Beijing and Xi’an
Beijing:
In the days preceding the 2008 Olympics, Beijing underwent a massive facelift. Widening its streets, tearing down old structures, building new parks and erecting new buildings, the Beijing of today might be unrecognizable to anyone who visited the city the ten years ago–even more so for residents who have spent an entire lifetime here. In the aftermath of the 2008 Olympics, Beijing has opened its arms to tourism. While Beijing is host to an array of historical sites that remain an attraction for visitors, locals are also proud to point out modern sites of interest and modernization that keep Beijing an ever-changing always exciting cityscape. From the Great Wall to Tian’anmen Square, from the Forbidden City to the Bird’s Nest, Beijing is truly a place where past meets present.
Xi’an:
With a history spanning over 11 dynasties, Xi’an provides visitors the perfect setting to be able to reach out and touch ancient history while enjoying the benefits of a modern day city at the same time. The most well-renowned site in Xi’an is the Terracotta Army, built to protect the Emperor Qin Shi Huang (credited as the first emperor who united China). With a fabulous Shaanxi history museum containing almost 3,000 works of art and 2,000 selected cultural relics, it’s easy to soak oneself in history when visiting Xi’an. Xi’an is also the only city in China with a completely restored city wall, giving it a distinctly different look from China’s other cities. Only a short ride from Xi’an is one of China’s steepest and most awe-inspiring mountains, Hua Shan. Known for its sheer cliff-rock faces and dropoffs, it’s easy to see why this mountain has been a pilgrimage site for followers of Daoism for centuries.
| # of Days | Title | Summary | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Beijing Activities Tour | This is a great tour jam packed with lots of excitement and culture. We combine as many of Beijing’s “must see” sites as possible in this tour, along with some interactive activities that will have you mixing with locals. | Details |
| 5 | Beijing and Baoding, a Tale of Two Cities | Although only separated by about an hour by train, Beijing and Baoding are both cities from two different eras. As the current capital of China, one can feel modernization and history harmoniously working together in Beijing. Baoding’s glory, however, was more often felt in China’s past during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. A visit to these two cities will give you a feel for just how different China can be from place to place. | Details |
| 14 | Beijing, Xi’an, and Hua Shan | See the best of what Beijing and Xi’an have to offer, as well as getting to view one of China’s most magnificent scenic spots, the foreboding Hua Mountain in Shaanxi Province. With a mix of homestays and hotels, big cities and countryside, this tour will give you a well-rounded view of China’s Northern highlights. | Details |