10-Day Beijing, Xi’an & Hangzhou Cultural Tour
Journey Overview
Explore three culturally‑rich Chinese destinations over 10 days. Discover Beijing’s imperial landmarks and the Mutianyu Great Wall, take part in a hands‑on terracotta‑warrior DIY workshop in Xi’an, then head south to experience Hangzhou’s lake scenery and timeless canal‑side water towns. Benefit from private transfers, professional English‑speaking local guides, hotel breakfast and selected included local dining across the whole journey.
Journey Highlights
- Uncover Beijing’s imperial legacy: tour Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, ride rickshaws through traditional hutongs and hike Mutianyu Great Wall with included round‑trip cable car.
- Visit the world‑famous Terracotta Army in Xi’an and join a hands‑on DIY workshop to make your own miniature clay warrior, plus free time for local snacks in the Muslim Quarter.
- Enjoy southern China charm: cruise West Lake, visit Lingyin Temple and Grand Canal heritage sites, and explore Wuzhen and Nanxun water towns with a traditional Pingtan tea‑story‑telling performance.
Detailed Itinerary
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize every detail according to your interests and schedule.
Arrival in Beijing
Afternoon: Arrive at Beijing airport, where local staff will meet you and provide a private transfer to your hotel. Your guide will contact you one day before arrival.
Evening: Gather at 19:00 and travel to Lao She Teahouse for the included performance, scheduled to begin at approximately 19:50. Enjoy an introduction to traditional Beijing culture through Peking Opera, cross-talk comedy, acrobatics and shadow puppetry. Return to your hotel after the show.
Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park & Hutong Tour
Morning: Visit Tiananmen Square for Monument to the People's Heroes and the exterior of the Great Hall of the People. Continue to the Palace Museum (advance reservation required, closed on Mondays except public holidays) for an approximately three-hour visit, exploring grand halls and imperial treasures.
Afternoon: Lunch is at your own expense. Visit Shichahai Park and climb Jingshan Hill for panoramic views over the Forbidden City. Finish with an included rickshaw ride through Beijing's historic hutongs near Nanluoguxiang or Yandai Xiejie.
Evening: Enjoy an included Peking Roast Duck banquet dinner.
Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace
Morning: Drive approximately 1.5 hours to Mutianyu Great Wall. Explore this well-preserved section of the Ming Great Wall on foot and enjoy panoramic mountain views. Round-trip cable car is included.
Afternoon: Lunch is at your own expense. Visit the Summer Palace for approximately two hours. Stroll beside Kunming Lake and admire the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, Longevity Hill and the Tower of Buddhist Incense.
Evening: Optional Peking Opera performance available at CNY 280 per person, own expense
Temple of Heaven & Lama Temple
Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven for approximately 1.5 hours. Explore the Circular Mound Altar and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests while learning about ancient imperial ceremonies. Afternoon: After lunch at your own expense, visit the Lama Temple for approximately one hour. Explore its grand halls, Buddhist statues and traditional architecture. The remainder of the day is free. You may visit Wangfujing shopping street independently. Dinner is at your own expense.
Beijing to Xi’an & Muslim Quarter
Check out and transfer to the railway station. Board a high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an, with the final departure time subject to ticket availability.
Upon arrival, meet the local team and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Later, enjoy free time in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, where you can explore its lively lanes and sample local northwest Chinese snacks at your own expense.
Terracotta Army & Terracotta Warriors DIY
Visit the Terracotta Army Museum to see the iconic Qin‑Dynasty underground warrior army. Afterwards join the included hands‑on terracotta‑warrior DIY workshop. Learn traditional pottery techniques to mould and decorate your own miniature terracotta warrior souvenir. Return to Xi’an city hotel upon completion of the activity.
Xi’an to Hangzhou by High-Speed Train
Check out and transfer to the railway station. Board a high-speed train from Xi’an to Hangzhou, with the final departure time subject to ticket availability.
Upon arrival in Hangzhou, meet the local team and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure.
Lingyin Temple, West Lake & Grand Canal Heritage
Morning: Visit Lingyin Temple and the Feilai Peak grottoes for approximately three hours. Explore the temple halls and admire the historic Buddhist carvings. Afternoon: After lunch at your own expense, take an included West Lake cruise and enjoy views of Three Pools Mirroring the Moon and the Su and Bai Causeways. Then stroll along Xiaohe Straight Street and explore its preserved canal‑side neighbourhood.
Wuzhen & Nanxun Water Towns
Morning: Visit Wuzhen East Scenic Zone for approximately four hours. Wander through its historic lanes, canals and traditional riverside buildings, including the Former Residence of Mao Dun. Afternoon: After lunch at your own expense, continue to Nanxun Ancient Town for an approximately two‑hour visit. Explore its canals, stone bridges and historic residences, then enjoy an included Pingtan storytelling performance accompanied by three rounds of tea. Return to Hangzhou after the visit.
Departure from Hangzhou or Shanghai
Enjoy free time to relax or shop for souvenirs. Based on your selected departure airport, your English‑speaking guide and private vehicle will transfer you to either Hangzhou Airport or the appropriate Shanghai airport. The pick‑up time will be arranged according to the airport location, your flight schedule and the recommended check‑in time. The tour concludes at the airport.
Journey Inclusions & Exclusions
- Transportation Private airport, railway station and sightseeing transfers throughout the itinerary, including departure transfer to the selected Hangzhou or Shanghai airport.
- Guide Service Professional English‑speaking local guide service. Your guide will contact you before the tour begins.
- Entrance Tickets & Included Experiences All listed admissions and experiences, including: Beijing: the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, hutong rickshaw ride, Mutianyu Great Wall with round‑trip cable car, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Lama Temple, Lao She Teahouse performance Xi’an: Terracotta Army Museum, Terracotta‑Warrior DIY Workshop Hangzhou: Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak, West Lake cruise and Grand Canal Museum Water Towns: Wuzhen East Scenic Zone, Nanxun Ancient Town and Pingtan storytelling experience with three rounds of tea
- Accommodation Nine nights’ hotel accommodation: Beijing 4 nights, Xi’an 2 nights and Hangzhou 3 nights, based on twin/double sharing.
- Meals Daily hotel breakfast; Authentic Peking Roast Duck banquet dinner.
- Inter‑city Transportation High‑speed train tickets: Beijing → Xi’an → Hangzhou. Final schedules are subject to availability.
- Tour Operation & Service Fees Local operation, coordination and service fees.
- Taxes All applicable local taxes.
- Personal Expenses All lunches and other dinners, shopping, souvenirs and other personal expenses.
- Optional Activities Peking Opera performance at CNY 280 per person and The Song of Everlasting Sorrow at CNY 368 per person.
- International Flights & Visa Fees International flights and Chinese visa application fees.
- Other Expenses Any service not specifically listed under “Price Includes.”