7-Day Beijing • Xi’an Cultural Discovery Tour

Highlights

• Experience Beijing Beyond the Landmarks — Join a traditional blessing ceremony and morning Tai Chi at the Temple of Heaven, explore Gubei Water Town’s living traditions, and discover old Beijing by Hutong rickshaw.

• Stay Beneath the Great Wall — Spend a night in Gubei Water Town surrounded by mountain scenery, canals and lantern-lit streets, with opportunities to experience traditional crafts, wine-making and seasonal folk performances.

• See the Great Wall in a Different Light — Rise early for a peaceful hike on the Simatai Great Wall, enjoying the quiet mountain atmosphere and beautiful morning light before exploring Beijing’s imperial heart.

• Connect with Local Life in Xi’an — Visit a traditional Yaodong cave dwelling, make Chinese dumplings with a local family, and see how miniature Terracotta Warriors are handcrafted, turning history into a hands-on cultural experience.

• Step into Ancient China, Your Way — Discover the imperial heritage of Beijing and Xi’an while experiencing the atmosphere of Tang Dynasty Xi’an, with optional Hanfu photography and a Tang Dynasty music, dance and imperial banquet experience.

Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival in Beijing

Meet your guide upon arrival and transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

Meals: None
Accommodation: Beijing 4★ / 5★ Hotel

Day 2 | Temple of Heaven – Gubei Water Town (L)

This morning, visit the magnificent Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s most important imperial landmarks. Take part in a traditional blessing ceremony and join a relaxing morning Tai Chi session, offering an authentic glimpse into traditional Chinese culture and local life.

After the visit, travel to the Simatai Great Wall and Gubei Water Town, located in the mountains northeast of Beijing.

Upon arrival, enjoy lunch in Gubei Water Town, surrounded by traditional architecture, canals and picturesque waterways.

After lunch, explore Gubei Water Town, a beautifully restored ancient town featuring traditional residences, stone bridges, canals and historic streets.

Experience some of China’s intangible cultural heritage through optional hands-on activities, such as indigo dyeing, traditional wine-making and other local crafts.

In the evening, enjoy the enchanting night scenery of Gubei Water Town, with its lantern-lit streets, waterways and traditional buildings. Admire the spectacular illuminated Simatai Great Wall, winding dramatically across the surrounding mountains.

Depending on the seasonal performance schedule, enjoy the spectacular Iron Flower (Da Tie Hua) Show, a traditional Chinese folk art performance in which molten iron is transformed into a dazzling shower of golden sparks against the night sky.

You may also choose an optional hot spring experience to relax after your day’s activities.

Lunch: Lunch in Gubei Water Town
Dinner: Self-explore at Gubei Water Town
Accommodation: Gubei Water Town Hotel

Optional upgrade: Hot spring hotel in Gubei Water Town at USD 60/person, based on twin sharing.

Evening performances, including the Iron Flower Show, are subject to the seasonal schedule, weather conditions and local operating arrangements.

Day 3 | Simatai Great Wall Morning Hike – Imperial Beijing (B, L)

Wake up early and enjoy a memorable morning hike along the Simatai Great Wall.

Experience the Great Wall in the peaceful early morning, when the mountain air is fresh and the surroundings are quieter. Walk along the ancient wall and enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and Gubei Water Town.

If weather and operating conditions permit, enjoy beautiful morning light or sunrise views over the mountains.

Return to Gubei Water Town for breakfast before departing for Beijing.

Visit Tiananmen Square, the magnificent Forbidden City, and Jingshan Park for the best panoramic view of the imperial palace.

Optional Evening: Peking Roast Duck Dinner and Acrobatics Show.

Lunch: Beijing Zhajiang Noodles
Accommodation: Beijing 4★ / 5★ Hotel

Day 4 | Great Wall & Hutong Culture (B, L)

Explore the impressive Mutianyu Great Wall, including a round-trip cable car or chairlift and an exciting toboggan ride.

After returning to the city, discover traditional Beijing on a Hutong rickshaw tour.

Enjoy free time at Shichahai on your own, famous for its lakeside cafés, historic surroundings and vibrant nightlife.

Lunch: International Buffet Lunch with Wine
Accommodation: Beijing 4★ / 5★ Hotel

Day 5 | High-Speed Train to Xi’an (B, L)

Take a comfortable high-speed train to Xi’an.

Upon arrival, visit the magnificent Ancient City Wall, followed by the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the lively Great Tang All Day Mall.

An optional Hanfu photography experience is available for those who would like to dress in traditional Chinese attire and capture memorable photos in the atmosphere of Tang Dynasty Xi’an.

Lunch: Xi’an Chinese Burger (Roujiamo)
Accommodation: Xi’an 4★ / 5★ Hotel

Day 6 | Terracotta Warriors & Local Culture (B, L)

Visit the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors, one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries.

Continue to a traditional Yaodong Cave Dwelling, where you will learn to make Chinese dumplings together with a local family.

Then visit a specialized workshop to see how miniature Terracotta Warriors are handcrafted, offering an insight into the traditional craftsmanship behind these iconic figures.

In the afternoon, explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, known for its lively atmosphere and wide variety of local street food.

Optional Evening: Tang Dynasty Music & Dance Performance with Imperial Banquet.

Lunch: Dumplings & Local Farm Cuisine
Accommodation: Xi’an 4★ / 5★ Hotel

Day 7 | Departure from Xi’an

After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to Xi’an Airport or the high-speed railway station for your onward journey.

Meals: None