Budget Beijing Xi’an Mini Group Discovery

The guide and the driver will pick you up with an air-conditioned vehicle at the hotel and escort you to Tiananmen Square. If Beijing is regarded as the heart of China, Tiananmen Square is the pulse of its heartbeat. Since People's Republic of China’s foundation announced on Tiananmen Tower in 1949, the area has become the mecca of all Chinese people. 

After viewing the iconic buildings on the square, we’ll enter the Forbidden City, the world’s largest and best-preserved ancient wooden complex, originally constructed in 1420 AD. Its central structures are the Three Great Halls, where emperors conducted state affairs and held grand ceremonies. As you walk through the palaces, you'll notice that all the buildings are featured with crimson-red walls and vibrant yellow glazed tiles. In traditional Chinese culture, red symbolizes joy, fortune, and solemnity, while yellow represents imperial power and supremacy. Under the strict hierarchy in ancient times, only imperial structures were permitted to use yellow and red. Residences of lower-ranking nobles and temples often used green-glazed tiles, while commoners were restricted to simple gray clay tiles.Later, we'll drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved and most beautiful sections of the Great Wall of China. Upon the ancient battlements, you can closely discover its defensive structures, including crenellations and loopholes. It takes about 30 minutes to hike onto the rampart. For those seeking more adventure, you can continue westward along the wall to conquer the Hero Slope, the steepest segment of Mutianyu, which needs 2 hours for a round trip from Tower 14. The 80-degree incline demands using both hands and feet to ascend, making it a test of physical endurance. Yet the sweeping, uninterrupted views of the Great Wall unfolding along the ridges will be your ultimate reward. Cable cars are available, which cost CNY 100 (USD 14) one-way or CNY 140 (USD 20) round-trip, and if you need, our guide can assist you in buying the tickets on site. 

After returning to the city, we’ll stop at the Hutong alleys area before your guide and the driver escorting you back to your hotel. You are welcome to experience Beijing's nightlife here near Houhai Lake on your own and finally return to the hotel by taxi. Bar lights shimmer on the lake's surface and red lanterns cast a warm glow along the ancient alleys, which make it a perfect place to absorb Beijing's chill vibe.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven (3 stars)

In the morning, the guide and the driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and accompany you to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors performed solemn rituals to honor heaven during the 17th century. Among its architectural treasures are the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests with triple‑eaved blue roof, and the Circular Mound Altar encircled by white marble balustrades. A legend tells that the emperor hesitated over where to build the complex, until the Big Dipper descended here. In the park, you can find the Seven Star Stones representing the constellation, whose fragments are believed to offer protection against evil spirits in the past. Beyond its historic role, the park remains a vibrant community space where you can see elderly residents gather to dance, sing, and socialize beneath ancient cypress trees.

Next, we’ll explore Beijing’s historic Hutong alleyways, which preserve the city’s traditional layout and offer a respite from the modern city. You’ll hop on an arranged rickshaw for a ride through the winding alleys to have a peek at the daily life of old Beijingers.Then, let’s continue to the Lama Temple, originally built as the residence of Emperor Yongzheng (1678-1735 AD) before he ascended the throne, and later converted into a Tibetan Buddhist monastery after his death. It is widely thought that prayers for career success made here are especially powerful. You may have heard that most of the Chinese identify as non‑religious, but it’s common to see people making wishes to Buddhas. Actually, in China, deities are often regarded as benevolent helpers who can offer guidance or aid, rather than as supreme rulers of the universe, which is quite different from that of other countries.

Today’s last stop is the Summer Palace, an imperial retreat built in 1750 AD, which is 4 times as big as the Forbidden City. Kunming Lake, a man-made body of water, makes up three-quarters of the grounds. The soil excavated to form the lake was used to create Longevity Hill along its northern shore. If time allows, climb the hill for a panoramic view of the entire landscape, and finally we will convoy you back to your hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven (3 stars)

After checking out in the morning, please make your own way to Beijing West Railway Station to catch the high-speed train to Xi’an, with the train tickets provided by us. A hotel-railway station car ride takes about 30 minutes, costing CYN 50 (USD 7). Upon arrival at Xi’an North Station, head to the hotel we booked for you by yourself. Take Metro Line 2 to Beidajie Station (Exit C), and it’s just a five-minute walk to your hotel. Taxi is another choice, which takes about 40 minutes with a fare of CYN 40-50 (USD 5-7).

► Free Time Suggestion
Once you’ve dropped off your luggage, you can relax in your room or venture out by yourself to the Great Tang All Day Mall, one of Xi’an’s most bustling pedestrian streets. As evening sets in, its antique buildings will glow under golden and red lights. Here, you’ll see visitors dressed in traditional costumes with elegant high buns and period-style makeup, creating an atmosphere that transports you back to ancient China. Various live street performances further enrich the immersive historical ambience, making for a memorable night out. After sightseeing, return to the hotel on your own.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Days Inn City Centre Xi'an (3 stars）

After breakfast, the guide and the driver will pick you up from the hotel and escort you to the Terracotta Army Museum to see the underground army of more than 8,000 terracotta soldiers created by China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang (259-210 BC). After failing to find an elixir of immortality, the emperor conscripted 700,000 laborers to spend nearly 40 years creating this clay legion, intended to empower his rule in the afterlife. While observing, you’ll be surprised to find that each figure possesses distinct facial features and expressions. Though their original colors have faded over time, you can still distinguish intricate hairstyles and patterns on their armors.

Later, we’ll return to the city center to visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a landmark erected during the 7th century under the guidance of the renowned monk Xuanzang to house the Buddhist scriptures he brought back from India. Notably, the pagoda’s main gate faces south toward India, honoring the birthplace of Buddhism. Rising in a distinct square pyramidal form, the seven-story structure is characterized by gracefully eaves on each level, which resemble the outstretched wings of wild geese, which is conjectured to have given the pagoda its name. Let’s continue to Xi'an City Wall, China's largest and best-preserved ancient city wall. Touch the bluish-gray bricks that have stood for over six centuries, and look out through the battlements to see the striking blend of traditional tiled roofs inside the walls and modern high-rises beyond. For a more active exploration, you can enjoy cycling on the wall, and our guide can help you arrange the bicycle rental at your own expense.

As evening approaches, we’ll stop at the Muslim Quarter before escorting you back to your hotel. If interested, you can get off here and explore the vibrant food street on your own. The quarter offers an array of local specialties like Chinese hamburger, cold noodles, and sticky rice cake with jujube. After the culinary adventure, you can admire the charming nightscape around the brightly-lit Bell and Drum Towers, and finally return to the hotel on your own, which is just a 15-minute walk away.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Days Inn City Centre Xi'an (3 stars）

Your 6 days budget Beijing Xi'an tour will end today. Early risers can enjoy one final taste of local life independently at the City Wall Park, a leafy strip along the ancient moat where retirees gather to play Tai Chi, dance, and practice sword. Through the park, you’ll also find sculptures and oversized masks of the local opera. 

Afterwards, please make your own way to Xi’an Airport or Xi’an North Railway Station for your following journey. A taxi to the airport takes one hour and costs CNY 100-150 (USD 14-21), while the railway station is roughly 40 minutes’ drive away for 40-50 (USD 5-7).

Should you require further travel services in China, or wish to extend your adventures to other Asian destinations such as Japan or Thailand? We are always here to assist in designing your memorable itinerary.

Meals: Breakfast