Sample Itineraries
Kung Fu & Ancient Capitals: 8 Days, Beijing + Luoyang + Xi'an
Imperial landmarks in Beijing, Buddhist cliff carvings and Shaolin kung fu around Luoyang, and ancient city ramparts in Xi'an.
- Duration
- 7 nights / 8 days
- Pace
- Moderate (2 of 4)
- Cities
- Beijing → Luoyang → Xi'an
- Best for
- Travellers curious about kung fu and old capitals
Who this route is for
This route suits travellers drawn to martial arts history, Buddhist heritage, and the heartland capitals of the Central Plains. Basing in Luoyang keeps Shaolin Temple within reach for a day trip while leaving unhurried time for the riverside grottoes. High-speed rail connects each stop smoothly, keeping travel time low and sightseeing practical.
Reference prices
Price checked: 26 October 2026
- Independent
- From $2,200per person
- Private Guided
- From $3,400per person
2026 reference prices · 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. Luoyang2 nights
- 3. Xi'an2 nights
High-speed rail
High-speed rail
Day by day
01
Arrive in Beijing
Beijing
Morning
Land at the airport and transfer by road to your hotel in central Beijing, with the morning kept open for flight arrivals.
Afternoon
Rest after your journey, or take an unhurried walk around the neighbourhood to adjust to the local time.
Evening
Take an evening walk through the hutongs near Shichahai lake, followed by an early dinner nearby.
02
Forbidden City and Jingshan Park
Beijing
Morning
Walk through the courtyards of the Forbidden City, with timed entry booked in advance with your passport.
Afternoon
Cross into Jingshan Park and climb to the top pavilion for a view over the palace roofs.
Evening
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant in the old quarter, trying northern Chinese dishes.
03
Temple of Heaven and Lama Temple
Beijing
Morning
Visit the Temple of Heaven early to watch locals doing tai chi and exercising in the park grounds.
Afternoon
Head to the Lama Temple to explore the Tibetan Buddhist halls and courtyard pavilions.
Evening
Stroll down Guozijian street past courtyard homes and tea shops before dinner.
04
High-speed rail to Luoyang and Longmen Grottoes
Luoyang
Morning
Board a high-speed train from Beijing West to Luoyang Longmen, a journey of roughly four hours.
Afternoon
Travel south to the Longmen Grottoes to view the Buddhist figures carved along the banks of the Yi River.
Evening
Stay to see the cliff carvings lit at dusk if evening illumination is running, then return for dinner.
05
Day trip to Shaolin Temple
Luoyang
Morning
Travel by road to Shaolin Temple at Mount Song near Dengfeng, about an hour and a half from Luoyang depending on traffic, to visit the historic temple halls.
Afternoon
Walk through the Pagoda Forest and catch a kung fu demonstration by martial arts students if one is scheduled that day.
Evening
Drive back to Luoyang for the evening, with an optional stroll past the illuminated Lijing Gate in the old town.
06
High-speed rail to Xi'an and the City Wall
Xi'an
Morning
Take a high-speed train from Luoyang Longmen to Xi'an North, taking about an hour and a half.
Afternoon
Check in to your hotel, then rent a bicycle or walk along the top of the Ming City Wall.
Evening
Head to a local restaurant near the South Gate for an easy dinner.
07
Terracotta Army and Muslim Quarter
Xi'an
Morning
Drive east by road to the Terracotta Warriors museum to explore the excavated pits and chariot exhibits.
Afternoon
Head back into Xi'an to rest, or explore the park around the Drum Tower at your own pace.
Evening
Spend the evening grazing through the Muslim Quarter food street, sampling grilled skewers and pulled noodles.
08
Big Wild Goose Pagoda and departure
Xi'an
Morning
Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and its surrounding gardens in the morning if your flight schedule allows.
Afternoon
Transfer by road to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport in time for check-in.
Evening
Board your onward flight home or to your next destination.
2026 reference prices
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 $2,200
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 $3,400
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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Per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included. Your final price depends on hotels, car arrangements and what you ask for — usually a little above this, sometimes more. 2026 reference prices.