Beijing
3 nights · Dongsi / Dengshikou
A central base for the palace day and hutong walks, with a simple return after the Wall.
Beijing · 3 nights
Xi’an · 2 nightsBeijing and Xi’an: emperors in six days
Beijing’s palace and the Great Wall, then the Terracotta Army and Xi’an’s walled old city, leaving from Xi’an.
Why this itinerary works
Two capitals, one train: three Beijing nights, two in Xi’an, and no doubling back.
The Wall and the warriors each get a full day; nothing else competes with them.
Xi’an’s wall and food lanes are next to the hotel, so they fill the short ends of days instead of needing their own.
The itinerary
The moments you’ll remember
Your first evening by Houhai, lights trembling on the water.
Shichahai (Houhai Lakes) ›Morning footsteps cross one vast courtyard after another.
The Palace Museum (Forbidden City) ›The Wall rolls over the hills as far as you can see.
Mutianyu Great Wall ›
Hot skewers and warm flatbread after the train.
Muslim Quarter (Huimin Street) ›
The first pit opens below, clay warriors row upon row.
Terracotta Army (Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum) ›
The old city laid out square below you from the wall.
Xi'an City Wall ›6 moments · swipe →
Before you go
- Mutianyu Great Wall — Official English booking calendar: 30 calendar dates including today (up to 29 days ahead). Check that channel for your visit date.
- The Palace Museum — Official international website and 故宫博物院 mini-program: book before the visit day; same-day tickets are not sold. Sales open at 20:00 Beijing time seven days before the visit.
- Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum — Reserve your chosen date and time slot through the museum’s official website or account before travelling. Check the currently available dates in that booking calendar.
Choose a dated rail or flight service before booking.
Day by day
MorningAfternoonEvening
Beijing · 3 nights
Day 1
Arrive in Beijing
Only a short lake-and-lanes walk after check-in; drop it after a late arrival.
Arrive in Beijing
Free
Day 2
The palace and its rooftop panorama
Enter through the Meridian Gate, walk north and leave by the back gate straight into Jingshan.
Day 3
Mutianyu gets the day
The afternoon is reserved for the outing and return. Leave the evening empty.
Reserved for the outing or journey
Free
Xi’an · 2 nights
Day 4
Train to Xi’an, then dinner in the food lanes
Keep morning and afternoon clear for the train, station access and check-in.
Train to Xi’an
Reserved for the outing or journey
Day 5
The Terracotta Army, a pagoda at dusk
The warriors take most of the day. The pagoda and its lit-up avenue are an easy, removable evening if you still have energy.
Free
Day 6
A wall-top morning, then leave from Xi’an
Walk or cycle one stretch of the wall, then head for your flight or train.
Free
Free
Comes with the plan
Before you go
- Mutianyu Great Wall — Official English booking calendar: 30 calendar dates including today (up to 29 days ahead). Check that channel for your visit date.
- The Palace Museum — Official international website and 故宫博物院 mini-program: book before the visit day; same-day tickets are not sold. Sales open at 20:00 Beijing time seven days before the visit.
- Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum — Reserve your chosen date and time slot through the museum’s official website or account before travelling. Check the currently available dates in that booking calendar.
Rail or flight legs need a dated service before booking.
Perks on this itinerary
Turn a long layover into a look at Beijing →Check the senior entry benefit before buying →Browse perks and check eligibility →Your dates, checked
Use the calendar to check holidays and typical weather. Published sessions and opening days depend on your exact dates.
Check dates →Not quite your case? Ask it.
Make it yours
Pick your dates and review how the itinerary fits your trip.