About this Tour
This 15-day cultural journey is designed for travelers seeking a structured yet immersive introduction to China’s historical foundations, regional diversity, and contemporary transformation.
From the monumental architecture of Beijing and the archaeological legacy of Xi’an to the multi-ethnic traditions of Yunnan and the monumental engineering of the Three Gorges Dam, the itinerary moves across geography and time with clarity and purpose.
The program balances UNESCO World Heritage sites, carefully selected cultural encounters, and measured leisure. Five-star accommodations in major cities and a well-appointed Yangtze River cruise provide consistency in comfort, while expert English-speaking guides ensure historical and cultural context throughout.
The result is a cohesive narrative of China—imperial, regional, and modern—experienced at an assured and professional pace.
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
- Walk across Tiananmen Square and explore the Forbidden City, one of the most significant palace complexes in the world.
- Ascend the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, set amid forested hills.
- Encounter the Terracotta Warriors, widely regarded as one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.
- Explore the living heritage of Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO-listed settlement shaped by Naxi culture.
- Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Spruce Meadow, and Blue Moon Valley in the highlands of Yunnan.
- Experience Bai minority traditions in Xizhou and the historic Tea-Horse Road town of Shaxi.
- Discover the karst formations of the Stone Forest.
- Observe giant pandas at Chongqing Zoo before embarking on a Yangtze River cruise.
- Sail through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge, with guided shore excursions.
- Witness the scale of the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift, a landmark of modern hydraulic engineering.
- Conclude in Shanghai, where classical gardens, Buddhist heritage, colonial-era architecture, and contemporary skyline coexist along the Huangpu River.
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: Professional English-speaking local guides for listed sightseeing arrangements
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, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Hutong City Walk
Arrive in Beijing, China's historic capital and the starting point of this cultural journey. Begin with Tiananmen Square, located at the heart of the city and long associated with important national ceremonies and public gatherings.
Continue to the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. As one of the world's largest and best-preserved ancient wooden palace complexes, it offers a powerful introduction to China's imperial architecture and court history.
Later, enjoy a city walk through Beijing's historic hutong neighborhoods, where traditional courtyard residences and narrow lanes reveal a quieter side of local life.
Day 2: Mutianyu Great Wall & Lao She Teahouse
After breakfast, travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, including cable car access. Set amid forested mountains, Mutianyu is known for its scenic ridgelines, restored watchtowers, and relatively comfortable walking conditions.
Later, visit Lao She Teahouse, a Beijing cultural landmark named after the famous writer Lao She. Here, guests can enjoy traditional folk art and theatrical performances while tasting tea, seasonal snacks, and Beijing-style refreshments.
Day 3: Beijing to Xi'an by Flight, Yongxingfang & Ancient City Wall
After breakfast, fly from Beijing to Xi'an, one of China's great ancient capitals and the eastern starting point of the Silk Road.
Upon arrival, visit Yongxingfang Cultural Food District, a lively area showcasing Guanzhong folk traditions and authentic Shaanxi snacks. Continue to the Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved and largest surviving city wall structures in China.
After dinner, transfer to the hotel for check-in and rest.
Day 4: Terracotta Warriors, Muslim Quarter & Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City
After breakfast, visit the Terracotta Army, including battery-operated vehicle and earphone service. Known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," this vast archaeological site presents thousands of life-sized warriors, horses, and military formations created for Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
Return to Xi'an to see Bell and Drum Tower Square, then explore the Muslim Quarter, a vibrant food and cultural district shaped by centuries of trade and local community life.
Continue to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda area, associated with Buddhist translation and Tang Dynasty culture. In the evening, visit the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, where Tang-style architecture, lighting, street performances, and cultural displays recreate the atmosphere of ancient Chang'an.
Day 5: Xi'an to Lijiang by Flight & Lijiang Old Town
After breakfast, fly from Xi'an to Lijiang in Yunnan Province. Upon arrival, transfer to the city and enjoy lunch before exploring Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO-listed settlement shaped by Naxi culture, waterways, bridges, and traditional architecture.
See the famous Big Water Wheels at the entrance of the old town, then continue to Wanggu Tower on Lion Mountain. From the tower area, enjoy panoramic views over Lijiang's grey-tiled rooftops and, on clear days, toward Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.
Day 6: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley & Baisha Village
Today, explore Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a dramatic snow-capped mountain range north of Lijiang. Its main peak, Shanzidou, rises to 5,596 meters and remains snow-covered throughout the year.
Visit Yunshanping, also known as Spruce Meadow, an alpine meadow surrounded by forest. Continue to Blue Moon Valley, known for its striking turquoise-blue water and mountain setting.
Enjoy Impression Lijiang, a large-scale outdoor performance directed by Zhang Yimou and staged against the natural backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Later, visit the Baisha Murals and Baisha Village, important sites reflecting Naxi culture, religious fusion, and the historical roots of the Mu Tusi in Lijiang.
Day 7: Lijiang to Shaxi and Dali | Bai Culture & Ancient Towns
After breakfast, visit Black Dragon Pool, a classical park known for spring waters, historic temples, and mountain views on clear days. Continue to Shuhe Ancient Town, one of the earliest Naxi settlements in the Lijiang Basin and an important town along the Ancient Tea-Horse Road.
Later, continue to Shaxi Ancient Town, once an important post station on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road. Its quiet streets, traditional courtyards, and well-preserved old-town atmosphere offer a glimpse into the region's former trading culture.
Proceed toward the Dali area and experience Xizhou Bai cultural traditions. Explore Bai-style residential compounds and enjoy the Three-Course Tea of the Bai ethnic group, a traditional hospitality ritual symbolizing bitterness, sweetness, and lingering aftertaste.
Day 8: Dali Ancient City, Erhai Ecological Corridor & Three Pagodas
After breakfast, explore Dali Ancient City, once the political, economic, and cultural center of Yunnan during the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom periods. The old city preserves layers of local history, religion, and ethnic culture.
Continue to the Erhai Ecological Corridor along the west side of Erhai Lake. Here, guests can enjoy lakeside scenery, birdlife, Bai villages, and views of traditional residential architecture.
Visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, one of Dali's most recognizable landmarks and an important Buddhist heritage site from the Dali Kingdom period. Later, travel to Kunming for overnight stay.
Day 9: Stone Forest & Flight to Chongqing
After breakfast, visit the Stone Forest Scenic Area in Shilin County, one of Kunming's most famous natural attractions. This dramatic karst landscape features stone peaks, pillars, sinkholes, and unusual rock formations shaped over time by geological processes.
After lunch, fly from Kunming to Chongqing. Upon arrival, meet your local team and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Day 10: Chongqing Pandas, Historic Streets & Yangtze River Cruise Embarkation
Begin the day at Chongqing Zoo, one of China's early breeding bases for giant pandas and red pandas. Observe the pandas and learn about the conservation work behind these much-loved animals.
Continue to Ciqikou Ancient Town, a historic riverside settlement known for Bayu-style dwellings, folk customs, and local snacks. In the afternoon, visit Eling Park, Liziba Light Rail Station, Huguang Guild Hall, Hongyadong, and Jiefangbei, experiencing Chongqing's layered urban landscape and mountain-city character.
Later, transfer to the port to board your Yangtze River cruise. Attend the Captain's Welcome Reception and cruise safety briefing as the vessel sets sail, then enjoy a welcome buffet dinner on board.
Day 11: Yangtze Cruise, Shore Excursion & Three Kingdoms Night Show
As the cruise moves deeper into the Yangtze corridor, enjoy a shore excursion to either Baiheliang Underwater Museum & Fuling Zhacai History Memory Hall or the 816 Underground Project, depending on docking conditions.
Baiheliang Underwater Museum & Fuling Zhacai History Memory Hall: Explore the world's oldest hydrological station, featuring Tang Dynasty stone carvings and inscriptions preserved underwater. Then learn about Fuling's century-old pickled vegetable heritage.
816 Underground Project: Visit a once-secret 1960s military base, one of the world's largest underground man-made structures.
In the evening, attend the open-air performance of Feng Yan San Guo, where history, landscape, and large-scale staging bring the Three Kingdoms era to life.
Day 12: Three Gorges Scenery, White Emperor City or Three Gorges Summit
Choose between visiting White Emperor City, steeped in poetry and legend, or ascending to the Three Gorges Summit for sweeping views.
White Emperor City: Known as an ancient "Poem City," this historic site is mentioned in around 1,400 Chinese poems. It is also associated with the story of Liu Bei entrusting his son to Zhuge Liang. The Kui Gate Viewing Platform is one of the best places to admire the view featured on the 10 RMB note.
Three Gorges Summit: The highest peak of the famous Three Gorges area, offering impressive views of the gorge landscape and winding river below.
Throughout the day, the ship sails through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and the western section of Xiling Gorge. Towering cliffs, shifting light, and narrow passages define one of China's most dramatic natural landscapes.
Qutang Gorge is the shortest and most dramatic of the Three Gorges. Wu Gorge is known for its deep valleys, rising peaks, and picturesque scenery. Xiling Gorge is the longest of the Three Gorges; due to the port change to Maoping Port, the cruise passes through the western section of Xiling Gorge.
Enjoy the Captain's Farewell Dinner and Crew's Artistic Showcase in the evening.
Day 13: Yichang to Shanghai by Flight with Optional Yichang Sightseeing
Pass through the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift, subject to operation, and the Gezhou Dam Ship Lock, witnessing modern hydraulic engineering on a monumental scale.
If the Three Gorges Ship Lift is unavailable due to weather or other operational conditions, the itinerary will be adjusted to include a visit to the Three Gorges Dam and a cruise through Xiling Gorge, followed by arrival at the Three Gorges Tourist Center.
Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift: The largest and most sophisticated ship lift in the world, with a lifting height of about 113 meters.
Eastern Section of Xiling Gorge Sail: Sail through a 37-kilometer stretch of natural scenery and historic landmarks along the Yangtze River, including views of Huangling Temple, Tribe of the Three Gorges, and Three Visitors Cave.
Gezhou Dam Ship Lock: Gezhou Dam is the first large hydropower station along the Yangtze River, located 38 kilometers from the Three Gorges Dam and adjacent to Xiling Gorge.
Disembark in Yichang and transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, where China's river civilization meets global modernity.
Day 14: Shanghai Heritage & Modernity with Huangpu River Cruise
After breakfast, visit Yu Garden, a classical Ming Dynasty private garden known for its Jiangnan-style design, elegant pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and traditional artistic details.
Continue to Shanghai Old Town and Shanghai Old Street, where historic lanes and traditional commercial culture reveal the city's older urban layers.
Visit Jade Buddha Temple, a peaceful Buddhist temple in the heart of the city. Although located in a busy urban district, it is often regarded as a quiet spiritual space within modern Shanghai.
Later, explore the Bund and Nanjing Road. The Bund, located along the Huangpu River, is one of Shanghai's most iconic historical and cultural districts, where colonial-era architecture faces the modern skyline of Pudong. End the day with a Huangpu River cruise, enjoying Shanghai's illuminated waterfront from the water.
Day 15: Shanghai Departure
After breakfast, enjoy free time at leisure until your scheduled transfer to the airport. Depart Shanghai with memories of China's imperial capitals, Yunnan's ethnic and natural landscapes, the Yangtze River, and the modern skyline of Shanghai.
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, cruise docking arrangements, flight schedules, 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.