China-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

  • Morning: Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport
  • Afternoon: Visit the Forbidden City ( tickets: ¥60), the imperial palace complex for 24 emperors of Ming and Qing dynasties. Be sure to buy a ticket online or through a reputable travel agency, as same-day tickets may be sold out.
    • Things to know:
      • Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll do a lot of walking
      • Bring sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for outdoor protection
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Peking Roast Duck dinner at Quanjude (tickets: ¥200), a legendary restaurant with a history dating back 130 years.
    • Transportation:
      • Metro line 2 from Beijing Capital International Airport to Tiananmen East Station ( tickets: ¥3)

Day 2: Ancient and Modern Beijing

  • Morning: Visit the Temple of Heaven (tickets: ¥35), a UNESCO World Heritage site where emperors offered sacrifices to the gods for good harvests.
    • Things to know:
      • Respect local rules, such as removing shoes before entering certain areas
      • Bring binoculars or rent a camera stabilizer for better photos
  • Afternoon: Explore the trendy neighborhood of Sanlitun (tickets: ¥10), famous for its upscale shopping and dining options.
    • Transportation:
      • Metro line 2 from Tiananmen East Station to Tiantandongyuan Station (tickets: ¥3)
      • Free public Wi-Fi at most restaurants and cafes
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Chinese opera performance (tickets: ¥100) at the Chaoyang Theatre.
    • Visa requirements:
      • Tourist visa (L-visa): apply for it through your travel agency or directly to the Chinese Embassy

Day 3: Beijing to Xi’an

  • Morning: Visit the Ming Tombs (tickets: ¥45), the burial site of 13 emperors from the Ming dynasty.
    • Transportation:
      • Take a taxi or private car to the tomb, approximately 1 hour away
      • No need for metro tickets this day
  • Afternoon: Fly to Xi’an (flight duration: about 2 hours)
    • Check-in at a local hotel and rest after your flight

Day 4: Ancient Xi’an

  • Morning: Visit the Terracotta Army (tickets: ¥130), one of China’s most iconic historical sites.
    • Things to know:
      • Hire a tour guide or purchase an audio guide for better understanding
      • Respect local rules and not take souvenirs from the site
  • Afternoon: Explore the ancient city walls and moat (tickets: ¥40) of Xi’an.
    • Transportation:
      • Bus No. 14 from Terracotta Army to Ancient City Wall, tickets: ¥2

Day 5: Departure

  • Morning: Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (tickets: ¥25), a famous Buddhist temple in Xi’an.
  • Afternoon: Return your hotel room keys and check-out
    • Transportation:
      • Taxi or private car to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, approximately 1 hour away

Other things of interest

  • Chinese currency (RMB): exchange some money into local currency at the airport for small purchases and incidentals.
  • Language: learn basic Mandarin phrases like “hello” (nǐ hǎo), “thank you” (xiè xie), and “goodbye” (zài jiàn).
  • Local customs: respect cultural traditions, especially during Chinese New Year celebrations if traveling between January 21st to February 20th.

Safety tips

  • Keep your hotel room door locked at all times.
  • Be aware of local pickpocketing scams around tourist areas and transportation hubs.
  • Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing (Chinese Uber).
  • Bring a portable charger for your phone and keep it close in case of emergencies.