Ancient Capitals Discovery: A Heritage Journey Through China's Heartland
A heritage journey through Beijing, Xi'an, Luoyang, Dengfeng, and Shaolin culture
Overview
Trip Highlights
Tiananmen Square · Forbidden City · Jingshan Park · Lama Temple · Shichahai Hutongs · Mutianyu Great Wall (with round-trip cable car) · Temple of Heaven · Muslim Quarter · Ancient City Wall · Terracotta Army Museum · Great Tang All Day Mall · Giant Wild Goose Pagoda · Longmen Grottoes · White Horse Temple · Shaolin Temple · Pagoda Forest · Shaolin Kung Fu Performance
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in Beijing
Welcome to Beijing. After your journey, your China tour begins at an easy pace.
Your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. You may rest in your room or take a short walk nearby to get a first look at the city.
Beijing City Tour
Start your day at Tiananmen Square. Then walk through the Meridian Gate into the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of 24 emperors. Later, go up to Jingshan Park for a wide view over the palace roofs.
In the afternoon, visit the Lama Temple and take part in the simple ritual of incense offering. End the day at Shichahai Lake. Walk around the lakeside and nearby hutongs as the sun goes down.
Great Wall
Today you will visit the Mutianyu Great Wall. Walk along the wall and enjoy the mountain views.
After that, you will visit the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, known for representing the spirit of modern China and its grand Olympic history.
In the evening, take a walk along the Liangma River. The area is calm and lively at the same time, with bars and lights along the water.
High-Speed Train to Xi'an
In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven. You may also join local people practicing Tai Chi in the park.
After the visit, you will be transferred to the train station for your trip to Xi'an. On arrival, your local team will meet you and take you to your hotel.
After arrival, you can first stroll through Muslim Quarter with your guide, get a feel for local life, and sample some regional specialties.
Xi'an City Tour
Explore Xi'an today. Walk on the Ancient City Wall in the old town area.
Later, visit the Terracotta Army Museum, where thousands of life-sized soldiers stand in formation. Then visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty in 652 AD.
In the evening, visit the Great Tang All Day Mall. Enjoy local food and walk through the lively night streets.
High-Speed Train to Luoyang
After breakfast, take a high-speed train to Luoyang. Meet your guide on arrival.
First carved during the Northern Wei Dynasty and reaching its peak in the Tang Dynasty, the Longmen Grottoes were created over more than 400 years. Today, the site preserves 2,345 caves and niches, housing nearly 100,000 statues.
Then visit the White Horse Temple, known as the First Ancient Buddhist Temple in China and the Cradle of Chinese Buddhism. Founded in the 11th year of the Yongping reign of the Eastern Han Dynasty (68 AD), it is regarded as the first official Buddhist temple established after Buddhism was introduced into the Central Plains.
Shaolin Temple Day Tour
In the morning, meet your dedicated local guide, explore the historic Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Chinese Kung Fu, wander through the solemn Pagoda Forest with ancient stupas, and appreciate a breathtaking Shaolin Kung Fu performance featuring authentic martial arts at the professional theater.
After the visit, return to Luoyang in the late afternoon. The evening is free for you to rest and relax.
Departure
Today is your last day in Luoyang. The day is free for you to relax or take a final walk in the city.
When ready, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and take you to the airport or train station. End of your trip.
What's Included & Excluded
- Hotel Accommodation: based on twin share with western style breakfast
- Guide Service: excellent English-speaking tour guide service
- Vehicle Service: air-conditioning coach with experienced drivers
- Domestic Transportation: Internal Air/high-speed train (Economy Class)
- Entrance fees as per itinerary
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- 24/7 On-Call Support
- International Airfare
- Tips for guide and driver
- Personal expenses
- Entry Visa
- Optional Activities
- Payment processing fees
Add-on Options
| Add-on | Description |
|---|---|
| Dinner | If you would like to explore more local cuisine, feel free to ask us—we will be happy to recommend the most authentic and distinctive local dishes. |
| Terracotta Warriors Craft Workshop | If you're still inspired after visiting the Terracotta Warriors, you can join a hands-on workshop nearby to craft your own clay warrior and experience the mindset of ancient artisans from over a thousand years ago. |
| Pedicab Tour of Shichahai | In-depth Pedicab Tour of Shichahai: visit Yinding Bridge, enjoy the night view of Houhai, listen to hutong stories, and immerse yourself in old Beijing culture. |
| Kung Fu Workshop | Near the Shaolin Temple, you'll also take part in kung fu class and experience authentic Chinese kung fu for yourself. |
Hotels
Choose Your Hotel Style
We book accommodation tailored to your preferences and budget:
- Comfort (3-star) — Well-located, great-value hotels
- Premium (4-star) — Spacious rooms with quality amenities
- Luxury (5-star, local brands) — Top Chinese hospitality with distinctive character
- Luxury (5-star, international) — Marriott, Hilton, Shangri-La and other global names
Frequently Asked Questions
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Customize This Private Tour
This is a fully private tour — every route, pace, hotel level and meal can be reshaped around your dates, group size and interests.
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