14-Day China Discovery Tour

Why This Tour

This journey is designed for first-time visitors who want to experience the many faces of China in one thoughtfully connected itinerary.

From the imperial grandeur of Beijing and the ancient heritage of Xi’an, travel onward to Chengdu's relaxed lifestyle and giant pandas, then experience the dramatic energy of Chongqing and the legendary Yangtze River Three Gorges before finishing in the modern skyline of Shanghai.

What makes this journey different is the balance between China's iconic landmarks and authentic local experiences. You won't simply visit the Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors and Great Wall — you'll also cycle along an ancient city wall, join a Tai Chi session, make dumplings, try crafting a miniature Terracotta Warrior, experience Sichuan cooking, enjoy local tea culture and explore traditional neighborhoods.

The itinerary also allows you to experience China through different modes of travel — high-speed trains, private transfers and a multi-day Yangtze River cruise — turning transportation itself into part of the journey.

Most importantly, the route is designed to show how dramatically China changes from one region to another: imperial capitals, ancient civilizations, laid-back Sichuan culture, futuristic megacities and the timeless landscapes of the Yangtze River.

One journey, six destinations, countless sides of China.

Tour highlights

Beyond the Landmarks
Iconic sights are combined with local neighborhoods, traditions, food and hands-on experiences.

China Through Local Eyes
Morning markets, family visits, tea culture and traditional activities reveal everyday life beyond the tourist trail.

From Ancient to Futuristic
Experience the extraordinary contrast between imperial heritage, traditional culture and China's rapidly changing modern cities.

Taste China by Region
Discover how dramatically Chinese cuisine and food culture change from Beijing and Xi’an to Sichuan, Chongqing and Shanghai.

A Journey With Different Rhythms
Combine private touring, high-speed trains and a Yangtze River cruise for a journey that feels varied rather than rushed.

Made for First-Time China Travelers
See the essential China while adding the personal experiences that turn a classic itinerary into a memorable journey.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Your private driver and tour guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

No lunch or dinner included.

Overnight stay in Beijing.

Day 2: Beijing City Highlights

We start the day with Tian’anmen Square and the Palace Museum (Forbidden City), covering the Treasure Gallery and Nine-Dragon Screen. If Palace Museum tickets are fully booked, we will substitute it with Prince Gong’s Mansion. Later we head to Jingshan Park to enjoy a panoramic bird’s-eye view of the Forbidden City, followed by a traditional rickshaw tour through old hutongs.

Optional free time is available at Shichahai for independent exploration of local cafes and bars.

Lunch is served with authentic hutong family cuisine; dinner is on your own.

Accommodation remains in Beijing.

Day 3: Mutianyu Great Wall & Olympic Venues

Travel to Mutianyu Great Wall, with two transport options: round-trip cable car, or chairlift uphill plus toboggan downhill. After the wall tour, we pass by the exterior of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube Olympic venues.

Optional evening tour includes a Peking duck feast and acrobatic show.

Lunch is a Chinese & Western buffet with complimentary red wine; dinner is self-arranged. Spend the night in Beijing.

Day 4: Beijing to Xi’an by High-Speed Train

Join a morning Tai Chi experience at the Temple of Heaven, then visit the Summer Palace with dragon boat rides(seasonal available). We take high-speed train to Xian(bottled water and light snacks will be prepared for the ride). Upon arrival in Xi’an, our local driver will pick you up, and we drive past the illuminated Big Wild Goose Pagoda at night before transferring to the hotel.

Lunch is Beijing soybean paste noodles; dinner is not included.

Overnight in Xi’an.

Day 5: Xi’an Terracotta Army & Folk Culture

Visit the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors(wireless tour receiver included). Next, we visit a cave dwelling local family, join a dumpling-making workshop, and experience crafting miniature terracotta figurines at a replica factory. In the afternoon, stroll the Muslim Quarter. 

Optional upgrades include Hanfu costume & makeup, Tang Dynasty music and dance performance, plus a traditional imperial palace feast.

Lunch features dumplings and farmhouse dishes; dinner is at your own expense.

Stay overnight in Xi’an.

Day 6: Xi’an to Chengdu by High-Speed Train

Optional morning self-guided activities: local morning market, then to visit the ancient Xi’an City Wall, Xi’an Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Later board a high-speed train to Chengdu (travel time: 3.5–4 hours) （Mineral water, fruits and light snacks provided for the train ride.). Our local driver meets you at Chengdu Railway Station and transfers you to the hotel for rest.

Lunch：Xi’an Rougamo; dinner is self-paid.

Accommodation in Chengdu.

Day 7: Chengdu Pandas & Sanxingdui Museum

Spend the morning at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, visiting the Star Nursery for baby pandas, No.1 Villa and Giant Panda Nursery (panda holding service is not included). Afterwards we tour the Sichuan Cuisine Museum to watch live Sichuan cooking demonstrations, followed by Sanxingdui Museum with electronic audio guides.

Lunch is authentic Sichuan-style dishes; dinner is not covered.

Overnight in Chengdu.

Day 8: Chengdu to Chongqing & Board Yangtze Cruise

Visit Chengdu People’s Park to experience gaiwan tea and the local match-making square. Take a high-speed train departing around 12:00 (1.5 hours to Shapingba Station, Chongqing). After arrival, transfer to Liziba Light Rail Station and Ciqikou Ancient Town; optional calligraphy and stone rubbing experiences are available.

Finally, head to the cruise terminal to check in for the Three Gorges cruise ship.

No lunch arranged; dinner is a feast of Chongqing local snacks.

Overnight onboard the Yangtze cruise vessel.

Day 9: Yangtze Three Gorges Sightseeing

Full-day scenic cruise along the Three Gorges.

Buffet lunch and buffet dinner are both served on the ship.

Overnight stay on the cruise ship.

Day 10: Yangtze Three Gorges Sightseeing

Continue full-day cruising through the Three Gorges scenic zone.

Buffet meals for lunch and dinner are provided onboard.

Remain overnight on the cruise ship.

Day 11: Yichang to Shanghai

After disembarking in Yichang, our driver transfers you to the railway station or airport. Two travel options are available: take high-speed train to Shanghai Hongqiao Station (8-hour ride; prepare sandwiches and fruit for meals); or take flight from Yichang Sanxia Airport to Shanghai Pudong Airport. An optional upgrade is the Wengweng Cliff Restaurant, ranked the 9th best cliff restaurant worldwide (serving river fat fish with free tea tasting), or Weng Xiaoxiao Family Restaurant. Our driver meets you upon arrival in Shanghai and transfers you to the hotel.

No lunch or dinner included.

Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 12: Shanghai City Tour

Explore old Shanghai alleyways with a cycling experience at Wukang Road. Visit Jiuguang Department Store, featuring a humanoid robot experience hall, NIO electric car and battery swap station models, plus a complimentary robot coffee. We then tour the Silk Exhibition Center to learn the whole production flow from silkworms to silk fabrics and silk quilts, ascend the 118-floor observation deck of Shanghai Tower, Walk along the Bund International Architecture Complex with guide commentary, then enjoy the night view of Huangpu River.

Lunch is Shanghai soup dumplings; dinner is self-arranged.

Overnight in Shanghai.

Day 13: Free Time in Shanghai

The whole day is at your leisure for independent exploration.

optional one-day excursions are available: 

Shanghai Disneyland with round-trip driver service and entry tickets included;

or Zhujiajiao Water Town with private transfers.

No lunch or dinner covered.

Stay in Shanghai overnight.

Or you can enjoy a 24/7 Chinese Tangquan & SPA experience.

Package includes private driver transfer and entrance ticket.Facilities: hot spring pools, sauna, steam room, leisure lounge and public overnight resting area.

Private guest rooms+ SPA massage treatments are available at your own expense.

Day 14: Departure from Shanghai

Private driver transfers you to Shanghai airport for your flight home.

No meals arranged.