10-Day China Culture Relics Classic Tour
Why ST-CTour
Save Your Time:
- Less research, more enjoyment!
- Real-time 1V1 expert planning
Maximize Your Flexibility:
- Personal local guide and ride
- Explore at your own pace
Live Your China Story:
- Authentic local culture and lifestyles
- Understand the culture by living it
A High-Efficiency Journey Through China’s Greatest Heritage Sites
This classic cultural tour brings together China’s most important historical landmarks — from the Great Wall and the Forbidden City to the breathtaking Yungang Grottoes, the living museum of Pingyao Ancient Town, and the world-famous Terracotta Warriors.
Connected by high-speed trains, the route is designed for travelers who want to experience China’s cultural relics efficiently and comfortably, without sacrificing depth. Along the way, you’ll also enjoy local food discoveries and hands-on cultural experiences that turn sightseeing into meaningful memories.
The itinerary below is one suggested option. Tell us your travel style, interests, and budget, and our travel experts will tailor the trip to you.
📌 Suggested Beijing – Datong – Pingyao – Xi’an Itinerary
Day 1–3 | Beijing
Forbidden City & imperial axis, Temple of Heaven, Mutianyu Great Wall
Day 4–5 | Datong
Yungang Grottoes, Hanging Monastery
Day 6–7 | Pingyao
Pingyao Ancient Town, Wang’s Family Compound, Zhangbi Ancient Castle
Day 8–10 | Xi’an
Terracotta Warriors, City Wall & Muslim Quarter, food & craft experiences
⭐ Signature Highlights
Stand on the Mutianyu Great Wall
Enjoy one of the most scenic and best-restored sections of the Great Wall. Mutianyu offers breathtaking mountain views and a rewarding walk between watchtowers.
Uncover Forbidden City Stories with an Expert Guide
Go beyond surface sightseeing in the world’s largest and best-preserved imperial palace complex. Learn about royal life, power, rituals, and fascinating personalities from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Step into One of the “World’s Most Astonishing Cliff Buildings”
Visit the Hanging Monastery, built more than 1,500 years ago — suspended against a cliff and supported by wooden beams embedded into the rock face. A rare blend of Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism in one place.
Explore One of China’s Greatest Grotto Art Treasures
Discover the Yungang Grottoes, home to thousands of remarkably preserved Buddhist statues and carvings, showcasing the grandeur of early Buddhist art in China.
See Qing-Era Wealth and Architecture at Wang’s Family Compound
Walk through an extraordinary courtyard complex often described as a “folk Forbidden City,” offering a vivid glimpse into the life, status, and aesthetics of a powerful family in late imperial China.
Taste Your Way Through Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter
Enjoy a foodie adventure on Xi’an’s most vibrant food streets. Your guide will recommend must-try local favorites such as roujiamo, yangrou paomo, and biangbiang noodles.
Immerse Yourself in Traditional Craftsmanship
Create your own souvenir at Shuyuanmen Ancient Cultural Street. Choose one craft experience — paper cutting, Chinese knot weaving, rubbing art, or shadow play — and learn the techniques behind the tradition.
🗺️ Suggested Itinerary
Your preferences design the real journey. We’re ready to create a wonderful private China tour for you.
Day 1 — Arrive in Beijing
Your private guide will meet you at the airport. A comfortable non-smoking private vehicle with an experienced driver will transfer you to your hotel, and your guide will assist with check-in.
Day 2 — Beijing | City Highlights: Forbidden City, Hutong Life
Breakfast & Lunch
Start at Tian’anmen Square, then explore the Forbidden City, once home to 24 emperors and the world’s largest preserved imperial palace complex.
Continue to Jingshan Park for a bird’s-eye view over the palace roofs — one of the best photo spots in Beijing.
In the afternoon, walk through Beijing’s hutongs and visit a local family to learn about traditional courtyard homes and daily life in old Beijing.
Day 3 — Beijing | Temple of Heaven & Mutianyu Great Wall
Breakfast & Lunch
Visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Today it’s also a lively park for locals — you may see tai chi, dancing, and other morning activities.
In the afternoon, head to the Mutianyu Great Wall, a less-crowded and highly scenic section. A round-trip cable car is arranged so you can save energy for walking, photos, and enjoying the watchtowers.
Day 4 — Beijing → Datong | Summer Palace & High-Speed Train
Breakfast & Lunch
Visit the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design. Stroll through tranquil lake scenery, decorated corridors, and elegant halls, learning how emperors used this area as a seasonal retreat.
After lunch, take a high-speed train to Datong and check in to your hotel.
Day 5 — Datong | Yungang Grottoes & Hanging Monastery
Breakfast & Lunch
Explore the Yungang Grottoes, begun in 460 AD and featuring dozens of caves and tens of thousands of statues. A sightseeing cart will be arranged to reduce walking and help you focus on the highlights.
Then visit the Hanging Monastery, uniquely combining Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucian ideas — built against a cliff in a way that looks almost impossible.
Day 6 — Datong → Pingyao | Pingyao Ancient Town
Breakfast & Lunch
Take a morning train to Pingyao (about 2 hours).
Explore Pingyao Ancient Town, China’s best-preserved walled town. Visit key sites such as:
Rishengchang Draft Bank (a pioneer of Chinese banking)
Armed Escort Company Museum
Ancient City Wall and traditional streets
Day 7 — Pingyao → Xi’an | Courtyard Grandeur & Ancient Defense Systems
Breakfast & Lunch
Visit Wang’s Family Compound, spanning a vast area with hundreds of courtyards and thousands of rooms — a remarkable example of late imperial residential architecture.
Then explore Zhangbi Ancient Castle, famous for its underground tunnel networks and defensive design, once crucial for refuge and military strategy.
After the tour, transfer to the station and take a high-speed train to Xi’an.
Day 8 — Xi’an | Terracotta Warriors, City Wall & Muslim Quarter
Breakfast & Lunch
Visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, often called one of the “Eight Wonders of the World.” Each life-sized warrior has unique facial features and expression. Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
Later, stroll atop Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall for panoramic views. (Optional: rent a bike at extra cost.)
End the day in the lively Muslim Quarter, tasting local snacks recommended by your guide.
Day 9 — Xi’an | Museums, Local Family Meal & Craft Experience
Breakfast & Lunch
Visit the Xi’an Museum and the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, learning how Xi’an became the heart of multiple dynasties. Ring the bell for blessings and good fortune.
Visit a local family to learn how to make dumplings, then enjoy a warm homemade meal together.
In the afternoon, enjoy a craft-making experience at Shuyuanmen Ancient Cultural Street. Choose one: paper cutting, rubbing art, Chinese knot weaving, or shadow play — and create your own handmade keepsake.
Day 10 — Xi’an | Departure
Breakfast
Time to say goodbye. Your Xi’an guide will escort you to the airport for your departure. Thank you for traveling with us — we hope to welcome you again.
Tour Price
From US$X,XXX p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel
Price includes:
Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
English-speaking local guide
Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
Flights/trains between itinerary cities
24/7 helpline for while you are traveling