Beijing · Xi’an · Chengdu · Chongqing · Yichang · Shanghai
See ancient and modern China in one trip! Hike the Great Wall, visit imperial palaces, explore Terracotta Army, meet giant pandas, cruise the Three Gorges and admire the Bund, with plenty of authentic Chinese food along the way.
Read full introductionDiscover the very best of China on this unforgettable 13-day private journey, traveling from the imperial capital of Beijing to the historic city of Xi’an, the panda capital of Chengdu, the spectacular Yangtze River Three Gorges, and the dynamic metropolis of Shanghai.
Designed for travelers who want more than just sightseeing, this journey combines China’s most iconic landmarks with authentic local experiences. Walk along the magnificent Great Wall, explore the ancient Forbidden City, uncover the mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors, encounter China’s beloved giant pandas, and cruise through the breathtaking landscapes of the Yangtze River.
Along the way, enjoy regional cuisine, traditional neighborhoods, fascinating cultural discoveries, and the convenience of private transportation and knowledgeable English-speaking guides.
Whether this is your first visit to China or a long-awaited journey to explore its rich heritage, this tour offers a wonderful introduction to the country’s history, culture, landscapes, and contemporary life.
Arrive in Beijing
View daySummer Palace & Fly to Xi'an
View dayXi'an Cultural Discovery & High-Speed Train to Chengdu
View dayChengdu City Exploration & High-Speed Train to Chongqing
View dayThree Gorges Dam & High-Speed Train to Shanghai
View dayThree Gorges Dam & High-Speed Train to Shanghai
View day
Walk on the Great Wall of China: Explore the beautiful Mutianyu section, known for its impressive mountain scenery and well-preserved watchtowers. Discover Imperial Beijing: Visit the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, and Summer Palace to uncover the fascinating stories of China's imperial past. Meet the Terracotta Warriors: Explore one of the world's most remarkable archaeological discoveries and create your own miniature clay warrior with the guidance of a local artisan. Experience China's Giant Panda Conservation: Visit Dujiangyan Panda Base to observe giant pandas and learn about conservation efforts, with optional participation in available educational or conservation activities. Taste Your Way Through China: Enjoy iconic regional specialties, from Beijing Roast Duck and Xi'an street food to Sichuan cuisine and Chongqing hot pot. Cruise Through the Yangtze River Three Gorges: Admire dramatic cliffs, winding valleys, and beautiful river landscapes aboard a comfortable Yangtze River cruise. Experience Modern Shanghai: Walk along the historic Bund and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Shanghai's futuristic skyline.
Welcome to China!
Upon arrival at Beijing International Airport, your private driver or local representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel in a comfortable private vehicle.
The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from your international journey. Take some time to settle in, adjust to the time difference, or explore the neighborhood around your hotel at your own pace.
If you feel ready to start exploring Chinese cuisine, consider trying a traditional Beijing-style hot pot dinner.
Today, step into the heart of Beijing and discover the fascinating contrast between China's imperial history and everyday local life.
Begin at Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares and an important landmark in modern Chinese history.
Continue to the magnificent Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of China's Ming and Qing dynasties. For nearly 500 years, it served as the home of emperors and the political center of the empire.
Explore its grand halls, elegant courtyards, ornate rooftops, and fascinating collections while your expert guide brings centuries of Chinese history to life.
In the afternoon, experience a different side of Beijing with a visit to its traditional hutongs.
Travel through the narrow alleyways by traditional rickshaw, admire historic courtyard residences, and observe the everyday lifestyle of local communities.
For a more immersive cultural experience, optional activities such as Chinese calligraphy or a traditional tea ceremony can also be arranged.
Get ready for one of the highlights of your China adventure!
In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, a magnificent complex where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties once performed ceremonies to pray for good harvests and harmony between heaven and earth.
Beyond its remarkable architecture, the surrounding park offers a wonderful opportunity to observe local life. You may see residents practicing Tai Chi, dancing, playing traditional games, or enjoying their morning routines.
Later, travel to the beautiful Mutianyu section of the Great Wall.
Surrounded by rolling mountains and lush greenery, this well-preserved section offers spectacular views and a memorable experience away from some of the busier tourist areas.
Choose to take a cable car up the mountain or enjoy a more active hike along the ancient stone pathways. Walk between historic watchtowers and admire the extraordinary engineering achievement that stretches across China's mountainous landscape.
Spend the morning exploring the enchanting Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's finest examples of classical imperial garden design.
Stroll along its elegant covered corridors, cross traditional bridges, and enjoy the peaceful scenery of Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill.
Once a favorite retreat of the Qing imperial family, the Summer Palace offers a beautiful glimpse into the refined lifestyle of China's emperors.
For lunch, enjoy one of Beijing's most famous culinary specialties: authentic Peking Roast Duck. Learn about the traditional preparation and serving style while savoring this iconic dish.
In the afternoon or evening, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Xi'an.
Upon arrival, your local driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel.
Today, discover one of China's greatest archaeological treasures: the Terracotta Warriors.
Visit the incredible Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, where thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots stand in formation as part of the underground army created for China's First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
Explore the excavation pits and learn how this extraordinary archaeological site was discovered, along with the fascinating stories of China's first unified empire.
Afterward, enjoy a hands-on cultural experience at a local workshop, where an experienced artisan will guide you in making your own miniature clay warrior.
Take your creation home as a unique souvenir of your time in Xi'an.
In the afternoon, visit Xi'an's Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China. Walk along its historic ramparts or rent a bicycle for an optional ride with views of the old and new city.
The evening is free for you to explore Xi'an's local restaurants and lively streets.
After breakfast, visit Xi'an Museum and the nearby Small Wild Goose Pagoda to gain a deeper understanding of the city's long and fascinating history.
Discover collections of ancient ceramics, Buddhist sculptures, traditional paintings, and historical artifacts that reflect Xi'an's importance throughout China's imperial dynasties.
Next, explore the lively Muslim Quarter, one of the city's most famous food and cultural districts.
Stroll through its bustling lanes, browse local shops, and sample some of Xi'an's best-known specialties, such as lamb paomo, Chinese-style burgers, grilled skewers, persimmon cakes, and fresh pomegranate juice.
In the afternoon, board a high-speed train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province.
Enjoy the changing scenery as the train travels through the Qinling Mountains and into the greener landscapes of southwestern China.
Upon arrival in Chengdu, your local driver will transfer you to your hotel.
Today is all about one of China's most iconic animals: the giant panda!
Travel to Dujiangyan Panda Base, where you will have the opportunity to observe these fascinating animals in a naturalistic environment and learn about their behavior, habitat, diet, and conservation.
Watch the pandas munch on fresh bamboo, climb, play, and relax while learning about the ongoing efforts to protect this endangered species.
Subject to the base's operating schedule and availability, you may also participate in an educational or conservation-focused activity, offering a closer look at daily panda care, food preparation, and habitat maintenance under professional staff guidance.
This experience offers more than adorable panda encounters; it provides a meaningful introduction to China's wildlife conservation efforts.
Return to Chengdu in the afternoon, with free time to enjoy the city at your own pace.
In the evening, consider sampling authentic Sichuan hot pot or relaxing in a traditional teahouse, two wonderful ways to experience Chengdu's laid-back lifestyle.
Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Jinli Ancient Street, one of Chengdu's most charming traditional neighborhoods.
Wander past traditional-style buildings, local craft shops, and tempting food stalls. Sample regional snacks, browse handmade souvenirs, and soak up the lively atmosphere of old Chengdu.
Depending on the schedule, you may also enjoy an introduction to traditional Sichuan rice wine culture and local production methods.
Later, transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Chongqing.
Upon arrival, your local representative will meet you and transfer you to Chaotianmen Pier.
Board your Yangtze River cruise ship, settle into your cabin, and prepare for a relaxing journey through some of China's most spectacular river landscapes.
Wake up to the peaceful scenery of the Yangtze River, with misty mountains and beautiful riverbanks unfolding outside your cabin.
Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere onboard. You may take part in a traditional Tai Chi session on deck, enjoy the river views, or simply unwind as the cruise continues downstream.
In the afternoon, go ashore to visit Fengdu Mountain, a fascinating cultural site associated with traditional Chinese folk beliefs and mythology.
Explore its temples, shrines, statues, and symbolic representations of the traditional Chinese ideas of the afterlife, morality, and the relationship between good and evil.
In the evening, enjoy onboard entertainment or an optional cultural performance, depending on the cruise schedule.
Today is one of the scenic highlights of your Yangtze River journey.
As the cruise continues downstream, prepare to admire the magnificent landscapes of the Three Gorges, one of China's most celebrated natural wonders.
Depending on the cruise excursion schedule, you may choose to visit White Emperor City, a historic site closely associated with the stories of China's Three Kingdoms period.
The ship then enters Qutang Gorge, the shortest yet one of the most dramatic sections of the Three Gorges. Towering cliffs rise sharply on both sides of the river, creating a spectacular natural corridor.
Continue through Wu Gorge, famous for its graceful peaks, deep valleys, and mist-covered mountains. Its ever-changing scenery is often compared to a traditional Chinese landscape painting.
According to the cruise schedule, transfer to a smaller sightseeing boat for an excursion along Shennv Stream, where you can enjoy a closer look at the peaceful waterways, impressive cliffs, and unspoiled natural scenery.
Return to the cruise ship and enjoy another relaxing evening onboard.
After breakfast, disembark from your Yangtze River cruise in Yichang.
Continue to the world-famous Three Gorges Dam, one of the largest hydroelectric projects ever constructed.
Learn about the engineering, construction, and development of this remarkable project, as well as its impact on the Yangtze River region.
From the viewing areas, enjoy impressive perspectives of the dam and its surrounding landscape.
After the visit, transfer to Yichang Railway Station and board a high-speed train to Shanghai.
Upon arrival, your local driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
After several days surrounded by China's natural landscapes and river scenery, enjoy a comfortable evening in one of Asia's most dynamic cities.
Today, explore the fascinating contrast between Shanghai's historic heritage and its futuristic skyline.
Begin with a walk along the Bund, Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade. Admire its impressive collection of historic buildings, showcasing a variety of architectural styles that reflect the city's international past.
Across the Huangpu River, enjoy spectacular views of Pudong's modern financial district, where futuristic skyscrapers create one of China's most recognizable city skylines.
Continue to Shanghai Tower and take a high-speed elevator to its observation deck for breathtaking panoramic views of the metropolis.
The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
You may choose to explore the traditional streets around Yuyuan Garden, shop for souvenirs, discover local art galleries, or enjoy Shanghai's vibrant café and dining scene.
If time permits, an optional traditional Chinese acrobatic performance is another wonderful way to end your China adventure.
After breakfast, enjoy some final moments in Shanghai before your private driver transfers you to the airport according to your flight schedule.
Your 13-day China discovery journey comes to an end.
From imperial palaces and ancient city walls to the magnificent Great Wall, the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors, adorable giant pandas, the breathtaking Yangtze River Three Gorges, and the spectacular skyline of Shanghai, we hope you leave with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation of China.
Thank you for traveling with us. We look forward to welcoming you back to China!
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Beijing · Xi’an · Chengdu · Chongqing · Yichang · Shanghai
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