
Sample Itineraries
China with Kids: 7 Days, Beijing + Xi'an
A family journey combining imperial landmarks in Beijing with hands-on activities, walking the Great Wall ramparts, and cycling along Xi'an's ancient fortifications.
- Duration
- 6 nights / 7 days
- Pace
- Moderate (2 of 4)
- Cities
- Beijing → Xi'an
- Best for
- Families with children aged about 5 to 13
Who this route is for
Designed for families travelling with school-age children who want classic historical highlights paced alongside active, tactile experiences. Mornings focus on major sights like the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army, while afternoons leave room for park kite flying, City Wall cycling and quiet downtime before dinner, with a hands-on dumpling-making class in Xi'an. Intercity travel relies on daytime high-speed rail rather than domestic flights to keep station logistics easy for younger travellers.
Reference prices
Price checked: 29 October 2026
- Independent
- From $1,900per person
- Private Guided
- From $3,000per person
Reference prices for 2027 trips · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
Season, hotel level and group size change the price; your consultant quotes the exact trip.
Compare what each level includesThe route
- 1. Beijing3 nights
- 2. Xi'an3 nights
High-speed rail
Day by day
01
Arrive in Beijing
Beijing
Morning
Land at Beijing Capital or Daxing airport and meet your driver for a private car transfer with child seats to your hotel.
Afternoon
Unpack and settle in, taking a gentle stroll around the immediate neighbourhood to stretch your legs after the flight.
Evening
An unhurried early dinner near the hotel featuring mild northern dishes, followed by an early night to adjust to the time zone.
02
Forbidden City and park kite flying
Beijing
Morning
Explore the central courtyards of the Forbidden City at an easy pace, with timed entry tickets booked ahead with passports.
Afternoon
A short kite-flying outing on open lawns at a Beijing park, arranged by your specialist; a kite is provided and kite rules are confirmed in advance.
Evening
Dinner at a family-friendly courtyard restaurant in the hutongs, sampling Beijing-style noodles and pancakes.
03
Mutianyu Great Wall and hutong lanes
Beijing
Morning
Drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall by private car with child seats, riding the cable car up to explore the stone watchtowers on foot.
Afternoon
Descend by cable car or toboggan and return to the city for a quiet rest at the hotel to recover from the climb.
Evening
A relaxed evening walk through the nearby hutong alleyways, dropping into small bakeries and local neighbourhood shops.
04
High-speed rail to Xi'an
Xi'an
Morning
Board a morning high-speed train from Beijing West to Xi'an North for the ride across the plains.
Afternoon
Arrive in Xi'an and take a private car with child seats to your hotel, leaving time to unpack and relax.
Evening
Wander the lively pedestrian lanes of the Muslim Quarter to sample hand-stretched noodles, persimmon cakes, and freshly pressed fruit juices.
05
The Terracotta Army
Xi'an
Morning
Travel to the Terracotta Army excavation pits by private car with child seats, arriving early to view the clay soldiers and bronze chariots.
Afternoon
Return to the city for a restorative afternoon rest, quiet reading time, or downtime at the hotel.
Evening
Dinner at an unhurried local Shaanxi restaurant with simple dumpling and noodle choices that suit younger palates.
06
Dumpling cooking and City Wall ride
Xi'an
Morning
A hands-on dumpling-making class arranged for your family, where children roll dough, fill wrappers and pleat the dumplings.
Afternoon
Rent bikes to cycle along the wide, paved ramparts of the ancient Xi'an City Wall (bike sizes for children are confirmed in advance).
Evening
A farewell dinner featuring regional specialties, followed by an evening walk to see the illuminated gate towers at the South Gate.
07
Depart Xi'an
Xi'an
Morning
Pack at an easy pace and check out of your hotel after breakfast.
Afternoon
Take a private car transfer with child seats to Xi'an Xianyang airport for your flight home.
Evening
Board your onward flight home.
Reference prices for 2027 trips
Two ways to take this route.
Your final price depends on hotels, car arrangements and what you ask for — usually a little above this, sometimes more.
Independent
From $1,900
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- No full-time guide; add a guide for set times or sights
- Car
- On request
Private Guided
From $3,000
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- English-speaking private guide throughout
- Car
- Private car throughout
Included on both
- Hotels selected by us, confirmed by you, usually with breakfast
- Transport inside China: high-speed rail, domestic flights and transfers, including 12306 handling
- Entrance tickets for the sights in your itinerary
- Restaurant bookings made ahead where China requires it
- 24h WhatsApp / WeChat support while you travel, plus the LocalKey app
Not included
- International flights — we can book them on request, quoted separately
- Visa fees — many passports can enter China visa-free. Check your passport
- Personal spending and shopping
- Travel insurance
Tipping is not customary in China. There are no tips in your price, and you do not need to tip anyone who looks after you during your trip.
Make it yours
Keep the shape. Change the details.
Every sample here can be shortened, stretched, or rebuilt around what you care about.
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