Destinations: Beijing + Xi’an
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the heart of ancient China with pandaStudyTour, where two of the world's most magnificent imperial capitals unfold before your eyes. This 7-day, 6-night adventure is more than a tour—it's a time-travel experience that weaves together the grandeur of Beijing's imperial past and the glory of Xi'an's Tang Dynasty, presenting the most condensed and awe-inspiring tapestry of Chinese history. As the top choice for international travelers, this itinerary brings you face-to-face with five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the Terracotta Army—one of the Eight Wonders of the World. From the red walls and golden tiles of the Ming and Qing palaces to the silent warriors guarding an emperor's tomb, every step tells a story of power, culture, and legacy. With pandaStudyTour's professional service, authentic cultural experiences, and well-paced arrangement, you will dive deep into China's imperial history, savor its most iconic flavors, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Tour Highlights
Dual Imperial Capitals & World-Famous Landmarks: Explore two ancient capitals with 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Summer Palace, Terracotta Army, and Xi'an City Wall—all in one seamless journey.
Professional English Guided Tours: Every key attraction is accompanied by professional English guides, ensuring you fully understand the historical and cultural significance behind each site, avoiding the experience of just "looking at relics."
Immersive Cultural Experiences: Dive into traditional Chinese culture with Peking Opera, Sichuan Face-Changing, acrobatics, Kung Fu tea, Tang-style Hanfu photography, shadow puppetry, and Qinqiang opera—all designed for international travelers to enjoy without language barriers.
Authentic Local Cuisine: Savor imperial court dishes, authentic Peking duck, Shaanxi specialties like Biangbiang noodles and lamb paomo, and local snacks, with guides explaining the eating customs and stories behind each dish.
Well-Paced & Hassle-Free Arrangement: Daily walking distance is no more than 6km, with a 4.5-hour high-speed train between Beijing and Xi'an (arrival the same day, no fatigue), no early-morning flights, and 100% bookable attractions, transportation, and catering.
Tour Advantages
This tour, carefully crafted by pandaStudyTour, is perfect for international travelers who are eager to explore China's imperial history and traditional culture without the stress of self-planning. Whether you are a history enthusiast, a culture lover, a foodie, or a family traveler, this itinerary balances depth and comfort—allowing you to experience the grandeur of ancient China while enjoying a relaxed travel rhythm. We take care of all the details, from attraction reservations and transportation arrangements to accommodation and catering, so you can focus solely on appreciating the beauty and charm of these two historic capitals. With professional English service throughout, language barriers are completely eliminated, making it an ideal choice for first-time visitors to China.
Day 1: Beijing — First Impression of the Imperial City
Upon your arrival in Beijing, pandaStudyTour will arrange your check-in at a 4-star or 5-star hotel located within the 3rd Ring Road (near Wangfujing or Qianmen), ensuring convenient access to major attractions. Start your imperial journey with a visit to Tiananmen Square, followed by a in-depth tour of the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) along its central axis—don't miss the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Palace of Heavenly Purity, Imperial Garden, and Treasure Gallery. A professional English guide will accompany you to explain the stories behind each building and relic, as the Forbidden City requires strict advance booking 7 days in advance via the official website. For lunch, enjoy imperial court cuisine near the Forbidden City, with options including Fangshan Restaurant or Siji Minfu. In the afternoon, climb Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan Park to enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City, then take a leisurely stroll through Nanluoguxiang Hutong to experience the charm of old Beijing lanes. In the evening, head to Laoshe Teahouse to enjoy Peking Opera, Sichuan Face-Changing, acrobatics, and Kung Fu tea—an experience loved by international travelers for its no-language-barrier entertainment.
Day 2: Beijing — The Great Wall & Imperial Garden
Spend the morning exploring Mutianyu Great Wall, recommended by pandaStudyTour for its fewer crowds and more beautiful scenery compared to Badaling. You will take a cable car up and down the wall, then walk the essence section for 2-3 hours—an easy and enjoyable experience. A professional English guide will accompany you, and you can get a certificate to mark your achievement of climbing the Great Wall. For lunch, savor local farm food at the foot of the Great Wall, featuring Beijing roasted rainbow trout. In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, where you can take a cruise on Kunming Lake, walk along the Long Corridor, and explore the Tower of Buddhist Incense. In the evening, enjoy authentic Peking duck at Quanjude or Dadong, with guides explaining the correct way to eat this iconic dish. Remember to bring sunscreen as the Great Wall is windy, and wear comfortable shoes for the long walks in the Summer Palace.
Day 3: Beijing → Xi'an
Start the morning with a visit to Temple of Heaven Park, where you will see the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Echo Wall, and Circular Mound Altar—key sites for ancient imperial sacrifices. For lunch, taste local snacks on Qianmen Street, such as Zhajiangmian (noodles with soybean paste) and Luzhu (stewed pork intestines). In the afternoon, take the high-speed train from Beijing West Railway Station to Xi'an North Railway Station (about 4.5 hours), and after arrival, check in at a hotel near Bell Tower or Huimin Street arranged by pandaStudyTour. In the evening, wander around Huimin Street to taste local Shaanxi snacks, including lamb paomo (you can personally tear the steamed buns), roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), zenggao (glutinous rice cake), and sour plum soup. Afterward, admire the night view of Bell Tower and Drum Tower, which are lit up after 19:30, creating a stunning imperial atmosphere.
Day 4: Xi'an — World Wonder: Terracotta Army
Devote the morning to the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, where you will explore Pit 1, Pit 2, Pit 3, and the Bronze Chariots and Horses. A professional English guide is a must here—without it, you will only see "clay figures" without understanding their historical significance. The tour will last 3 hours to ensure a in-depth experience without rushing. For lunch, enjoy Shaanxi cuisine in Lintong District, including big plate chicken, cold noodles, and Bingfeng soda (a local iconic drink). In the afternoon, visit Huaqing Palace, which features imperial hot springs and the former site of the Xi'an Incident. In the evening, you can optionally watch the "Eternal Love" live performance—a highly recommended show that combines natural landscapes, lights, and performances, leaving international travelers deeply shocked. Note that flash photography and touching the Terracotta Army are prohibited, and you should drink plenty of water as it is hot in summer.
Day 5: Xi'an — Panorama of Tang Dynasty Culture
In the morning, visit Shaanxi History Museum, home to the Hejiacun Treasures and Tang Dynasty murals—one of the most important museums in China, which is free but requires advance booking 3 days in advance due to limited capacity. For lunch, enjoy Shaanxi cuisine in Xiaozhai Business District, such as Biangbiang noodles and gourd chicken. In the afternoon, visit Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and Dacien Temple, then head to Tang Paradise, an imperial garden of the Tang Dynasty. You can rent Tang-style Hanfu to take photos—a favorite activity among international travelers, allowing you to immerse yourself in the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty. In the evening, stroll along Datang Never Sleeps City to enjoy the stunning night view and feel the vibrant atmosphere of the Tang Dynasty.
Day 6: Xi'an — Ancient City's Daily Life
Start the morning by climbing Xi'an City Wall from Yongning Gate, then ride a bike along the 13.7km essence section for about 2 hours, enjoying the view of the ancient city from above. For lunch, dine at "Zui Chang'an" restaurant under the city wall, featuring signature dishes like Liangyi Maodu (dried shredded beef) and gourd chicken. In the afternoon, visit Beilin Museum to appreciate calligraphy stone carvings with professional cultural explanations, then wander through Shuyuanmen Cultural Street to browse traditional Chinese stationery such as writing brushes, ink, paper, and ink slabs. In the evening, head to Gaojia Courtyard in Huimin Street to watch shadow puppetry and Qinqiang opera—traditional folk art forms that showcase the unique culture of Shaanxi.
Day 7: Xi'an → Departure
Spend the morning visiting Small Wild Goose Pagoda (Xi'an Museum) to learn more about Xi'an's history, then have free time to purchase souvenirs such as Terracotta Army cultural and creative products, paper-cutting, and shadow puppets. In the afternoon, pandaStudyTour will arrange airport or railway station transfer to ensure you have a smooth departure.
Important Notes
Booking Reminder: All key attractions require advance booking. pandaStudyTour will assist you with the reservation process to avoid missing out on these iconic sites due to strict capacity limits.
Dress Code: Wear comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing, as there will be moderate walking each day. Prepare sunscreen and a hat for visits to the Great Wall and summer trips to Xi'an, as the sun can be strong.
Cultural & Site Rules: Respect local cultural customs and attraction regulations. For example, flash photography and touching the Terracotta Army are strictly prohibited to protect these precious cultural relics.
