Why This Tour

Experience China beyond its famous landmarks on a carefully designed journey through imperial capitals, ancient civilizations, vibrant modern cities and traditional water towns.

Travel from the historic heart of Beijing and Xi’an, where China’s imperial and ancient civilizations come to life, to Chengdu and Chongqing, where pandas, Sichuan cuisine, local traditions and dramatic city life reveal a more contemporary and authentic side of China.

Continue east to Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou to experience the contrast between China’s futuristic skyline and its elegant classical gardens, ancient waterways and tea culture.

What makes this journey special is the opportunity to experience rather than simply observe. Make dumplings with a local family, try crafting a miniature Terracotta Warrior, enjoy a traditional tea experience, taste regional specialties, explore old neighborhoods by rickshaw or bicycle, and discover Chinese handicrafts and tea culture.

With a comfortable combination of guided sightseeing, hands-on cultural experiences, local food and independent exploration, this itinerary offers a well-rounded introduction to both China’s extraordinary past and its vibrant present.

Tour Highlights

• Walk Through 5,000 Years of Chinese Civilization

Journey through the stories of imperial China, ancient capitals, dynasties and archaeological discoveries — from Beijing’s royal heritage to Xi’an’s Qin and Tang legacy.

• Experience China, Not Just See It

Take part in authentic cultural experiences, including dumpling making, miniature Terracotta Warrior crafting, Tai Chi, tea experiences and traditional handicrafts — turning sightseeing into hands-on discovery.

• Taste China, City by City

Discover how dramatically Chinese cuisine changes from region to region, with opportunities to enjoy Beijing Roast Duck, Xi’an dumplings, Sichuan flavors, Chongqing hot pot, Shanghai specialties and Hangzhou cuisine.

• Meet Everyday China

Go beyond the major attractions and step into Hutongs, local neighborhoods, traditional markets and family homes, gaining a closer look at how people live, eat and connect in everyday China.

• From Pandas to High-Tech China

See two very different sides of contemporary China — from the relaxed lifestyle and beloved giant pandas of Chengdu to robot technology, futuristic skylines and dynamic megacities.

• From Ancient Traditions to Modern Metropolises

Experience the fascinating contrast between historic streets, classical gardens and traditional water towns and the fast-paced urban energy of Shanghai and Chongqing.

• Slow Down in China’s Scenic Landscapes

Balance cultural discovery with moments of relaxation in classical gardens, ancient water towns and tea-growing countryside, including an overnight stay within the scenic area of Wuzhen.

Itinerary

Day 1 / Beijing

Flight arrives in Beijing Capital airport, tour guide will pick you up and transfer to hotel for rest. Check in time is after 2:00pm.

No meals included today

Accommodate in Beijing downtown hotel

Day 2 – | Beijing (B,L)

Today you will visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City(including the Treasure Gallery and Nine-Dragon Wall). If Forbidden City tickets are fully booked, replace with Prince Gong Mansion.

Afterward, head to Jingshan Park to overlook the panoramic view of the Forbidden City. In the afternoon take a rickshaw to explore old Hutong alleys.

You will can self-explore Shichahai area(cafés & bars optional) by yourself in the evening.

Lunch:Local Hutong Restaurant

Accommodate in Beijing downtown hotel

Day 3 –  | Beijing(B,L,D)

Visit Mutianyu Great Wall, take round-trip cable car, or choose Chairlift up + luge down.

In the afternoon, view the exterior of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube.

Watch Chinese Acrobatic Show in the evening.

Lunch: Western & Chinese Buffet with red wine

Dinner:Beijing Roast Duck

Accommodation:  Beijing downtown hotel

Day 4 | Beijing = Xi’an(B,L)

· Temple of Heaven (Tai Chi experience in the morning); take high-speed train to Xi’an（Snacks & mineral water provided on board.）, driver transfer to hotel;

· Night view Giant Wild Goose Pagoda from afar.

· Lunch: Classic Beijing Cuisine

Accommodation:  Xian downtown hotel

Day 5 | Xi’an(B,L)

Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum (Headphones included); cave dwelling family visit & dumpling-making workshop, and participate in a miniature Terracotta Warrior crafting workshop.

· Muslim Quarter walking tour;

optional Tang Dynasty music & dance show with imperial banquet

Lunch: Farmhouse Dumpling Set

Accommodation:  Xian downtown hotel

Day 6 | Xi’an = Chengdu(B,L)

· Tour Xi’an City Wall, Xi’an Museum & Small Wild Goose Pagoda; take 4-hour high-speed train to Chengdu（Snacks & mineral water provided on board）, driver transfer to hotel for rest

· Lunch: Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger) Set

Accommodation:  Chengdu downtown hotel

Day 7 | Chengdu(B,L)

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (cub nursery, No.1 Villa, red panda house-Panda holding experience not included); Sanxingdui Museum; authentic Sichuan snacks tasting

· Lunch: Local Chengdu Dishes

Accommodation:  Chengdu downtown hotel

· 

Day 8 | Chengdu = Chongqing(B,L,D)

· Itinerary: Tianfu Square, Jinli Ancient Street (gaiwan tea experience, people’s matchmaking square); Sichuan Cuisine Museum (chef cooking demonstration); take 1.5-hour high-speed train to Chongqing; Liziba Light Rail Station, dinner at Hongyadong

· Lunch: Authentic Sichuan Cuisine

· Dinner: Chongqing Hot Pot

Accommodate in Chongqing downtown hotel

Day 9 | Chongqing(B,L)

· Itinerary: Dazu Rock Carvings; Ciqikou Ancient Town (Chinese calligraphy writing optional accompanied by tour guide)

· Lunch: Chongqing Barbecue Skewers

Accommodation:  Chongqing downtown hotel

Day 10 | Chongqing / Shanghai(B)

· Itinerary: Flight to Shanghai; Jing’an Temple, Jiuguang Department Store; Unitree Robot Exhibition & robot-made coffee experience

Lunch: Light meal on flight
Accommodation: Shanghai downtown hotel

Day 11 |  Shanghai(B,L)

· Itinerary: Shanghai Tower (118 observation deck); old Shanghai alley & Wukang Road / Sinan Mansion cycling tour; Nanjing Road (Huawei Flagship Store); The Bund (guided tour of European-style buildings); night view of The Bund

· Lunch: Shanghai Soup Dumpling Set

Accommodation:  Shanghai downtown hotel

Day 12 |  Shanghai - Suzhou(B,L)

Itinerary: Lingering Garden, Tiger Hill, Panmen Water & Land Gate; Pingtan Opera performance; Shantang Ancient Street

· Lunch: Classic Suzhou Cuisine

Accommodation:  Suzhou downtown hotel

Day 13 | Suzhou - Wuzhen(B,L)

Itinerary: Silk Museum; transfer to West Wuzhen Water Town; night scenery of West Wuzhen (hand-rowed boat ride included)

· Lunch: Local Wuzhen Dishes

Accommodation: Inside Wuzhen Xizha Scenic Area

Day 14 | Wuzhen - Hangzhou(B,L)

Transfer to Hangzhou; Grand Canal Qiaoxi Block ( Grand Canal Museum closed on Mondays); Gongchen Bridge; intangible cultural heritage handcraft experience (fan-making / paper-cutting); West Lake Scenic Area; Hu Qing Yu Tang Chinese Medicine Museum; Southern Song Imperial Street

· Lunch: Longjing Shrimp

Accommodation:  Hangzhou downtown hotel

Day 15 | Hangzhou= Beijing(B,L)

Itinerary: Longjing Tea Plantation (Hanfu tea-picking experience included， seasonal available); take Fuxing high-speed train from Hangzhou East to Beijing South (5hrs)（Snacks & mineral water provided on board）; arrive Beijing, private driver will transfer you from high speed train to Beijing capital airport for your flight back home city

Lunch: Dongpo Pork Set Meal

Accommodation: Not included