5 days · Beijing + Xi'an
A compact history-focused route connecting Beijing's imperial landmarks and Great Wall with Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors and old city atmosphere.
Day-by-day timeline
Day 1
Arrive and settle into your hotel.
Visit Temple of Heaven or take a gentle hutong walk depending on energy.
Eat Peking duck or noodles near your hotel.
Airport Express, metro, or ride-hailing depending on luggage.
Jianbing, zhajiangmian, or duck are easy first-day choices.
Choose a central hotel to save time over the next two days.
Do mobile payment setup before leaving the hotel area.
Day 2
Visit Tian'anmen area and the Forbidden City.
Climb Jingshan Park and continue to Shichahai if energy allows.
Relax in Wangfujing, Qianmen, or Sanlitun.
Metro plus walking; major sights involve long pedestrian routes.
Try hot pot or Beijing-style snacks.
Book attraction tickets directly where possible to avoid unnecessary markups.
Carry your passport and allow time for security checks.
Day 3
Leave early for Mutianyu Great Wall.
Return to Beijing and rest before dinner.
Pack and prepare for tomorrow's transfer.
Use a transfer or tour that picks up near your hotel.
Simple local dinner after returning to the city.
A cable car adds cost but saves energy on a short itinerary.
Do not plan a major museum after the Great Wall.
Day 4
Take a high-speed train or flight to Xi'an.
Check in and visit the City Wall near South Gate.
Explore the Muslim Quarter and Bell Tower area.
High-speed rail is comfortable; flights may save time depending on fares and hotel locations.
Try roujiamo, biangbiang noodles, and liangpi.
Train station meals are convenient but city-center noodles are better value.
Confirm whether your train arrives at Xi'an North Railway Station.
Day 5
Visit the Terracotta Warriors outside Xi'an.
Return for Big Wild Goose Pagoda or Shaanxi History Museum if tickets are available.
Depart or stay one extra night for a slower finish.
Use a private car, guided transfer, or official tourist bus.
Have a noodle lunch after the museum visit.
A guide can add context at the Terracotta Warriors and may be worth the cost.
Allow enough time for airport or train departure; the warriors are not in the city center.
Travel kit
Printable route kits are planned for travelers who want addresses, booking reminders, daily timing, and backup notes in one compact file.
Book the major transport, first hotel, and any hard-to-get attraction tickets. Leave meals, neighborhood walks, and backup stops flexible so the route can absorb jet lag, weather, and station delays.
Keep the anchor stop, remove one paid attraction, and use taxis or ride-hailing for the longest city hops. A calmer route is usually better than rushing through every item.
Free PDF checklist
Use the PDF to confirm documents, payment, apps, hotel addresses, transport plans, food basics, and emergency phrases before your first sightseeing day.
Use it before you fly and again on arrival day.
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