07:00–08:00 Hotel Pick-up
Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby. The exact pick-up time will be confirmed by phone, email, or at the hotel front desk before 20:00 the previous day.
● Note: To avoid heavy traffic during peak season and public holidays, the pick-up time may be adjusted earlier. Thank you for your kind understanding!
08:00–11:00 Visit Temple of Heaven
Introduction & Historical Background
The Temple of Heaven is a sacred imperial site for heaven worship and harvest prayers during the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1912), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a national 5A-level scenic area. First built in 1420 (the 18th year of the Yongle reign of the Ming Dynasty), it covers an area of about 2.73 square kilometers, with a layout that follows the ancient Chinese philosophy of "round heaven and square earth" — the northern part is round (symbolizing heaven) and the southern part is square (symbolizing earth).
Key Attractions:
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Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests: The core building of the Temple of Heaven, with a triple-eaved blue glazed tile roof (blue symbolizes heaven), supported by 28 golden nanmu pillars representing the four seasons, twelve months, and twenty-four solar terms.
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Danbi Bridge (Red Stairway Bridge): A 36-meter-wide stone bridge connecting the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Circular Mound Altar, symbolizing the path from earth to heaven.
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Echo Wall & Three Echo Stones: Amazing acoustic wonders of ancient China — standing at one end of the Echo Wall, your whisper can be clearly heard at the other end; the Three Echo Stones can produce multiple echoes when you tap them.
11:00–13:00 Meals + Chinese Cultural Experience
Meals
All meals at your own arrangement. There are numerous dining options around the scenic area, including local snack bars and restaurants where you can freely enjoy authentic Beijing specialties.
Chinese Cultural Experience (Choose ONE Activity)
These are not pre-bought souvenirs, but your own handmade "Chinese Memory" that carries the charm of traditional Chinese culture:
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Paper-cutting: A traditional Chinese folk art with a history of over 1,500 years, using scissors to cut out delicate patterns symbolizing good luck and happiness.
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Making dumplings: A classic Chinese food symbolizing reunion and prosperity, originating from the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25–220) when a famous doctor used dumplings to treat people suffering from colds. You will learn to knead dough, fill and boil dumplings by hand.
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Painting Peking Opera masks: Peking Opera is a national treasure of China, and masks represent different characters’ personalities and identities. You will paint traditional masks with bright colors and unique patterns.
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Chinese knotting: A traditional decorative art with a history of over 3,000 years, using colored threads to weave into various shapes (such as knots of happiness, reunion, and good fortune).
13:00–16:00 Visit the Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square
Introduction & Historical Background
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Tiananmen Square: Located in the center of Beijing, it is the largest city square in the world, covering an area of about 440,000 square meters. It is the venue for major national ceremonies and celebrations (such as National Day parades). You will have about 30 minutes for photos, with views of the Tiananmen Rostrum, People’s Hero Monument, and Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (reservation required).
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The Forbidden City (Palace Museum): Built from 1406 to 1420 (Ming Dynasty), it was the imperial palace of 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. As the world’s largest and best-preserved ancient wooden architectural complex, it covers over 720,000 square meters with about 9,999 and a half rooms (the half room symbolizes modesty and avoids exceeding the "10,000" rooms of heaven). The entire complex follows a strict central axis layout, with magnificent red walls and golden roof tiles, showing the supreme power and dignity of the imperial family.
16:00–17:00 Visit Jingshan Park
Introduction & Historical Background
Jingshan Park is a historic royal garden located at the central point of Beijing’s north-south central axis. It was built in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644) using earth excavated from the moat of the Forbidden City, originally named "Wansui Mountain" (Longevity Mountain). The park’s highest point, Wanchun Pavilion, offers a panoramic bird’s-eye view of the entire Forbidden City and the central axis of Beijing, making it the best photography spot for the Forbidden City’s full view.
17:30 Return to Hotel
End of Day 2
Accommodation
High-end hotel in downtown Beijing
Transportation
Private air-conditioned tour vehicle
Meals
All meals at your own arrangement
Notes
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The Forbidden City requires real-name reservation 7 days in advance; please bring your valid ID for entry.
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The scenic areas are large; please wear comfortable walking shoes and stay with the guide to avoid getting lost.
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No smoking, no loud talking, and no flash photography in some exhibition halls of the Forbidden City.
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Materials for the cultural experience are provided free of charge, and your handmade works can be taken away as souvenirs.
Day 3 Beijing → Xi’an • Mutianyu Great Wall • High-Speed Rail Transfer
07:00–08:30 Hotel Pick-up & Transfer to Mutianyu Great Wall
The Mutianyu Great Wall is located in Huairou District, 73 kilometers from downtown Beijing. It is one of the best-preserved and longest sections of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall, supervised by the famous general Qi Jiguang during the Ming Dynasty to defend against foreign invasions.
08:30–12:00 Visit Mutianyu Great Wall
Introduction & Highlights
Known as "the most beautiful section of the Great Wall", Mutianyu Great Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a national 5A-level scenic area. It stands out for its unique advantages:
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96% vegetation coverage: Surrounded by green mountains and fresh air, it offers stunning natural scenery in all four seasons.
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Convenient access: Cable car and slide are available for easy ascent and descent, suitable for visitors of all ages.
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Unique views: The Zhengguan Platform (Main Gate Platform) is the core of the Mutianyu Great Wall, with a grand view of the continuous Great Wall winding through the mountains.
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Less crowded: Compared with other sections (such as Badaling), it has fewer tourists, providing a more comfortable visiting experience.
12:00–13:00 Meals
All meals at your own arrangement. There are many local farm restaurants and snack shops near the scenic area, where you can taste authentic rural delicacies (such as braised chicken with chestnuts, fried pepper sprouts).
13:00–18:00 Transfer to High-Speed Railway Station & Take Bullet Train to Xi’an
You will be transferred to Beijing West Railway Station by private vehicle, then take a high-speed bullet train to Xi’an North Railway Station (about 4.5 hours’ ride). Traveling by high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an is not only a journey across space but also a journey through history — you will pass through the North China Plain, Hebei and Henan provinces, with views of vast farmland and the Yellow River (the "Mother River" of China), allowing you to experience the charm of different dynasties and regional cultures in China.
18:00 Arrive in Xi’an & Check into Hotel
Our local guide and driver will pick you up at Xi’an North Railway Station and transfer you to your downtown Xi’an hotel for check-in. End of Day 3
Accommodation
High-end hotel in downtown Xi’an (Bell Tower / Giant Wild Goose Pagoda area), convenient for traveling to scenic spots.
Transportation
Private air-conditioned tour vehicle (Beijing section) + high-speed bullet train (Beijing → Xi’an) + private air-conditioned tour vehicle (Xi’an section)
Meals
All meals at your own arrangement
Notes
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The Great Wall has strong winds and temperature differences; please bring a light jacket and wear non-slip walking shoes.
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Cable car/slide rides are optional and at your own expense; please follow the guide’s arrangement for ticket purchase.
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Please bring your valid ID for high-speed train check-in; arrive at the railway station 1 hour in advance to avoid missing the train.
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Keep your luggage properly; our driver will assist with luggage handling.
Day 4 Xi’an • Huaqing Palace • Terracotta Army • Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City
07:00–08:00 Hotel Pick-up
Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby. The exact pick-up time will be confirmed by phone, email, or at the hotel front desk before 20:00 the previous day.
08:00–11:00 Visit Huaqing Palace
Introduction & Historical Background
Located 30 kilometers east of Xi’an, adjacent to the Terracotta Army, Huaqing Palace is a top national 5A-level tourist attraction and a key national cultural heritage site. It has a history of over 3,000 years, serving as a royal palace for emperors of the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties. It is most famous for the love story between Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty and his concubine Yang Guifei — the "Huaqing Pool" here was their private bathing place, with well-preserved ancient hot springs and palaces.
Key Attractions: Huaqing Pool, Nine-Dragon Lake, Flying Rainbow Bridge, and the site of the "Xi’an Incident" (a crucial historical event in 1936).
11:00–13:00 Meals
All meals at your own arrangement. There are many local restaurants near the scenic area, where you can taste authentic Shaanxi specialties (such as Biangbiang noodles, Roujiamo, Liangpi).
13:00–15:30 Visit Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum (Terracotta Army)
Introduction & Historical Background
Known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World", the Terracotta Army is a world-famous museum with thousands of years of history and a must-visit attraction in Shaanxi Province. It is the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China who unified the country in 221 BC. Discovered in 1974 by local farmers, it has unearthed nearly 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors, horses, and chariots, which are vivid and lifelike, showing the powerful military strength of the Qin Dynasty.
Key Attractions: Pit 1 (the largest pit with the most terracotta warriors), Pit 2 (with rare cavalry and chariot units), Pit 3 (the command center), and the Bronze Chariots Exhibition Hall (the most exquisite cultural relics unearthed from the mausoleum).
15:30–17:30 Visit the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City
Introduction & Highlights
The Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City is a new cultural landmark of Xi’an, built on the site of the Tang Dynasty’s Chang’an City (the largest city in the world during the Tang Dynasty). It integrates prosperous Tang Dynasty culture, modern science and technology, and immersive experiences, allowing you to "travel back to the Tang Dynasty" and feel the prosperity of Chang’an in the heyday of the Tang Dynasty.
Highlights: Tang-style buildings, street performances (such as Tang Dynasty music and dance, costume shows), light shows, and a variety of cultural and creative shops and snack stalls.
17:30 Return to Hotel or Continue Exploring
You can choose to return to the hotel to rest or continue exploring the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City in the evening (the night view is more magnificent). End of Day 4
Accommodation
High-end hotel in downtown Xi’an
Transportation
Private air-conditioned tour vehicle
Meals
All meals at your own arrangement
Notes
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Huaqing Palace and the Terracotta Army are about 10 kilometers apart; the itinerary is arranged smoothly without backtracking.
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The Terracotta Army scenic area is large; please follow the guide to avoid getting lost and do not touch the cultural relics.
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The Grand Tang Dynasty Ever-bright City is open until late at night; if you choose to stay and explore, please pay attention to personal safety and keep in touch with the guide.
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Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking throughout the day.
Day 5 Xi’an • Ci’en Temple • Departure
07:00–8:30 Hotel Pick-up
Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby. The exact pick-up time will be confirmed by phone, email, or at the hotel front desk before 20:00 the previous day.
08:30–11:30 Visit Ci’en Temple
Introduction & Historical Background
Ci’en Temple (also known as Daci’en Temple) is a historic and culturally significant Buddhist temple in Xi’an, one of the most famous attractions in the city. It was first built in 648 AD during the Tang Dynasty by Emperor Taizong in memory of his mother. It is most famous as the translation center of Monk Xuanzang (the famous Buddhist monk who traveled to India to seek scriptures), who lived here and translated a large number of Buddhist scriptures brought back from India.
Key Attractions: The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (attached to Ci’en Temple), which was built by Monk Xuanzang to store Buddhist scriptures, Buddha statues, and relics. The pagoda is 64.7 meters tall with 7 stories, and it is the earliest and largest existing square pavilion-style brick pagoda of the Tang Dynasty. In 2014, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the "Silk Roads: the Routes Network of Chang'an-Tianshan Corridor".
11:30–12:30 Meals + Transfer to Airport / Railway Station
All meals at your own arrangement. After lunch, our driver will transfer you to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport or Xi’an Railway Station according to your departure schedule. End of the trip.
Transportation
Private air-conditioned tour vehicle
Meals
All meals at your own arrangement
Notes
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Please sort out your luggage in advance to avoid missing personal items.
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For flight departure, please arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance; for train departure, arrive at the railway station 1 hour in advance.
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Flash photography is prohibited inside Ci’en Temple; please keep quiet and respect the religious customs.
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Our guide will assist with luggage handling and departure procedures if needed.
Full Service Standard (Consistent with the Official Website’s 22-Day Tour)
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Private air-conditioned tour vehicle + experienced professional driver throughout the trip (except high-speed train section).
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Licensed professional tour guide service (Chinese-speaking; English-speaking guide available upon request).
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High-quality high-end hotel accommodation in downtown Beijing and Xi’an (2-person shared room; single room supplement available).
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24/7 customer service support for any emergency during the trip.
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No compulsory shopping, no hidden fees, and no forced consumption.
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First-entry tickets to all listed scenic spots (optional items such as cable cars, slide rides, and pagoda climbing are at your own expense).
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Materials for the Chinese cultural experience (Day 2) are provided free of charge.
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Flexible itinerary adjustment according to weather and peak season conditions to ensure the best visiting experience.
