Discover China's ancient wonders on this 7-day Heritage Grand Tour. Explore Beijing's imperial palaces and the Great Wall, then journey to Xi'an for the Terracotta Warriors. Book your mid-range cultural adventure!
Day 1
Arrival at Beijing International Airport (PEK/PKX) & Hotel Check-in
Use Didi (China's Uber equivalent, requires local phone number or WeChat setup) or the Airport Express train to reach your mid-range hotel. Have your hotel address written in Chinese for easier navigation.
Tiananmen Square Exploration
Walk through the world's largest public square. Entry is free, but expect security checks; bring your passport. It's a key historical site leading to the Forbidden City.
Forbidden City Visit
Enter from Tiananmen Square and exit from the north gate. Tickets must be booked online in advance via the official website (passport required); book several days ahead, especially during peak season.
Dinner near Wangfujing Street
Explore the vibrant Wangfujing Street for dinner options, from traditional snacks to modern restaurants. Many establishments accept WeChat Pay/Alipay; have some small cash ready for smaller vendors.
Day 2
Temple of Heaven Park
Arrive early to witness locals practicing Tai Chi, dancing, and singing. Purchase a combined ticket to access all main halls and the surrounding park. Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
Lama Temple (Yonghegong)
This active Tibetan Buddhist monastery is a stunning example of Chinese and Tibetan architecture. Dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered) as it is a place of worship.
Hutong Rickshaw Tour & Local Lunch
Explore Beijing's ancient alleyways (hutongs) by rickshaw, often including a visit to a local family home for a traditional lunch. Book through your hotel or a reputable tour operator for a good experience.
Explore Houhai Lake Area
Walk around the picturesque Houhai Lake, enjoy the charming cafes and shops, and soak in the relaxed atmosphere. It's a great spot for an afternoon stroll and people-watching.
Day 3
Excursion to Mutianyu Great Wall
Hire a private car or join a small group tour for a comfortable trip to Mutianyu, known for its beautiful scenery and fewer crowds. Consider taking the cable car up and the toboggan down for fun!
Summer Palace (Yiheyuan)
This vast imperial garden is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the beautiful lake, temples, and pavilions. Consider a short boat ride on Kunming Lake.
Authentic Peking Duck Dinner
Indulge in Beijing's most famous dish. Make a reservation at a well-known restaurant like Quanjude or Dadong in advance, especially for dinner. Expect a multi-course meal.
Day 4
High-Speed Train to Xi'an
Take a morning high-speed train from Beijing West Railway Station to Xi'an North Railway Station (approx. 4.5-6 hours). Book tickets several weeks in advance via Ctrip or a similar international platform.
Hotel Check-in & Relaxation
Upon arrival in Xi'an, take a Didi or taxi to your mid-range hotel. Settle in and take a short break after your train journey.
Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Exterior)
Visit this iconic Buddhist pagoda. While you can enter, enjoy a leisurely walk around the beautiful surrounding park and witness the impressive musical fountain show in the evening (check times).
Explore the Muslim Quarter & Dinner
Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the Muslim Quarter. Sample various local street foods like Roujiamo (Chinese burger) and Liangpi (cold noodles). Most vendors accept mobile payment or cash.
Day 5
Terracotta Army Museum
Take a tourist bus (Bus 306/307) from Xi'an Railway Station directly to the museum. Hire an official guide at the entrance or use an audio guide for a deeper understanding of this incredible UNESCO site. Book tickets online.
Xi'an City Wall Cycling/Walking
Rent a bicycle at one of the city wall's gates (e.g., South Gate) to cycle around the ancient fortifications (approx. 1.5-2 hours). A deposit is usually required, often via mobile payment.
Bell and Drum Towers (Exterior)
Admire these magnificent towers, especially beautiful when illuminated at night. They stand at the geographical center of ancient Xi'an and are great for photos.
Dinner near Bell Tower
Find a restaurant around the Bell Tower area offering local Xi'an specialties like Biang Biang noodles or dumplings. Many places will have English menus or picture menus.
Day 6
Shaanxi History Museum
One of China's best museums, showcasing thousands of artifacts from Shaanxi's rich history. Entry is free but requires booking online in advance (often sells out) or arriving very early for same-day tickets (passport required).
Forest of Stone Tablets Museum
Located near the South Gate of the City Wall, this museum houses a vast collection of steles and stone sculptures. It offers a quieter, more contemplative experience than the history museum.
Last-minute Souvenir Shopping
Revisit the Muslim Quarter for unique souvenirs, or explore shops around the Bell and Drum Towers for local crafts and specialties. Remember to bargain politely in smaller shops.
Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a final dinner in Xi'an, perhaps trying a hotpot restaurant or revisiting a favorite local spot. Consider booking a dinner show featuring traditional Tang Dynasty music and dance for a cultural farewell.
Day 7
Breakfast at Hotel
Enjoy your final Chinese breakfast. Most mid-range hotels offer a mix of Western and Chinese breakfast options.
Transfer to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)
Arrange a Didi or hotel shuttle to the airport based on your flight schedule. Allow ample time for traffic and airport procedures, typically 1-1.5 hours to the airport.
Departure from Xi'an
Check in for your international flight. Ensure you have all necessary travel documents. Consider purchasing any last-minute duty-free items.