This 3-day private tour, tailored to my request to visit Xi’an first before Beijing (flying from Shanghai), was a masterclass in personalized travel—every detail aligned with my love for ancient Chinese history, and the team’s expertise turned a great itinerary into an unforgettable experience. From the moment I booked, the company’s service was exceptional: they handled all flight bookings (economy plus, with my preferred window seat), sent a detailed daily itinerary a week in advance, and responded to my last-minute question about packing for Xi’an’s dry weather within 15 minutes. When I mentioned a fascination with Tang Dynasty history, they even added a private viewing of Tang-era artifacts at Xi’an’s Shaanxi History Museum—something I never would have arranged on my own.

My guide, Marco, joined me in Beijing and traveled with me to Xi’an, and his expertise made the trip unforgettable. Fluent in English with a degree in Chinese history, he turned every landmark into a story. In Beijing, we visited the Forbidden City at sunrise (a perk of the private tour) to avoid crowds, and Marco pointed out subtle details like the dragon motifs on the roof tiles (each with nine claws, a symbol of imperial power) and explained how the palace’s layout reflected Confucian ideals. At the Great Wall’s Mutianyu section, he arranged a private cable car ride and brought a gourmet picnic with local snacks—like crispy sugar-coated hawthorns—while sharing tales of soldiers who guarded the wall centuries ago.

When we flew to Xi’an the next day, Marco had already coordinated a driver to pick us up at the airport. The driver, Mr. Li, greeted us with a sign and a bottle of cold water, and his car was immaculate—spacious, dust-free, and with a subtle scent of jasmine. He drove smoothly through Xi’an’s busy streets, even during rush hour, and always parked as close as possible to attractions to save me from long walks. At the Terracotta Army, Marco arranged a private guide from the museum (a specialist in Qin Dynasty archaeology) to walk us through the excavation pits, explaining how each warrior’s face is unique and how the army was discovered by farmers in 1974. Later, he took me to a family-run restaurant in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, where he ordered local specialties like lamb paomo and cold noodles, and translated the chef’s stories about how these dishes have been passed down for generations.

The itinerary balanced both cities perfectly without feeling rushed: Day 1 focused on Beijing’s imperial heritage (Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Great Wall); Day 2 flew to Xi’an for the Terracotta Army and a walk along the ancient city wall at sunset; Day 3 explored Xi’an’s Shaanxi History Museum and Muslim Quarter before flying back to Shanghai. There was no wasted time—flights were timed to avoid early mornings, and transfers between sites were efficient. Marco even built in short breaks at cafes when he noticed I was tired, always suggesting local teas to try.

What stood out most was the intimacy of the private tour. Unlike group tours, I could ask as many questions as I wanted, spend extra time at spots that fascinated me (like the Tang Dynasty exhibit), and set my own pace. Marco, Mr. Li, and the entire company made me feel like a valued guest, not just a tourist. This trip didn’t just show me Beijing and Xi’an’s highlights—it deepened my understanding of China’s imperial and dynastic history in a way that felt personal and meaningful. I can’t recommend it enough for anyone who wants to explore these cities with depth and comfort.

Reviewed to: 3 Days Beijing and Xian Private Tour from Shanghai by Flight