Stress-Free 5-Day Beijing and Xi'an Journey: Embrace the Comfort of Bullet Train Connections

Summary

DAY 1 Arrive in Xian: Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Bell Tower, Muslim Quarter, Tang Dynasty Dance Show & Dumpling Banquet
DAY 2 Xian: Terracotta Warriors, Xian Ancient City Wall
DAY 3 Xian--Beijing by Bullet Train
DAY 4 Beijing: Mutianyu Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Bird's Nest & Water Cube (from outside)
DAY 5 Beijing: Tian'an men Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace

Day 1 Arrive in Xian

In the morning, your Xi'an adventure begins as our friendly local tour guide greets you at the exit of Xi'an train station or in the lobby of your hotel. Holding a personalized "Your Way Holiday" sign, they will ensure a warm welcome and seamless start to your journey. Over the next five days, you'll embark on an unforgettable tour through Beijing and Xi'an, where our knowledgeable guide will be by your side, offering insights, answering questions, and making sure every moment of your experience is enjoyable and enriching. The adventure includes visits to iconic attractions and engaging activities that capture the essence of these historic cities.

First, you will visit the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a revered Buddhist site located in the southern part of Xi'an, Shaanxi province. This ancient structure, originally built in 652 during the Tang dynasty, stands as a testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of the city. Though initially constructed with five stories, the pagoda was expanded during the reign of Empress Wu Zetian in 704 and later renovated in the Ming dynasty. Renowned for its simple yet elegant architectural style, the pagoda has become a symbol of Xi'an's historical significance. It served an important purpose: housing the sacred sutras and Buddha figurines brought back from India by the renowned Buddhist monk Xuanzang, whose journey greatly influenced Chinese Buddhism. Designated as a National Key Cultural Relic, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda continues to attract countless visitors, drawn by its spiritual importance and its role in preserving the Buddhist teachings that traveled along the Silk Road.

After exploring the pagoda, you'll make your way to the heart of downtown Xi'an to visit the famous Bell Tower, which is situated just southeast of the Drum Tower. In the days of the Ming Dynasty, many Chinese cities, including Xi'an, had both a bell tower and a drum tower. The bell would ring at dawn, and the drum would sound at dusk, marking the passage of time each day. As you ascend to the top of the Bell Tower, you'll be treated to a stunning panoramic view of Xi'an, offering a unique perspective on the city's blend of ancient and modern. Inside, you'll find a collection of significant cultural artifacts, including a massive bell, intricately inscribed steles, and couplets adorning the columns, each with deep historical and cultural significance. The Bell Tower is not just a landmark—it's a gateway into the rich tapestry of Xi'an's past.

Next, you'll head to the vibrant Muslim Quarter, Xi'an's most famous food street and a hub of local culture and flavors. This lively area is renowned for its rich array of street food, where you can sample everything from spicy lamb skewers to delicate pastries. The Muslim Quarter isn't just about food, though—it's steeped in history and Islamic culture. With over 1,000 years of history, this district is home to the Great Mosque, one of the oldest and most significant in China, and serves as the living area for the Hui people, an ethnic minority group. As you stroll through the quarter, you'll notice the streets are paved with gray flagstone, and the buildings reflect the classic Ming architectural style, creating a unique atmosphere. The Muslim Quarter's history dates back around 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty, when the opening of the Silk Road brought Muslim traders, envoys, and students to Chang'an (modern-day Xi'an), marking the beginning of a deep cultural exchange. This blend of history, culture, and culinary delights makes the Muslim Quarter a highlight of any visit to Xi'an.

As the evening approaches, you’ll proceed to the Shaanxi Grand Opera House around 6:00 PM, where an exquisite experience awaits. Your tour guide will assist you in finding your reserved seat for the evening, ensuring you’re comfortably settled in before the show begins. As part of this special evening, you’ll enjoy a delightful Dumpling Banquet within the Opera House. This dinner features nearly 20 varieties of dumplings, each intricately crafted and filled with a variety of delicious ingredients, including fresh vegetables, tender meats, and succulent seafood. Your guide will be on hand to provide recommendations on the different types of dumplings and answer any questions you might have, enhancing your dining experience. This culinary treat, combined with the elegant setting of the Shaanxi Grand Opera House, offers a memorable blend of local flavor and cultural immersion.

After savoring the delectable dumplings, prepare to be captivated by the local Tang Dynasty Dance Show. This stunning performance brings to life the grandeur and opulence of the Tang Dynasty, a golden age in Chinese history over a thousand years ago. The show features an array of vibrant costumes, graceful dance movements, and enchanting music that transport you back in time to the palatial courts of ancient Xi'an. The dancers, adorned in elaborate costumes and accompanied by traditional instruments, recreate scenes from imperial life with exceptional artistry and flair. This immersive experience allows you to feel as though you are living amidst the splendor of the Tang Dynasty, offering a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of this illustrious period.

At the end of the evening, our dedicated guide and skilled driver will ensure a smooth and comfortable return to your hotel. As you relax in the vehicle, you can unwind after an exhilarating day of exploration and entertainment. Your guide will be available to answer any final questions or provide additional recommendations for your stay. Once you arrive at your hotel, you'll have the opportunity to rest and recharge, preparing for the exciting adventures that await you in the coming days.

Day 2 Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour

After breakfast, our tour guide will meet you at your hotel lobby to begin your day. The highlight of your Xi'an adventure is a visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Discovered on March 29, 1974, by farmers digging a well, this site lies about 1.5 kilometers east of the Qin Emperor's tomb mound at Mount Li. The Terracotta Army is an astonishing collection of over 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots, meticulously arranged in battle formation. Each figure is unique, with distinct facial expressions, hairstyles, and clothing, reflecting the diversity and rank of the original army. The sculptures were buried with Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China, to protect him in the afterlife. The site includes three main pits, each showcasing different types of troops and military formations. Pit 1, the largest, reveals rows of infantry, while Pits 2 and 3 display cavalry and command units. The artistry and scale of this funerary art provide a profound insight into the grandeur of the Qin Dynasty and the emperor’s quest for immortality.

In the afternoon, you'll be driven back to Xi'an's downtown to explore the iconic Xi'an Ancient City Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This impressive fortification is one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved city walls in China, showcasing the complete features of traditional Chinese rampart architecture. The current structure, built during the Ming Dynasty, overlays an earlier Tang Dynasty foundation, reflecting centuries of military and defensive evolution. As you bike along the City Wall, you'll experience a unique perspective of Xi'an, juxtaposing the ancient grandeur of the wall with the dynamic modern city below. This bike ride offers panoramic views of the historic walls, gates, and watchtowers, all dating back to the 13th century, and provides an engaging way to immerse yourself in Xi'an’s rich cultural heritage.

After your enriching exploration of Xi'an's Ancient City Wall, our guide will ensure you have a smooth and comfortable transfer back to your hotel. Our experienced driver will handle all the logistics, providing a relaxing ride while you reflect on the day's highlights. Should you have any additional questions or need further assistance, your guide will be available to offer support, ensuring your return to the hotel is as seamless and enjoyable as the rest of your tour.

Day 3 Xian--Beijing by Bullet Train

After your enriching Xi'an tour concludes, you'll have some leisure time to explore or relax on your own. Our guide will then transfer you to Xi'an train station, assisting with your luggage and ensuring a smooth check-in for your train journey to Beijing. Once you arrive at Beijing train station, our friendly local guide will be waiting for you with a welcoming "Your Way Holiday" sign. They will help you with your luggage and provide a comfortable transfer to your Beijing hotel. After settling in, you'll have the rest of the day to start discovering the vibrant city of Beijing at your own pace.

Day 4 Beijing Great Wall Tour

In the morning, your guide will meet you at your hotel lobby, setting the stage for an unforgettable Beijing tour. You’ll embark on a scenic drive of approximately 70 kilometers (1.5 hours) to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Renowned for its less crowded yet equally awe-inspiring vistas, Mutianyu offers a more intimate encounter with this iconic landmark. This well-preserved segment of the Wall, once a critical defensive fortification, is surrounded by lush forests and verdant meadows that transform with the changing seasons. As you traverse its ancient stones, you'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and gain a profound appreciation for the Great Wall’s historical importance, encapsulating the essence of the saying, “If you haven’t climbed the Great Wall, you haven’t seen China.”

Your lunch will be served at a local Chinese restaurant near the Great Wall. Our guide will help you choose from a selection of authentic dishes that showcase the region's culinary specialties. Whether you’re craving flavorful local delicacies or classic Chinese favorites, our guide will ensure you have a delightful dining experience. Enjoy a relaxing meal while reflecting on your morning adventure, and let our guide offer recommendations to suit your taste and preferences.

After lunch, you'll proceed to explore the Sacred Way, an impressive highlight associated with the Ming Tombs. This grandiose pathway, leading to the tombs of thirteen Ming emperors, their concubines, and a eunuch, stretches over 120 square kilometers at the base of Mt. Yan. As you walk along this ancient route, you'll be surrounded by meticulously crafted stone statues and ceremonial structures, each narrating tales of imperial splendor and reverence. The Sacred Way is renowned for its majestic arrangement, with each tomb showcasing a unique blend of architectural elegance and intricate design, reflecting the grandeur and spiritual significance of the Ming Dynasty.

On your return to the hotel, you’ll have the opportunity to admire the Olympic Green Park, a striking testament to the grandeur of the 2008 Summer Olympics. As you drive by, you’ll see the iconic National Stadium, often referred to as the "Bird's Nest" due to its intricate, nest-like structure. Designed by the renowned Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, this architectural marvel, with its eye-catching latticework, cost $428 million and represents a blend of modern aesthetics and cutting-edge engineering. Adjacent to it, the "Water Cube" stands out with its unique, bubble-like exterior, resembling a giant, shimmering water tank. This venue, celebrated for its innovative design and stunning visual appeal, was the stage for many of the Olympic swimming events and continues to impress visitors with its architectural brilliance.

At the end of your day’s explorations, your guide will ensure a smooth and comfortable return to your hotel. With their deep knowledge of the city and its landmarks, your guide will provide any additional insights or answer any last-minute questions you may have about your Beijing experience. Meanwhile, the driver will safely transport you back to your hotel, allowing you to relax and unwind after a day filled with cultural and historical discoveries. This seamless transfer ensures that you end your day with ease, ready to rest and rejuvenate for the exciting adventures ahead.

Day 5 Beijing City Tour

Today’s journey begins at Tiananmen Square, the vast expanse that serves as the heart of Beijing and stands as the largest city plaza globally. Spanning 440,000 square meters (about 109 acres), this iconic square is a testament to Beijing's grandeur and can accommodate up to a million people simultaneously. As the geographical and symbolic center of Beijing, Tiananmen Square is steeped in historical significance. It was here, at the Tiananmen Gate on the northern edge of the square, that Chairman Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949. The square is surrounded by monumental landmarks including the imposing Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China, making it a must-visit for those keen on understanding China's modern and historical narratives.

After lunch, you will step into the grandeur of the Forbidden City, one of the world’s top five palatial marvels. Often celebrated alongside the Palace of Versailles, Buckingham Palace, the White House, and the Kremlin, the Forbidden City—also known as the Palace Museum—stands as a monumental testament to imperial opulence. Designated a World Cultural Heritage site in 1987, this majestic palace complex was the imperial seat of power for 24 emperors over nearly 500 years of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. The construction of the Forbidden City, completed over a painstaking fourteen-year period with the labor of more than a million workers, represents the pinnacle of ancient Chinese architectural and cultural achievement. Its sprawling courtyards, ornate halls, and vast collection of art and historical artifacts make it a treasure trove of China’s imperial history.

Next, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the Summer Palace, an expansive retreat that showcases the zenith of traditional Chinese garden design. This grand park in Beijing stretches across 2.9 square kilometers, with three-quarters of its area covered by tranquil water. Dominated by the picturesque Longevity Hill and the expansive Kunming Lake, the Summer Palace is celebrated for its harmonious integration of natural landscapes and human-made structures. It seamlessly blends rolling hills, reflective waters, and elegant architecture—pavilions, halls, palaces, temples, and bridges—to create a stunning visual and sensory experience. This UNESCO World Heritage site is often praised as a quintessential example of Chinese landscape garden design, offering visitors a peaceful escape and a glimpse into the imperial past.

At the end of your enriching 5-day Beijing and Xi'an adventure, your dedicated guide will ensure a smooth transfer back to either Beijing train station or your hotel in Beijing. With their expert assistance, you'll receive a seamless transition from the day's experiences to your departure or continued stay. The driver will be on hand to ensure your comfort and timely arrival, reflecting the attentive service that has characterized your entire journey. We hope your trip has been filled with unforgettable moments and meaningful experiences, leaving you with cherished memories of China's rich history and vibrant culture. Safe travels and we look forward to welcoming you on another journey in the future!

Price Per Person in US Dollars