8 days Beijing Pingyao Xi’an Tour

Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival at Beijing airport or any Beijing train station, your local driver (or w/ guide) will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city at your own pace. Overnight in Beijing.

After breakfast, begin your day at Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and a major venue for national events. From here, walk north into the Forbidden City, a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the home of 24 Ming and Qing emperors. Explore its grand halls, courtyards, and preserved wooden structures as your guide shares stories about imperial life.

Next, cross to Jingshan Park for a short climb to the hilltop pavilion, where panoramic views stretch across the Forbidden City and central Beijing.

In the afternoon, discover traditional Beijing life in the Shichahai Hutong area. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through its narrow lanes, visit a historic courtyard home, and stroll along Yandai Xiejie, one of the city’s oldest streets near the Drum Tower. You’ll then have free time to explore Nanluoguxiang, known for its snacks, boutique shops, and lively neighborhood charm.

In the evening, you may choose to watch a Kung Fu show or Peking Opera (optional; extra cost), both offering memorable cultural experiences.

Start your morning with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, the imperial complex where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests. It is now a lively park where you can see locals practicing tai chi, dancing and traditional morning activities.

Next, drive about 2.5 hours to the Mutianyu Great Wall, a quieter and well-restored section ideal for walking. Take the cable car up (or hike if you prefer) and spend time exploring the watchtowers and enjoying the far-reaching mountain views that define this scenic stretch.

On your return to the city, make a stop at the Olympic Green to view the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, two landmarks from the 2008 Olympic Games. Interior visits are optional and ticketed separately.

In the evening, you may choose to try Beijing Roast Duck at a local restaurant (optional). Overnight in Beijing.

Spend your final morning in Beijing exploring the Summer Palace, the best-preserved imperial garden in China and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its lakeside paths, pavilions and corridors while learning how Qing-dynasty emperors and empresses used this vast retreat for leisure and governance.

After lunch, your guide and driver will transfer you to the railway station for the high-speed train to Pingyao. The journey takes about 4.5 hours. Upon arrival, meet your local driver and settle into your hotel inside or near the ancient city. Enjoy a relaxing evening in this historic town.
Overnight in Pingyao.

Start your day in Pingyao Ancient City, one of China’s best-preserved ancient towns and a major commercial center during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Begin with a walk along the Pingyao old City Wall for a wide views of the old grey-tile rooftops and the traditional grid layout of the town.

Visit the Rishengchang Former Bank (Rishengchang Draft Bank), founded in 1823 and known as China’s first modern bank. Then explore Pingyao’s main streets - the Ming and Qing Dynasties Streets, lined with traditional courtyard homes, historic shops and centuries-old architecture, these streets offer a vivid look into Pingyao’s thriving past.

Continue to the Temple of the City God, where locals once prayed for protection and prosperity, and the Ancient Government Office (Yamen), the best-preserved county office in China, complete with old courtrooms and administrative halls.

Enjoy a hands-on experience by joining a local artist to learn traditional Chinese paper cutting and create your own delicate design to take home.

In the afternoon, head to Shuanglin Temple, located just south of the town. This UNESCO-listed temple is famous for its 2,000+ painted clay sculptures dating back to the Song, Yuan and Ming dynasties. After exploring its quiet halls, return to Pingyao for some free time exploration.

After breakfast, drive to visit the Wang Family Courtyard, one of the most impressive traditional manor complexes near Pingyao. Built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, this vast compound belonged to a wealthy merchant clan and is famous for its grand scale, symmetrical layout, and beautifully preserved courtyards. As you explore its halls, ancestral temples, and carved brick and stone decorations, you’ll get a clear picture of how influential merchant families lived centuries ago.

In the afternoon, return to Pingyao for your high-speed train to Xi’an, a smooth and comfortable journey of about 2.5 hours. On arrival in Xi’an, your local driver will greet you at the station and take you to your hotel, where you can settle in and enjoy the rest of the evening on your own.