Classic China: Beijing & Xi'an in 7 Days

This is the classic introduction to China: the imperial monuments of Beijing followed by the ancient capital of Xi'an. It works at any pace, connects easily by high-speed rail, and hits the two experiences most travelers put at the top of their list.

The shape of it

Spend four days in Beijing — the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the hutongs and the Summer Palace — then take the high-speed train to Xi'an for the Terracotta Army, the city wall and the Muslim Quarter.