Destinations: Beijing + Xi'an + Luoyang
Suitable For
International backpackers, long-distance budget independent travelers, history and culture enthusiasts, foreign travelers traveling in groups, and visitors who want to check in China's ancient capitals at once and pursue cost-effective travel.
Not Suitable For
Travelers seeking high-end luxury accommodation and exclusive private car services, those with limited mobility who need full-time transportation, late-stage pregnant women, and tourists who suffer from severe motion sickness and cannot adapt to budget meals and economical accommodation.
Best Travel Time
The most comfortable time to travel is from March to May and September to November each year, with pleasant temperatures and an optimal travel experience; there are fewer tourists in winter, and the overall price of accommodation and catering is lower, allowing for greater budget compression; the temperature is higher in summer, but scenic spots are open longer, providing flexible travel choices.
Tour Highlights
Total Per Person Budget
8 days and 7 nights, Total Per Person: 1750–2100 RMB (approx. 240–290 USD)
Intercity + Local Transportation: 700–850 RMB (approx. 95–115 USD)Economical Accommodation: 450–550 RMB (approx. 60–75 USD)
Core Scenic Spot Tickets: 380–450 RMB (approx. 52–62 USD)
Daily Catering: 320–380 RMB (approx. 44–52 USD)
Comprehensive Incidental Expenses: 100–120 RMB (approx. 14–16 USD)
Upon arriving in Beijing , take public transportation (subway or bus) to your budget hotel to check in and rest to adapt to the environment. In the afternoon, stroll around Tiananmen Square and Qianmen Old Street to experience the bustling atmosphere of the old city; in the evening, wander around the free Dashilan Ancient Street and taste affordable local Beijing snacks such as Jianbing (Chinese crepe) and Douzhi (fermented soybean milk).
Tips: Apply for a Beijing Transportation Card at the subway station or airport in advance. It can be used for both subway and buses, which greatly reduces the cost of urban travel. The card costs 20 RMB (deposit, refundable when returning the card) and can be recharged as needed.
Day 2: Beijing · Forbidden City and Royal Garden
In the morning, go to the Palace Museum (ticket: 60 RMB per person) and take a 3–4 hour in-depth tour to appreciate the grandeur of Ming and Qing imperial architecture, visit the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Inner Court, and other core areas, and learn about the history and culture of the imperial family. In the afternoon, take a short rest, then walk to Jingshan Park (free admission) and climb to the top of the hill to enjoy a panoramic view of the Palace Museum—the best viewing spot for taking photos of the Forbidden City. In the evening, return to the hotel by subway, and have dinner at a budget local restaurant near the hotel (cost: 30–40 RMB per person).
Tips: Book tickets for the Palace Museum online 7 days in advance through the official website or WeChat mini-program. On-site tickets are more expensive and require long queues, which is not cost-effective.
Day 3: Beijing · One-Day Tour of the Great Wall
In the morning, take the affordable public transportation line (Bus No. 877 from Deshengmen Bus Station, 12 RMB one-way) to Badaling Great Wall (ticket: 45 RMB per person). Spend 3–4 hours visiting the Great Wall, climbing the beacon towers, and experiencing the magnificent momentum of the "Great Wall stretching for thousands of miles". At noon, have a simple and affordable lunch near the Great Wall scenic area (cost: 25–35 RMB per person), such as noodles or rice sets, avoiding high-priced scenic area restaurants. In the afternoon, take the same bus back to the urban area, and wander around Nanluoguxiang (free admission) in the evening to experience the style of old Beijing hutongs, browse cheap cultural and creative souvenirs (10–20 RMB each), and have dinner with local snacks.
Tips: The temperature difference on the Great Wall is large, so bring a light jacket; the cultural and creative products around the scenic area have high premiums, so consume rationally. Wear comfortable walking shoes as there is a lot of walking.
Day 4: Beijing → Xi'an · Crossing the Northern and Southern Ancient Capitals
In the morning, visit the National Museum of China (free admission, online reservation required) for 2–3 hours, browse the cultural relics from various dynasties in China, and systematically understand the context of Chinese history. At noon, have a simple lunch near the museum (cost: 25–35 RMB per person), then take the high-speed train from Beijing West Railway Station to Xi'an North Railway Station (ticket: 280–320 RMB per person, journey time: about 4.5 hours). After arriving in Xi'an, take the subway to your budget hotel to check in and rest. In the evening, stroll around the free block outside the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, enjoy the night view of the pagoda and the surrounding lighting, and have dinner at a nearby budget restaurant (try local noodles, cost: 20–30 RMB per person).
Tips: The high-speed train is convenient for luggage carrying; arrive at the station 1 hour in advance to wait for the train to avoid additional transportation costs caused by being late.
Day 5: Xi'an · Millennium Wonder of the Terracotta Army
In the morning, take the public bus (Bus No. 306, 7 RMB one-way) from Xi'an Railway Station to the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum (Terracotta Army, ticket: 120 RMB per person). Spend 4–5 hours visiting the three main pits, viewing the lifelike terracotta warriors and horses, and immersing yourself in the history and culture of the Qin Dynasty. At noon, have lunch near the Terracotta Army scenic area (cost: 30–40 RMB per person), choosing local Shaanxi-style light meals. In the afternoon, take the bus back to the urban area, stroll around the free block outside Xi'an Old City Wall, walk along the city wall (free for the outer area; if you want to climb the wall, the ticket is 54 RMB, optional), and then wander around Huimin Street to taste affordable northwest snacks such as Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and Liangpi (cold noodles).
Tips: For scenic spot explanations, you can follow the free explanation signs in the museum or listen to the public explanation (free), without purchasing expensive private explanation services.
Day 6: In-Depth Xi'an · Slow Tour of Tang Dynasty Culture
In the morning, visit Shaanxi History Museum (free admission, online reservation required) for 3–4 hours, browse a large number of cultural relics from the Chang'an period, and systematically understand the thousand-year development history of Chang'an (ancient name of Xi'an). At noon, have a simple lunch near the museum (cost: 25–35 RMB per person), then take a short rest. In the afternoon, stroll around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square (free admission), watch the musical fountain show (free, held at fixed times), and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the square. In the evening, visit the Datang Never Sleeps City (free admission), a pedestrian street with Tang Dynasty style, enjoy the street performances, browse the affordable cultural and creative stalls, and have dinner with local snacks.
Tips: The museum implements a free reservation system; make an online reservation 3 days in advance to visit for free, saving ticket expenses. The musical fountain show is held at 12:00, 14:00, 16:00, 18:00 and 20:00 every day, so you can arrange your time reasonably.
Day 7: Xi'an → Luoyang · Connection of Central Plains Ancient Capitals
In the morning, take the intercity high-speed train from Xi'an North Railway Station to Luoyang Longmen Railway Station (ticket: 50–70 RMB per person, journey time: about 1 hour). After arriving in Luoyang, take the subway or bus to your budget hotel to check in and rest for 1–2 hours. In the afternoon, visit Luoyi Ancient City (free admission), a block with ancient Central Plains style, wander around the old streets, browse the local handicraft stalls (affordable prices), and experience the local cultural customs of Luoyang. In the evening, stroll around Luoyang Old Street (free admission), taste local special snacks such as Luoyang Water Banquet (affordable set meal: 40–50 RMB per person) and Shaomai (steamed dumplings), and experience the local life atmosphere.
Tips: The prices of the three cities decrease in turn; Luoyang has the lowest overall catering and consumption, which is suitable for purchasing small souvenirs.
Day 8: Luoyang · Longmen Grottoes + End of the Journey
In the morning, take the bus (Bus No. 81 or 601, 2–3 RMB one-way) to Longmen Grottoes (ticket: 90 RMB per person), spend 4–5 hours visiting the grottoes, viewing the thousand-year-old stone carvings, including the iconic Vairocana Buddha, and appreciating the beautiful scenery of the Yihe River. At noon, have a simple lunch near the Longmen Grottoes scenic area (cost: 25–35 RMB per person), then return to the hotel to pick up your luggage. According to your flight or train schedule, take public transportation to Luoyang Beijiao Airport or Luoyang Railway Station, and end this affordable ancient capital tour perfectly.
Tips: There is a lot of walking in Longmen Grottoes, so wear comfortable flat shoes; there is no need to take the scenic spot shuttle bus (which costs extra), as the walking distance is manageable and it can also save travel costs.
Ready to discover ancient Chinese history in a simple, cost-effective way? Join this 8-day budget ancient capital tour with PandaStudyTour!
