Overview

5-Day Beijing & Xi’an Tour | Great Wall, Forbidden City & Terracotta Warriors with High-Speed Train

Discover two of China’s most iconic historic capitals on this 5-day Beijing and Xi’an tour.

Beijing and Xi’an were both ancient capitals of China and remain two of the most fascinating cities to explore today. On this journey you’ll visit world-famous landmarks including the Forbidden City, Great Wall of China, traditional Beijing hutongs, and the legendary Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an.

Travel comfortably between the two cities by China’s high-speed train, one of the fastest and most efficient rail systems in the world.

This tour combines must-see attractions, authentic local neighborhoods, and delicious Chinese cuisine, giving you a deeper understanding of Chinese history, culture, and daily life.

Tour Highlights

• Explore the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the historic heart of Beijing

• Walk along the breathtaking Mutianyu section of the Great Wall

• Discover traditional Beijing hutongs around Houhai Lake

• Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an

• Experience China’s modern high-speed train between Beijing and Xi’an

• Enjoy authentic local Chinese lunches during guided sightseeing

• Travel with experienced local guides in both cities

Perfect for first-time visitors to China who want to experience the highlights of Beijing and Xi’an in just five days.

Itinerary Quick Look

Day 1 – Beijing Highlights & Traditional Hutong Walk

Hotel Pickup: 8:30 AM – 9:00 AM

Tiananmen Square

Start your Beijing exploration at the iconic Tiananmen Square, the symbolic center of China and one of the largest public squares in the world. Take a short walk around the square and learn about its historical importance.

Forbidden City

Walk through the grand Meridian Gate into the magnificent Forbidden City, the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties for over 500 years. Explore the main courtyards, halls, and palace architecture while learning about the emperors who once ruled China.

Visit duration: about 1.5–2 hours

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at a local restaurant.

Houhai Hutong Walk

After lunch, explore one of Beijing’s most charming historic neighborhoods.

alk through the traditional hutongs around Houhai Lake, where you’ll see old courtyard homes and local daily life.

Stroll along Yandai Xiejie, one of the oldest streets in Beijing, known for its small shops, cafés, and traditional architecture.Drum Tower and Bell Tower of Beijing

Finish the afternoon at the historic Drum Tower and Bell Tower, which once marked the time for the entire city during imperial times. Climb the tower for views of the surrounding hutong neighborhoods.

Day 2 – Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace

Hotel Pickup: 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM

Mutianyu Great Wall

Travel to the famous Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the most scenic and best-preserved parts of the wall near Beijing.

Take the cable car or chairlift up the wall and spend time walking between watchtowers while enjoying incredible mountain views.

Hiking time: 1–2 hours

Lunch at a local Chinese restaurant near the Great Wall.

Summer Palace

Return to Beijing and visit the beautiful Summer Palace, the former royal summer retreat of the Qing emperors. Walk along Kunming Lake and explore the famous Long Corridor.

Day 3 – Beijing to Xi’an by High-Speed Train

Temple of Heaven

Start the day at the Temple of Heaven, an impressive imperial complex where ancient emperors prayed for good harvests. Today the surrounding park is full of local life — you may see residents practicing tai chi, dancing, singing, or playing traditional instruments.

Pearl Market (Optional)

Stop briefly at the Pearl Market if you’d like to browse souvenirs, pearls, or local handicrafts.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

High-Speed Train to Xi’an

Board a Beijing–Xi’an high-speed train (approx. 4.5 hours).

Example train:

G87 – 14:00 to 18:20 (or similar schedule)

Upon arrival at Xi'an North Railway Station, your driver will meet you with a name sign and transfer you to your hotel in Xi’an.

Day 4 – Terracotta Warriors & Xi’an Old City

Hotel Pickup: 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM

Terracotta Army

Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

More than 7,000 life-size soldiers, horses, and chariots guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Return to the city and visit the historic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, an important Buddhist landmark built during the Tang Dynasty.

Muslim Quarter Xi'an

End the day at the lively Muslim Quarter, a famous food street filled with local snacks, markets, and traditional architecture.

Day 5 – Xi’an City Wall & Return to Beijing

Xi'an City Wall

Walk or bike along the ancient Xi’an City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China and a symbol of the city’s long history.

Bell Tower&Drum Tower of Xi'an

Visit the iconic Bell Tower and Drum Tower located in the center of Xi’an’s old city.

Hanyangling Mausoleum

Explore the fascinating Hanyangling Tomb Museum, where modern glass walkways allow you to view ancient burial pits and artifacts beneath your feet.

High-Speed Train Return to Beijing

Take a high-speed train from Xi’an back to Beijing.

Example train:

G666 – 16:02 to 21:31 (or similar schedule)

Upon arrival at Beijing West Railway Station, your driver will meet you at Exit 4 and transfer you back to your Beijing hotel.

What’s Included

• Professional English-speaking tour guide in Beijing and Xi’an

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver for all sightseeing

• All fuel, highway tolls, and parking fees

• Local Chinese lunch during guided sightseeing in Beijing and Xi’an

• All entrance tickets to attractions listed in the itinerary

• Private railway station transfers in both Beijing and Xi’an (driver only)

• Round-trip high-speed train tickets between Beijing and Xi’an (second-class seats)

• Mutianyu Great Wall round-trip cable car or chairlift up & toboggan down

Note: Cable car and toboggan services are operated by different companies.
If you choose cable car up and toboggan down, a small price difference may apply.

Not Included

• Hotel accommodation

• Dinner

• Guide and driver gratuities (optional but appreciated)

• Personal expenses

FAQ & Important Notes

Tour Duration

The standard sightseeing schedule is approximately 8 hours per day.

If the tour exceeds the scheduled time due to personal requests, overtime fees may apply.

Overtime rate:

Guide: 100 CNY per hour

Driver: 50 CNY per hour

Flexible Itinerary

Your itinerary is flexible. The guide can adjust the visiting order based on:

Weather conditions

Traffic situations

Your personal interests

Lunch Arrangements

Lunch is arranged at authentic local Chinese restaurants popular with residents, offering a variety of traditional dishes.

If you prefer to dine at a high-end restaurant or order dishes beyond the included budget, you can simply pay the price difference.

Private Tour Experience

This is a 100% private tour designed exclusively for you and your travel companions.

You will not be combined with other travelers, ensuring a more personalized and comfortable experience.

No Forced Shopping

Our tours are strictly no-shopping tours.

We do not include factory visits or shopping stops unless specifically requested by you.

Your time will be focused entirely on sightseeing and cultural experiences.