Cina: Pechino e Xi'an, 10 giorni

About the destination: Situated in the north of China, Beijing is the capital city of the People's Republic of China, the most populated country in the world. With a population exceeding 21 million people, it is the second largest city in the nation, following Shanghai. Beijing is a modern city, boasting impressive new urban and commercial developments, looking towards the future while still deeply connected to its imperial past. Beijing is famous for its extravagant palaces, ancient temples, and massive stone walls and gates. Its art treasures and significant government and cultural institutions have long established the city as a hub of culture and art in China. The heart of the city and its most important landmark is Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. The Tiananmen Gate separates the square from the Forbidden Palace, a must-see in the city. The Forbidden Palace was the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Today, it is known as the Palace Museum and is one of the wonders of ancient China. Other main attractions in Beijing include The Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and the ancient alleyway neighbourhoods, where you can find traditional Beijing architecture, known as Hutongs. Beijing is a good base for visiting some of China’s major landmarks such as the Great Wall of China and the Ming Tombs. With world-renowned cultural and heritage sites, a vibrant nightlife, excellent sporting facilities left as a legacy from the 2008 Olympic Games, delicious food such as Peking Duck, and great entertainment options like the Beijing Opera, Beijing is a captivating city offering a wealth of experiences to visitors.

About the destination: Xi’an, once the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and ancient capital of 13 dynasties, is one of China’s most historically rich cities. At its heart stands the remarkably preserved City Wall, encircling the old town in a 14-kilometer rectangle. Rent a bicycle and ride along the top for sweeping views of tiled rooftops, bustling markets, and modern high-rises rising beyond the ramparts—a vivid reminder of how the city bridges past and present. No visit to Xi’an is complete without seeing the Terracotta Army, located about an hour outside the city. Discovered by farmers in 1974, thousands of life-sized warriors, horses, and chariots stand in vast pits guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Each soldier has unique facial features and expressions, and the sheer scale of the complex makes it one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world. Within the old city, the Muslim Quarter buzzes with life, food, and color. Stroll its narrow lanes to sample cumin-scented lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, and Xi’an’s signature “roujiamo” (often described as a Chinese-style burger). Don’t miss the Great Mosque of Xi’an, an elegant blend of traditional Chinese architecture and Islamic design, tucked away amid lively street stalls selling spices, dried fruits, and souvenirs. For a quieter perspective, head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and its surrounding park, especially beautiful in the evening when the fountains and pagoda are illuminated. The nearby Shaanxi History Museum provides essential context to what you see around the city, with exquisite bronzes, pottery, and murals from Xi’an’s long imperial past. Whether you’re here for ancient wonders, street food, or cultural exploration, Xi’an offers a compact yet endlessly fascinating introduction to China’s history.