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Beijing Forbidden City

Tour Overview

This 7-day Beijing and Xian Muslim tour is the best choice for anyone who wants to dive into China’s imperial history and Islamic traditions. The whole journey is designed to connect you with different Muslim communities. We’ll provide private transfers and expert English-speaking guides to travel with you, thus expect everything along the way to be perfectly prepared.

 Beijing will be your first stop. The grand gardens and palaces can show you a sense of going back to China’s profound history. Take a walk in the Forbidden City and trace the splendor of imperial China painted in its red walls. Then hike the majestic Mutianyu Great Wall to embrace a view of the whole city in the wind blowing since thousands of years ago. And also wander through the artistic 798 Art District, to see how art has gradually merged into local people’s life.

And after arriving at Xi’an, we’ll get to uncover the thousands-year-old secrets of the Terracotta Warriors, and explore the city’s iconic Muslim Quarter to taste both culture and incredible flavors carried by the local snacks.

Travel destinations: Beijing, Xian
Suitable for: Muslim Travelers, History & Culture and History Lovers
Tour type: Private

Highlights of this tour:

  • Walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu: Hike one of China’s most scenic stretches of the Great Walland see the city in a broad view.
  • Discover Beijing’s Muslim Heritage: Explore Niujie Mosque, Beijing’s oldest Islamic site and walk in its market for halal treats.
  • Step into the Forbidden City: Immerse yourself in the 600-year-old imperial palaces.
  • Learn the stories of Terracotta Army: Appreciate the delicately made life-sized clay soldiers in Xi’an which have been standing there for thousands of years.
  • Savor Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter: Dive into a foodie paradise and shop for embroidered lanterns in this vibrant alley.

Day-by-day Itinerary

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  1. Welcome to our 7-day Beijing and Xian Muslim tour! When you arrive at Beijing airport or train station, our driver will greet you at the exit by holding a welcome sign with your name. Please board the private car to the local hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free at your disposal.

    After a short rest, you may feel in mood to explore the city for a little bit. In this case, we recommend to take a look of Houhai area in the late afternoon. You can stroll around the lakeside, and enjoy enjoy the vibrant nigh life at one of the waterside cafés.

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    3-Star Hotel in Beijing
  2. After breakfast, get collected from your hotel and begin today's Beijing exploration from the underground palace of Dingling (one of the 13 Ming Dynasty Imperial Mausoleums). Dingling is the tomb of Emperor Shenzong, Zhuyijun, who reigned the nation for 48 years as the longest-serving monarch among all Ming emperors. Following the expert guide to enter the underground palace, you will learn not only the story of the tomb host, Ming Dynasty but also the mausoleum culture and “Feng Shui” culture.

    Beijing Dingling

    After lunch, it’s time for the highlight today: the famous world heritage – the Mutianyu Great Wall. It is the most scenic part of the Chinese Great Wall. It was built in the early Ming Dynasty in 1368 and stretches 5400 meters. In each season this part of the Great Wall will treat visitors with its unique scenery. The usual suggested hiking time is 2 hours on the wall. The cable car is available and optional (cost on your own). If you’d like extra fun in your journey, consider riding a toboggan down from the Mutianyu section.

    People over 60 years old are not recommended to ride the toboggan. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Let your guide aware of your preference, and he/she will assist you on-site to buy the toboggan ticket.

    After hiking on the Great Wall, get on a private car to return hotel. On the way, we will make a stop at Water Cube and Bird's Nest where you can pay an outer visit to the gyms which were specially built for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

    Mutianyu Great Wall in Beijing
    Mutianyu Great Wall

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    3-Star Hotel in Beijing
  3. Please be ready at the hotel lobby after breakfast and expect today’s journey. The first stop is Beijing Foreign Studies University, the highest level of foreign language studies university in China. Stroll on the campus with the guide, listen to the ever-developing history of it, and talk with students to get more ideas about Chinese youth and Chinese education conditions.

    The next stop is Niujie Mosque which is the oldest and largest mosque in Beijing, built in 966. It is regarded as a visiting site for delegations coming from Islamic countries. While non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the prayer hall, people working at the mosque are quite friendly to talk about their beliefs with those who can speak Chinese.

    After lunch, you will be guided to the Muslim Supermarket. This place is also known as the Niujie Muslim Food Street, and it’s one of the best spot for you to enjoy authentic Muslim snacks and cuisine. Hui and Xinjiang-style dishes served along the street are the best, such as beef and lamb kebabs, beef shaobing, and osmanthus cake. And all these flavors are taking you to the real Muslim life in Beijing. You will find all kinds of Muslim snacks and some goods in Muslim style in this largest Muslim market in Beijing.

    The last site to visit is the Summer Palace. It is located in the west skirt of Beijing and covers an area of 290 hectares. The site was built during the Qianlong Era of the Qing Dynasty, and designers back to the time was trying to create a landscape similar to but also as beautiful as West Lake (Hangzhou). And after all these years, it is now the largest and most completely preserved imperial garden in China. Take a boat ride on Kunming Lake (extra fee) to explore its full grandeur. After the tour, you will be escorted to your hotel.

    Summer Palace Boat Trip
    Take a boat tour of Summer Palace

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    3-Star Hotel in Beijing
  4. It's the Beijing downtown highlights discovery day today. The tour in Beijing starts with Tiananmen Square, the heart and symbol of Beijing and the largest city square in the world. The spacious square has been used for many public celebrations, ceremonies, and demonstrations for over a hundred years.

    Next, pay a visit to Forbidden City, one of the largest and most completely preserved palace complexes built of wood. It was the imperial palace in the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368-1912), and it has seen twenty-four emperors of the two dynasties made their reign and left the world with regret or unaccomplished ambition. We’ll spend around 3 hours here, which is basically enough for you to absorb the splendor which still lies in the grand halls and hidden courtyards.

    China Beijing tours to Forbidden City
    Forbidden City

    After a Chinese-style lunch, we will go to 798 Art District. Most buildings here are transformed from the former state-owned factories. These Bauhaus-style buildings attract many artists from all over the world. Today it is the center of Beijing's urban culture. You will meet art galleries, cultural companies, bars, artwork shops, etc. in the 798 Art Zone. Some unique niche exhibitions are held here now and then.

    The last stop is Wangfujing Snack Street where you can enjoy lots of Beijing local foods and snacks. Here you can wander through lively food stalls with Beijing local foods and snacks. Don’t miss the most iconic, such as skewered lamb, sugar-coated haws, and fried dumplings, and they would all be set in a bustling pedestrian zone. After that, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

    Beijing 798 Art District
    798 Art District

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    3-Star Hotel in Beijing
  5. In the morning you will enjoy free time. At around 12:00 noon, your driver will pick you up at noon and send you to the Beijing Train Station to catch your high-speed train to Xian (Suggested: G57/14:05-18:30 or train with a similar schedule). Latest schedule shows train G57 departing 14:05 from Beijing West and arriving Xi’an North at 18:30.

    Upon your arrival in Xian, your driver will meet you at the train station and transfer to your Xian hotel.

    High Speed Train, Vehicle
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    3-Star Hotel in Xi'an
  6. Meet the Xian private tour guide at the hotel lobby and then go to visit the famous Terracotta Warriors. Known as "the Eighth Wonder of the World" and one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century, the museum shows a surprisingly high level of sculpture. The splendid battle formation will leave you with an impressive memory. After visiting the museum, head to a Terracotta Figurine Factory to specialize in the reproduction of the clay warriors, and watch the artisans craft the miniature statues. (You can try making a mini one at your own expense)

    Xian Make a Terracotta Warrior
    Make a Mini Terracotta Warrior

    Following lunch, return to the downtown area to explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a revered ancient structure and a sacred site for Buddhists. Erected to house sutras and Buddha figurines transported from India by the Buddhist scholar and traveler Xuanzang, this well-preserved pagoda stands as a testament to the cultural exchanges between China and India, offering visitors a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Buddhist history and influence in the region.

    In the evening, indulge in a Chinese Dumpling Banquet featuring an array of nearly 20 dumpling varieties filled with delectable vegetables, meats, and seafood. For vegetarian preferences, kindly specify when booking. Following the banquet, immerse yourself in the vibrant Tang Dynasty Dance Show, a captivating performance of music and dance that recreates the cultural richness of the Tang Dynasty from over a thousand years ago. After that, go back to your hotel.

    Tang Dynasty Dance Show
    Tang Dynasty Dance Show

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    3-Star Hotel in Xi'an
  7. After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to the Xian Museum. The museum has collected numerous cultural relics from various eras in the Xi'an area, some of which were unearthed from important dynasties in Chinese history such as the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties, including many exquisite cultural relics. You can learn about the thousand year history and development of Xi'an as a capital. In this scenic area, you can also see the Small Wild Goose Pagoda.

    Then, head to the Xian City Wall - a well-preserved defensive structure encircling the Xian city center. It is built in the early Ming Dynasty and is over 13 km long. One activity you must do here is take a leisurely bike ride on the ramparts while embracing panoramic views down into the old city (optional, at additional cost). Ancient fortifications, which represents the long and profound history, have now merged into modern city life.

    Xian tour with ancient City Wall Cycling
    Our customers ride on the City Wall in February 2023

    In the afternoon, explore the graceful Bell and Drum Tower Square, where you can admire the landmark of Xian - the Bell Tower. A 3-minute walk will lead you to the Muslim Quarter, the best-known food street in Xian. You will be immersed in the lively atmosphere, try local snacks, and explore the unique blend of Chinese and Islamic cultures.

    In the hidden alleys of the Muslim Quarter sits the Great Mosque, one of the two oldest mosques in Xian. The architecture was in traditional Chinese style, combined with Islamic style, with the roofs titled with glazed tiles, and most of the tiles are black.

    After all visits, you will be dropped off at the airport or train station for your departure. Your 7-day Beijing Xian Muslim tour ends here.

    China Xian tours with the Great Mosque
    Great Mosque in Xian

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Tour Price Per Person

The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.

Price Includes

  • Transportation: Beijing-Xian high-speed train (2nd class seats)
  • Accommodation: 4-night economy hotels in Beijing and 2-night in Xian
  • Entrance tickets as mentioned in the itinerary
  • Meals listed in the itinerary
  • Guide: Excellent English-speaking tour guides in Beijing and Xian
  • Private transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle with a licensed driver
  • Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour
  • Government taxes

Price Excludes

  • Visa application or international flights
  • Gratuities (Highly recommended: $4-8 per person per day)
  • Personal expense
  • Any activity not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Optional activities (Cable car & shuttle bus at Great Wall)
  • The tickets for Bell & Drum Tower in Xian

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