7 Days China Iconic Tour: Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors & Pandas

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing Arrival

   Welcome to the capital city of Beijing. This 7-day trip to China will begin here. After arriving at the airport, your driver will pick you up and take you to a hotel in the city center for check-in. You can familiarize yourself with this ancient capital with a history of over 800 years in the remaining time.

   What to Do During Free Time:

   Feel free to ask your travel consultant for some guides to spend your free time based on your interest.

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
2. Day 2: Great Wall in Beijing
   Experience a Scenic Great Wall Hike with Panoramic Views

   Today you will spend nearly entire day visiting the Mutianyu Great Wall. It is 5,400 meters long and is the longest Great Wall in China. It was built on the mountains and hills, with a vegetation coverage rate of over 96%. The scenery varies throughout the four seasons. Compared to Badaling, there are fewer tourists at Mutianyu and the facilities are well-maintained with clear English instructions.

   

   After arriving at the scenic area, to save your energy, you can pay an extra fee (optionally) to take a comfortable enclosed cable car to the Great Wall. Get off the cable car near the No.14 tower and take a leisurely walk to enjoy the scenery or challenge the famous steep sections such as the steps leading to the No.20 tower. Of course, if you have good physical strength, save the cable car fee and climb up to the Great Wall from the bottom. On your way down, choose the thrilling toboggan (many of China Xian Tour’s young customers say this is interesting and worth trying).

   If you come here in spring, you will see the mountains covered with flowers. In autumn, the maple leaves will color the mountains red. Therefore, it is recommended that you bring a camera!

   After the visit, on the way back to the hotel, make a brief stop at the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, symbols of the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Have a close look at the exterior of the buildings and take some photos.

   For dinner, if you would like to eat Peking Duck, tell your tour guide in advanced and she/he will arrange it for you (optional).

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
3. Day 3: Beijing to Xi'an by High-speed Train
   Discover Imperial Heritage at the Forbidden City

   You will be guided to Tiananmen Square after breakfast, one of the largest city squares in the world and a symbol of China. Learn about some Chinese historical events happened here.

   

   Walk north for 10 minutes to the Palace Museum, aka the Forbidden City, located at the center of Beijing's central axis. 24 Chinese emperors who ruled during the Ming and Qing dynasties once lived here. Your tour guide will tell you about royal family stories, who built the Forbidden City, why it got this name and facts about some famous halls while you walk through the beautiful rooms and gates of the palace. Currently, according to measurements, there are 8700 rooms in the Forbidden City and you will visit some of them to glimpse the past.

   After lunch, you will be transferred to take a high-speed train to one of the two ancient capitals of thirteen dynasties - Xi’an. Upon arrival, you can experience Xian nightlife on your own at Tang Dynasty Ever-Bright City, a pedestrian street with a theme of prosperous Tang culture.

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   4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
4. Day 4: Xi'an Terracotta Army Tour
   Uncover Ancient Wonders, City Defenses, Authentic Local Flavors

   Once you have finished breakfast, have a drive of 40 km (1 hour) to the Eighth Wonder of the World - Terracotta Warriors and Horses built for China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. To date, over 8000 life-sized clay warriors have been discovered. The first site you will visit is the largest pit which is thought to have over 6000 figures, both soldiers and horses in it. Your next stop will be at another pit which is home to nearly 1300 of warriors and horses. Pit No.3 shows the command center. After the visit, you will learn how to make a mini terracotta warrior near the museum (included).

   

   In the afternoon, drive back to touch the city’s history on the Ancient City Wall. The largest and best-preserved city wall was a defensive structure in ancient times and learn about its improtance from your tour guide. You can leisurely walk on it, seeing its outer and inner watchtowers, or you can pay on site for riding a bike on the wall.

   After that, hunt for some delicious Shaanxi snacks at Muslim Quarter. Some recommended ones include steamed dumplings with soup, Roujiamo, Liangpi, Mutton and Bread Pieces in Soup. You will be sent back to the hotel after the food walking tour.

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   4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
5. Day 5: Xi’an to Chengdu by Hih-speed Train
   Visit a City Landmark for History and Spirituality

   You will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda which serves as a landmark building of Xi'an during your morning activity. Master Xuanzang built the first structure in 652 AD to store Buddhist scriptures and statues which he had returned from India. The pagoda is a seven storey square brick tower within Daci'en Temple which permits you to pay extra for access to its highest point where you can view all of Xi'an city. The temple features a peaceful space where you can take leisurely walks and restore your mental focus.

   

   After the visit, take a high-speed train to Chengdu, the hometown of giant pandas. After arrival, a local driver will pick you up and escort you to the hotel in the city center to check in. At night, you can enjoy SKP's iconic "Tower of Vitality" landscape water column on your own. Under the carefully designed lighting system, they present a futuristic visual effect.

   Besides giant pandas, hotpot is another label in Chengdu. You are recommended to taste authentic spicy hot pot for dinner.

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   4-Star Hotel in Chengdu
6. Day 6: Chengdu Essences
   Encounter Adorable Wildlife, Slow-Paced Lifestyle, Rich Traditional Culture

   You need to wake up early in the morning to see the active pandas. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding simulates the wild ecological environment of giant pandas and has built giant panda delivery rooms, breeding areas, research centers, hospitals and luxury panda "villas". After entering the park, your tour guide will take you to visit panda cubs, panda eating, climbing trees and playing. Through the Panda Museum, you can learn about their current living conditions and habits.

   

   Next, visit Wenshu Temple, the most intact Buddhist temple in Chengdu. The temple has a serene environment offering a rare oasis in the midst of the bustling city. Then, in People's Park, you can learn about the pace of life in Chengdu. Find a teahouse and sit down to enjoy tea. If you are interested, you can watch the locals playing mahjong. After that, head to Jinli Street, a traditional commercial district inspired by the Three Kingdoms culture and local customs. It features local snacks and handicraft stores such as Sichuan embroidery and shadow puppetry.

   If you are interested in traditional arts, pay to watch the classic Sichuan Opera face-changing performance. After all visits, drive you back to your hotel.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Chengdu
7. Day 7: Chengdu Departure

   After breakfast, your driver will pick you up at the agreed time and then transfer you to the airport or train station. Your 7-day Beijing Xian Chengdu tour comes to an end. Safe travels. Thank you so much for traveling with China Xian Tour! Hope to see you on your next China trip.

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