Tracing the Grandeur of China’s Imperial Past: A 12-Day Ancient Capitals Itinerary

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Itinerary Overview
  3. Detailed Itinerary
    1. Day 1-3: Beijing
    2. Day 4-6: Xi’an
    3. Day 7-9: Luoyang
    4. Day 10-12: Nanjing
  4. Transportation
  5. Dining
  6. Accommodation
  7. Budget Considerations
  8. FAQs
  9. Conclusion

Introduction

China’s ancient capitals have long been a source of fascination for historians, archaeologists, and curious travelers alike. This 12-day itinerary takes you on a journey through some of the most renowned and influential cities that have shaped the course of Chinese civilization. From the majestic grandeur of Beijing to the historical significance of Xi’an, Luoyang, and Nanjing, you will delve into the rich tapestry of China’s imperial past, uncovering the architectural wonders, cultural traditions, and timeless legacies that have endured through the centuries.

Itinerary Overview

City Duration
Beijing 3 days
Xi’an 3 days
Luoyang 3 days
Nanjing 3 days

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1-3: Beijing

Highlights:

  • Tiananmen Square
  • Forbidden City
  • Summer Palace
  • Ming Tombs
  • Great Wall of China (Badaling section)

Transportation:

  • Beijing has an extensive and efficient public transportation system, including the metro, buses, and taxis.
  • Consider purchasing a Beijing Transportation Card for convenient and discounted travel.

Dining:

  • Explore the vibrant food scene in Beijing, from traditional Peking roast duck to modern fusion cuisine.
  • Visit the Wangfujing Night Market for a delightful culinary adventure.

Accommodation:

  • Stay in the city center, near popular attractions, for easy access and exploration.
  • Recommended hotels: The Peninsula Beijing, Raffles Beijing Hotel, or Aman Summer Palace.

Day 4-6: Xi’an

Highlights:

  • Terracotta Army
  • Xi’an City Wall
  • Great Mosque of Xi’an
  • Shaanxi History Museum
  • Muslim Quarter

Transportation:

  • Xi’an has a well-developed public transportation system, including the metro, buses, and taxis.
  • Consider renting a bicycle to explore the historic city center.

Dining:

  • Savor the delectable flavors of Shaanxi cuisine, including hand-pulled noodles, dumplings, and lamb dishes.
  • Visit the Muslim Quarter for a vibrant food scene and street food stalls.

Accommodation:

  • Stay in the city center, near the historic attractions, for a convenient and immersive experience.
  • Recommended hotels: Sofitel Xi’an on Renmin Square, Shangri-La Hotel, Xi’an, or Hilton Xi’an.

Day 7-9: Luoyang

Highlights:

  • Longmen Grottoes
  • Shaolin Temple
  • White Horse Temple
  • Luoyang Ancient City

Transportation:

  • Luoyang has a public transportation system, including buses and taxis, to navigate the city.
  • Consider taking a day trip to the Shaolin Temple, which is located about 1 hour from Luoyang.

Dining:

  • Explore the local cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the region’s agricultural heritage.
  • Try the famous Luoyang peony cakes and other traditional Henan specialties.

Accommodation:

  • Stay in the city center or near the Longmen Grottoes for easy access to the main attractions.
  • Recommended hotels: Henan Shushanlu Hotel, Luoyang Kuntai Royal Hotel, or Luoyang Eternal Palace Hotel.

Day 10-12: Nanjing

Highlights:

  • Ming Xiaoling Mausoleum
  • Nanjing Massacre Memorial Hall
  • Xuanwu Lake
  • Nanjing Museum
  • Confucius Temple

Transportation:

  • Nanjing has an efficient metro system, as well as buses and taxis, to navigate the city.
  • Consider renting a bicycle to explore the scenic areas along the Yangtze River.

Dining:

  • Savor the regional Jiangsu cuisine, known for its delicate flavors and use of fresh, seasonal ingredients.
  • Visit the historic Confucius Temple area for a variety of traditional and modern dining options.

Accommodation:

  • Stay in the city center or near the Yangtze River for easy access to the main attractions.
  • Recommended hotels: Jinling Hotel, Shangri-La Hotel Nanjing, or Hilton Nanjing Riverside.

Transportation

  • Air Travel: Major airports are located in Beijing, Xi’an, Luoyang, and Nanjing, providing convenient access to the cities.
  • High-Speed Rail: China’s extensive high-speed rail network connects the ancient capitals, allowing for efficient and comfortable travel between destinations.
  • Local Transportation: Each city has a well-developed public transportation system, including metros, buses, and taxis, to facilitate your exploration.

Dining

  • China’s ancient capitals offer a diverse culinary landscape, from traditional imperial dishes to regional specialties.
  • Be sure to try local delicacies, such as Peking roast duck in Beijing, hand-pulled noodles in Xi’an, and Luoyang peony cakes.
  • Explore vibrant food streets, night markets, and historic teahouses to immerse yourself in the local food culture.

Accommodation

  • Choose centrally located hotels to maximize your convenience and ease of exploration.
  • Consider staying in historic or boutique properties to enhance your experience of the ancient capitals.
  • Luxury hotel options are available in each city, offering world-class amenities and services.

Budget Considerations

  • Airfare: International flights to and from China can vary widely in price depending on your departure location and travel dates.
  • Transportation: High-speed rail tickets and local transportation costs are generally affordable.
  • Accommodation: Luxury hotel options can be more expensive, while mid-range and budget hotels offer more budget-friendly alternatives.
  • Attractions: Entry fees to major historical sites and attractions can add up, but consider purchasing multi-site or city passes to save money.
  • Dining: Costs for meals can vary greatly, from affordable local eateries to high-end restaurants.

FAQs

  1. What is the best time of year to visit the ancient capitals of China? The spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) seasons are generally considered the best times, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
  2. Do I need a visa to visit China? Yes, most foreign travelers will need to obtain a visa before visiting China. Be sure to check the current visa requirements and application process.
  3. How much Mandarin Chinese do I need to know? While basic Mandarin skills can be helpful, many major tourist sites and hotels in the ancient capitals have signage and staff who can communicate in English.
  4. Are the ancient sites wheelchair accessible? Accessibility varies across the different sites, but many are working to improve accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges. It’s advisable to check with the specific sites or your tour operator for the latest information.
  5. Can I combine this itinerary with other destinations in China? Absolutely! This 12-day itinerary can be easily extended to include other popular destinations, such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, or Guilin, depending on your interests and available time.

Conclusion

Embark on a captivating journey through China’s ancient capitals, where you’ll uncover the grandeur of the country’s imperial past. This 12-day itinerary offers a comprehensive exploration of Beijing, Xi’an, Luoyang, and Nanjing, allowing you to immerse yourself in the rich history, stunning architecture, and cultural traditions that have defined the Middle Kingdom for centuries. With detailed transportation, dining, and accommodation recommendations, as well as budget considerations and helpful FAQs, you’ll be well-equipped to plan an unforgettable adventure through the heart of China’s imperial legacy.