10-Day China Family Adventure: Beijing, Xi’an & Chengdu

Route: Beijing Capital Airport → Hotel

The Experience: Arrive in Beijing, where you’ll be met and transferred privately to your hotel. The rest of the day is kept free to recover from your flight and adjust to the time zone. If you feel up to it, take a gentle stroll around your neighborhood or enjoy an early dinner nearby.

Highlight: Your first impressions of China’s vast and vibrant capital.

Route: Tiananmen Square → Forbidden City

The Experience: Begin the day at Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, before entering the Forbidden City through its imposing gates.

Explore this vast imperial palace complex with your guide, walk through grand ceremonial halls, quiet courtyards, and former royal living quarters.

Highlight: Walking the same ceremonial axis once reserved exclusively for emperors.

Tip: Start early to avoid crowds and allow time for security checks.

Route: The Great Wall (Jinshanling or Mutianyu)

The Experience: Travel out of the city this morning to Jinshanling/Mutianyu, the least-visited sections of the Great Wall. Set off on a four-hour guided walk along the wall, following a loop that passes a mix of restored and original watchtowers. As the wall snakes across rugged mountain ridges, you’ll enjoy uninterrupted views and a strong sense of scale and isolation.

After completing the walk, return to Beijing in the late afternoon.

Highlight: A peaceful, immersive Great Wall experience far from the crowds.

Tip: Wear sturdy shoes and bring water; some steps are uneven and steep.

Route: Beijing → Xi'an by High-speed train

The Experience: Transfer to the railway station and board a high-speed train to Xi’an, traveling smoothly across northern China.

On arrival, settle into your hotel. If energy allows, head out for a relaxed evening walk through local streets or explore the Muslim Quarter, known for its lively atmosphere and street food.

Highlight: Experiencing China’s modern rail network linking ancient capitals.

Tip: Keep snacks handy — the Muslim Quarter offers many tempting options.

Route: Terracotta Army → Ancient City Wall

The Experience: Spend the morning visiting the Terracotta Army, where thousands of life-sized warriors stand in silent formation, guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor. Your guide explains the discoveries, symbolism, and ongoing excavations.

Return to Xi’an in the afternoon to explore the Ancient City Wall. Walk or cycle along the top, enjoying views over both the historic old town and the modern city beyond.

Highlight: Standing face-to-face with one of archaeology’s greatest discoveries.

Tip: Late morning visits can be quieter after early tour groups depart.

Route: Xi’an → Chengdu by High-speed train → Kuanzhai Alley

The Experience: Board a high-speed train to Chengdu, the relaxed capital of Sichuan province. After checking in, head to Kuanzhai Alley, a restored historic area of narrow lanes, courtyard houses, and teahouses. Enjoy a leisurely evening soaking up Chengdu’s laid-back pace.

Highlight: Tea culture and old-style lanes in the heart of modern Chengdu.

Tip: Evenings are ideal for atmosphere and street food.

Route: Panda Base → Wuhou Shrine → Jinli Street

The Experience: Start early at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, when pandas are most active. Watch them feed, climb, and play in a naturalistic setting.

In the afternoon, visit Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to figures from the Three Kingdoms era, before wandering through Jinli Old Street, known for traditional snacks, crafts, and lantern-lit lanes.

Highlight: Seeing giant pandas up close in their most energetic hours.

Tip: Arrive at the panda base shortly after opening for the best experience.

Route: Chengdu → Leshan Giant Buddha → Emei Mountain

The Experience: Travel to Leshan to visit the world’s largest stone Buddha, carved into a cliff overlooking the confluence of three rivers. Explore the site on foot, descending alongside the statue to appreciate its immense scale. If conditions allow, enjoy a boat ride for a river-level view.

Then drive to the foot of Emei Mountain and settle in the hotel.

Highlight: Standing beside the 71-meter Buddha carved over 1,200 years ago.

Tip: The stairway can be steep — take your time and wear good shoes.

Route: Mount Emei → Chengdu

The Experience: Start climbing the Mount Emei in the morning, one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains. Use a combination of walking paths and cable cars to explore forested slopes, temples, and scenic viewpoints. Weather permitting, reach the Golden Summit for sweeping views above the clouds.

Return to Chengdu in the evening.

Highlight: A peaceful day combining nature, spirituality, and mountain scenery.

Tip: Temperatures can be cooler at altitude — bring layers.

Route: Chengdu Airport or railway station

The Experience: After breakfast, transfer privately to Chengdu airport or railway station for your onward journey. Take a final moment to reflect on your journey through China’s imperial history, ancient civilizations, and natural wonders.

Highlight: A complete cultural journey across three iconic regions of China.

Tip: Confirm flight details the evening before for a smooth departure.