Amman, the Mysterious Ancient City of Jordan
Amman, the capital of Jordan, covers an area of approximately 1,700 square kilometers and has a population of about 4 million. It is a city steeped in history, boasting thousands of years of civilization and witnessing the rise and fall of numerous empires.
Trip Overview
Duration: 5 days
Itinerary: Amman Citadel — Roman Theater — Jerash — Dead Sea — Petra
Budget: Approx. CNY 8,000 (excluding accommodation, which varies depending on the hotel)
Best time to visit: March–May, September–November
Daily Itinerary
[Day 1] Amman Citadel
✅ Recommended route: Citadel entrance > Temple of Hercules > Byzantine Church > Museum
📸 Must-see photo spots: Panoramic view of Amman from the Citadel, the magnificent ruins of the Temple of Hercules, and the exquisite mosaics of the Byzantine Church
💡 Tips: Wear comfortable shoes as there will be some climbing. The Citadel has a long history, having been one of Amman's earliest settlements. The Temple of Hercules is a Roman-era structure, its massive columns a testament to the glory of that time. The Byzantine Church houses exquisite mosaics, showcasing the artistic achievements of that era. The museum displays many precious artifacts excavated from the Citadel, offering a deeper understanding of Amman's history.
🏨 Recommended accommodation: Four Seasons Hotel Amman, known for its elegant environment and attentive service.
😋 Recommended food: Traditional Jordanian barbecue, approx. CNY 80 per person.
[Day 2] Roman Theater
✅ Recommended route: Theater entrance > Auditorium > Stage > Backstage
📸 Must-see photo spots: Capture the grandeur of the theater from the stage and the view from the auditorium.
💡 Tips: Experience the architectural charm of ancient Rome here. The Roman Theater is one of Amman's landmarks, built in the 2nd century AD and capable of holding thousands of spectators. Its ingenious design and excellent acoustics allow visitors to imagine the lively scenes of the past.
🏨 Recommended accommodation: InterContinental Amman, conveniently located.
😋 Recommended food: Hummus, approx. CNY 30 per person.
[Day 3] Jerash
✅ Recommended route: Hadrian's Arch > Temple of Zeus > Oval Plaza > Colonnaded Street
📸 Must-see photo spots: Panoramic view of Colonnaded Street, close-up of Hadrian's Arch, and the ruins of the Temple of Zeus
💡 Tips: Jerash is quite large, so plan to spend ample time exploring. It is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman cities in Jordan, known as the "Pompeii of the Desert." Hadrian's Arch was built to commemorate the visit of Roman Emperor Hadrian, while the Temple of Zeus was an important religious building. The Oval Plaza and Colonnaded Street showcase the urban planning and architectural style of ancient Rome.
🏨 Recommended accommodation: Guesthouses near Jerash for a local experience.
😋 Recommended food: Jordanian stew, approx. CNY 60 per person.
[Day 4] Dead Sea
✅ Recommended route: Dead Sea beach > Floating area > Mud bath area
📸 Must-see photo spots: Unique floating experience in the Dead Sea and the unusual surrounding landscape
💡 Tips: Protect your eyes and skin, and avoid getting Dead Sea water in your eyes. The Dead Sea is the lowest lake in the world, and its high salinity allows people to float effortlessly. Enjoy the floating experience and try a Dead Sea mud bath, said to have excellent skin-care benefits. The surrounding scenery is also unique, with white salt flats contrasting sharply with the blue water.
🏨 Recommended accommodation: Resorts near the Dead Sea for a peaceful retreat.
😋 Recommended food: Grilled fish, approx. CNY 70 per person.
[Day 5] Petra
✅ Recommended route: Siq > Treasury > Royal Tombs > Monastery
📸 Must-see photo spots: Close-up of the Treasury's facade, the unique scenery of the Siq, and the exquisite carvings of the Royal Tombs
💡 Tips: The paths within Petra are uneven, so be careful. Petra is Jordan's national treasure and one of the New7Wonders of the World. The Siq, the main entrance to the city, is flanked by towering rock cliffs. The Treasury is Petra's most famous structure, its intricate carvings breathtaking. The Royal Tombs have a mystical aura, and the Monastery is another must-see attraction.
🏨 Recommended accommodation: Hotels around Petra.
😋 Recommended food: Arabic flatbread with various sauces, approx. CNY 40 per person.
Things to Avoid
- Be mindful of your belongings in Amman, especially in crowded areas.
- Don't swim too far from the shore when floating in the Dead Sea.
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