Beijing begins · Xi’an · Chengdu · Chongqing · Guilin · Shanghai ends
🏯 Imperial Capitals & Ancient Civilizations Explore Beijing’s Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, walk along the legendary Badaling Great Wall, and uncover the glory of the Tang Dynasty in Xi’an, home to the Terracotta Warriors and ancient city walls.
🐼 Leisure & Culture in Western China Meet giant pandas in Chengdu, relax in traditional teahouses, enjoy Sichuan Opera face-changing performances, and experience the lively urban culture of Chongqing with its dramatic mountain city landscapes.
🌄 Natural Scenery & Riverside Romance Cruise along the Li River by bamboo raft, admire the iconic scenery featured on the 20 RMB banknote, and wander through the charming streets of Yangshuo and Guilin.
🌃 Iconic Night Views & City Lights Enjoy unforgettable nighttime experiences including Xi’an’s Datang Everbright City, Chongqing’s Hongyadong and Two Rivers Night Cruise, Guilin’s Two Rivers & Four Lakes cruise, and Shanghai’s illuminated Bund skyline.
🚄 Comfortable Intercity Travel Travel efficiently between cities by high-speed rail and selected domestic flights, ensuring comfort and time efficiency throughout the journey.
Touch down in China’s historic capital. Your private transfer awaits to whisk you to your sanctuary in the city center. Settle in and feel the weight of dynastic history mingling with the energy of a modern superpower.
Begin at Tiananmen Square, the vast symbolic heart of the nation, before entering the Forbidden City. Explore the intricate halls where emperors once sat on the Dragon Throne. Later, contrast this ancient precision with the eclectic, high-fashion pulse of Sanlitun, Beijing’s premier lifestyle destination.
Ascend the Badaling Great Wall, a testament to human ingenuity winding across the rugged mountain ridges. Stand atop this ancient fortification to take in sweeping views of the northern frontier before returning to the city for a quiet evening.
Fly to Xi’an, the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. As evening falls, immerse yourself in the Great Tang All Day Mall, a dazzling pedestrian boulevard where neon lights and traditional performances recreate the golden age of the Tang Dynasty.
Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a spiritual landmark of Buddhist heritage. Navigate the vibrant Muslim Quarter, a sensory feast of spices and history, and view the iconic Bell and Drum Towers. Walk atop the Ancient City Walls before stepping into the "Longest Day in Chang'an" immersive theme park to relive 7th-century life.
Face the Terracotta Warriors, an astonishing subterranean army standing guard over China’s first emperor for two millennia. Enhance your experience with an exclusive workshop, trying your hand at the ancient craft of terracotta figurine making under the guidance of a local master.
Board the high-speed rail to Chengdu, the "City of Abundance." Upon arrival, witness the city's modern flair at Taikoo Li, where stylish boutiques are housed within preserved traditional structures, creating a unique architectural dialogue under the night sky.
Spend your morning at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, observing these iconic bears in a lush, naturalistic habitat. Later, stroll through the Wide and Narrow Alleys, relax like a local in People’s Park, and conclude with a mesmerizing Sichuan Opera performance featuring the art of "Face Changing."
Take the bullet train to Chongqing, the dramatic "Mountain City." Explore the bohemian Kuixinglou, the stilt-house heritage of Shibati, and the glowing cliffs of Hongyadong. End the night with a Two Rivers Cruise, watching the mountain-clinging skyline reflect off the Yangtze.
Explore the labyrinthine lanes of Ciqikou Ancient Town. Witness the city’s unique geography as the Liziba Monorail passes through a residential building. Visit the futuristic Raffles City landmark and wander the storied Longmenhao Old Street for a hauntingly beautiful view of the riverfront at dusk.
Travel south to Guilin, a landscape that has inspired Chinese poets for centuries. Visit the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of the city, and enjoy an evening Two Rivers and Four Lakes Cruise, gliding past illuminated pagodas and elegant glass bridges.
Journey to Xingping Ancient Town to see the majestic landscape featured on the 20-yuan banknote. Board a private bamboo raft to drift down the Li River toward Nine-Horse Fresco Hill, where limestone peaks rise vertically from the emerald water. Settle into the vibrant atmosphere of West Street.
Cycle or drive through the Ten-Mile Gallery, a picturesque corridor of karst peaks and emerald rice paddies. Experience a slower pace of life with a serene Yulong River bamboo rafting session, where the only sound is the gentle splash of the oarsman’s pole, before returning to Guilin.
Fly to Shanghai, China’s window to the future. After checking into your hotel, make your way to The Bund. Stand between the neoclassical colonial buildings of the past and the soaring, neon-clad skyscrapers of Pudong across the water.
Explore the intricate Ming Dynasty artistry of Yu Garden and the bustling Chenghuang Miao. Wander the artistic lanes of Tianzifang and the historic Duolun Road. Conclude your final evening with the "Light of Shanghai" cruise, a brilliant farewell to the Pearl of the Orient.
Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the Huangpu River. Your private transfer will escort you to Pudong International Airport for your departure flight, marking the end of your trans-China odyssey.
Daily Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Comprehensive Travel Insurance
English-speaking or other language-speaking tour guides
24/7 On-Call Support
Entrance Fees, Taxes and All Gratuities Except Resident Tour Director
Hand-selected Luxury Hotels
Mainland China domestic High-speed rails
Premium Private Transportation
Airport Meet and Greet with Private Transfers
Authentic local handicraft experiences
Adjust the route, pace, accommodation and experiences around your travel dates and interests.
