Discover China's Great Wall, Terracotta Army & Pandas: Beijing, Xi'an & Chengdu - 9 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing, Peking Duck Dining Experience

Welcome to China! Once you arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport, meet your driver for a private transfer to bustling inner Beijing, the world's most densely populated capital city. As one of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals, this metropolis has been the seat of power in the country for eight centuries. After check-in at your downtown hotel, you'll have the remainder of the day to explore epic sights, such as the Summer Palace, a complex of gardens, palaces, and lakes. 

This evening, meet your local guide and head to a nearby restaurant for a traditional Peking duck dinner. This royal dish has been a staple in Beijing cuisine for centuries, popular with locals and visitors alike. Indulge in the delicacy of slow-roasted duck served with paper-thin pancakes, thinly sliced scallions, and drizzled with hoisin sauce. Watch as skilled chefs slice the dish before you, then savor the delicious combination of tender meat, crunchy skin, and fresh vegetables—a must-try in Beijing! 

Day 2: Explore Beijing: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Hutongs

In the morning, you'll meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby and embark on a full-day grand tour of Beijing, beginning at the famous Tiananmen Square, the world's largest city square. This massive public space, dating to the 15th century, is surrounded by government buildings, including the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum of China, and the mausoleum of revolutionary leader Mao Zedong. 

Walk through the square to the enormous portrait of Chairman Mao at Tiananmen Gate, the entrance to the Forbidden City, constructed in 1415 CE during the Ming Dynasty. Tour the vast, UNESCO-listed complex that served as the Chinese imperial palace from 1420 CE (Ming Dynasty) to 1912 CE (Qing Dynasty). For several hours, you'll wander among the 980 buildings spread across 180 acres (72 ha) and visit the Imperial Garden, former living quarters, and galleries featuring ancient imperial artifacts.

In the afternoon, rest your legs with a fun 30-minute pedicab tour through the historic hutongs of Beijing. Ride through these narrow alleyways, crisscrossing old neighborhoods where many still live. Some hutongs are so ancient that they go back 800 years to the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Witness the traditional Chinese folk culture of the area as you pass the old gray stone houses that line the labyrinthine network of hutongs. At the end of the tour, return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the afternoon free.

Day 3: Hike Along the Great Wall of China

You're in for a treat today as you set off on a full-day tour to visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: the Great Wall of China. First constructed in the sixth-century before being rebuilt in 1368 CE by the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty, this ancient fortification is separated into various sections open to visitors. You'll be visiting Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved portions of the Great Wall.

Travel with your driver and guide 40 miles (64 km) north of Beijing. When you arrive, take the cable car to the top of the wall and walk along the cobblestones, peering out through the battlements at the far-reaching views. Enjoy a moderate hike along the wall for two to six hours, depending on your chosen route. This section of wall stretches for 13 miles (22 km), with 22 stone watchtowers sitting atop steep hills blanketed in rich green pines and cypress trees. Take your time and soak in the views, which are nothing short of spectacular on a clear day.

After visiting the Great Wall, you'll stop for lunch and return to Beijing via the Changling Tomb, the final resting place of the Ming-era Yongle Emperor (Zhu Di) and his empress, Xushi, and the largest Ming tomb near Tianshou Mountain. Stroll under the tomb's gate and admire the rafters and arch made of colored glaze, then pass through two courtyards, noting the stone carvings of surging waves, seahorses, and flying dragons on the steps up to the exceptionally preserved Ling'en Hall (Hall of Eminent Favor), made from rare Chinese cedarwood. 

Day 4: Explore a Local Market & the Temple of Heaven, Train to Xi'an

Check out of your hotel this morning, then meet your guide for a half-day tour and discover the bustling Chaowai Morning Market in central Chaoyang. This daily market, which opens at dawn, sells everything from shoes to fresh fruit, tailoring services to street food specialties. Immerse yourself in the busy lanes lined with stalls and haggle with locals for souvenirs or snacks as you gain insight into the daily life of the locals.

After the market, follow your guide to the Temple of Heaven, a historic 13th-century complex comprising several buildings. The temple sits on 670 acres (271 ha) and was the principal imperial temple where emperors from the Ming and Qing Dynasties up until 1900 CE prayed to heaven for a good harvest. Explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and other iconic buildings, including the Circular Mound Altar, the site of winter solstice ceremonies, and the Imperial Vault of Heaven. This circular building housed the stone tablets used in the harvest prayer ceremonies.

In the afternoon, pick up your luggage from your hotel, then head to the railway station and hop on a high-speed train for the approximately 5.5-hour journey south to Xi'an, the next stop on your trip. You'll be met there by a driver and guide who will transfer you to your hotel.

Day 5: Discover the Terracotta Army & Xi'an's Muslim Quarter

This morning, meet your driver at your hotel for a half-day excursion east of Xi'an to Mount Li, home to the Terracotta Army Museum and the famous life-size warrior sculptures. When you arrive after one hour's drive, take your time viewing the massive collection of incredibly detailed, life-size clay sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, founder of the Qin Dynasty and the first emperor of China, reigning from 221 to 210 BCE. 

Walk around the outer edge of the excavation pits, marveling at the various warriors, chariots, and cavalry horses, each with different hairstyles and facial expressions. This enormous site covers approximately 38 square miles (98 sq km), and its discovery in 1974 CE represents one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century. Spend hours discovering the secrets of the army, who were created to be symbolic guardians of Qin's burial tomb and thus protect his spirit in the afterlife, then head back to Xi'an, stopping for lunch on the way. 

Before dinner, visit the historic Muslim Quarter in the center of Xi'an. The old buildings lining the narrow streets are home to Xi'an's Muslim, or Hui, community. Islam was first introduced by Arab merchants during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE). Today, the quarter is a popular area with many shops, restaurants, and street food vendors. Make sure to sample the typical halal food of the district, like yangrou paomo (lamb stew) and roujiamo (lamb burgers). 

Day 6: Explore Xi'an: Ancient City Wall, Drum Tower & Shaanxi History Museum

It's your final day in Xi'an, but more adventures are in store. After breakfast, meet your guide for a full-day tour to discover the ancient city's famous sites. You'll begin at the Fortifications of Xi'an. These gray stone walls were commissioned in the late 14th century by Zhu Yuanzhang, the first emperor of the Ming Dynasty, to protect the city. They run 8.7 miles (14 km) around the historic old city in a rectangular pattern and are the most well-preserved ancient walls in all of China. 

Rent a bicycle or walk along the top of the broad walls for panoramic views of the Old Town and surrounding areas. After exploring the fortifications, see the ancient artifacts in the historic 12th-century Drum Tower. While here, enjoy a performance of the bian zhong, a traditional Chinese chime bell.

Your last stop of the day is the Shaanxi History Museum, located in south Xi'an. This state-run, modern museum is one of the nation's largest. Discover over 370,000 ancient artifacts that were unearthed in Shaanxi Province within its walls. These include bronze items dating to the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BCE), ceramic figures, coins, pottery, jade pieces, and murals from tombs dating to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE). Follow your guide around the museum as they share a fascinating overview of the region's history.

Day 7: Train to Chengdu, Visit Wenshu Monastery & Teahouse

This morning, check out of your hotel and catch a 3.5-hour bullet train ride southwest to Chengdu, the capital of China's Sichuan province. This area is famous for many things, including its namesake chili peppers and mouth-on-fire cuisine. When you arrive at the train station, a guide will meet you for a transfer to your hotel. Check in, refresh, and join your local guide for a half-day tour.

Day 8: Chengdu Panda Experience, Explore Jinli Street

Besides the spiciness of its food, Sichuan is also known for giant pandas, whose native environment is the highland bamboo forests of central China. Just outside Chengdu, you'll find the Chengdu Panda Base, the world's largest non-profit panda research and breeding facility. Wake up early for a transfer by car to the base, about 6 miles (10 km) outside the city. The goal of this non-profit is to replicate the living conditions of giant pandas and facilitate breeding. It also doubles as a zoo, with various enclosures and habitats home to many giant pandas and other rare animals, like the red panda.

On your half-day tour, you'll see both adult and baby pandas as you learn about the facility and the breeding program. Then, you'll view the newborns in the delivery room. Watch the little ones frolic around the "panda kindergarten," see pandas in their natural habitat (usually snoozing, as they have evolved to save energy), and discover China's dedication to protecting these wonderful, endangered creatures. 

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to China? Check out these other China itineraries, which include outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights.