About this Tour
This 10-day journey showcases some of China’s most distinctive cultural and urban landscapes, from the imperial grandeur of Beijing to the dramatic river city of Chongqing, the laid-back charm of Chengdu, and the cosmopolitan energy of Shanghai. Along the way, the itinerary combines major historical landmarks, regional cuisine, archaeological discoveries, panda conservation, and carefully selected local experiences. Designed at a comfortable pace, the program offers a well-rounded introduction to China’s imperial heritage, regional diversity, living traditions, and modern development, making it ideal for travelers seeking an enriching first journey through the country.
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.
Tour Highlights
- Discover Beijing’s iconic imperial landmarks – Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, the Summer Palace, and the Great Wall at Mutianyu, with a wine toast on the Wall
- Take part in a hands-on traditional craft experience – a glazed tile workshop inspired by imperial architecture and decorative heritage
- Experience Chongqing’s mountain-city character – from the Yangtze River Cableway and Liziba to Shancheng Lane, Shibati, and Hongya Cave
- Explore Wulong Karst National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic sinkholes, limestone cliffs, and natural stone bridges
- Travel by high-speed rail from Chongqing to Chengdu and visit Sanxingdui Museum, home to remarkable Bronze Age treasures from ancient Sichuan
- Observe giant pandas at one of China’s leading conservation and research centers
- Experience Chengdu’s relaxed local rhythm – with visits to Du Fu Cottage, Renmin Park, and Kuanzhai Alley
- Conclude the journey in Shanghai – exploring Zhujiajiao Water Town, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum, Nanjing Road, and the Bund
Moments from this Tour
What’s Included
- Transportation: High-speed trains or optional domestic flights, and luxury coach
- Lodging: 4-5 Star Hotels and Cultural boutique inns with daily breakfast (twin-sharing basis)
- Meals: As per itinerary with complimentary daily drinking water
- Activities and Tickets: All listed entrance fees and guided experiences as specified in the itinerary
- Tour Guide: English-speaking tour guide
What’s Excluded
- International flights and airport taxes
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Tour guide gratuities (recommended 10% gratuity)
- Personal expenses, optional activities, and any items or attraction tickets not mentioned in the Inclusions section
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Single supplement
- Visa fees (if applicable)
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure to relax or explore independently after your journey. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Beijing cuisine, offering a relaxed introduction to the tour.
Day 2: Beijing City Tour
After breakfast, begin with Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City, the historic seat of imperial power during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Continue to Jingshan Park for a panoramic view over the palace complex, then visit the Summer Palace, celebrated for its tranquil lakeside setting, landscaped gardens, and elegant classical design. Dinner this evening features Beijing's signature Peking Duck.
Day 3: Great Wall Experience
Travel to the Mutianyu Great Wall, renowned for its magnificent setting and comparatively gentle walking routes. Enjoy time to explore this beautifully restored section and take in sweeping views of the surrounding hills, followed by a sparkling wine toast against the backdrop of the Great Wall.
Later, join a glazed tile craftsmanship workshop for insight into a decorative tradition closely associated with imperial architecture. In the evening, overnight stay at a boutique residence near the Wall.
Day 4: Beijing to Chongqing
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Chongqing, one of China's most distinctive inland metropolises, shaped by steep hills and the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers.
Upon arrival, begin your city exploration with the Yangtze River Cableway, Liziba's famous rail-through-building view, and a walk through Shancheng Lane and Shibati. Continue to Longmenhao Old Street or Xiahaoli, then conclude the day with atmospheric evening views from Nanbin Road and Hongya Cave.
Day 5: Wulong Karst National Park
After breakfast, drive to Wulong Karst National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its spectacular karst scenery. Visit the famous Tiankeng Three Bridges, descending via a 108-meter cliffside elevator to hike through vast sinkholes, dramatic limestone cliffs, and natural stone bridges in one of southwest China’s most extraordinary landscapes.
Familiar to some travelers as a filming location for Transformers: Age of Extinction, the site combines cinematic appeal with remarkable geological interest. Walk through the valley before returning to Chongqing in the evening.
Day 6: Chongqing to Chengdu by High-Speed Rail
This morning, travel by high-speed rail to Chengdu, long regarded as one of western China's key cultural centers. Upon arrival, visit Sanxingdui Museum, where remarkable Bronze Age discoveries reveal a highly distinctive ancient civilization from Sichuan.
The museum offers a fascinating perspective on early Chinese history beyond the traditional narrative of the central plains. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Day 7: Chengdu Panda & Culture Tour
Start the day at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can observe giant pandas in one of China's leading conservation and research settings. Continue to Du Fu Cottage, a serene memorial site associated with one of China's greatest poets, then visit Renmin Park to experience Chengdu's relaxed local rhythm over a cup of jasmine tea in a traditional teahouse.
Later, stroll through Kuanzhai Alley, where restored historic courtyards blend with contemporary urban life.
Day 8: Chengdu to Shanghai – Zhujiajiao Water Town
Fly to Shanghai today. Upon arrival, continue to Zhujiajiao Water Town, an ancient canal-side settlement known for its stone bridges, narrow lanes, and well-preserved Jiangnan character.
Visits include Kezhi Garden, the Qing Dynasty Post Office, and Fangsheng Bridge, followed by a hand-rowed boat ride along the waterways. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel in Shanghai for check-in. The rest of the evening is at leisure.
Day 9: Shanghai Highlights
Today's sightseeing reveals both the historic and contemporary faces of Shanghai. Begin at Yu Garden, a classical garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty, then continue to the Shanghai Museum for a deeper appreciation of Chinese art and material culture.
Later, walk along Nanjing Road to the Bund, where grand early 20th-century architecture stands opposite the striking modern skyline of Pudong across the Huangpu River.
Day 10: Shanghai Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) according to your flight schedule.
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.
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.
Customer Cancellation Policy View refund eligibility and cancellation fee details
We understand that plans can change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be as fair and transparent as possible:
| Cancellation Timing | Refund | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 60 days or more prior to departure | 80% | 20% |
| 59 to 35 days prior to departure | 50% | 50% |
| 34 days or fewer prior to departure | No Refund | 100% |
Travel Insurance Recommended: We recommend purchasing travel insurance to help protect your trip investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances.