Beijing, Datong, Xi'an History Exploration

Itinerary

• Day 1: Beijing Arrival, Hutong Exploration

  Welcome to Beijing! Your guide will pick you up at the airport or train station according to your arrival time. After check-in the hotel, explore this historic and vibrant city at your own pace. As night fall, immerse in the neon charm of Sanlitun, the "cosmopolitan center", or have a sip at Shichahai as you enjoy the serenity of the nature.

  • Beijing

• Day 2: Beijing Historic Essence: Forbidden City & Summer Palace

  Appreciate Beijing's deep history and culture from the city's landmarks. Your first stop is Tiananmen Square, one of the largest square in the world. Stroll around it to learn about modern China's political symbols. Then, walk to Forbidden City, the former imperial palace home to 24 emperors. The vast complex, assigned symmetrically, consists of 980 buildings with more than 8,700 rooms, and holds extensive collections of relics. Your tour includes the main halls, the priceless collections, and spots with interesting legends and anecdotes. Climb to Jingshan Park to take in the panoramic views of the palaces.

  Conclude your day at Beijing's traditional residential areas - Hutong. Take a rickshaw ride and learn calligraphy or drawing Peking Opera facial makeup with local people.

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  • Beijing

• Day 3: Temple of Heaven, Mutianyu Great Wall

  Start your morning with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, an imperial religious buildings complex that once served as a sacred alter during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Beyond its historical grandeur, the spacious park comes alive each morning with locals practicing Tai Chi, traditional opera, shuttlecock, or sword dancing - offering a vibrant glimpse into Beijing's living culture.

  After soaking in the peaceful yet energetic atmosphere, continue your journey to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most scenic and well-preserved parts of this world wonder. Take a cable car up, hike from one watchtower to another, capture stunning views, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring history that winds through every stone.

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  • Beijing

• Day 4: Transfer to Datong, Timeless Treasures Discovery

  In the morning, take a bullet train to Datong (about 2 hours), another historic gem of China known for its deep roots in Buddhism and magnificent grottoes.

  Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin your exploration at the Huayan Temple, rebuilt from its Liao Dynasty (1038 AD) prototype. As you walk through its serene courtyards and halls, gain insight into how Buddhism journeyed from India to China and shaped Chinese culture over millennia.

  Then, admire the exquisite Nine Dragon Screen Wall. Once the ceremonial front of a now-reconstructed royal residence, this vivid structure showcases intricate craftsmanship and significant symbolism.

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  • Datong

• Day 5: Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple

  Today, set off to explore the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage and one of the most important Buddhist cave complexes in China. Dating back to the 5^th and 6^th century, this remarkable site homes 1,100 Buddhist niches, 51,000 statues, and a wealth of exquisite religious mural paintings.

  Afterward, continue to the Hanging Temple, an architectural marvel that clings to the sheer face of a cliff. Built over 1,500 years ago, this gravity-defying monastery blends elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism in its design. As you explore, your guide will share you the stories and secrets behind this amazing engineering wonder.

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  • Datong

• Day 6: Transfer to Xi'an, Chinese-Style Makeup Experience

  In the morning, head to Xi'an by a bullet train (about 5-6 hours). After taking a brief rest at your hotel, soak in the vibrant atmosphere at the Great Tang All Day Mall, an archaic pedestrian lined with traditional-style buildings, glowing lanterns, and intricate statues that echo the splendors of the Tang Dynasty from a thousand years ago. Dress in an elegant Han-style costume and ramble around to enjoy a fully immersive experience.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 7: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall and Drum Tower

  In the morning, discover one of the world-famous archaeological finds - Terracotta Warriors and Horses, featuring over 8,000 life-size figures crafted over 2,000 years ago to guard Emperor Qinshihuang in the afterlife. Don't miss the bronze chariots and horses, intricate models also unearthed from the emperor's mausoleum.

  After your exploration, return to Xi'an city center to visit the Ancient City Wall,  one of China's best-preserved ancient defenses. Walk along this time-honored ramparts, admire its massive gates and watchtowers, and take in panoramic views of old and modern Xi'an.

  Wrap up your day at the 600-year-old Drum Tower. Inside, view an impressive collections of drums made in different eras and varying in different sizes, and learn how these ceremonial instruments were used to mark time and signal major events.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 8: Xi'an Home Visit & Departure

  Start your morning with a heartwarming visit to a local family, a flavorful way to connect with local traditions. Enjoy friendly conversation with your hosts as they share stories and customs unique to their cultural heritage. You'll also have the chance to try your hand at making traditional Chinese dishes, such as dumplings or noodles.

  After this enriching cultural exchange and a home-style lunch, you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey, bringing your unforgettable exploration of China's history, culture, and hospitality to a meaningful close.

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