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 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

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

Entrance fees on the itinerary

Not Included

Flights to Beijing and from Xi’an

Travel insurance

Optional activities and personal expenses

Meet your host

Silk Road Journeys

Verified guide

Leading tours since 2008 · 200+ small-group tours

Based in Beijing, our team has decades of guiding across the region. Known for deep local knowledge, patient pacing, and taking the time to answer every question.

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

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.