Highlights of China: Beijing, Xi'an & Guilin - 8 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing, Peking Duck Experience

Welcome to China! Once you arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport, meet your driver for a private transfer into Beijing, the most densely populated capital city in the world. As one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, 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 free to head out and explore epic sights, including the Temple of Heaven or the Summer Palace. 

Later in the day, your guide will take you to a nearby restaurant for a traditional dinner of Peking duck. This royal dish has been a staple in Beijing cuisine for centuries, popular with locals and visitors alike. Consisting of slow-roasted duck served with paper-thin pancakes, thinly sliced scallions, and drizzled with hoisin sauce, the resulting combination of tender meat, crunchy skin, and fresh vegetables is uniquely delicious and 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 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, which is 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 (Ming Dynasty) to 1912 (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, give your legs a rest with a 30-minute pedicab tour through the hutongs of Beijing. Hutongs are narrow alleyways that crisscross through old neighborhoods in the city. Some of these are so ancient that they go as far back as 800 years to the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. There's a traditional Chinese folk culture here, and many people still live in the old houses that line the hutongs. At the end of the tour, you'll return to the hotel and have the rest of the day free. 

Day 3: Hike Along the Great Wall of China

You're in for a treat today as you set off to visit one of the New Seven Wonders of the World: the Great Wall of China. Because this ancient fortification is so massive, it's separated into various sections open to visitors. The area you'll be visiting is Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved portions of the Great Wall. Located 40 miles (64 km) north of Beijing, it was first constructed in the sixth-century before being rebuilt in 1368 CE by the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty.

This section of wall stretches for 13 miles (22 km) and is comprised of 22 stone watchtowers. Sitting atop steep hills blanketed in rich green pines and cypress trees, the views from here on a clear day are nothing short of breathtaking. Enjoy a moderate hike along the wall for between two and six hours, depending on the route you choose.

After visiting the Great Wall, you'll return to Beijing via the Changling Tomb, the final resting place of the Ming-era Yongle Emperor (Zhu Di) and his empress, Xushi. The largest Ming tomb near Tianshou Mountain, it's particularly famous for its exceptionally preserved Ling'en Hall (Hall of Eminent Favor), made from rare Chinese cedarwood.

Day 6: Fly to Guilin, Explore Reed Flute Cave

In the morning, you'll transfer to the airport for the two-hour flight to Guilin. Located in southern China, near Hong Kong, the area around Guilin is known for its subtropical climate, tranquil rivers, and beautiful rural landscapes abounding with green karst mountains. 

Your tour of this incredible region begins right away. Upon arrival in Guilin, a guide will pick you up for the half-hour drive to Reed Flute Cave. This massive limestone cavern was named after the reeds that grow outside of it, which locals do indeed use to make flutes. Inside, the cave is a veritable wonderland of rock formations, stalactites, and stalagmites, which are lit up in a dizzying array of colors via artificial lighting. After you dabble in spelunking, your driver will take you to your hotel in Guilin.

Day 8: Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, Depart Guilin

Continue to explore the natural wonders around Guilin today at Elephant Trunk Hill, located at the meeting point of the Taohua (Peach Blossom) and Li Rivers, smack in the middle of the town. Your guide will take you to this unusual rock formation, which extends into the river in the shape of an elephant appearing to have its head bowed and drinking water. After visiting, your driver will take you to the Guilin Airport, a 40-minute drive, to catch your departing flight. Safe travels, wherever you're off to next!

Looking for more inspiration for your trip to China? Check out these other China itineraries, explore different ways to spend eight days in China, or discover the best time to visit China.