Xi'an and Beijing Winter Itinerary with Terracotta Army and Great Wall
Arrival and hotel check-in in Xi'an
- Xi’an Xianyang International Airport — Xi’an airport; land around 11:00 PM, complete immigration and collect luggage.
- Hotel check-in — Central Xi’an; allow 45–60 minutes for transfer and check-in.
- Hotel lobby tea buffet — Hotel; use the included member privilege if still available after arrival.
Late Evening Arrival
Land at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport around 11:00 PM. Immigration, luggage collection, and customs will usually take 30–60 minutes at this hour. For central Xi’an, a pre-arranged hotel transfer or DiDi is the most practical option; allow roughly 45–60 minutes to the city, depending on your hotel’s exact location. Keep the hotel address in Chinese on your phone, as this makes airport transfers and late-night check-in much smoother. A taxi from the official airport rank is also available, but avoid unofficial drivers approaching inside the terminal.
Hotel Check-in
Arrive at your central Xi’an hotel around midnight, complete check-in, and collect your room key. Ask the front desk to confirm the included hotel lobby tea buffet and whether it is still available that night; the privilege is listed as once per day, but the buffet may have closed by the time you arrive. If so, arrange to use it on the following day instead. Keep passports and booking details ready, and take a moment to reserve the complimentary Chinese-language Terracotta Army guided tour before 9:00 PM on December 27, as required by the hotel package.
Overnight
After check-in, keep the evening simple and rest. If you need water or a late snack, convenience stores around central Xi’an generally remain open, but it is better to buy essentials at the airport or during the transfer. Set an alarm for the next morning rather than planning sightseeing tonight—the following day is best used for a relaxed introduction to the city.
Exploring central Xi'an
- Xi’an City Wall — Beilin District; walk or cycle along one of China’s best-preserved city walls, morning ~2 hours.
- Forest of Stone Steles Museum — Beilin District; see historic calligraphy tablets, late morning ~1.5 hours.
- Muslim Quarter — Beiyuanmen area; explore lively food lanes and local snacks, lunch ~1.5 hours.
- Great Mosque of Xi’an — Muslim Quarter; visit one of China’s oldest Islamic architectural complexes, afternoon ~1 hour.
- Drum Tower and Bell Tower Square — Central Xi’an; enjoy the illuminated landmarks and evening atmosphere, dusk ~1 hour.
- Jia San Guan Tang Baozi — Muslim Quarter; try Xi’an-style soup dumplings, dinner approximately ¥30–60 per person.
Morning
Start at the Xi’an City Wall around 8:00 AM, entering at Yongning Gate. It is one of the best places to get your bearings after arriving the previous night: the wall opens from about 8:00 AM, admission is roughly ¥54, and bicycle rental is usually around ¥45–60 for a couple of hours. Cycling the full 13.7-kilometre circuit takes about 1.5–2 hours, but in late December it will be cold and windy, so walking the southern section is perfectly enjoyable. From Yongning Gate, walk north for about 15 minutes to the Forest of Stone Steles Museum, open roughly 8:30 AM–6:00 PM; allow 1–1.5 hours and expect admission of around ¥65. This quieter museum is especially rewarding for its Tang-era calligraphy and carved inscriptions.
Lunch and Afternoon
Take a taxi or walk approximately 20 minutes toward the Muslim Quarter, entering around Beiyuanmen Street. Treat it as a food walk rather than one single meal: try roujiamo, biangbiang noodles, persimmon cakes, and grilled lamb, while keeping portions small so you can continue exploring. Most snacks cost ¥10–30, though the main lanes are touristy; Dapiyuan and the side streets around Xiyangshi Street are generally better for a more local atmosphere. After lunch, visit the Great Mosque of Xi’an, usually open from around 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with admission approximately ¥15–25. Its courtyards, timber gateways, and Chinese-style Islamic layout are best appreciated slowly; dress modestly and note that opening arrangements can change during religious services.
Evening
As the light fades, walk or take a short DiDi ride to Drum Tower and Bell Tower Square. The two landmarks are particularly atmospheric once illuminated, usually from around 6:00 PM; exterior views are free, while combined tower tickets are commonly around ¥50–60 if you want to go inside. For dinner, return to the Muslim Quarter and eat at Jia San Guan Tang Baozi, known for Xi’an-style soup dumplings. Allow ¥30–60 per person, and handle the dumplings carefully—the broth inside is very hot. Finish with a relaxed stroll through the surrounding lanes rather than adding another major attraction; temperatures can drop sharply after dark, so bring gloves and use DiDi for the return to your hotel.
Terracotta Army day trip
- Terracotta Army day tour from Xi’an to Lintong — Xi’an–Lintong; depart around 7:00 AM, allowing roughly 1 hour each way plus tour logistics.
- Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum — Lintong District; visit Pits 1, 2, and 3 with the included guided commentary, morning to early afternoon ~3 hours.
- Lishan Garden — Lintong District; see the Qin Mausoleum Bronze Chariots and Horses, afternoon ~1 hour.
- Local restaurant near the museum — Lintong District; have the tour-included lunch or choose a nearby Qin-style meal, lunch approximately ¥40–80 per person.
- Return to central Xi’an — Lintong–Xi’an; arrive back in the late afternoon or evening and keep the night relaxed.
Morning
Leave central Xi’an around 7:00 AM with your organized tour or pre-booked car; allow about an hour to reach Lintong District, especially on a winter weekday morning. Have your passport and booking details ready at the entrance to Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum. The museum complex is large, so wear warm layers and comfortable shoes—the open paths between the halls can feel much colder than expected. Start with Pit 1, the dramatic main hall, then continue to Pits 2 and 3 with the included Chinese guided commentary. Plan roughly three hours, and keep your group’s meeting point clearly noted if the guide separates everyone during the visit.
Lunch and Afternoon
Take the tour-included lunch near the museum; if you have a choice, look for a simple local restaurant serving biangbiang noodles, roujiamo, or dumplings, usually around ¥40–80 per person. After eating, continue to Lishan Garden for the Qin Mausoleum Bronze Chariots and Horses. The exhibition is indoors and compact, making it a welcome warm-up after the museum’s exposed walkways; allow about an hour. You do not need to rush the surrounding area—winter light is often soft and atmospheric around Mount Li, and the museum grounds are best enjoyed at an unhurried pace.
Return to Xi’an
Leave Lintong in the mid- to late afternoon, aiming to reach central Xi’an around 5:00–6:30 PM. A pre-booked car is simplest; otherwise, use a Didi to Huaqing Palace and take Metro Line 9 back toward the city, though the full return can take up to two hours. Keep the evening relaxed after the long day: have dinner near your hotel, warm up with a bowl of noodles, and prepare any luggage or tickets needed for tomorrow’s overnight train.
Final Xi'an sights and overnight train
- Shaanxi History Museum — Xiaozhai; explore major artifacts from Shaanxi’s dynastic history, morning ~2 hours; reserve admission in advance.
- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda — Qujiang; visit Xi’an’s iconic Tang-era landmark, late morning ~1.5 hours.
- Da Ci’en Temple — Qujiang; see the historic Buddhist temple surrounding the pagoda, early afternoon ~1 hour.
- Xi’an Qujiang Museum of Fine Arts — Qujiang; add a quieter cultural stop nearby, afternoon ~1.5 hours.
- Yongxingfang — Beilin District; sample regional Shaanxi foods in a traditional-style food district, dinner approximately ¥50–100 per person.
- Xi’an Railway Station to Beijing West Railway Station — overnight sleeper train; board in the evening, arriving in Beijing the next morning; allow time for station security and luggage handling.
Morning
After breakfast, take a DiDi from your Lintong accommodation toward Shaanxi History Museum in Xiaozhai; allow 45–75 minutes depending on traffic. Reserve a timed entry in advance through the official WeChat account or local ticket platform, and bring your passport. Plan about two hours inside for bronzes, Tang-era pottery, murals, and imperial treasures. The museum is typically closed on Mondays and is busiest from late morning, so arriving around 9:00 AM is worthwhile. If you are delayed, skip the museum’s optional special exhibitions rather than rushing the main collection.
Late Morning and Afternoon
From the museum, it is a short DiDi ride to Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, where you can stroll around the open plaza and photograph the Tang-style architecture. Allow roughly 1½ hours; the pagoda grounds are best in daylight, and the surrounding Qujiang area is easy to explore on foot. Continue next door to Da Ci’en Temple, the quieter historic complex associated with the pagoda. Spend about an hour there, keeping shoulders covered and speaking softly in the active temple courtyards. Afterward, visit Xi’an Qujiang Museum of Fine Arts for a slower, warmer indoor stop; allow around 1½ hours and check its holiday opening schedule before setting out, as exhibition hours can vary.
Evening and Train
Take a DiDi north to Yongxingfang, allowing 25–40 minutes in evening traffic. This traditional-style food district is a good final taste of Shaanxi: try roujiamo, biangbiang noodles, cold noodles, and lamb skewers, budgeting ¥50–100 per person. Keep dinner fairly early and leave plenty of time for Xi’an Railway Station—ideally arrive by 8:00 PM or at least 60–90 minutes before departure. Your passport and train booking are checked at the entrance, followed by security screening; station halls can be crowded, so buy water and snacks before boarding the overnight sleeper to Beijing West.
Arrival and first day in Beijing
- Beijing West Railway Station — Lianhuachi area; arrive around 10:30 AM, collect luggage, and transfer to the hotel.
- Jingshan Park — Dongcheng District; climb for one of Beijing’s best views over the Forbidden City, early afternoon ~1.5 hours.
- Forbidden City exterior and Meridian Gate area — Dongcheng District; see the imperial complex from its southern approach, afternoon ~1 hour; book entry if visiting inside.
- Wangfujing Street — Dongcheng District; explore a central shopping and dining street, evening ~1.5 hours.
- Quanjude Roast Duck — Wangfujing; enjoy Beijing’s classic roast duck dinner, approximately ¥150–300 per person.
Late Morning Arrival
Arrive at Beijing West Railway Station around 10:30 AM and allow 30–45 minutes to leave the station, collect your bags, and orient yourself—this is a large, busy terminal. Take a DiDi or taxi to your hotel, usually 20–40 minutes depending on where you are staying; the subway is cheaper, but luggage and Beijing’s winter crowds make a car more comfortable today. After checking in or leaving bags at reception, have a quick lunch nearby rather than trying to fit in a major attraction immediately.
Afternoon Imperial Beijing
Head first to Jingshan Park, ideally arriving around 1:00 PM. The park generally opens from about 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with entry around ¥2, and the short climb to Wanchun Pavilion gives the finest elevated view of Beijing’s historic center—especially atmospheric in crisp winter weather. Wear shoes with good grip, as the stone steps can be icy. From the park’s south side, walk through the Forbidden City’s northern surroundings toward the Meridian Gate and the imperial complex’s southern approach; allow about 15–20 minutes on foot and spend roughly an hour viewing the exterior and photographing the grand axis. If you decide to enter the palace later in the trip, reserve through the official ticket system in advance—passport details are required, and same-day entry is not dependable.
Evening in Wangfujing
Take a short DiDi or taxi to Wangfujing Street, usually 10–20 minutes depending on traffic, and spend the evening browsing its illuminated shops and department stores. The area is lively after 5:00 PM, though the famous snack stalls are more tourist-oriented than local; for a quieter break, duck into one of the nearby shopping-mall cafés. Around 6:30–7:00 PM, settle in for dinner at Quanjude Roast Duck on Wangfujing. Budget approximately ¥150–300 per person, depending on whether you order a half or whole duck and add side dishes. The restaurant can be busy during the holiday period, so ask your hotel to reserve, or arrive early and expect a wait. After dinner, return by DiDi rather than walking far in the cold, keeping the evening easy after the overnight train.
Mutianyu Great Wall and Summer Palace
- Mutianyu Great Wall day tour — Huairou District; depart around 7:30 AM, allowing roughly 1.5–2 hours each way depending on traffic; use the cable car or chairlift if desired.
- Mutianyu Great Wall — Huairou District; walk the restored watchtowers and mountain ridgeline, morning to early afternoon ~3 hours.
- Local restaurant near Mutianyu — Huairou District; have a simple village lunch, approximately ¥50–100 per person.
- Summer Palace — Haidian District; visit the lake, imperial gardens, and Long Corridor on the way back, late afternoon ~2 hours.
- Bird’s Nest and Water Cube — Olympic Park; view Beijing’s landmark stadiums after the tour return, evening ~1 hour.
Morning: Mutianyu Great Wall
Leave central Beijing around 7:00–7:30 AM with your booked day tour, allowing 1.5–2 hours to reach Mutianyu Great Wall via the Jingcheng Expressway. Winter mornings are often cold and hazy, so wear proper layers, gloves, and shoes with good grip; the stone steps can be icy. At the visitor centre, the shuttle bus to the entrance is normally compulsory. Admission is roughly ¥40–60, with the shuttle, cable car, or chairlift-and-slide charged separately; allow about ¥120–200 extra if you prefer not to climb both ways. Spend around three hours walking the restored watchtowers—take the cable car or chairlift uphill, then walk along the ridge toward Towers 4–6 for excellent views with less effort.
Lunch and Summer Palace
Have a relaxed village lunch near Mutianyu, rather than waiting until the return journey. Small restaurants around the scenic-area entrance serve local Huairou dishes such as rainbow trout, braised chicken, vegetables, and noodles; expect approximately ¥50–100 per person. After lunch, continue by car toward Summer Palace, usually taking around 1.5–2 hours depending on traffic. Enter via Beigongmen Gate if your driver can drop you there, then follow the route through Suzhou Street, up to Longevity Hill, and along the Long Corridor beside Kunming Lake. In winter, the gardens close around 5:00–5:30 PM, so keep this visit to about two hours and check the exact seasonal closing time when booking; admission is generally around ¥20–30, with combination tickets costing more.
Evening: Olympic Park
Return toward central Beijing and finish at Olympic Park, where Bird’s Nest and Water Cube are especially atmospheric after dark. From Summer Palace, the drive usually takes 30–45 minutes, though evening traffic can stretch this considerably. A one-hour exterior visit is enough for photographs; entering either venue requires separate tickets and is not necessary for the classic view. The open plaza can be very windy in December, so bring an extra layer. If the tour returns later than planned, ask to be dropped near Olympic Park rather than going back to the hotel first, and use Olympic Sports Center or Olympic Park metro station afterward.
Universal Studios Beijing
- Universal Studios Beijing — Tongzhou District; arrive before opening for security and popular attractions, full day ~9–10 hours.
- The Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Universal Studios Beijing; experience the park’s most immersive themed area, morning or early afternoon ~2 hours.
- Jurassic World Isla Nublar — Universal Studios Beijing; enjoy major rides and special effects, afternoon ~2 hours.
- Universal CityWalk Beijing — Tongzhou District; choose dinner and browse shops after leaving the park, evening ~1.5 hours; allow approximately ¥80–180 per person.
Early Morning: Arrive Before Opening
Leave your Huairou District accommodation around 5:30–6:00 AM by pre-booked DiDi or private car. The drive to Universal Studios Beijing usually takes 2–2½ hours via the Jingcheng Expressway and Beijing’s ring roads, with morning traffic potentially adding time. Ask the driver to drop you at the main security entrance; allow 30–45 minutes for security, ticket checks, and walking into the park. The park typically opens around 9:00 AM, but confirm the exact winter operating hours in the official app shortly before visiting. January weather is cold, so wear thermal layers, gloves, and comfortable shoes—the park involves a lot of outdoor walking.
Morning and Afternoon: Universal Studios Beijing
Spend the day inside Universal Studios Beijing, heading first toward The Wizarding World of Harry Potter while queues are shortest. Allow around two hours for the area, including Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Flight of the Hippogriff, the castle interiors, and time for photographs around Hogsmeade. Butterbeer and snacks are expensive by Beijing standards, generally around ¥40–70; bring a refillable bottle and use the park’s official app to check wait times. After lunch, continue to Jurassic World Isla Nublar for approximately two hours. The major rides and special-effects attractions are popular, so use the app’s queue information or paid Express Pass only if the lines become particularly long. Park meals commonly cost about ¥60–120 per person, and it is sensible to take a warm indoor break during the coldest part of the afternoon.
Evening: CityWalk Dinner
After leaving Universal Studios Beijing, walk directly into Universal CityWalk Beijing, which is beside the park and connected to Universal Resort Station. Spend around 1½ hours choosing dinner and browsing the shops; options range from familiar international chains to Chinese restaurants and quick-service counters. Budget roughly ¥80–180 per person. If you are returning to central Beijing, the subway is usually more predictable than a road transfer: take the Batong Line or Line 7 from Universal Resort Station, transferring according to your hotel’s location. For a hotel in central Beijing, allow about 45–75 minutes, and use a DiDi instead only if everyone is exhausted or carrying shopping bags.
Final day exploring Beijing
- Temple of Heaven — Dongcheng District; see the imperial sacrificial complex and its cypress gardens, morning ~2 hours.
- Hongqiao Pearl Market — Dongcheng District; browse souvenirs, clothing, electronics, and local goods, late morning ~1.5 hours.
- Beijing Temple of Confucius — Dongcheng District; visit a quieter historic complex dedicated to Confucius, afternoon ~1 hour.
- Guozijian Street — Dongcheng District; stroll the traditional hutong-lined avenue, afternoon ~1 hour.
- Nanluoguxiang — Dongcheng District; explore hutongs, small shops, and cafés, late afternoon ~1.5 hours.
- Hutong restaurant or café near Shichahai — central Beijing; finish with northern Chinese dishes or coffee, approximately ¥60–150 per person.
Morning
Leave Universal Resort around 7:00–7:30 AM on Beijing Subway Line 7, transferring as needed toward Temple of Heaven; allow roughly 45–75 minutes and use a transport card or Beijing transit app. Enter through the East Gate and spend about two hours exploring the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the cypress-lined grounds. The park generally opens around 6:00 AM, while the main halls open later, usually around 8:00 AM; winter mornings are cold but wonderfully quiet. General admission is about ¥15, with an additional small fee for the interior halls.
Late Morning and Afternoon
Take a short DiDi ride or walk toward Hongqiao Pearl Market, beside the Temple of Heaven’s east side, for about 1½ hours of browsing. The market is useful for inexpensive souvenirs, scarves, small electronics, and gifts, but bargain politely and compare several stalls before buying. Around lunchtime, continue by taxi or subway toward Beijing Temple of Confucius, a quieter complex with carved steles, old cypress trees, and traditional courtyards; allow about an hour and check its holiday opening schedule before leaving, as winter hours can be shorter. From there, a few minutes on foot brings you along Guozijian Street, where the old grey-brick hutong façades and gatehouses make for a pleasant, unhurried stroll.
Late Afternoon and Evening
Continue west into Nanluoguxiang in the late afternoon, when the lane begins to brighten with shopfronts and café lights. The main alley can be busy and commercial, so wander into the side hutongs for a calmer look at residential Beijing; allow around 1½ hours. Finish near Shichahai at a hutong restaurant or café—look for northern dishes such as zhajiangmian, dumplings, roast meat, or a warming hotpot, with coffee and dessert available in the smaller courtyard cafés. Budget roughly ¥60–150 per person. Since this is your final evening, keep the night relaxed and arrange airport or onward transport only after checking your departure time; winter traffic across Beijing can be unpredictable.
