A six-day private tour pairing the imperial capitals of Beijing and Xi'an.
Beijing · Xi'anYour own people
A journey to make your own
The highlights, with room for you.
A six-day private tour pairing the imperial capitals of Beijing and Xi'an.
01
Overview
A six-day private tour pairing the imperial capitals of Beijing and Xi'an. Beijing opens with the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, the Temple of Heaven and the Ming-era Great Wall at Mutianyu, together with the lakeside Summer Palace. The bullet train then carries you west to Xi'an, where the Tang dynasty left its mark at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Tang Paradise Never Night City. The journey closes among the Terracotta Army, the Ming City Wall and the Muslim Quarter. Pacing favours first-time visitors, with one principal sight group per day. Includes the high-speed train between Beijing and Xi'an, a private vehicle and an English-speaking guide.
Your route, at a glance.
1
Beijing
2
Xi'an
Your paceTravel rhythm
Made around youWho it suits
The journey, day by day
Your day-by-day itinerary.
A starting route, with space to change the pace, add a night or follow a particular interest.
Day 1
Arrival in Beijing
On arrival in Beijing you are met at the airport by your guide and driven to your hotel. The rest of the day is left open for you to rest after the flight and explore the immediate neighbourhood at your own pace.
Beijing · arrival day city view
Day 2
Forbidden City, Jingshan Park and the Temple of Heaven
You begin at the Forbidden City, the Ming-dynasty imperial palace begun in 1420 and home to twenty-four emperors. A short climb up Jingshan Park behind it gives a panorama over the rooftops. In the afternoon you visit the Temple of Heaven, where Qing emperors offered annual prayers for a good harvest.
Forbidden CityTemple of Heaven
Day 3
Great Wall at Mutianyu and the Summer Palace
The morning is spent on the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a Ming-dynasty section that is restored and quieter than many central stretches. You walk the ramparts after your guide's introduction. In the afternoon you visit the Summer Palace, the Qing court's lakeside retreat laid out around Kunming Lake.
Mutianyu Great WallSummer Palace
Day 4
High-Speed Train to Xi'an
You travel west on the bullet train to Xi'an, the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and capital of several dynasties. In the afternoon you visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 652 to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India, and stroll the Tang Paradise Never Night City, a Tang-themed quarter lit after dusk.
China high-speed railGiant Wild Goose Pagoda
Day 5
Terracotta Army, the City Wall and the Muslim Quarter
You visit the Terracotta Army, the life-sized warrior figures buried around 210 BCE to guard the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. In the afternoon you walk a stretch of the Ming City Wall, then explore the Muslim Quarter, where street food and mosques reflect Xi'an's role on the Silk Road.
Terracotta ArmyXi’an City Wall
Day 6
Departure from Xi'an
After breakfast you are collected and driven to the airport for your onward flight. Your guide handles the transfer and sees you off, leaving the morning unhurried so you can depart Xi'an with ease.
Departure flight
The details that make a difference
Somewhere to feel at home.
Your proposal confirms the hotel names, room arrangements and availability. Style examples illustrate the kind of stay to discuss.
Tell us the style of stay you enjoy, and we’ll suggest the right bases for your route.
Make it your journey
Your dates. A personal plan.
On request, subject to availability.
From $1,308 / person
Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel
An eight-day private journey by high-speed rail through three layers of Chinese history: the imperial capital Beijing, the walled merchant town of Pingyao and the ancient capital Xi'an.
