• Forbidden City
  • Temple of Heaven
  • Longmen Grottoes
  • Big Wild Goose Pagoda
HomeChina Tour Packages

China Ancient Capitals Tour : Beijing Xi’an Luoyang

(3 customer reviews)
  • Beijing, Xi'an, Luoyang
  • Duration: 8 Days/7 Nights
  • Transport: High-speed Train
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners
The 8-day China Ancient Capitals Tour takes you through three of China's historical capitals: Beijing, Xi'an, and Luoyang. Highlights include the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Shaolin Temple, Longmen Grottoes, and Terracotta Warriors.

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Tour Highlights

Mutianyu Seaction of Great Wall Hiking

Mutianyu section of great wall hiking

Summer Palace Boat Riding

Summer Palace Boat Riding

Watching a Kongfu Show

Watching a Kongfu Show in Luoyang

Cycling on Xi'an City Wall

create your own miniature Terracotta Warrior

Explore Xi'an Muslim Street

Explore Xi'an Muslim Quarter

Stroll Around Tang Dynasty Everbright City

Stroll Around Tang Dynasty Everbright City

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing | Private Transfer & Local Exploration

When you land in Beijing, your guide will be there to greet you just outside the baggage claim area. You’ll be whisked away to your hotel in a comfortable private vehicle. The rest of the day is yours to unwind, take it easy, and settle into the city at your own pace.

If you’re feeling curious and ready to start your adventure, your guide will be happy to suggest a few nearby attractions and hidden gems. It’s the perfect way to kick off your time in this exciting city.

D
Stay in Beijing

Day 2: Explore Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Summer Palace

After breakfast, your first stop is Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square, where history and modernity meet. Surrounded by monumental buildings like the Great Hall of the People and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, the square is a symbol of China’s national pride and political significance.

Next, step into the grandeur of the Forbidden City, once the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. This vast complex, with its stunning architecture and intricate details, offers a fascinating glimpse into China’s imperial past.

In the afternoon, head to the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its breathtaking natural beauty and architectural wonders, this royal garden is home to magnificent pavilions, tranquil temples, and charming bridges. Stroll along the Long Corridor, famous for its painted murals, and enjoy the serene vistas over Kunming Lake, dotted with lotus flowers in summer. The Summer Palace is a peaceful retreat filled with history and beauty.

B, L, D
Stay in Beijing

Day 3: Discover Mutianyu Great Wall, Sacred Way, Bird's Nest & Water Cube

Today, you’ll visit one of the world’s most iconic landmarks—the Great Wall of China. Head to the Mutianyu section, known for its stunning natural scenery and fewer crowds, offering a more peaceful and less commercialized experience. As you hike along the wall, take in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and the impressive architecture of this ancient wonder.

Next, journey along the Sacred Way, a 7-kilometre path that leads to the Imperial Tombs of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors. This sacred route was once thought to be the passage for the emperor to travel between the earthly realm and the heavens. As you walk, admire the grand stone archway and the Great Palace Gate, where 12 pairs of mythical animal statues and official figures stand guard, preserving the majesty of this historic site.

On your way back to the city, stop by the Olympic Village. Marvel at the striking designs of the Bird’s Nest stadium and the Water Cube aquatics centre from the outside—both masterpieces of modern architecture that symbolize Beijing’s global standing.

B, L, D
Stay in Beijing

Day 4: Visit Temple of Heaven & Beijing Hutongs | High-speed Train to Luoyang

After breakfast, begin your day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, an imperial masterpiece now transformed into a lively public space. Here, you’ll find locals practising Tai Chi, dancing, and even creating intricate water calligraphy, offering a glimpse into Beijing’s rich cultural traditions.

Next, embark on a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s historic Hutongs, narrow alleys lined with traditional courtyard homes. This journey will take you through old Beijing, where you can explore charming antique shops, quaint boutiques, and experience the local way of life. You’ll also have the chance to visit a local family’s home, gaining an authentic insight into traditional Chinese living.

As your Beijing tour comes to an end, your guide will escort you to Beijing West Railway Station for a high-speed train journey to Luoyang, which takes around 4 hours. Upon arrival at Luoyang Longmen Railway Station, a local guide will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and begin exploring this ancient capital at your own pace.

B, L, D
Stay in Luoyang

Day 5: Delve into Shaolin Temple with Kung Fu Show & Sanhuang Village Trail

After breakfast, your tour guide will meet you at your hotel for a private transfer, taking you on a 55-kilometre journey to the famous Shaolin Temple, a trip that lasts about 1.5 hours. Once you arrive, you’ll spend around two hours exploring this historic site, widely regarded as the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and the cradle of Kung Fu.

During your visit, you’ll have the chance to wander through magnificent temples and halls, admire intricate stone carvings, and learn about the deep Buddhist culture that permeates the site. You’ll also observe the daily routines and meditation practices of the resident monks. One of the temple’s highlights is the Pagoda Forest, which boasts China’s largest collection of pagodas. Each pagoda honours an important monk, with their height, size, and number of tiers reflecting the monk’s Buddhist wisdom, reputation, and achievements.

Your Shaolin Temple experience will conclude with an incredible Kung Fu demonstration at the Shaolin Wushu Hall. This half-hour performance by the temple’s martial monks is an awe-inspiring display of skill and discipline.

Leaving the temple complex behind, take a cable car to the starting point of the Sanhuang Village trail, considered the most scenic section of Mount Song. This unique trail, spanning over 3 kilometres along a cliffside, offers stunning views and a serene atmosphere. As you walk along this “skyroad”, you’ll encounter ancient rock formations formed over 2 billion years ago, along with panoramic vistas of Mount Song. The trail is relatively easy, making it accessible for most travelers, including children and seniors.

After your adventure on the mountain, you’ll descend by cable car and head back to your hotel in Luoyang.

B, L, D
Stay in Luoyang

Day 6: Uncover White Horse Temple & Longmen Grottoes | High-speed Train to Xi'an

Start your day with a visit to the White Horse Temple, located about 50 minutes from downtown. Founded in 68 AD during the Eastern Han dynasty, it is known as China’s first Buddhist temple, with a rich history spanning over 1,900 years. As the birthplace of Chinese Buddhism, it played a pivotal role in introducing and spreading Buddhism throughout China. Explore the temple’s ancient architecture and wander through the International Zone, where you’ll find temples showcasing distinctive styles from India, Burma, and Thailand.

Next, enjoy a short 20-minute drive to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Longmen Grottoes, Luoyang’s most iconic attraction. Carved into the cliffs along both banks of the Yi River, these grottoes offer a stunning collection of Buddhist art from the Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties. Admire the intricate sculptures and calligraphic inscriptions in major caves such as Fengxian Temple, Guyang Cave, and the Three Bingyang Caves.

After your tour, you’ll be escorted to Luoyang Longmen Railway Station for a high-speed train journey to Xi’an, taking just under two hours. Upon arrival, a local guide will meet you and transfer you to your downtown hotel for check-in.

B, L, D
Stay in Xi’an

Day 7: Explore Terracotta Warriors, Pottery Experience, Ancient City Wall & Muslim Quarter

After breakfast, embark on a 40 km journey to explore one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological wonders—the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Commissioned by China’s first emperor, Qin Shihuang, these life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots were buried for over two millennia before being discovered by local farmers in 1974. As you stand before these remarkable figures, you’ll be in awe of both the emperor’s grand vision and the incredible artistry of ancient craftsmen.

Before the museum tour, you’ll also have the chance to create your own miniature Terracotta Warrior, guided by a skilled local potter.

After lunch, return to Xi’an to visit the Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved fortification of its kind in China. Enter through the historic Hanguang Gate, just as Silk Road traders did centuries ago, and explore a small museum showcasing authentic Tang Dynasty wall ruins. Take a leisurely stroll along the top of the wall or enjoy a bike ride, offering panoramic views of the city.

Later, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Muslim Quarter, where you can sample local delicacies and experience the unique cultural blend of this vibrant area. As evening approaches, enjoy the beautifully illuminated streets, offering a magical ambiance that reflects the grandeur of Xi’an’s past.

B, L, D
Stay in Xi’an

Day 8: Visit Da Cien Temple, Big Wild Goose Pogoda | Xi'an Departure

After breakfast, visit the famous Da Cien Temple, an important centre for Buddhist sutra translation during the Tang Dynasty. The highlight is the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, standing 64.5 metres tall. Built by the renowned Buddhist master Xuanzang, it houses sacred scriptures he brought back from India. Xuanzang’s journey also inspired the character Tang Seng in the classic novel Journey to the West. As you admire the pagoda, you’ll feel connected to China’s rich Buddhist heritage and the timeless spirit of this iconic site.

B, L
Depart from Xi’an

 

What’s Included

  • Round way private transfer in each destination
  • Professional licensed English-speaking guide
  • Entrance tickets for all historical & cultural attractions as listed in the itinerary
  • Hotel accommodations in each destination based on twin-sharing basis
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • Bottled drinking water and wet tissue

 

What’s Excluded

  • China visas and international flights entry & exit of China
  • Tipping for guide and driver
  • Other expenses if not listed in the itinerary

 

 

Price on Request

 

 

Additional Information

  • Health Preparations | Bring Medications & Documents
  • Visa and Passport | Check Validity & Apply Early
  • Travel Insurance | Strongly Recommended
  • Currency Exchange | Prepare RMB or an International Card
  • Elderly and Children | Avoid Overexertion
  • Clothing | Pack for the Season
  • Food Allergies | Notify in Advance
  • Wheelchair Assistance | Request Ahead of Time

 

 

How to Book

  • Contact Our Travel Expert – Get in touch with our travel specialist by submitting our enquiry form or send us an email, whatsapp, or phone to discuss your trip preferences.
  • Acquire Requested Travel Proposal – Receive a customised travel proposal based on your interests, budget, and schedule.
  • Optimise Your Travel Plan Until You’re Satisfied – Adjust the itinerary and activities strictly according to your needs perfectly.
  • Pay Your Tour Deposit to Secure Your Booking – When you are happy with our proposed travel plan, please confirm your booking by making a deposit payment.
  • Receive Your Tour Confirmation – After receiving your deposit, you’ll get a confirmation email with your final itinerary and essential travel details.
  • Prepare for Your Trip – Pack accordingly, check visa requirements, and get ready for an unforgettable journey to come!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Are there any cultural etiquettes I should be aware of?

    When visiting cultural sites like temples or historical landmarks, dress modestly and show respect. Avoid loud conversations, and when interacting with locals, a polite handshake or nod is appreciated.

  • Is the tour suitable for families with children?

    Yes, the tour is family-friendly, with easy-paced visits and engaging experiences for all ages, like rickshaw rides in the Hutongs and the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an.

  • How long does it take to visit the Longmen Grottoes in Luoyang?

    A visit to the Longmen Grottoes typically lasts 2-3 hours, allowing you to explore the intricate Buddhist sculptures and caves.

Map

Review

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  1. I Love this Tour!

    Sarah Thompson –

    This tour was incredible! Beijing’s Great Wall and Forbidden City were bucket-list experiences. The Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an were so impressive, and the Shaolin Temple in Luoyang was a unique cultural experience. Well-organised, informative, and fun. Highly recommend it for anyone wanting to dive into China’s rich history!

  2. Perfect China Tour!

    Emma Williams –

    Fantastic journey through China’s ancient history! The Great Wall and Forbidden City were incredible, but the Terracotta Warriors were definitely the standout. Every city had something special to offer. I loved it all!

  3. Amazing!

    Hannah Wilson –

    This was an amazing tour! I’ve always wanted to explore China’s ancient capitals, and this tour gave me everything I hoped for. The Great Wall and the Forbidden City were incredible, and the Terracotta Warriors were mind-blowing. A must-do trip!

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