What to See & Do in Beijing and Xian
As a must-selected itinerary for tourists, Beijing Xian tour contains the best Beijing Xian attractions to present you the profound Chinese history and culture.
Among 47 world heritage sites in China, Beijing and Xian account for 7 in total, including Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, Terracotta Warriors, etc. All those heritage sites offer opportunities for you to discover the root of China in certain cultural background and explore the glorious history in different dynasties.
Serving as the capital city of China and long history, Beijing is endowed with countless historic and scenic spots. Comparing with the contemporary art and design, those historic buildings boast of precious value of aesthetic and no matter when you visit, they have the capacity to surprise.
Comparing with towering modern city, Xian still keeps its ancient frame. Whether you go to remarkable Terracotta Warriors, awe-inspiring Ancient City Wall or religious Big Wild Goose Pagoda, all wake up this cities’ hallowed history spontaneously.
What to See & Do in Beijing
As is known to all, Great Wall is the symbol of Beijing, ever China. And the best way to appreciate its majesty is hiking or trekking, which will enjoy the vast and diverse scenery to the most. With enough time, you can take several days to explore different sections of Great Wall, also you can choose the most popular way to spend several hours to hike round the Badaling and Mutianyu sections.
Traveling to Beijing downtown, you can take Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City as the classic pair. Filled with visitors strolling and kites flit overhead, Tian’anmen is also served as a stage for popular demonstrations of raising the national flag, which is worth seeing on the spot; while Forbidden city is a more solemn architecture with an imperial compendium and a lasting monument of dynastic China for nearly 500 years.
Avoiding the rush traffic hour, you can go further to the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace to see more. Once served as an altar to make sacrifices and pray to heaven, the Temple of Heaven (Tian Tan) will give you chance to admire the great temple complexes and enjoy a paradigm of Chinese architectural balance and symbolism; turn to the Summer Palace, you will be taken to the idyllic corners of Beijing and create a natural composition, with numerous peaceful temples, shrines, bridges, walkways and ceremonial halls harmonizing perfectly.
With enough time, you can travel length and breadth of Beijing to find more historical sites, like Ming Tombs, Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, etc. to get to know more about this city.
Beijing Local Experience
Together with numerous historical sites, Beijing also has abundant culture. Since it’s impossible to fathom the Beijing culture in short time, getting to some facets is doable. The Hutong culture is one of the best representatives to reveal of the charm of old Beijing and Peking Roast Duck as the famous local food will provide an opportunity to join in the local food culture.
Beijing Great Wall
Forbidden City
Beijing Courtyard (Siheyuan)
What to See & Do in Xian
Regarded as the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Terracotta Warriors Army is a must-see attraction. Based on the real soldiers of the Qin dynasty, those clayey Terracotta Warriors and Horses can be seen up close to find the coating and carved patterns. Looking down at the mighty thousands of warriors, you can easily imagine the splendid Qin dynasty.
As the rarely survived ancient wall in China, Xian Ancient City Wall is most complete preserved with different ramparts and four gates spreading to four directions of east, west, south and north. Strolling on the spacious and solid ancient city wall, you can have a panoramic view of whole Xian city. Having a short cycling on the city wall is another enjoyment. Also you can go further to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda nearby to learn the Buddhism in Tang dynasty and visit engraved fine statues of Buddha.
Marked as the geographical center of ancient Xian, the Bell & Drum Tower is a pair situated in the Xian downtown with 300 meters distance. Now as the historical sites, both have preserved precious cultural relics. Also you can beat the bell and drum for fun and appreciate the architecture style. Near the Drum Tower you can visit the Great Mosque, one of the largest mosques in China and a fascinating blend of Chinese and get to know more about Islamic architecture in Ming and Qing dynasty. If you are lucky, you can happen to join in local Muslim festival and activities.
Xian Local Experience
With the above attractions, there are some activities for tourists to experience the ancient Xian culture and local resident life, such as Tang Dynasty Show and the authentic Xian Dumpling Banquet.
Check all things to do in Xian
Xian Terracotta Warriors
Xian Ancient City Wall
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Recommended Beijing Xian Tours
Top 3 Beijing Xian tours chosen by most customers to explore Beijing Xian in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.
5 Days Beijing Xian Highlights Tour by High Speed Train
Beijing / Xian
6 Days China History & Mystery Tour (by Flight)
Beijing / Xian
8 Days Beijing Xian Tour with Pingyao Ancient City
Beijing / Pingyao / Xian
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