A Perfect Introduction to China's Ancient Capitals
Designed for first-time visitors to China, this 7-day journey offers the ideal way to experience two of the country's most historically significant cities in just one week. Perfect for travelers who want to efficiently explore China's imperial past while enjoying authentic, immersive, exclusive experiences beyond the typical tourist trail.
This itinerary can be customized to suit your interests, ensuring a memorable journey through China's rich history and culture.
Suggested 7-Day Itinerary
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1-5 Beijing |
Explore imperial history, savor local cuisine, and enjoy scenic gardens |
| 6-7 Xi'an |
Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, stroll the ancient city walls, and hanfu experience. |
Tour 'Wow' Points
Discover Beijing's Imperial Axis: A Grandeur Unmatched
Visit Tian'anmen, the Forbidden City, and the Bell & Drum Tower, linked by Beijing's central axis—one of UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage Sites. Explore the symmetrical layout of the ancient capital, tracing the path of emperors past.
Explore a Top-Ranked Section of the Great Wall
The Great Wall at Mutianyu is ranked top among all parts of the Great Wall on TripAdvisor.Walk leisurely through the watchtowers, enjoying a superb view of the Mutianyu Great wall snaking across the mountains.
Re-live Old Beijing on Dashilar & Qianmen Street
Rediscover the pulse of old Beijing at Dashilar and Qianmen Street. Wander through restored alleys, where the time-honoured brands whisper stories of the past. Explore boutique stores, where artisanal crafts capture the essence of today's Beijing. Feel the rhythm of history and innovation intertwining in this vibrant district.
Unearth Secrets of the Terracotta Army and its "Hidden Collectibles"
Marvel at the 2,000-year-old clay army that once guarded Emperor Qin's tomb. Join a guided tour to see and touch the artifacts from the same era, including the first unearthed terracotta figure. Immerse yourself in the role of an archaeologist by participating in a conservation workshop.
Become a Chinese who Lives 1300 Years Ago
Transport yourself to the Tang Dynasty in a museum showcasing dresses, musical instruments, furniture, and calligraphy. Slip into an embroidered hanfu robe and stroll along the ancient city wall.
Savor Beijing's Soul in Hutong: From Street Eats to Imperial Delicacies
Feast on street favorites like roast buns with minced pork and flatbread stuffed with beef, then unwind with a palace-inspired afternoon tea featuring delicate pastries and tea rituals—a harmonious blend of humble and refined Beijing.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Great trip in Beijing
We were in Beijing for a few days and our experience was excellent. We visited Forbidden city, summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, Hutong walking tour , temple of heaven and Mutianyu wall. Our guide Jason and driver Mr. Chang made our visit very stress free, we really appreciated his guidance to all tours, made sure we’re on time for everything and gave us a special attention after the tours, helping us with our personal needs, special thanks to Jason for escorting us to the train station, making sure we made to our seats and given us instructions for meeting our next guide in our next adventure. more
Apr 2025, Dora K
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China Highlights Trip
Amazing and beautifully planned.. We enjoyed our 3 days trip in Beijing. Explored temples and ofcourse the highlights of our tour The Great Wall of China was exceptional. Also thanks to this company for carefully curated my birthday escapade. Celebrated my birthday with Great Wall as my backdrop. Indeed once in a lifetime experience. Highly recommended this tour company, everything was exceptional from the moment we arrived in the airport down to making sure we have the best experience. Shout out to our tour guide Linda / Ling. Highly recommended... She goes above and beyond just to make sure we are comfortable, satisfied and happy. Thanks Linda your one the best tour guide we had... Very knowledgeable and helpful in every ways. more
Apr 2025, Craig
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Our Beijing trip with Mark
The places of interest are very interesting, very rich in culture. Our tour guide, Mark is very patience and obliging. He is also very knowledgeable and took effort to share with us about China history. Our trip has been pleasant and won’t hesitate to recommend. more
Apr 2025, lee yean peng
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at the arrival hall. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel.The rest of the day is your own to explore Beijing.
After breakfast, Starting with Tian'anmen Square You will visit the famous sites on Beijing's central axis, including the Forbidden City.
In the Forbidden City. Your guide will help you explore carefully-selected places in the Forbidden City. In addition to giving a background introduction on architecture, history, and art of the city, your guide will explain to you stories of the famous figures in the 2 dynasties and help you to trace elements of their lives here.
Capture some photos of the Drum Tower and the Bell Tower, which told time in ancient days. Then, walk along a hutong near Shichahai Lake. Your guide will explain the traditional residential houses in Beijing. Taste some traditional snacks loved by locals and desserts that were once exclusive to the royal court.
In the morning, your guide and driver will take you to the Temple of Heaven – a place where emperors used to pray for a good harvest. The Park is full of life. Immerse yourself in the lives of local people – now and centuries ago – through joining in local elderly people's morning activities.
In the afternoon, hike the Great Wall at Mutianyu. In order to save time, we will arrange round-trip cable car rides to ascend and descend the Wall, instead of spending about 40 minutes climbing steps. On the Wall, you will have free time to walk around, after your guide does some introductions.
In the morning, visit the Summer Palace. It is where the emperors used to retreat from the summer heat.
Your guide will show you the palace area and the lake area. The best way to do sightseeing at the Palace is by taking a dragon boat on the lake. On the way, you will have a chance to view all the beautiful palaces around the lake.
In the afternoon, stroll along Dashilar and Qianmen Avenue to imagine the area's past prosperity and feel its renewed vitality. Then, enjoy a magnificent view of Beijing's central axis from Zhengyangmen Arrow Tower.
Enjoy a high-speed train ride to Xi'an (about 6 hours).
Travel back in time to China's most famous dynasty at the Ansrenfang Heritage Museum. Appreciate the exquisite elegance of life 1,300 years ago. Dress up like someone from the Tang Dynasty and take amazing portrait photos on Xi'an's Ancient City Wall.
Enter the Terracotta Warriors Museum via tram, and witness three captivating pits that display the concealed power of Emperor Qin Shi Huang's extensive military force. Your guide will provide insights into their fabrication and safeguarding, emphasizing the precise workmanship, lasting strength, and the former colorful brilliance of these historical sentinels.
Get up close with the first restored Warriors, learn the restoration story, handle Qin Dynasty relics in the Conservation Laboratory.
Head back to the city and visit the Muslim Quarter for a glimpse into the lifestyle of Chinese Muslims.
Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty Buddhist architectural gem, symbolizes the integration of Buddhism into Han Chinese culture. Ring the bell for blessings and luck to conclude your China trip.
In the afternoon, your guide will accompany you to the train station or to the airport, for your departure.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Price includes: