7 Days • 2 Cities • The Ultimate Introduction
Beijing (5 days) → High-Speed Train (4.5 hours) → Xi'an (2 days)
This classic route is perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience China's most iconic attractions. You'll walk where emperors once walked, stand on the Great Wall, and come face-to-face with the Terracotta Army.
Settle into your hotel and recover from jet lag. Take a evening stroll around your neighborhood and sample your first Chinese meal. If you're feeling energetic, head to the CBD for a view of the modern skyline.
Start early at Tiananmen Square (free entry), then enter the Forbidden City (¥60). Plan 3-4 hours here—it's enormous. Climb Jingshan Park for sunset views over the palace rooftops.
Take a day trip to Mutianyu or Badaling section of the Great Wall (¥65). Cable car available at Mutianyu. Return to Beijing in the evening and rest—tomorrow is another big day.
Visit the Temple of Heaven (¥34) in the morning to see locals doing tai chi. In the afternoon, explore the Summer Palace (¥30)—take a boat ride on Kunming Lake.
Visit Olympic Park to see the Bird's Nest and Water Cube from outside (free). Afternoon for shopping at Wangfujing or Silk Street. Evening: try authentic Peking duck.
Take the morning high-speed train to Xi'an (4.5 hours, ¥515 second class). Afternoon explore Xi'an City Wall (¥54)—rent a bike to cycle the 14km circuit. Evening: explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter food street.
Morning visit to the Terracotta Army (¥120), one of the greatest archaeological discoveries. Afternoon return to Xi'an airport or train station for departure.
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