Imperial Echoes & Ancient Warriors: Beijing & Xi'an
An In-Depth Exploration of Ancient Civilization and Natural Splendor
Itinerary Overview
This 17-day independent travel adventure takes you through China's most significant historical capitals and breathtaking natural landscapes. Beginning in Beijing, you'll journey through Datong, Pingyao, and Xi'an to witness imperial treasures, ancient architecture, and archaeological marvels before concluding amidst the stunning karst formations of Guilin and Longsheng.
Section 1: Northern Historical Circuit (Days 1-10)
Day 1: Departure from Johannesburg to Beijing
- Board direct flights CA868 or SA7132 from Johannesburg to Beijing
- Alternative routing available via Dubai with Emirates
- Recommended travel insurance for baggage delay and medical emergencies
Day 2: Beijing Arrival & Transfer to Datong
- Arrive at Beijing Capital Airport
- Transfer to Beijing Railway Station via shuttle bus (CNY24) or taxi (CNY100)
- Overnight soft sleeper train to Datong
- Check into Howard Johnson Jindi Plaza upon arrival
Day 3: Datong Buddhist Grottoes Exploration
- Visit Yungang Grottoes via public bus (No. 60 & No. 3) or taxi (CNY50)
- Explore local souvenir street featuring paper-cuttings and carvings
- Afternoon visit to Drum Tower, Nine-Dragon Screen, and Huayan Monastery
Day 4: Hanging Monastery & Overnight to Pingyao
- Private car hire (CNY400) to Hanging Monastery and Wooden Pagoda
- Evening train 2463 (22:30) to Pingyao
- Accommodation: Overnight soft sleeper train
Day 5: Pingyao Ancient City Arrival
- Morning arrival in Pingyao (06:00)
- Transfer to Tianyuankui Guesthouse on Ancient Ming-Qing Street
- Purchase through ticket (CNY150) for 20 scenic spots
- Initial exploration of ancient town
Day 6: Comprehensive Pingyao Discovery
- Full-day exploration using valid through ticket
- Key sites: City Wall, Temple of the City God, Rishengchang Exchange Shop
- Local transportation: rickshaws, bicycles, and battery cars
Day 7: Wang's Compound & Transfer to Xi'an
- Morning visit to Wang's Compound via bus (CNY17)
- Afternoon exploration of Shuanglin Temple
- Evening bullet train D2521 to Xi'an (approx. 3 hours)
- Check into Wenyuan Hotel near Bell and Drum Tower
Day 8: Terracotta Army & Muslim Quarter
- Tourist Bus No. 5 to Terracotta Army Museum (CNY7)
- Lunch at nearby international fast food outlets
- Evening exploration of Muslim Quarter snacks and night market
Day 9: Historical Museums & Pagodas
- Morning: Forest of Stone Steles Museum (walking distance)
- Afternoon: Shaanxi History Museum (CNY20 special exhibition ticket)
- Visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda and music fountain show
Day 10: Han Dynasty Mausoleum & City Wall
- Tourist Bus No. 4 to Yangling Mausoleum of Han Dynasty
- Afternoon bike rental on Xi'an City Wall (CNY45/120 minutes)
- Evening at Defu Lane Bar Street
Section 2: Southern Natural Wonders (Days 11-17)
Day 11: Flight to Guilin & Initial Exploration
- Morning visit to Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi'an Museum
- Afternoon flight to Guilin
- Check into Fubo Hotel near Wave-Subduing Hill
Day 12: Guilin Karst Landscape Tour
- Morning: Wave-Subduing Hill exploration
- Reed Flute Cave visit (taxi CNY20)
- Elephant Trunk Hill Park tour
- Evening: Two Rivers and Four Lakes cruise (CNY170)
Day 13: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
- Full-day Li River cruise from Mopanshan Dock (taxi CNY70)
- 4.5-5 hour scenic journey through karst landscape
- Yangshuo West Street exploration and countryside biking
- Evening bus return to Guilin (CNY25)
Day 14: Transfer to Longsheng Rice Terraces
- Morning bus from Qintan Station to Longsheng County
- Transfer to Ping'an Village and check into Ping'an Inn
- Afternoon exploration of Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces
- Sunset viewing at terraces
Day 15: Yao Ethnic Culture & Jinkeng Terraces
- Private car hire to Jinkeng Rice Terraces (Dazhai Terraces)
- Cultural immersion with Yao ethnic group
- Hiking and photography opportunities
- Return to Ping'an Inn
Day 16: Sunrise Viewing & Return to Guilin
- Optional sunrise viewing at rice terraces
- Bus return to Guilin with transfer in Longsheng County
- Check into Fubo Hotel
- Optional visit to Seven Stars Park or Solitary Beauty Peak
Day 17: Departure from Guilin
- Check out before 12:00
- Flight connections via Hong Kong to Johannesburg
- Total flight time including stopover: 20-20.5 hours