Day 1
Beijing
Arrive and meet your group
Private airport transfer, time to settle in, then a welcome dinner with your tour leader and fellow travelers.
Stay: The Orchid Hotel, Beijing
Beijing · Small group tour · Max 16 travelers English · Mandarin
4.9(186 reviews)
Beijing & Xi’an: China’s imperial story
7 days · 6 nightsVerified hostSilk Road JourneysMax 16 travelers
About this tour
A thoughtfully paced first journey through two ancient capitals, with an expert tour leader, handpicked stays, and room to explore on your own.
Over 7 unhurried days you'll travel from Beijing through Great Wall, Xi’an with a resident tour leader who lives and works in the region. Mornings begin ahead of the crowds at the sights that matter most, afternoons leave time to wander at your own pace, and evenings gather the group around locally sourced meals in family-run restaurants. Group size is capped so that everyone fits around one table and everyone gets heard.
Tour highlights
Sunrise walk on a quieter Great Wall section
Forbidden City with a resident historian
High-speed rail to Xi’an
Terracotta Warriors before peak crowds
Day by day
Your itinerary
Day 2
Beijing
Courtyards and the Forbidden City
Walk from Tiananmen into the palace complex with a historian, then slow down over tea in a family-run hutong courtyard.
Stay: The Orchid Hotel, Beijing
Day 3
Great Wall
First light on the ridge
Leave early for a quieter section of the Wall, walk between watchtowers, and share a farmhouse lunch nearby.
Stay: The Orchid Hotel, Beijing
Day 4
Beijing → Xi’an
Across China by fast train
A free morning before the high-speed train to Xi’an. Evening orientation walk through the old city lanes.
Stay: Eastern House, Xi’an
Day 5
Xi’an
Terracotta Warriors, carefully timed
Enter before the main crowds with a specialist guide, followed by lunch and a village pottery visit.
Stay: Eastern House, Xi’an
Day 6
Xi’an
Walls, markets, and your own discoveries
Cycle the city wall in the morning; the afternoon is yours before a farewell dumpling banquet.
Stay: Eastern House, Xi’an
Day 7
Xi’an
Departure
Breakfast and an included transfer to the airport or railway station.
Stay: Tour ends
What's included
Included
6 nights in 4-star hotels
Daily breakfast and 4 local meals
All transport during the tour
English-speaking tour leader
Attraction tickets and entrance fees on the itinerary
Hotel pickup and drop-off on tour days
Not Included
Flights to Beijing and from Xi’an
Travel insurance
Optional activities and personal expenses
Things to know
- Free cancellation up to 14 days before departure
- 50% refund 7–14 days before departure
- Moderate physical activity — includes walking 5–8 km/day
- Suitable for ages 12 and up
First time in China?
Check entry requirements and useful travel tips before you go.
View travel guide
Accessibility
This tour involves walking on uneven ground, cobblestones, and some stairs at heritage sites. We do our best to accommodate different mobility needs — please share requirements when you enquire and we'll advise honestly on suitability.
Private vehicle with step-assist available on request
Most hotels have elevator access; a few boutique stays are stair-only
Some sites (Great Wall sections, Tiger Leaping Gorge paths, old town lanes) are not wheelchair accessible
Guides trained to adjust pacing for travelers with limited mobility
Service animals
Service animals are welcome on this tour. Please let us know at the time of booking so we can coordinate with hotels, transport providers, and any heritage sites that may require advance notice or documentation for entry within China.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for China?
Most travelers need a tourist visa, though many nationalities now qualify for visa-free entry of up to 15 or 30 days. We'll send a country-specific guide after you enquire and can recommend a trusted visa service if needed.
What is the best time of year to join this tour?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the most comfortable temperatures and clearest skies. Summer departures are warmer but come with lush landscapes; winter tours run less often and focus on quieter sites.
How physically demanding is the tour?
Moderate — expect 5–8 km of walking most days, some stairs at heritage sites, and a few longer walks on optional days. Rest days and slower-paced alternatives are built into the 7-day itinerary.
Are meals suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and allergy-aware menus can all be arranged with advance notice. Tell us at booking and your tour leader will coordinate with each restaurant.
What happens if a site is closed on my travel dates?
Your tour leader will propose a comparable alternative at no extra cost. In the rare event a major inclusion is unavailable and cannot be substituted, you'll receive a partial refund.
Is travel insurance required?
Yes — comprehensive travel insurance covering medical, evacuation, and trip interruption is required for all travelers. We can recommend providers if you don't already have coverage.
Reviews
4.9 · 186 reviewsUpcoming departures
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