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, Shuyuanmen street
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. Your guide will share the history of this iconic structure, built during the Tang Dynasty to house Buddhist scriptures. They’ll provide insights into its cultural significance and answer any questions you have, making your visit both informative and enjoyable.

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. 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 which certainly your guide will also share interesting stories about the ancient bell and how it was used to mark time in the past, giving you a deeper understanding of this historic landmark.

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. Here, your guide will take you through the vibrant streets, sharing the fascinating history of Xi’an’s Muslim community and its influence on the city’s culture. They will introduce you to local specialties, help you navigate the bustling markets, and provide insights into the unique blend of Chinese and Islamic traditions found in this lively area.

As the evening approaches, you’ll proceed to the Tang Dynasty Show and Dumpling Banquet around 6:00 PM, where an exquisite experience awaits. Tang Dynasty Show and Dumpling Banquet is a unique cultural experience in Xi’an, combining delicious local cuisine with a stunning traditional performance. Guests are treated to a feast of various types of dumplings—each filled with a variety of meats, vegetables, and flavors that showcase the rich culinary heritage of Shaanxi Province. The highlight of the experience is the live Tang Dynasty performance, where dancers and musicians dressed in vibrant, ancient costumes perform traditional music and dance, bringing the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty to life. Your tour guide will assist you in finding your reserved seat for the evening, ensuring you’re comfortably settled in before the show begins. They will also provide fascinating insights into the Tang Dynasty culture, the significance of the performance, and the traditional music and dance you’ll witness.

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. With our guide’s expertise, you’ll not only savor the flavors of Xi’an but also gain a deeper understanding of the city’s rich cultural history.

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. Your guide will not only explain the significance of each pit, the construction techniques of the soldiers, and the role they played in protecting Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife, also share interesting facts about the excavation process and help you appreciate the incredible artistry and scale of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

After the Terracotta Warriors visit, you'll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, offering authentic Chinese cuisine. It's a great opportunity to relax and savor the flavors of the region before continuing your Xi'an exploration. After lunch, 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 stroll or bike here, your guide will point out key landmarks around the wall and provide insights into the historical events that took place here, enhancing your understanding of Xi'an's rich heritage.

After biking along the Ancient City Wall, your tour continues to Shuyuanmen Street, a lively historical area that dates back to the Tang Dynasty. Once home to scholars, the street now thrives as a cultural hub, showcasing traditional calligraphy, paintings, and antique crafts. As you stroll, your guide will share fascinating stories about its role in Xi'an’s intellectual life, offering deeper insights into local heritage. It's the perfect spot for souvenirs and a richer understanding of the city's academic past, blending history with vibrant local life.

After your enriching exploration of shuyuanmen street, 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. Accompany your journey, you guide will share stories about its construction, the military strategies behind its design, and the cultural importance of the Great Wall in Chinese history.

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. Our guide will share insights into the mythological statues and stone carvings along the path, as well as the symbolism behind them. Our guide will also provide historical context about the Ming Dynasty and the burial customs of the emperors, helping you fully appreciate the grandeur and spiritual importance of this sacred site.

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. 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 Olympic Green Park, our guide will lead you through the iconic venues of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, offering insightful commentary on the architectural brilliance of the Bird’s Nest Stadium and the Water Cube. 

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. At Tiananmen Square, our guide will provide an in-depth explanation of the historical significance of this iconic site, from its role in China’s modern history to its symbolism in Chinese culture. 

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. At the Forbidden City, our guide will lead you through the vast imperial complex, sharing fascinating stories about the Ming and Qing Dynasties and the lives of the emperors who once lived here. They will explain the significance of the palace's architecture, its symbolic layout, and the cultural treasures it houses. Our guide will also point out hidden details and provide insights into the ancient Chinese customs and rituals that took place within these walls, enhancing your experience and understanding of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

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. 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. Your guide will introduce you to the exquisite architecture, including the Longevity Hill, Kunming Lake, and the Long Corridor, and share fascinating stories about the emperors who once resided here. Our guide will also help you appreciate the beauty of the landscape, offering insights into the traditional Chinese landscaping techniques that make the Summer Palace so unique.

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