Beijing, Datong, Xi'an History Exploration

/5 935 Latest reviews

Tour Code: ODY-CN-2553

Destination:Beijing, Datong, Xi'an

Duration

8 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Classic

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About This Trip

Take an unforgettable journey through China's historical heartlands - Beijing, Datong, and Xi'an. Explore the Forbidden City, climb the Great Wall, and create your own art work in Hutong. Marvel at Datong's awe-inspiring Yungang Grottoes and the gravity-defying Hanging Temple. In Xi'an, stand before the legendary Terracotta Warriors, cycle atop the ancient city walls, and immerse yourself in Tang Dynasty splendor. From imperial grandeur to Buddhist artistry, this 8-day tour unveils the rich cultural and architectural legacies that shaped China's past and continue to inspire today.

Itinerary Summary

DAY PLACE HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 3 Beijing Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Jingshan Mountain, Hutong
4 - 5 Datong Yungang Grottoes, Huayan Temple, Nine Dragon Screen Wall, Hanging Temple
6 - 8 Xi'an Terracotta Warriors, Great Tang All Day Mall, Ancient City Wall, Drum Tower, Local Family Visit
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Itinerary

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Day 1: Beijing Arrival, Hutong Exploration

Welcome to Beijing! Your guide will pick you up at the airport or train station according to your arrival time. After check-in the hotel, explore this historic and vibrant city at your own pace. As night fall, immerse in the neon charm of Sanlitun, the "cosmopolitan center", or have a sip at Shichahai as you enjoy the serenity of the nature.

Beijing

Day 2: Beijing Historic Essence: Forbidden City & Summer Palace

Appreciate Beijing's deep history and culture from the city's landmarks. Your first stop is Tiananmen Square, one of the largest square in the world. Stroll around it to learn about modern China's political symbols. Then, walk to Forbidden City, the former imperial palace home to 24 emperors. The vast complex, assigned symmetrically, consists of 980 buildings with more than 8,700 rooms, and holds extensive collections of relics. Your tour includes the main halls, the priceless collections, and spots with interesting legends and anecdotes. Climb to Jingshan Park to take in the panoramic views of the palaces.

Conclude your day at Beijing's traditional residential areas - Hutong. Take a rickshaw ride and learn calligraphy or drawing Peking Opera facial makeup with local people.

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Beijing

Day 3: Temple of Heaven, Mutianyu Great Wall

Start your morning with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, an imperial religious buildings complex that once served as a sacred alter during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Beyond its historical grandeur, the spacious park comes alive each morning with locals practicing Tai Chi, traditional opera, shuttlecock, or sword dancing - offering a vibrant glimpse into Beijing's living culture.

After soaking in the peaceful yet energetic atmosphere, continue your journey to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most scenic and well-preserved parts of this world wonder. Take a cable car up, hike from one watchtower to another, capture stunning views, and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring history that winds through every stone.

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Beijing

Day 4: Transfer to Datong, Timeless Treasures Discovery

In the morning, take a bullet train to Datong (about 2 hours), another historic gem of China known for its deep roots in Buddhism and magnificent grottoes.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin your exploration at the Huayan Temple, rebuilt from its Liao Dynasty (1038 AD) prototype. As you walk through its serene courtyards and halls, gain insight into how Buddhism journeyed from India to China and shaped Chinese culture over millennia.

Then, admire the exquisite Nine Dragon Screen Wall. Once the ceremonial front of a now-reconstructed royal residence, this vivid structure showcases intricate craftsmanship and significant symbolism.

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Datong

Day 5: Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Temple

Today, set off to explore the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage and one of the most important Buddhist cave complexes in China. Dating back to the 5th and 6th century, this remarkable site homes 1,100 Buddhist niches, 51,000 statues, and a wealth of exquisite religious mural paintings.

Afterward, continue to the Hanging Temple, an architectural marvel that clings to the sheer face of a cliff. Built over 1,500 years ago, this gravity-defying monastery blends elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism in its design. As you explore, your guide will share you the stories and secrets behind this amazing engineering wonder.

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Datong

Day 6: Transfer to Xi'an, Chinese-Style Makeup Experience

In the morning, head to Xi'an by a bullet train (about 5-6 hours). After taking a brief rest at your hotel, soak in the vibrant atmosphere at the Great Tang All Day Mall, an archaic pedestrian lined with traditional-style buildings, glowing lanterns, and intricate statues that echo the splendors of the Tang Dynasty from a thousand years ago. Dress in an elegant Han-style costume and ramble around to enjoy a fully immersive experience.

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Xi'an

Day 7: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall and Drum Tower

In the morning, discover one of the world-famous archaeological finds - Terracotta Warriors and Horses, featuring over 8,000 life-size figures crafted over 2,000 years ago to guard Emperor Qinshihuang in the afterlife. Don't miss the bronze chariots and horses, intricate models also unearthed from the emperor's mausoleum.

After your exploration, return to Xi'an city center to visit the Ancient City Wall,  one of China's best-preserved ancient defenses. Walk along this time-honored ramparts, admire its massive gates and watchtowers, and take in panoramic views of old and modern Xi'an.

Wrap up your day at the 600-year-old Drum Tower. Inside, view an impressive collections of drums made in different eras and varying in different sizes, and learn how these ceremonial instruments were used to mark time and signal major events.

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Xi'an

Day 8: Xi'an Home Visit & Departure

Start your morning with a heartwarming visit to a local family, a flavorful way to connect with local traditions. Enjoy friendly conversation with your hosts as they share stories and customs unique to their cultural heritage. You'll also have the chance to try your hand at making traditional Chinese dishes, such as dumplings or noodles.

After this enriching cultural exchange and a home-style lunch, you'll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey, bringing your unforgettable exploration of China's history, culture, and hospitality to a meaningful close.

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What Our Clients Say

"Great Customized Service", "Trip of A Lifetime", "Exceed All Expectations"

Richee Family Adventures

05 Aug 2025

Second Honeymoon My wife and I celebrated our 20th anniversary by spending a few weeks touring around Asia. We loved how Odynovo worked with us to craft a tour of what we wanted to see and how we wanted to see it. This was our first time traveling with a private tour guide, and it was truly amazing. they took care of all transportation, tickets, and everywhere we went we had someone who not only spoke our language, but was also very well-versed in the places we were visiting. We saw Beijing and then took a bullet train to Xi'an. In both cities we had tour guides who had done this "a thousand times," and as a result knew all the tricks on where to take the best pictures, what lines to stand in, where to eat, and what not to waste your time seeing. At one point our guide pulled out ponchos from her backpack when it started to rain, while another helped us haggle for a good price on a new suitcase. We were surprised by how much we loved China, and it is safe to say that is because of the quality of service we got from Odynovo. Oh, and the hotels were great, too! In our first hotel my wife fell in love with her breakfast soup that she had to have every morning, while in Xi'an we were right around the corner from the Muslim Night Market and were able to get to it in less than 5 minutes of walking.We are already looking to see what tours we will be doing next through Odynovo, as the service was amazing, the quality was remarkable, and the cost was very worth it for what we received.
Shannon V

05 Aug 2025

Fabulous! We had a fabulous experience with our guide and Odynovo walking the Great Wall of China, and all other sites in Beijing. We loved our Peking duck dinner. It was fabulous. Thank you, Sammie/Jing for a great experience.
domotic d

05 Aug 2025

Beijing Beauty It started off with a friendly face at the airport, with Roy, our tour guide.The week has been such a pleasure and a treat. From adventures to The Great Wall, Temple of Heaven and the Forbidden City, to local markets, delicious Beijing food and roof top tea houses.Roy and our driver, Mr. Zhou, were prompt in picking us up and driving us around safely.The knowledge and fact about history and Beijing that Roy knows and explains is amazing and the fact he could answer my weird and inquisitive history questionsnwoth ease was a treat.He made it so easy to enjoy ourselves and absorb all that was around us, he even takes great photos too! 😊Polite, kind and thoughtful and ever patient in letting us take our time with things that interested us.I would highly recommend this tour and Roy again and again.
Zarah B

05 Aug 2025

Amazing travel experience My name is Zarah M. Babangida a Nigerian and i visited Beijing with my colleagues from the office. During our 5 day stay in Beijing, Ms. Eva Ma, was our Tour guide and from the minute we came through the Arrival Gate of the Airport, we were embraced by her alluring smile and warm welcome. She remained consistent with her warmth, a kind and intelligent professional who exuded unique passion not just for her job as a tour guide but, even more so as a proud Chinese woman. Her outstanding insight and knowledge of the sweet Chinese history and heritage left us in awe. I couldn't be more proud and thankful that she was assigned to our group and she made our stay exciting, fun-filled effortless and knowledge packed. I absolutely commend her dedication to work which she depicted throughout our stay. I recommend her to every visiting tourist because to know Eva, is to love her. If it were up to me, i will increase her bonuses or upgrade her salary as i am sure most tourists would want or revisit for her sake first and then perhaps other reasons.Thank you Eva and keep the passion up🙌.

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