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.
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.
What’s Included
- Transportation: High-speed trains or optional domestic flights, and Luxury Coach
- Lodging: 5 Star Hotels and Cultural boutique inns
- Meals: Daily breakfast + most lunches/dinners
- Activities and Tickets: All listed entrances & guided cultural experiences
- Tour Guide: Professional English-speaking local guiding service provided by experienced guides throughout the tour.
What’s Excluded
- Personal expenses from activities and meals not denoted in the Itinerary, delays, or force majeure
- Tour guide gratuities (recommended 8%-10% gratuity)
- Trip and cancellation insurance (Highly recommended)
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Single supplement
- Optional activities not listed
- Flight tickets outside of the tour
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing – Airport Transfer & Hotel Check-in
Upon arrival 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 with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the city's most significant landmarks. Continue into the magnificent Forbidden City, the former imperial palace complex of China's emperors. Later, visit the 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 impressive watchtowers and scenic mountain setting. Explore this iconic landmark and take in sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. In the evening, enjoy a classic performance at Lao She Teahouse, offering a lively introduction to traditional Beijing entertainment and local culture.
Day 4: Summer Palace, Prince Gong's Residence & Peking Duck Dinner
Discover the refined elegance of 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. In the 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 onward journey to Xi'an by domestic flight or high-speed rail, depending on the final travel arrangements. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and begin exploring the city with a visit to the historic Ming City Wall. Continue to Yongxing Fang, a lively cultural quarter where traditional architecture and regional flavors offer an engaging 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. In the 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 rich heritage with visits to the Xi'an Museum and 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 from Xi'an to Chengdu – Jinli Ancient Street & Sichuan Hot Pot Dinner
Board a high-speed train from Xi'an to Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan Province. Upon arrival, visit Jinli Ancient Street, a charming pedestrian area featuring traditional-style architecture, local crafts, and regional snacks. In the evening, enjoy a flavorful 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 more about the care and protection of giant pandas. This memorable experience offers a delightful 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 captivating 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's Thatched Cottage
Explore the remarkable Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, an ancient engineering achievement that continues to benefit the region today. Continue to Qingcheng Mountain, celebrated for its peaceful natural scenery and deep cultural significance. Later, visit Du Fu's Thatched Cottage, a tranquil memorial site dedicated to one of China's greatest poets.
Day 12: Chengdu Departure – Airport Transfer
After breakfast, transfer to the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) for your departure flight, bringing your enriching 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.
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.