About this Tour
Experience the depth and diversity of China on this 12-day journey through Beijing, Xi’an and Chengdu. From Beijing’s imperial landmarks and the Mutianyu Great Wall to Xi’an’s extraordinary Terracotta Warriors, the journey reveals some of China’s most iconic historical treasures. In Chengdu, discover giant pandas, the mysterious ancient civilization of Sanxingdui, and the cultural landscapes of Dujiangyan and Qingcheng Mountain. Complemented by regional cuisine, comfortable accommodations and professional local guiding, this tour offers an enriching and memorable introduction to China’s history, culture and everyday charm.
4CanGo Small Group Program
Our 4CanGo departures are confirmed to operate as soon as four guests are booked, with a maximum of ten travelers per departure. Once the minimum is met, your trip goes ahead, so you can plan with confidence and enjoy the attentive pace that only a small group allows.
Online booking is set up for parties of four or more. If you are traveling solo or with a group of three or fewer, please contact us and we will arrange your booking directly. We are glad to build flexible arrangements around your preferred dates, group size, and travel style.
Quality of service is our priority. Every Horizon itinerary is planned by a team led by a founder with more than 20 years in the travel industry, specializing in both U.S. national park tours and international travel. We are committed to delivering a personalized and memorable journey.
About China
China is a country of striking contrasts, where thousands of years of history meet fast-moving modern life. From the imperial grandeur of Beijing and the Great Wall to ancient Silk Road capitals and the panda-filled, food-famous region of Sichuan, it offers a depth of culture, landscape, and heritage few places can match.
Tour Highlights
- Discover Beijing’s imperial heritage at Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Lama Temple, the Summer Palace, and Prince Gong’s Residence.
- Walk along the scenic Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and enjoy a traditional performance at Lao She Teahouse.
- Encounter Xi’an’s ancient wonders, including the Terracotta Warriors, the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the Ming City Wall, and Daming Palace National Heritage Park.
- Experience Xi’an after dark at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Musical Fountain and Tang Dynasty Sleepless City, and explore the lively atmosphere of Muslim Street.
- Observe giant pandas at a rescue center and discover the remarkable bronze masks and ritual treasures of the ancient Shu civilization at Sanxingdui Museum.
- Explore Sichuan’s cultural and natural heritage at the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, Qingcheng Mountain, Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage, and Jinli Ancient Street.
- Savor regional specialties with a Peking duck dinner in Beijing and an authentic Sichuan hot pot experience in Chengdu.
Moments from this Tour
What’s Included
- Accommodation: 11 nights in carefully selected five-star hotels or similar-standard alternatives, based on double occupancy.
- Meals: Daily breakfast and other meals as listed in the itinerary, with complimentary bottled drinking water provided daily.
- Transfers and Transportation: Scheduled arrival and departure transfers, air-conditioned ground transportation for included sightseeing and transfers, and intercity travel by second-class high-speed rail and/or economy-class domestic flights, as outlined in the itinerary or confirmed for the applicable departure.
- Guides: Professional English-speaking guides for scheduled sightseeing.
- Included Sightseeing & Signature Experiences: Entrance fees and required advance reservations where applicable, together with guided sightseeing and the following scheduled experiences:
- Beijing: Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, Lama Temple, the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall with round-trip shuttle and cable car, a traditional performance at Lao She Teahouse, the Summer Palace, Prince Gong’s Residence, and a Peking duck dinner.
- Xi’an: The Ming City Wall, including bicycle rental, and Yongxing Fang; the Terracotta Warriors and Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang; an evening visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Musical Fountain area and Tang Dynasty Sleepless City; Xi’an Museum and the Little Wild Goose Pagoda; Muslim Street and Bell and Drum Tower Square; and Daming Palace National Heritage Park.
- Chengdu and Surrounding Areas: Jinli Ancient Street and a Sichuan hot pot dinner; a visit to a Giant Panda Rescue Center; Sanxingdui Museum; the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project; Qingcheng Mountain, including scheduled shuttle and cable car services; and Du Fu’s Thatched Cottage.
What’s Excluded
- International flights and airport taxes
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, and alcoholic beverages; optional activities arranged on request; and any costs not listed as included
- Travel insurance (highly recommended)
- Single room supplement
- Gratuities for the guide and driver
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing & Hotel Check-In
Arrive in Beijing, meet your local guide, and transfer to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy time at leisure to rest and prepare for the journey ahead.
Day 2: Beijing Imperial Heritage: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Lama Temple
Begin your exploration of Beijing at Tiananmen Square, one of the city’s most significant landmarks. Continue to the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace complex of China’s emperors, then visit Lama Temple, a beautifully preserved Tibetan Buddhist temple known for its elegant halls and spiritual atmosphere.
Day 3: Mutianyu Great Wall & Lao She Teahouse Performance
Travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, renowned for its watchtowers and scenic mountain setting. Round-trip shuttle and cable car service are included for the scheduled visit. In the evening, enjoy a traditional performance at Lao She Teahouse, offering an engaging introduction to Beijing entertainment and local culture.
Day 4: Summer Palace, Prince Gong’s Residence & Peking Duck Dinner
Discover the Summer Palace, a former imperial retreat celebrated for its lakeside scenery, gardens, and historic pavilions. Continue to Prince Gong’s Residence, one of Beijing’s best-preserved royal mansions and gardens. This evening, enjoy an authentic Peking duck dinner, a signature culinary experience of the capital.
Day 5: Beijing to Xi’an: Ming City Wall & Yongxing Fang
Transfer to the airport or railway station for your journey to Xi’an by domestic flight or high-speed rail, depending on final travel arrangements. On arrival, meet your local guide and visit the historic Ming City Wall, including bicycle rental, before continuing to Yongxing Fang, a lively cultural quarter where traditional architecture and regional flavors offer an introduction to local life in Shaanxi.
Day 6: Terracotta Warriors, Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang & Tang Dynasty Sleepless City
Visit the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors, one of China’s most important archaeological discoveries, followed by the Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. This evening, experience the atmosphere around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Musical Fountain and stroll through Tang Dynasty Sleepless City, known for its vibrant lights and Tang-inspired cultural ambience.
Day 7: Xi’an Cultural Discovery: Museum, Muslim Street & Daming Palace
Delve deeper into Xi’an’s heritage with visits to Xi’an Museum and the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. Continue to Muslim Street and Bell and Drum Tower Square, where the city’s multicultural character comes vividly to life. Later, explore Daming Palace National Heritage Park, the former imperial palace complex of the Tang Dynasty.
Day 8: High-Speed Rail to Chengdu: Jinli Ancient Street & Sichuan Hot Pot Dinner
Board a high-speed train from Xi’an to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. On arrival, visit Jinli Ancient Street, a pedestrian area featuring traditional-style architecture, local crafts, and regional snacks. This evening, enjoy a Sichuan hot pot dinner, one of Chengdu’s most distinctive culinary experiences.
Day 9: Giant Panda Rescue Center
Visit a giant panda rescue center to observe one of China’s most beloved animals and learn about the care and protection of giant pandas. This memorable visit is a highlight of your time in Chengdu.
Day 10: Sanxingdui Museum: Ancient Civilization Wonders
Visit the fascinating Sanxingdui Museum, home to extraordinary bronze masks, sculptures, and ritual objects from an ancient civilization that once flourished in Sichuan. The museum offers a compelling perspective on China’s diverse early cultures and remains one of the region’s most distinctive cultural highlights.
Day 11: Dujiangyan, Qingcheng Mountain & Du Fu Thatched Cottage
Explore the remarkable Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, an ancient engineering achievement that continues to benefit the region today. Continue to Qingcheng Mountain, with scheduled shuttle and cable car services included, then visit Du Fu Thatched Cottage, a tranquil memorial site dedicated to one of China’s greatest poets.
Day 12: Chengdu Departure & Airport Transfer
After breakfast, transfer to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) or Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (TFU) for your departure flight, bringing your journey through China to a close.
Itinerary Note: To ensure the best possible travel experience, the order of visits and daily arrangements may be adjusted by the guide based on local conditions, travel time, visitor traffic, weather, and operational considerations. All key included experiences will be arranged as appropriately as possible throughout the journey.
Scheduled Departure Dates
Select a year below to view currently scheduled small-group departure dates.
2026 7 departures
September
October
November
December
2027 18 departures
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
2028 18 departures
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Scheduled departures are subject to availability and final operational confirmation. Additional departure dates may be available on request.
Accommodation Selection
Hotels are selected for their location, facilities, service standards, and overall guest experience, rather than by formal star classification alone. Star ratings, where referenced, follow local standards and are provided for general reference only. Hotel assignments are finalized for each departure based on availability and operational requirements, with selections made to maintain the intended level of comfort and overall guest experience.
Age Requirements
Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult responsible for their supervision and well-being throughout the tour. All travelers should be able to safely and comfortably participate in the itinerary.