Timeless Wonders in 11 Days: Discover China’s Hidden Architectural Treasures from Beijing to Xi'an

Length: 11 Days / 10 Nights

Max Group Size: 6 People

Start: Beijing

End: Xi'an/Shanghai/Other Cities 

Features: Architecture/History/Culture

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing – Welcome to the Capital of Empires

Arrive in Beijing and settle into your five-star hotel. Spend the afternoon at your leisure, or take a guided walk through Tiananmen Square, where centuries of imperial and revolutionary history converge in one awe-inspiring space.

Day 2: The Forbidden City and Hidden Hutong Art

Step into the world’s largest palace complex: the Forbidden City, a masterpiece of Ming and Qing architecture filled with golden roofs, vermillion walls, and symbolic details reflecting cosmic order.

After lunch, wander through the hutongs of old Beijing. Visit Prince Gong’s Mansion, snack your way through Shichahai, and try your hand at mural restoration or traditional incense making. End your day on the atmospheric Nanluoguxiang, lined with restored façades and boutique charm.

Day 3: The Great Wall — Awe and Architectural Insights

Visit a lesser-known, architecturally significant section of the Great Wall. Walk its ancient stone ramparts with panoramic views all around while a private guide unpacks the Wall’s design evolution, military logic, and spiritual meaning.

Return to Beijing for an elegant dinner and a conversation on the aesthetics of defensive architecture in ancient China.

Day 4: From Beijing to Datong — Ritual Spaces and Ancient Skylines

Begin the day at the Beijing Ancient Architecture Museum, located in the historic Altar of Agriculture, where rare models and relics explain classical Chinese design principles.

Afterward, board a high-speed train to Datong (approx. 2 hours). In the evening, admire the city’s glowing old town skyline and experience a live shadow puppetry performance,where you can even try your hand at this ancient storytelling craft.

Spend the night in a beautifully restored Siheyuan courtyard residence.

Day 5: Yingxian and Hengshan — Hanging Temple and Sacred Geometry

Travel to the Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, the world’s tallest and oldest wooden structure, built entirely without nails.

Continue to the awe-inspiring Hanging Temple, a Daoist-Buddhist fusion built into a cliff face over 1,500 years ago. If time allows, visit nearby Yong’an Temple, home to rare Yuan-dynasty murals.

Return to your heritage stay in Datong and enjoy a banquet-style dinner.

Day 6: Yungang Caves and Huayan Monastery

Spend the morning exploring the Yungang Grottoes, a UNESCO site renowned for its colossal Buddhas and intricate carvings set into sandstone cliffs. In the afternoon, visit the Huayan Monastery, one of China’s best-preserved Liao Dynasty temple complexes. Its spatial layout reflects Buddhist cosmology and spiritual order.

Day 7: From Datong to Linfen — A Thousand Unique Buddhas

Take a morning high-speed train to Linfen (approx. 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, visit Xiaoxitian, a peaceful Buddhist site surrounded by mountains and filled with Qing-era architectural details, a true hidden gem for architecture lovers. Inside the Great Buddha Hall, discover a thousand exquisitely crafted miniature Buddha statues.

Check in to your refined five-star hotel and enjoy a curated dinner in the evening.

Day 8: Linfen to Xi’an — Towers, Bells, and Silk Road Echoes

Begin your day at Guangsheng Temple, home to the colorful and luminous Liu-li glazed pagoda. Visit the nearby Pingyang Drum Tower, a civic landmark from the Ming dynasty, before catching the high-speed train to Xi’an.

After checking into your five-star hotel or boutique heritage residence, explore the city on your own or join a relaxed guided stroll through the lantern-lit Muslim Quarter.

Day 9: Terracotta Warriors and Travel Back to Song Dynasty 

In the morning, come face-to-face with the Terracotta Army—life-sized guardians of the First Emperor’s tomb and an engineering marvel of ancient China.

In the afternoon, enjoy a hands-on Song Dynasty tea ceremony while dressed in Hanfu robes. Conclude the evening with a refined dinner in a setting that evokes the splendor of ancient Xi’an.

Day 10: Cycling the City Walls and Savoring Street Life

Start the day cycling along Xi’an’s Ming-era city walls for elevated views of the ancient capital.

In the afternoon, choose from three architectural experiences: Guangren Temple with its Tibetan-style design, Huajuexiang Mosque blending Islamic and Chinese elements, or Yunjusi Temple featuring a classic hard-roofed monastic layout.

All three sites are within steps of Sajinqiao Food Street, perfect for tasting traditional Xi’an street fare in a vibrant local setting.

Day 11: Farewell from Xi’an

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and some final reflections before your private transfer to the airport. If your journey continues, let us help you explore other fascinating destinations—like Sichuan, Chongqing, Yunnan, or Yangzhou.

Unique and Tailored: Every aspect of this journey is designed with the discerning architecture enthusiast in mind. You’ll explore iconic UNESCO sites and lesser-known gems that highlight China’s extraordinary architectural diversity.

Live the Chinese History: You’ll not only visit ancient temples and palaces but also participate in restoring ancient murals, crafting traditional incense, and even experiencing Song-dynasty tea ceremonies while wearing Hanfu robes, immersing you in the arts and craftsmanship that have defined Chinese architecture for centuries.

Heritage-Style Luxury: Stay in handpicked five-star hotels and boutique residences that beautifully blend modern comfort with traditional architectural charm. From Siheyuan courtyard homes, where you can sleep in restored, centuries-old residences that echo with history, to luxurious hotels that offer unparalleled views of ancient temples and pagodas, every night is spent in a setting that tells its own story.

All-Inclusive Gourmet Meals: From imperial-style banquets in Beijing to farm-to-table feasts in mountain villages, each meal is carefully selected to reflect the culinary heritage of the region. Whether you're vegetarian, gluten-free, or have other dietary needs, we can accomondate with dishes that are crafted with attention, elegance, and local flavor.

Beijing

Waldorf Astoria (subject to availability; if unavailable, we will substitute with an equivalent five-star hotel)

Datong

Siheyuan courtyard home

Xi'an

The Ritz-Carlton Xi'An (subject to availability; if unavailable, we will substitute with an equivalent five-star hotel or heritage home stay)

Inclusions

• Luxury accommodation for ten nights at five-star hotels and heritage-style boutique stays, including traditional Siheyuan courtyard homes where available

• High-speed train tickets for comfortable, efficient rail travel between Beijing, Datong, Linfen, and Xi’an

• Daily breakfast and gourmet meals, authentic regional dining experiences, select beverages, and thoughtfully curated menus throughout the trip

• Private English-speaking guided tours

• Entrance fees for all site and museum admissions as listed in the itinerary.

• Private transportation. Comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles provided for all ground travel in Beijing, Xi’an, Datong, and Linfen.

• 24/7 concierge support. Dedicated assistance throughout your journey to ensure a seamless experience.

• Dietary accommodations. All dietary needs and restrictions honored with advance notice.

• Basic travel insurance

Exclusions

• International and domestic flights to and from Beijing or other cities outside the listed itinerary

• Personal expenses such as spa treatments, souvenirs, and optional activities not specified in the program.

• Gratuities (optional)

• Visa fees

At Sino PathFinder, we’d like to offer you the most personalized experience, start from booking.

Please fill out the inquiry form below or email contact@sinopathfinder.com for booking. Our travel advisors will:

• Tailor the itinerary to your preferences

• Arrange private extensions (pre/post-trip) to other destinations 

• Ensure every detail meets your expectations and accommodate any dietary or mobility needs

A 20% deposit per person is required to confirm your booking. This will be applied to your final balance. You can pay your deposit on our website or we can send other easy payment options that work best for you.

Deposit Policy:

• Non-refundable once paid

• Flexible date changes (subject to availability)

• Full terms and conditions available here

Final Payment:
The remaining balance is due 30 days before departure. You'll be able to pay the final balance on the website or through other easy payment options.

Have Questions?
Our team is ready to assist at contact@sinopathfinder.com or via the form below. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have.

Day 0 Service
If you’re arriving in a different city than where the tour begins, we can arrange a pickup as soon as you land in China and accompany you to your flight or train to the tour’s starting city.

Extended Itineraries
Customize your trip by adding destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, Yunnan, and more after your tour ends.

VIP Photography Package
Capture unforgettable moments with professional photos, drone footage, and cinematic videos—a lifetime of memories.

Contact our travel advisors for pricing and further details.