About this Tour
Embark on an unforgettable 12-day journey that delves deep into China’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural wonders. From the ancient capital of Chengdu to the imperial grandeur of Beijing, this immersive tour blends iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites, intimate cultural encounters, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Along the way you’ll volunteer with giant pandas, explore Bronze Age mysteries, walk ancient city walls, unravel the secrets of Silk Road relics, and stand before the imposing Terracotta Warriors, all while savoring authentic local cuisine and learning China’s stories from expert guides.
About China
China is a vast and diverse country known for its rich history, ancient wonders, and vibrant traditions that span thousands of years. From the Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors, China offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Moments from this Tour
What’s Included
- Transportation: Domestic Flights, High-Speed Train, and Luxury Coach
- Lodging: 4-5 Star Hotels and Cultural boutique inns
- Meals: Every full itinerary day will include 3 meals. Arrival and departure will differ.
- Activities and Tickets: All listed entrance and guided experience fees.
- Tour Guide: Local Chinese-speaking driver and English-speaking tour guide
What’s Excluded
- Transportation: Expenses from Activities and Meals not denoted in the Itinerary
- Tour guide gratuities (recommended 10% gratuity)
- Trip and cancellation insurance
- Personal expenses
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Flight tickets outside of the tour
Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing Imperial Highlights: Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace
Explore Beijing’s imperial heart. Visit Tian’anmen Square, then enter the Forbidden City, following its central axis to fully appreciate the palace’s political, ceremonial, and architectural significance. In the afternoon, stroll through the Summer Palace, an exquisite royal garden blending lakes, pavilions, and painted corridors. Evening walk along Qianmen Street & Dashilan, sampling classic Beijing snacks and observing traditional storefronts.
Accommodation: 4★–5★ hotel in Beijing (e.g., Wangfujing / Qianmen area)Day 2: Chengdu – Dujiangyan – Chengdu
After an early breakfast in the morning, we will head over to the Dujiangyan Panda Base, where we will volunteer and play with the facility’s Giant Panda residents. We will spend most of the day here, learning about conservation efforts and how the staff prepares food and plants bamboo for the pandas. After this full day excursion, we will head back to Chengdu to drop you off to your hotel for the night.
Accommodations: Songpan/Chuanzhsi Hotel of 4 stars or equivalent
Day 3: Mutianyu Great Wall – High-Speed Rail to Datong
Travel to the Mutianyu Great Wall, ascending by cable car and hiking along panoramic watchtowers surrounded by forested mountains. After lunch, transfer to Beijing Railway Station for a high-speed train to Datong. Upon arrival, check in and rest.
Accommodations: Hotel near the Jiuzhaigou entrance area of 4 star quality
Day 4: Datong – Yungang Grottoes – Yingxian Wooden Pagoda – Wutai Mountain
Morning visit to the Yungang Grottoes, featuring over 59,000 Buddhist statues carved into sandstone cliffs. Continue to Yingxian Wooden Pagoda, a millennium-old architectural marvel and UNESCO-recognized engineering wonder. Drive onward to Mount Wutai and overnight in Taihuai Town.
Accommodations: Hotel near the Jiuzhaigou entrance area of 4 star qualityDay 5: Mount Wutai Exploration – Drive to Pingyao
Explore key monasteries of Mount Wutai, including Xiantong Temple, Tayuan Temple, and Pusa Ding, gaining insight into nearly 2,000 years of Chinese Buddhist history. Afternoon drive to Pingyao Ancient City. Optional evening performance: “Seeing Pingyao” historical drama.
Accommodation: Boutique courtyard hotel / historic guild hall in Pingyao (4★)Day 6: Pingyao Ancient City – Qiao Family Compound – Jixian
Day 7: Hukou Waterfall – Jinci Temple – Taiyuan
Visit the awe-inspiring Hukou Waterfall, where the Yellow River thunders through a narrow gorge. Continue to Jinci Temple, renowned for ancient halls, sculptures, and millennium-old trees. Optional Shanxi pasta-making experience with local artisans. Overnight in Taiyuan.
Accommodation: 4★–5★ hotel in TaiyuanDay 8: Taiyuan Cultural Discovery – High-Speed Rail to Shanghai
Day 9: Shanghai City Highlights: Bund, Yu Garden, Old Town
Explore Shanghai’s Bund, showcasing colonial-era architecture along the Huangpu River. Visit Yu Garden, a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design, followed by a walk through the Old Town bazaars.
Accommodation: 4★–5★ hotel in ShanghaiDay 10: Shanghai Modern & Cultural Experience
Visit Shanghai Museum or China Art Museum, stroll along Xintiandi, and enjoy leisure time in upscale shopping districts. Optional Huangpu River night cruise.
Accommodation: 4★–5★ hotel in ShanghaiDay 11: Water Town Excursion (Suzhou or Zhujiajiao)
Day excursion to a nearby water town—Suzhou (classical gardens and canals) or Zhujiajiao (ancient bridges and waterways). Return to Shanghai in the evening.
Accommodation: 4★–5★ hotel in ShanghaiDay 12: Shanghai Departure
Private transfer to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport or Shanghai Pudong International Airport for departure.
Accommodations: N/A Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Rating System
Although some hotels on this itinerary may appear to have a lower star rating on international booking websites, they are officially classified by the China National Tourism Administration. This government-regulated system evaluates hotels based on a strict set of standards for quality, facilities, and service. Some differences in rating systems and cultural expectations may account for the variation in online ratings. In order to ensure quality, we rate hotels by this system.