Itinerary Summary
Three days in Beijing cover the Forbidden City, Jingshan, the Great Wall and Ming Tombs, plus the National Museum. A 4.5-hour high-speed train west brings you to Xi'an for the Terracotta Army, Lishan…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Beijing arrival and a sunset loop around the Shichahai lakes
14:00
1.5h
Airport Express to Dongzhimen
Ride the express train to Dongzhimen and take a taxi from there if your hutong hotel is hard to find. The train takes 25 minutes, and the taxi rank is on the east side of the station.
📍 Beijing Capital Airport
17:30
1.5h
Shichahai lakes and hutong lanes
Walk the three connected lakes from Houhai to Qianhai, past rickshaws, bar streets and courtyard houses. The loop takes 90 minutes at an easy pace; climb the Drum Tower steps nearby before they close.
📍 Shichahai, Xicheng
19:15
1.5h
Courtyard dinner near Yandai Xiejie
Eat at a courtyard restaurant on the slanted Yandai Xiejie lane, where grilled fish and Beijing home cooking are the staples. Book ahead at weekends and ask for a table in the inner courtyard.
📍 Yandai Xiejie, Xicheng
💡 Pro Tip: Capital Airport connects to Dongzhimen by the Airport Express in about half an hour, and Beijing's metro is easy to use with a stored-value card. China keeps UTC+8 all year. Entry rules depend on your passport and nationality, so read the China visa section before booking. Hutong hotels are cheaper, but check that the address is reachable with luggage.
Days 2-7 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$30035%
Comfortable hotels in Beijing and Xi'an, 6 nights
Food & DiningUS$17020%
Peking duck, mutton hotpot and Xi'an noodles
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Beijing and Xi'an museums need advance reservations?+
Yes for the big ones. The National Museum of China and the Shaanxi History Museum are free but issue timed slots that fill quickly, often released days ahead and booked with your passport. The Terracotta Army and Forbidden City also sell dated tickets online. Book as soon as your dates are fixed, especially in spring and autumn.
What is the best season for the Forbidden City and Terracotta Army?+
March to May and October to November are the most comfortable, with mild temperatures for walking palace courtyards and excavation halls. Xi'an gets hot in July and August, and Beijing winters are cold and dry. Spring and autumn also avoid the worst domestic holiday crowds if you skip the first week of May and October.
How do I travel from Beijing to Xi'an on this history route?+
Take the high-speed train from Beijing West to Xi'an North, about 4.5 hours. Trains run frequently through the day. Book on the 12306 app or website once sales open, usually around two weeks ahead, and bring the passport you booked with for the station gates. Second class is comfortable and good value.
Is this Beijing and Xi'an history trip suitable for older travellers?+
The pace is easy, but expect three to four hours on your feet most days across large sites. The Forbidden City and Terracotta Army have smooth paths and some seating; Mutianyu has a cable car to skip the climb. Xi'an's City Wall is flat, and you can hire a bike or take a golf cart.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 7 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $670–1,050 (≈ €590–910), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: History & Culture
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