7 days Beijing Xi’an Tour by High-Speed Train

Upon arrival at Beijing Airport or the train station, meet your local driver (w/o guide) for a private transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to rest or start exploring the city on your own. Overnight in Beijing.

Begin your morning at Tiananmen Square, the symbolic center of modern China. This vast public square has hosted many national events and remains one of Beijing’s most significant landmarks. From here, walk to the Forbidden City, the former home of Ming and Qing emperors. As you explore its grand halls and quiet courtyards, your guide will share stories that reveal how China’s imperial court once lived and ruled. The palace is recognized by UNESCO for having the world’s largest collection of preserved wooden structures, making it a highlight of any visit to Beijing.

Continue to Jingshan Park, directly north of the palace. A short climb leads to the hilltop pavilion, where you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of the Forbidden City’s golden roofs and the Beijing skyline.

After lunch, head to the Summer Palace, the Qing dynasty’s lakeside retreat. Wander along the Long Corridor, admire the temples and pavilions scattered around Kunming Lake, and learn how the emperors and empresses spent their summers here. Its blend of classical architecture and scenic landscapes offers a peaceful contrast to the city’s busy center.

In the evening, consider ending your day with Beijing’s signature dish, Peking roast duck, at a well known restaurant such as Quanjude or Da Dong. You may also choose to enjoy a cultural performance like Peking Opera or a Kung Fu show (optional, cost extra).

This morning, drive about 2.5 hours to the Mutianyu Great Wall, a scenic and less crowded stretch known for its restored watchtowers and forested mountain views. Take the cable car up and enjoy time walking along the wall, exploring the watchtowers, and taking in the broad mountain scenery. You may descend by cable car or try the fun toboggan ride (optional).

After lunch, continue to Changling, the largest and best preserved of the Ming Tombs, built for Emperor Yongle. Explore the grand Ling’en Hall and learn about the burial traditions of the Ming dynasty.

On the way back to Beijing, stop at the Olympic Green to see the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, iconic venues from the 2008 Olympics. You may enter the stadiums if interested (tickets available on-site).

To end the day, choose to return to your hotel or be dropped off near the lively Donghuamen night market area, where you can sample local snacks and enjoy Beijing’s vibrant evening atmosphere.

Start your morning at the Temple of Heaven, the former imperial altar where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests. Today it is a peaceful public park and a popular place for locals to practice tai chi, dance, play cards, and exercise, giving you a wonderful look at daily Beijing life as you explore the historic temples and vast ceremonial grounds.

Continue to an old Beijing neighborhood to visit a traditional courtyard home (Siheyuan). Your guide will explain how these homes were designed, how Fengshui influenced their layout, and what everyday family life looked like inside Beijing’s historic courtyard culture.

Next, enjoy an hour rickshaw ride through the narrow Hutong lanes to experience the atmosphere of old Beijing. Your ride finishes at Yinding Bridge, a small lakeside viewpoint famous for its scenery. From here, walk along the lively Yandai Xiejie, one of the city’s oldest commercial streets, and continue to the Drum Tower, where a climb to the top offers views over the surrounding Hutongs.

In the afternoon, Beijing train station drop off and take the high speed train to Xi'an (4 hours train ride). Once arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to hotel by your local driver (w/o guide). Overnight at Xi'an.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and take you to the Terracotta Warriors. Often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, this UNESCO site features thousands of life-size soldiers, horses and chariots buried more than 2,000 years ago. Spend about 2-3 hours exploring Pits 1, 2 and 3 while your guide explains the history and stories behind each section. Pit 1 is the most impressive, with rows of warriors, each with different facial features and details.

After lunch, return to the city to visit the Xi'an Ancient City Wall, the best preserved and largest city wall in China. You can walk along the top or rent a bike to enjoy the views of both the old and modern parts of Xi’an.

Continue to Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square, the historic heart of the city and a popular place for photos. End your day with a walk through the Muslim Quarter, a lively food street famous for local snacks such as Roujiamo, Biang Biang noodles, Liangpi and Yangrou Paomo. It is a great place to relax, explore and enjoy Xi’an’s local flavors.

In the evening relax on your own or choose to enjoy the Tang Dynasty Music & Dance Show (excluded, fee on your own), a dazzling performance of classical Chinese music and costume.

Morning drive to visit Shaanxi History Museum, one of China’s top museums and a must visit in Xi’an. The galleries display thousands of artifacts from the Zhou, Qin, Han and Tang dynasties, including bronze ware, pottery figures, jade pieces and murals from Tang dynasty tombs. The museum is designed in classical Tang architectural style and gives a clear overview of Xi’an’s long history as the capital of 13 ancient dynasties. 
(Note: Entrance tickets to Shaanxi History Museum are always in high demand. If tickets are unavailable, we will arrange a visit to Shanxi Museum instead.)

In the afternoon, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, one of the city’s most famous landmarks. Built in the Tang dynasty, the pagoda was originally constructed to store Buddhist scriptures that the monk Xuanzang brought back from India. Explore the temple complex, learn about Xuanzang’s legendary pilgrimage and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this historic site.

Later, take a relaxed walk through Datang Everbright City, a popular pedestrian street known for its Tang style buildings, large public art installations and evening performances. At night the entire area is lit by colorful lanterns and creative light shows, making it one of the most vibrant spots in Xi’an for photos, food and entertainment.

Enjoy the morning at your own pace, whether you choose to relax or explore a bit more of Xi’an. When it’s time, your driver (w/o guide) will transfer you to the airport or train station for your onward journey. If you’d like to continue your trip in China, WindhorseTour can help plan a customized extension.