Imperial Beijing Unveiled: Skip-the-Line Forbidden City & Tiananmen
Journey Through Millennia of Chinese Civilization and Trade Routes
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Our guide will meet you outside customs at Beijing Capital Airport with a personalized welcome sign, then escort you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore China's capital at your leisure.
Day 2: Imperial Beijing Exploration
- Morning: Visit Tiananmen Square and the magnificent Forbidden City
- Afternoon: Enjoy an à la carte lunch at a renowned local restaurant
- Late Afternoon: Explore the Temple of Heaven, ancient site of imperial ceremonies
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure
- Morning: Journey to Mutianyu Great Wall with round-trip cable car access
- Afternoon: Photograph the iconic Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium
- Evening: Experience local life at a traditional market
Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an Transition
- Morning: Discover the elegant Summer Palace
- Midday: Explore Beijing's ancient Hutongs (narrow alleyways)
- Afternoon: High-speed train to Xi'an with station-hotel transfer
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors Discovery
- Full Day: Comprehensive visit to the Terracotta Army Museum
- Afternoon: Explore the Provincial History Museum's extensive collections
Day 6: Ancient Xi'an Immersion
- Morning: Walk or cycle the magnificent Xi'an City Wall
- Midday: Visit Xi'an Museum and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda
- Afternoon: Explore the Great Mosque and vibrant Muslim Market
Day 7: Dunhuang Desert Experience
- Morning: Flight to Dunhuang with airport-hotel transfer
- Afternoon: Camel riding at Echoing-Sand Dune and visit to Crescent Lake oasis
Day 8: Buddhist Art Journey to Turpan
- Morning: Explore the magnificent Mogao Grottoes and Buddhist art
- Afternoon: High-speed train to Turpan with station-hotel transfer
Day 9: Turpan Ancient Civilization
- Full Day: Discover Jiaohe Ruins, the innovative Karez Well irrigation system, and the historic Sugong Pagoda
Day 10: Silk Road Relics to Urumqi
- Morning: Explore Gaochang Ruins and Baizikeli Thousand Buddha Cave
- Afternoon: Drive by the dramatic Flaming Hill en route to Urumqi
Day 11: Transition to Modern Shanghai
- Full Day: Flight to Shanghai with airport-hotel transfer and free time for exploration
Day 12: Shanghai Contrasts
- Morning: Visit Shanghai Museum and classical Yuyuan Garden
- Afternoon: Huangpu River cruise, the Bund waterfront, and exploration of old cultural streets
- Lunch: Farewell à la carte meal at an upscale local restaurant
Day 13: Departure
Airport transfer for your homebound flight, concluding your Silk Road adventure.