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Home China Tours from Beijing 7 Days China Panda & Ancient Capitals Tour
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For travelers who just have one-week in China, we highly recommend you to visit the super ancient capitals - Beijing and Xian and the panda kingdom - Chengdu in one trip. It covers the top destinations in China and you can have enough time to see the symbols of China, including the magnificent Great Wall, imperial Forbidden City, world-discovery Terracotta Warriors and importantly Giant Pandas.

In 7 days, you will travel from Beijing, the capital of China and also the capital of various dynasties and regional regimes, a brilliant city with a long and rich history dating back over 3000 years; move to another world-famous ancient capital of 13 dynasties in history and also the eastern departure point of the Silk Road - Xian to fully understand Chinese history at real cultural sites. Travel to Chengdu, the Hometown of Giant Pandas and famous Chengdu hot pot to see the adorable panda bears and feel the leisure and romantic atmosphere of the happiest city. All itineraries can be customized based on your interests and like. Feel free to tell us your ideas!

You Can Experience “Must-see & Must-do” with This Tour
Highlight 1: Meet the adorable pandas and new-born baby pandas at the real Hometown of Giant Pandas in Chengdu
Highlight 2: Make an interesting visit to the Land of Abundance and feel the laid-back atmosphere in its parks and tea-houses and have a taste of the famous Sichuan cuisine
Highlight 3: Catch the breathtaking view of the Great Wall - a perfect example of architecture integrated into the landscape
Highlight 4: Stroll along the central axis of the Forbidden City to feel the royal majesty and listen to the story of 24 emperors over the following 500 years
Highlight 5: Gaze at the thousands of the life-sized Terracotta Warriors lined up in battle formation and the superbly sculpted faces bring the past alive in a unique way
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Itinerary at a Glance

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Beijing (3 Days)

Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Tian’anmen Square, Summer Palace, Bird’s Nest and Water Cube

Xian (2 Days)

Terracotta Warriors, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient Wall, Muslim Quarter, Shaanxi History Museum

Chengdu (2 Days)

Chengdu Panda Base, Wenshu Monastery, Renmin Park, Jinli Old Street

Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1 Beijing Arrival | Airport Pick-up and Hotel Check-in

Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Beijing, the tour guide and driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Beijing. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.

Arrival Ideas:
Beijing is well connected by air and high speed rail. There are two airports - Beijing Daxing International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport operating many international and domestic airlines. Travelers can go to Beijing by air from most cities of China, like Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xian, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, Chongqing, and Lanzhou. In addition, travelers can take the high speed train to Beijing from Xian (4-5 hours), Shanghai (4.5-6 hours), Zhengzhou (2.5-3 hours), Wuhan (4-5 hours), Harbin (5-5.5 hours), etc.

Free Time Ideas:
You are welcome to ask your tour guide for some useful tips to spend your free time based on your time and interest.

Day 2 Beijing City Tour | Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Great Wall

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and then head to Tian’anmen Square, which is the world’s largest public square and also the symbol of China. It has witnessed many big events in China over the past decades.

Walk across the square and you will visit the might and splendor of the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex and one-time home to 24 emperors of China. With over 8,728 rooms, the Forbidden City is not only China’s largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings, but also a city within the city, like the Vatican in Rome. Enter through Meridian Gate and visit along the central axis to ensure you won’t miss any highlighted palaces. You can admire its brilliant architecture and numerous ancient art treasures while listening to your guide and learning more about the emperors’ stories hidden inside the Imperial Palace.

In this afternoon, head northwest of Beijing (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive, 73km) to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. The Great Wall boasts a history over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient masterpieces on the planet. Mutianyu Great Wall is connected with the Jiankou Great Wall in the west and the Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. Mutianyu is the longest and best fully-restored Great Wall with fewer tourists and is also famed for its 23 Ming-era watchtowers and stunning views. Take the cable car up to the 14th watchtower and then enjoy the memorable hiking time on the wall while visiting its western route. With the green pines and cypresses covering the surrounding area, and the winding wall standing majestically on the vast land, you will capture the most stunning natural scenery in this section. Challenge yourselves while climbing up to the 20th watchtower where you could fulfill your Great Wall dream. Cherish the chance and take photos as many as you like!

Recommended Optional Activity: You can try the famous Peking Roasted Duck at Quanjude this evening.

Day 3 Beijing City Tour | Beijing to Xian by High Speed Train

This morning you will head to Temple of Heaven. Located in Beijing's Tiantan Park, the Temple of Heaven is much bigger than the Forbidden City and smaller than the Summer Palace. As a World Heritage, the Temple of Heaven (Taoist temple) is also known for its rigorous symbolic layout, peculiar structure, and magnificent decoration. The Temple of Heaven used to be a place to offer sacrifice to Heaven by 22 Chinese emperors twice a year for good harvests. You can learn more about the grand praying ceremony there, as well as observe the amazing designs such as the Echo Wall and the Triple Sound Stones. Nowadays, it is also a park for local people to do morning exercise and you are welcome to join them.

If there is more time, you can also enjoy the relaxing time exploring the ordinary local life through the old Hutongs. Take a rickshaw tour to travel through the narrow alleys with many featured shops standing on both sides.

After the tour, you will be escorted to the train station for a high-speed train to Xian (about 4.5-5.5 hours). Welcome to Xian, the capital of 13 ancient China dynasties! Upon your arrival at the train station, the tour guide and driver will greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel in Xian.

Day 4 Xian City Tour | Terracotta Warriors, Ancient Wall, Muslim Quarter

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. Drive about 40km (about 1 hour) to uncover one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world - the Terracotta Army Museum, which was built by the first emperor of China - Qin Shihuang to protect him in his afterlife. There are about 8,000 vivid life-size Terracotta Warriors found so far. First, pay a visit to the largest and most imposing pit which is believed to contain over 6,000 terracotta figures of soldiers and horses. You will be amazed by the subterranean life-size army of thousands silently standing and guarding the emperor and also be awed by the fabulous artistic skills of ancient Chinese artisans. Next, move to another pit where you can feast your eyes with around 1300 warriors and horses. You can get to examine the ancient army array by visiting the kneeling and standing archers, the chariot war array and numerous troopers holding weapons, etc. (Note: If you are interested, you can learn how to make a mini terracotta warrior.)

After lunch, drive back to downtown to visit the Ancient City Wall (also known as the Fortification of Xian). The city wall is a kind of defensive structure in Ancient Times and represents one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved Chinese city walls. Spend some time leisurely walking on the wall and enjoy its inner and outer walls, watchtowers, and moat, and have panoramic views of modern Xian.

Late in the afternoon, go to explore the vivid local life when you go to wander happily around the bustling and lively Muslim Quarter. It is a paradise mixed with different local snacks and Muslim culture.

Day 5 Xian to Chengdu by High Speed Train | Shaanxi History Museum

This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to visit Shaanxi History Museum. Regarded as “the Pearl of ancient dynasties and house of Chinese treasures”, it has collections of 130,000 historical artifacts, showing visitors a miniature overview of thousand years of Chinese history and the splendid ancient cultures of old times. Enjoy the educational visit while exploring historical relics ranging from bronze ware from the Western Zhou Dynasty, and terracotta figures, to gold and silverware and murals discovered in Tang tombs. Later, pay a visit to the Tang-style Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the landmark of Xian situated in the Da Ci’en Temple.

After the tour, you will be escorted to the train station for a high speed train to Chengdu (about 3.5-4 hours). Upon your arrival in Chengdu, your guide will meet you at the exit of the train station and escort you to your hotel in Chengdu downtown area. The rest of today is free on your own to explore this laid-back city well known for Giant Pandas and Sichuan cuisine. The Sichuan hotpot and Sichuan Opera are highly recommended evening activities.

Day 6 Chengdu Classic Tour | Chengdu Panda Base, Jinli Old Street

After breakfast, you are going to fulfill your panda dream with a 17-kilometer drive to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Also called Chengdu Panda Base, accommodated over 100 pandas, it is the base with the largest population of captive giant pandas in the world. You will see giant pandas of different ages there. It’s great fun to watch them playing, eating, climbing, sleeping… If you come in autumn, you will have the chance to see the pink newborn giant panda cubs in the Sunshine Nursery House and the Moonlight Nursery House. Besides giant pandas, you can also meet the cute red pandas walking by your side in the Red Panda Playgrounds. Then follow your guide to discover more about panda’s secrets through the Panda Museum. (Note: Pandas like cool weather, so we advise you to arrive there early as pandas are more active in the morning.)

Later, be transferred to the best preserved Buddhist monastery in Chengdu - Wenshu Monastery to feel the peaceful atmosphere. Pay a visit to Chengdu’s Renmin Park to witness the city’s leisurely lifestyle and how the local people are doing. Order a cup of fragrant green tea while sitting in the time-honored tea-house, chat with your friends and see local playing mahjong and having fun. After that, return to Chengdu downtown for an relaxing stroll at Jinli Old Street. With a history over 1,800 years, it showcases the profound cultures of Ancient Shu Kingdom. Take a nice walk on the traditional stone-paved street full of delicious local snacks, delicate artifacts, interesting folk shows, etc.

Day 7 Chengdu Departure | Hotel Check-out and Airport See-off

It is time to end your 7-day China tour. You will have some free time in Chengdu and explore more on your own till your guide escorts you to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia!

Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

Price: Request
The above price is based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on travel date, group size, hotel class, program in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
Price varies depending on travel date, group size, hotel class, program in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.

What’s Included?

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Experienced drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
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Professional licensed English-speaking local guide
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Hotel accommodation with breakfasts
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Domestic flights (economy class) or high-speed trains (second class) listed in the itinerary
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Admission tickets, activities, meals listed in the itinerary
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Accident insurance
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Our service from tour planning, handling, operational and finishing your trip

What’s Excluded?

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International airfares
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Entry visa fees
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Personal expenses
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Single room supplement
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Recommended optional activities
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Arrival/departure flights or train on the first and last day
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Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers

Important Trip Notes for Booking a Private China Tour

How do I book a private China tour?
It is very simple to book a private China tour. Select the tour you are interested, and click “Make an Enquiry for Free”. Tell us your demands and likes while submitting the form. During this process, you don’t need to pay immediately. After sending us your requirements, one of our professional travel experts will get back to you within 0.5 to 24 hours. When all the information have confirmed, then you make the deposit. Please feel free to contact the travel expert directly if you have any questions prior to booking.
Extend Your China Tour
The above itinerary is the sample one that most travelers would go like that. The tour can be customized based on your likes, interests and budget. At the same time, if you want to extend this tour, just tell us your favored destinations and things to do. Our professional travel experts will redesign the trip totally for you and your group at the best price. Tell us your ideas now >>
Transportation
In a private tour, it means you will transfer to the tourist attractions in one city by private vehicle. The private car we selected is spacious, comfortable and air-conditioned. And the driver we use are very experienced. As for traveling between two destinations, we use domestic flights (economy seat) or high speed trains (second class seat, usually less than 6 hours). The local guides and drivers will pick you up at the airport/train stations, and escort you to the hotel.
Meals
“B” stands for breakfast. You will have it at your hotel in the morning.
“L” stands for lunch. The restaurants we will arrange for you are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. All are in good sanitary conditions. Your guide will assist you with ordering the dishes.
“D” means dinner. All dinners are excluded in the itinerary. You have the chance to taste some authentic Chinese food and local snacks.
If you have special dietary requirements (vegetarian, halal, kosher, Indian, or gluten-free), please let us know before your booking. We will try our best to take care of you.

Accommodation & Hotel Condition for Your China Tour

Recommended 4 Star Hotel in China
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Recommended 4 Star Hotel in China
Recommended 4 Star Hotel in China
Recommended 4 Star Hotel in China
Have a good sleep everyday is very important during your China tour. In a private tour, you can decide on your own which hotel class you want - luxury 5 star, comfortable 4-star or economic 3-star.
All the hotels in each destination we selected are at good location, close to commercial street or tourist attractions. And, all the hotels we use have a business relationship for many years and they have windows, air-conditioners, hot water, showers, wifi... (except for basic accommodation condition when travel to Mount Everest) to ensure you luxury and comfortable sleep experience. The staff can speak English and they will provide you the high quality service. If you have any requirements, you can ask them to help.

Photo Gallery for This Itinerary

  • Tian’anmen Square
  • Forbidden City
  • Forbidden City
  • Forbidden City
  • Mutianyu Great Wall
  • Mutianyu Great Wall
  • Mutianyu Great Wall
  • Temple of Heaven
  • Temple of Heaven
  • Ancient City Wall, Xian
  • Terracotta Warriors, Xian
  • Muslim Quarter
  • Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
  • Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
  • Chengdu’s Renmin Park

What Travelers are Saying about This Tour

Let’s see what our customers said about the above trip and you can browse the recent reviews and opinions on tour arrangements, tour guides, drivers/cars, attractions, dining, hotels... And, you can learn from their detailed itineraries for further planning your China tour! Read and get inspired now!
China Tour Review
Robin G
Rating: star star star star star
Reviewed on Dec. 2022
Wonderful Experience
Very professional and knowledgeable. Could not of asked for better planning. The explanations were detailed and interesting. The local restaurant choices were delicious. When asked to be flexible or help with plans outside the scheduled tour they were very happy to accommodate. Highly recommend and very very happy with this tour!
China Tour Review
Mouhannad A
Rating: star star star star star
Reviewed on Nov. 2022
Memorable trip!!!
One of the best trips I ever had, I give five stars for the professionalism and good itinerary. I had a great informatory trip. The guide was very knowledgeable with all part of and the city. His historic background is rich and coming from the heart. Our driver was very careful and patient with traffic and both were very prompt. Food was ok and service was good. I highly recommend this travel agency, if you go to China make sure to use them.
China Tour Review
Linda Z
Rating: star star star star star
Reviewed on Oct. 2022
Amazing trip in China
We had an amazing time in each place we visited. If we come back to China we will definitely use this travel agency again. We couldn’t fault any part of our trip!
China Tour Review
Peter F
Rating: star star star star star
Reviewed on Oct. 2022
Excellent Service
We used Asia Odyssey Travel to plan our 2 week itinerary within China. They booked all hotels, flights, cars and guides. The organisation and execution of the plan was excellent and we were well looked after. Highly recommended.
China Tour Review
Peter J
Rating: star star star star star
Reviewed on Aug. 2022
Excellent holidays
We had a great holiday. They listen to our needs and adapt the trip according to our desires. The guides are excellent and very effective. I recommend and I will certainly reuse them for the next vacation.
China Tour Review
Sylvan G
Rating: star star star star star
Reviewed on July 2022
An Exceptional Tour with AOT - Highly Recommended!
Every aspect of the tour was well-organized and professional, and our tour guide Tony was a true gem. She was knowledgeable and friendly and took care of every small detail to ensure we had a great time at every destination. The hotels, transport, and activities were all top-notch, and we felt well taken care of throughout the trip. We have already recommended Asia Odyssey Travel to our friends and family, and we will definitely use their services again. Thank you for making our vacation so memorable and enjoyable!
China Tour Review
Mini L
Rating: star star star star star
Reviewed on Mar. 2022
First adventure in China
This was our first adventure since moving to China and it did not disappoint!!! Guilin and YangShuo are some of the most beautiful places on earth. If you are thinking of going - don't think, GO!! It's truly a magical area with some of the most scenic scapes I've ever experienced.
China Tour Review
Rebecca M
Rating: star star star star star
Reviewed on Jul. 2021
Professional and quality service. Excellent trip!
Our trip to Guilin with Asia Odyssey Travel was AWESOME! Seriously, stop trying to plan a trip yourself and book through them. They took care of everything and made the trip ideal for us and the activities we enjoy.
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Destinations
  • Beijing
  •  
  • Xian
  •  
  • Chengdu
Tour Information
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Flexible Dates
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Trusted Route
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Guaranteed Experience
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Trip Style: Private Tour (flexible travel dates & numbers of travelers)
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Tour Code: AOT-FBJ-019
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Travel Route: Beijing - Xian - Chengdu
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Features: History, Culture, Pandas, World Heritages

Price: Request

(Based on a private tour for two people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people.)

Free Enquiry! You don’t need to pay for the reservation.

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