Xi’an. O/N Xi’an.

Xi’an - In the morning, our tour guide will meet you at your Xi’an hotel lobby at 9:00am and then transfer you to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, which is an 80-minute drive covering 45km.

The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses - As the former capital of China, Xi’an served as the seat of the Chinese Emperor for over 10 dynasties spanning 1,000 years. On this full-day, 8-hour private tour, you will visit one of Xi’an’s highlights: the thousands of life-sized terracotta warriors in the impressive mausoleum museum. Visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is a must on any Xi’an tour, offering a chance to see over 8,000 life-size Qin Dynasty-era model soldiers. Discovered in 1974, the warriors are located east of Emperor Qin Shihuang’s Tomb, where the first unifier of China is buried. Among the three pits, Pit No. 1 is the largest, containing over 6,000 clay warriors and horses in 11 three-meter-deep corridors. Since their discovery, the warriors have fascinated the world, traveling from England to America to Chile. Now back in China, they are displayed in an oblong battle formation of the Qin Dynasty. Facing east, they appear healthy and determined, with unique facial expressions reflecting Emperor Qin Shihuang’s resolve to unify the country. Travel from Xi’an City with a private guide for an intimate view of this magnificent exhibition, with personalized attention and expert local knowledge.

Small Goose Pagoda - Next, we will transfer to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, located inside Jianfu Temple, about one kilometer south of Xi’an city proper. It is one of two significant Buddhist pagodas erected during the Tang Dynasty around 1300 years ago. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda and its larger counterpart, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, are important Buddhist sites dating back to the Tang Dynasty.

The two pagodas symbolized Chang’an (Constant Peace) city. Xi’an (West Peace) was known as Chang’an until the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), when Beijing became the capital of China. Chang’an served as the capital for ten dynasties.

Xi’an City Wall (Chengqiang) - After lunch, we will transfer to the city wall. You can walk or cycle around the wall, with bike rental fees paid locally if you choose to cycle. The first landmark visitors encounter in Xi’an is the ancient City Wall, which encircles the old city. It is one of the most famous attractions in Xi’an. Today, this wall is one of the oldest and best-preserved Chinese city walls and one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world.

Muslim Quarter - Our last stop will be the Muslim Bazaar, the most bustling area of the city. If you are interested, you can explore the bazaar at your own pace and then return to the hotel on your own. Our guide will provide directions for returning to your hotel. The Great Mosque and the Bell and Drum Tower Square are within walking distance of the Bazaar. There are many boutique stores with fair prices in the Bazaar and numerous excellent dining options for dinner.

If you prefer not to tour the Muslim Bazaar, we will take you back to the hotel. End of our services.

Mount Huashan. O/N Xi’an.

Xi’an - In the morning, our tour guide will meet you at your Xi’an hotel lobby at 7:30am and then transfer you to Mount Huashan, which is a 2.5-hour drive covering 120km.

Mount Huashan - Today, you will need to get up early to take the new cable car up to the West peak, from where you can challenge other peaks. Mt. Huashan is renowned for its steep and high peaks and is famous for its autumn scenes, blue skies with white clouds, and red maple leaves scattered in the valleys.

Located in Huayin City, Mount Huashan is 120 kilometers (75 miles) from Xi’an. It is famous for its natural vistas of steep and narrow paths, precipitous crags, and a high mountain range. Its five peaks are the main attractions, each with its unique charm: East Peak is the best place to enjoy the sunrise; South Peak has the highest altitude; West Peak is the most elegant; North Peak is known as the Cloud Terrace Peak, and Middle Peak is also called Jade Lady Peak.

Xi’an - At the end of the day, your guide will escort you back to your Xi’an hotel.

Xi’an - Pingyao by train. O/N Pingyao.

Ancient City of Pingyao - After checking in and taking a short break, we will visit the Ancient City of Pingyao. As one of the four best-preserved old cities in China, the 2,700-year-old Ancient City of Pingyao is famous for its well-preserved dwellings and shops with architectural styles from the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 – 1911), arranged along the 400-meter-long Ancient Ming-Qing Street. Situated in the city center, the Ancient Government Office is built with a symmetrical layout. In the Security Guard Company, you will learn about the history of the security industry through the cases, vehicles, and weapons used at that time. From our guide’s explanation, you will understand the cultural background of Rishengchang Exchange Shop, the first private financial institution in China.

City Wall of Pingyao - Your Pingyao ancient town tour will begin with a visit to the well-preserved City Wall of Pingyao. The rectangular wall resembles a tortoise, traditionally considered a symbol of longevity. Ascending the wall, you can overlook the ancient city of Pingyao.

Ming and Qing Dynasties Street - Then, descend from the wall and stroll along the traditional Ming-Qing Street. On both sides of this narrow street, there are many buildings in ancient Chinese architectural style, which used to be firms, exchange shops, and various shops like teashops, cloth shops, and salt shops. Nowadays, some have been converted into hotels, restaurants, or souvenir shops, while others have been preserved as attraction sites and museums.

Pingyao Ancient Government Office - Next, visit the Pingyao Ancient Government Office, located in the middle of the ancient city for over 600 years. Covering about 26,000 square meters (31,095 square yards), it includes many majestic courtyards and buildings. The Security Guard Company is also worth seeing as it is a museum introducing the development of ancient Chinese security guards.

Rishengchang Former Bank - After lunch, you will proceed to Ri Sheng Chang Exchange Shop and Tong Xing Gong. Ri Sheng Chang Exchange Shop is the first money exchange shop in China and the founder of Chinese modern banks, playing a significant role in Chinese financial business for about a century. Tong Xing Gong provided private escort services for the exchange shops to ensure their safety during transportation.

Pingyao - Datong by train. O/N Datong.

Pingyao County - Our guide will pick you up at the lobby of your Pingyao hotel around 09:00 in the morning. You will be escorted to the well-known Wang Family’s Compound, a 1.5-hour ride away.

Wang’s Family Compound (Wang Jia Dayuan) - This large and magnificent architectural complex, originally built around 250 years ago, is located in Lingshi County in Shanxi Province, 35 kilometers (22 miles) from Pingyao Ancient City. This luxurious residence was built between 1762-1811 by the descendants of the Wang Family. The compound is impressive for its sheer size and gorgeous ornamental structures. It resembles a mini walled city with over 200 courtyards, each with its distinctive features. Intricately carved wood doors, window casings, stairways, and stone carvings can be found throughout the courtyards.

Zhangbi Ancient Castle - After lunch, the tour continues to Zhangbi Ancient Fortress, where you will navigate the maze-like underground tunnels.

Unlike the compounds and ancient city, Zhangbi Ancient Fortress is an exception to Shanxi merchants’ culture. To resist enemy invasions, Chinese ancestors utilized its geographic advantages to build a 10,000-meter-long underground military tunnel system with three floors in the village. Zhangbi Ancient Fortress is a complex of historical relics, tombs, residences, and tunnels, with the labyrinth-like underground tunnels being the most intriguing.

Taiyuan East Railway Station - At the end of the day, we will drive you back to Taiyuan Railway Station, where a train to Datong awaits you (D5376 17:42-19:57, driver + guide). The train journey takes around 2.5 hours. Upon arrival in Datong, you will be picked up and transferred to your Datong hotel (Driver only, no guide).

Datong. O/N Datong.

Datong - In the morning, we will meet you at your Datong hotel at 9am and drive for one hour to the Hanging Monastery.

Hengshan Hanging Temple (Xuankong si) - The renowned Hanging Monastery appears like a grand relief inlaid on a steep cliff. It will be a thrilling experience to walk along the hanging walkways and visit each hall of the temple. It is unique in that it worships the hierarchs of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism together.

Yungang Grottoes - Upon arrival at the Yungang Grottoes, our guide will accompany you as you explore over 59,000 solemn Buddha statues made during the Northern Wei Dynasty (386 - 534). Considered a treasure house of Buddhist arts, the Yungang Grottoes took over 70 years to reach their current scale. The sculptures integrate the superb artistry of the Northern Wei and showcase an atmospheric and imperial style. You will be astonished by the magnificent scene.

Datong - At the end of the day, your guide will escort you back to your Datong hotel.

Datong - Beijing by train. O/N Beijing.

Datong Railway Station Zhanqian Square - In the morning around 7:30am, we will drive to Datong Railway Station, where a train to Beijing awaits you (driver only, no guide). The train journey takes around 2.5 hours. Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be picked up and transferred to the Beijing Forbidden City (driver + guide).

Forbidden City-The Palace Museum - First, we will visit the Forbidden City, also known as the Palace Museum, located at the city center of Beijing. It served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911). Built over 14 years during the reign of Emperor Chengzu in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), ancient Chinese astronomers believed that the Purple Star (Polaris) was at the center of heaven and the Heavenly Emperor lived in the Purple Palace. The emperor’s palace on earth was called the Purple City, and it was forbidden to enter without special permission from the emperor, hence the name ‘The Purple Forbidden City,’ commonly known as ‘The Forbidden City.’

Jingshan Park (Jingshan Gongyuan) - Next, we will visit Jingshan Park, a beautiful royal landscape garden. Covering an area of 57 acres (about 230,000 square meters), the park stands at the central point of the city’s south-north axis and faces the north gate of the Forbidden City. It is located on Jingshan Hill, originally named Wansui Hill (Long Live Hill), Zhen Hill, or Meishan Hill (Coal Hill). The mid-summit of the hill is the highest point in Beijing. From the peak, you will get a full and clear view of the Forbidden City.

Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang) - After lunch, we will head to Tiananmen Square, a large plaza near the center of Beijing named after the Tiananmen (literally translated as the “Gate of Heavenly Peace”). It sits to the city’s north, separating it from the Forbidden City. As a symbol, it has great cultural significance, having been the site of several key events in Chinese history.

Temple of Heaven - Then, we will visit the Temple of Heaven, a complex of Taoist buildings in southeastern urban Beijing, known as the Xuanwu District. The complex was visited by the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual ceremonies of prayer to Heaven for good harvests. It is regarded as a Taoist temple, although Chinese Heaven worship by the reigning monarch pre-dates Taoism. The Temple of Heaven is a must-see attraction in Beijing!

Beijing - At the end of the day, your guide will escort you to your Beijing hotel.

Beijing. O/N Beijing.

Beijing - In the morning, our tour guide will meet you at your hotel lobby at 9:00am and then transfer you to the Mutianyu Great Wall, which is a 90-minute drive covering 80km.

Mutianyu Great Wall - Upon reaching the Mutianyu Great Wall, you will take the chairlift up and toboggan down. The Great Wall at Mutianyu was built and restored in the early Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644) and is one of the most famous sections of the Wall. Explore the ancient structure and learn the history and facts that make it so renowned. Your professional guide will answer any questions and share exclusive stories and facts about the Mutianyu Great Wall.

Ming Tombs (Ming Shishan Ling) - At 13:00, you will enjoy lunch at a local countryside restaurant before heading to the Ming Tombs. The Ming Tombs are located in Changping County, about 50 kilometers northwest of Beijing’s urban area. The site is a tomb cluster of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), including 13 emperor’s mausoleums, seven tombs for concubines, and one grave for eunuchs. Situated at the foot of Mount Yan, the surrounding area is extremely beautiful.

Beijing - At the end of the day, your guide will escort you back to your Beijing hotel.

Beijing. O/N Beijing.

Beijing - Our tour guide and driver will meet you at your Beijing hotel at 9:00am and drive you to the Beijing Lama Temple, an 18-minute drive covering 6km.

Lama Temple (Yonghegong) - Discover the best of Beijing on this 1-day private sightseeing tour. Begin the day at the serene Lama Temple and learn about its fascinating history. The Yonghe Temple, also known as the Yonghe Lamasery or popularly as the Lama Temple, is a temple and monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism located in Dongcheng District, Beijing, China. The temple’s building and artwork combine Han Chinese and Tibetan styles.

Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) - Afterwards, we will head to the expansive Summer Palace, covering an area of 2.9 square kilometers, three-quarters of which is water: Kunming Lake. This artificial lake was created by extending an existing body of water to imitate the West Lake in Hangzhou. The Summer Palace is located in the Haidian District northwest of Beijing, 15 kilometers (9 miles) from the downtown area. As the largest and best-preserved royal park in China, it greatly influences Chinese horticulture and landscape with its famous natural views and cultural interests, long recognized as ‘The Museum of Royal Gardens.’

Back Lakes (Hou Hai) - After lunch, take a private car to the Houhai Lake area and enjoy a rickshaw hutong tour. A Hutong tour offers a chance to mingle with local residents and experience the intricate winding Hutongs. They are maze-like, deep, and exactly as they were long ago, recording the city’s history. Even today, many residents are reluctant to move from their beloved Hutongs. You can visit a local family’s house to experience authentic Beijing life and stop occasionally to take pictures.

Nanluoguxiang - Next, visit Nanluoguxiang. If you’re keen on shopping, this hutong in the Gulou (Drum and Bell Tower) district is a must-see, with several kilometers of shops, galleries, and cafés ranging from chic to kitschy. You’ll find many cool T-shirts here (Plastered has a good line) featuring tricked-out images of everything from Mao Zedong to garden gnomes.

Beijing - At the end of the day, your guide will escort you back to your hotel.

Departure from Beijing. The tour ends.

Beijing Capital International Airport - Today, there are no activities planned. You can rest, and our driver (no guide) will take you to the Beijing airport or railway station according to your flight/train departure time. End of our 9-day tour services.

• Second class train tickets
• Private car & driver
• Lunch
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• English-speaking tour guide (if private-guided day tour is selected)
• Entrance tickets (if private-guided day tour is selected)

• The hotels and dinner

• Can add more days if you want.
• The last day of departure from Beijing, just offer the private car and driver services, no guide.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.