5 Days Beijing & Xian Classic Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing Arrival

   When your arrival to Beijing, our driver will hold a welcome sign with your name at the airport exit. Please board the private car to the local hotel for check-in. The rest of day is free with your disposal.

   Accommodation: Beijing

2. Day 2: Beijing
   Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace (Breakfast, Lunch)

   AM: Collected from your hotel by tour guide after breakfast, you will start today with Tiananmen Square, the heart and symbol of Beijing and the largest city square in the world. The spacious square has been used for many public celebrations, ceremonies, and demonstrations for over a hundred years.

   Walk through the Square and get to the entrance of Forbidden City, one of the largest and most completely preserved palace complex built of wood. It functioned as the imperial palace in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912). 24 emperors of the two dynasties once lived here.

   Noon: Lunch in local restaurant.

   PM: After lunch at a local restaurant, head to Summer Palace. It is located at the west skirt of Beijing and covers an area of 290 hectares. During the Qianlong Era of the Qing Dynasty, the Summer Palace was built by imitating the layout of the West Lake in Hangzhou. Now it is the largest and most completely preserved imperial garden in China.

   Afterwards, you will be escorted back to hotel.

   Accommodation: Beijing

   

3. Day 3: Beijing-Xian by Overnight Train Z19(20:43/07:58+1)
   Mutianyu Great Wall, Ming Tomb, Bird’s Nest, Water Cube (Breakfast, Lunch)

   AM: Please pack your luggage and get ready at hotel lobby because you will directly board the train to Xian after the tour.

   Today begins with the the underground palace of Dingling (one of the 13 Ming Dynasty Imperial Mausoleums). Dingling is the tomb of Emperor Shenzong, Zhuyijun, who reigned the nation for 48 years as the longest-serving monarch among all Ming emperors. Following the expert guide to enter the undergound palace, you will learn not only the story of the tomb host, Ming Dynasty but also the mausoleum culture and “Feng Shui” culture.

   Noon: Lunch in local restaurant.

   PM: After lunch, it’s time for the highlight today: the famous world’s heritage – Mutianyu Great Wall. It is the most scenic part of Chinese Great Wall. It was built in the early Ming Dynasty at 1368 and stretches 5400 meters. 90% of the Mutianyu Great Wall is covered by vegetation. So in each season this part of the Great Wall will treat visitors with its unique scenery. The usual suggested hiking time is 2 hours on the wall. Cable car is available and optional (cost on your own).

   Ending hiking on the Great Wall, get on the private car to return hotel. On the way, we will make a stop at Water Cube and Bird's Nest where you can pay an outer visit to the gyms which were especially built for 2008 Beijing Olympics.

   Say goodbye to Beijing guide and driver and take the overnight train to Xian.

   Accommodation: Overnight Train (4 berths in 1 cabin)

   

4. Day 4: Xian Arrival
   Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Lunch)

   AM: When your arriavl to Xian in the morning, our tour guide and driver will greet you at exit of Xian train station. If you would like to have breakfast firstly, please feel free to ask tour guide to bring you to a restaurant around (cost on your own).

   Your adventure begins with Big Wild Goose Pagoda. On the way to the attraction spot, your guide will introduce the history and culture of this ancient city for you to catch a glimpse of reason why so many well-known relics were discovered on this land. Big Wild Goose Pagoda was originally built to hold Buddhist sutra and figurines of the Buddha that Xuanzang brought back from India in Tang Dyansty, 652 A.D. Now there is a big square divided into North Square and South Square, surrounding the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The design of the buildings and statues is in Tang style, showing people the ever glory of that great time. It’s busier in the evening when many activities with Tang elements held by local amateur.

   Next, visit Shaanxi History Museum which is one of the biggest and most famous museums in China. The museum houses the cultural heritage unearthed in Shaanxi Province. Although it’s a provincial Museum, the collection of relics here is at national level from both quantity and quality as Xian had been Capitals for more than 13 dynasties in ancient China. Following the tour guide, walk and stop at those priceless exhibits to learn the hidden history and splendid civilization of China.

   Noon: Lunch in local restaurant.

   Finish the tour in early afternoon and check in at local hotel for rest.

   Accommodation: Xian

   

5. Day 5: Xian - Beijing by Flight
   Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, Xian Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square (Breakfast, Lunch)

   AM: It’s an exciting day for the world heritage Terracotta Warriors. Known as “the Eighth Wonders of the World”, it was found by four local farmers while drilling a well in 1974. Now it has turned into one of the most important attractions in China and the No.1 attractive site in Xi’an. The museum includes Pit 1(the largest pit), Pit 2, Pit 3, and the exhibition hall of the chariots and horses. You will stay in the museum for 2-3 hours. Listening to the explanation from the expert tour guide, you will learn the hidden story of those live-sized sculptures and history of their owner: First Emperor of Qin who is also the first emperor of China.

   Noon: Lunch in local restaurant.

   

   PM: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then head back to xian downtown area for another hightlight. Ancient City Wall is the most complete preserved and the largest city wall in China. It was built for the military defense in the ancient time. Since it is cycling the city, visitors can ride a bike around the city wall.

   Bell and Drum Tower Square locates in the very center of the city and is considered as the symbol of this old capital. Walking forward, you will come to Muslim Quarter where you will find many special local products and authentic local snacks. You can enjoy preserved meat, casserole, various noodles, and purcahse some Terracotta Warriors imitation as souvenirs.

   After the tour, depart with the guide and driver at Xian airport for flight to Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing, our local driver (no guide) will hold a name sign and wait for you at the exit of arrival hall. Finish the full day tour with Beijing hotel drop-off.