If you are planning your very first China travel schedule with two classic most iconic destinations, Beijing and Xi’an will never make you feel disappointed. These two cities concentrate China’s long history authentic flavors and unforgettable local experiences that you can not find in any other country. This guide will walk you through every most practical necessary tip to make your journey smooth and lovely.
When Visit Beijing and Xi’an
The best seasons to visit these two historical locations are mid April to early June and mid September to late October, during this term the temperature hovers between 15 to 25 celsius and you get plenty sunny dry days. Winter from December to February brings chilly wind and very little sights friendly sunlight, summer July and August also have sudden thunder rainstorms that may spoil outdoor activities like mountain walking on the Great Wall.
You do not need to bring heavy overcoats if you travel in the suggested seasons,but do prepare a light breathable sports coat and an small foldable umbrella anytime. The widely spread sand storm weather reports are completely over exaggerated now, the local environment protection policy had made natural condition far more tourist friendly over the last five years.
Must Visit Attractions Beijing
Start your Beijing tour with exploring the UNESCO Forbidden City in the very early morning, buying your entry ticket at least 7 days in advance on official online platform to avoid long queuing or even sold out situation. Spend 4 full hours there then walk across the Chang’an Avenue to the nearby Tiananmen Square for sun set natural light sightseeing experience.
Later take one full day trip go to the Mutianyu section of the famous Great Wall, this well renovated area offer comfortable cable car rides and much better balanced wild preserved views than constantly crowded Badaling part. Local residential homestay near Badaling usually serve delicious homemade stewed meat dishes with freshly baked flat bread that is well fits western tourists eating habits.
Must Visit Attractions Xi’an
When you take 1.5 hours popular high speed rail south to Xi’an, your absolute number one plan must go to getting Terracotta Warriors Museum tickets and reserving a knowledgeable local guide, those experienced volunteers can share countless touching unknown stories behind every single detailed figurine. The museum full visiting process takes about four to five hours away from Xi’an downtown city center.
Walk on the perfectly preserved 14 kilometer long ancient City Wall of xi’an when sun fall changes day light to warm golden hour, you can easily rent a city bike and ride along the whole city loop and touch that 600 years old cold well maintained stone surface in person. The surrounding Muslim Quarter hiding millions of traditional street stalls offer spiced lamb skewers, cold sweet rice dishes freshly squeezed pomegranate juice.
Travel Tip For Two Cities
Your 6 to 7 day route recommended arranging 3 nights stay Beijing later than that take noon time high speed rail to arrive Xi’an and spend rest 3 nights there. Most local subway systems support international credit cell phone wallet payments while big hotels also fully adapt every international payment ways for different convenience use purpose.
Do you have your own other undiscovered favorite travel spots that we did not mention it in the Beijing and Xi’an travel guideline? Drop your unique personal stories down on comment section to share the ideas with every travel buddy, and spread this useful guide on your social channels to help other new traveller.