China Highlights

China Essence Tour

14-Day Beijing · Xi'an · Chengdu · Chongqing · Yangtze River Cruise · Shanghai, the Best of China

14 Days 13 NightsBeijing→Xi'an→Chengdu→Chongqing→Shanghai2,200 – 4,000 USD

14Days

13Nights

5Destinations

2,200From

ClassicYangtze CruisePandaHistory

Overview

Trip Overview

China's essence in 14 days: three ancient marvels — Great Wall, Forbidden City and Terracotta Army — plus a date with panda celebrities in Chengdu, an epic Yangtze cruise to the Three Gorges Dam, and a grand finale along Shanghai's Bund. A curated, once-in-a-lifetime classic.

Highlights

Trip Highlights

✓Witness Three Great Wonders: Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors
✓Encounter the star Giant Panda at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
✓Embark on an Epic Yangtze River Cruise and Marvel at the Three Gorges Dam
✓Strolling the Bund and Night tour the Huangpu River, Experience the Vitality and Heritage of Shanghai
✓À la carte Food and Culture Performance, Deeply Immersive

Day-by-day

Day-by-day Itinerary

1DAYBeijing

Day 1 Arrive in Beijing

Destination

Beijing

Beijing is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the world's great historic cities — a place where imperial grandeur and a fast-moving modern capital share the same skyline. For over 800 years it has been the political and cultural heart of the country, and its monuments — the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace — need no introduction.

BreakfastNot included · Own arrangements

MorningWelcome to China! A private car will pick you up at Beijing Capital Airport or Daxing International Airport and transfer you to Hotel for check-in.

LunchNot included · Own arrangements

AfternoonAfter arrival, enjoy free time to adjust to the time difference and recharge for the journey ahead.

DinnerNot included · Own arrangements

EveningCheck in at Beijing Hotel and rest at leisure.

TransportPrivate airport transferStayBeijing 4-star Hotel

2DAYBeijing

Day 2 Beijing · Tiananmen · Forbidden City · Temple of Heaven · Acrobatics

BreakfastIncluded · Inside Hotel · Breakfast included

MorningVisit Tiananmen Square and the Palace Museum to experience 600 years of royal grandeur.

LunchNot included · At own expense

AfternoonHead to the Temple of Heaven to admire the ancient sacrificial Architecture complex; enjoy a thrilling China acrobatics Performance.

DinnerIncluded · Includes welcome dinner · Beijing roast duck

EveningEnjoy an à la carte welcome dinner and taste authentic Beijing roast duck.

TransportAir-conditioned tour coachStayBeijing 4-star Hotel

3DAYBeijing

Day 3 Beijing · Mutianyu Great Wall · Bird's Nest · Hutongs

BreakfastIncluded · Inside Hotel · Breakfast included

MorningTake the round-trip cable car up to Mutianyu Great Wall and take in its majestic views.

LunchNot included · Self-arranged

AfternoonView the Olympic venue Bird's Nest from the coach; ride a rickshaw through the old Beijing hutongs and experience Local Life.

DinnerNot included · Self-arranged

EveningReturn to City center for free time.

TransportAir-conditioned tour coach + cable carStayBeijing 4-star Hotel

4DAYBeijing

Day 4 Beijing → Xi'an (High-speed rail)

BreakfastIncluded · Within Hotel · Breakfast included

MorningVisit the Summer Palace, StrollingKunmingLakeside and the Long Corridor.

LunchNot included · Self-arranged

AfternoonTake the high-speed rail to Xi'an; upon arrival, a private car will pick you up and transfer you to Hotel.

DinnerNot included · Self-arranged

EveningCheck in at Xi'anHotel and rest at leisure.

TransportHigh-speed rail + private car pickupStayXi'an 4-star Hotel

5DAYXi'an

Day 5 Xi'an · Terracotta Army · Giant Wild Goose Pagoda · Tang-style music and dance

Destination

Xi'an

Xi'an, known as Chang'an in ancient times, is one of China's Four Great Ancient Capitals and the starting point of the Silk Road. With over 3,100 years of history and 1,100 years as a capital for 13 dynasties, it served as the political, economic, and cultural heart of ancient China. The city is home to the world-renowned Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the remarkably preserved ancient city wall, offering a tangible link to China's imperial past.

BreakfastIncluded · Within Hotel · Breakfast included

MorningVisit the Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang Museum and feel the awe of the underground army.

LunchNot included · At own expense

AfternoonMake a mini terracotta warrior by hand and experience Qin terracotta craftsmanship; visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda.

DinnerIncluded · Dumpling banquet included

EveningEnjoy a dumpling banquet and watch a wonderful Tang-style music and dance performance Performance.

TransportAir-conditioned tour busStayXi'an 4-star Hotel

6DAYXi'an

Day 6 Xi'an · Ancient Town Wall · Muslim Quarter · Big Mosque

BreakfastIncluded · Within Hotel · Breakfast included

MorningClimb the Ming Dynasty Ancient Town Wall and enjoy a panoramic view of Xi'an.

LunchNot included · At own expense

AfternoonTaste local Food Snacks in the Muslim Quarter; visit the Big Mosque and Shaanxi History Museum.

DinnerNot included · At own expense

EveningFree time to experience the night views of Xi'an.

TransportAir-conditioned tour busStayXi'an 4-star Hotel

7DAYXi'an

Day 7 Xi'an → Chengdu (high-speed rail)

BreakfastIncluded · In Hotel · Breakfast included

MorningTake the high-speed train to Chengdu.

LunchNot included · Self-arranged

AfternoonUpon arrival at Chengdu, a private car will pick you up and transfer you to Hotel.

DinnerNot included · Self-arranged

EveningFree time to enjoy the night views of Chengdu.

TransportHigh-speed train + private car pickupStayChengdu 4-star Hotel

8DAYChengdu

Day 8 Chengdu · Giant Panda Base · Du Fu Thatched Cottage · Kuanzhai Alley

Destination

Chengdu

Chengdu is Sichuan's capital and the slow-living heart of southwest China — a city where tea, pandas and mouth-numbing hotpot set the pace. It has been a cultural and trade hub on the Chengdu Plain for over 3,000 years, and today it is best known to travellers for three things: the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, its teahouse lifestyle, and one of the most celebrated food scenes in the country.

BreakfastIncluded · In Hotel · Breakfast included

MorningVisit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see the national treasure's adorable charm up close.

LunchNot included · Self-arranged

AfternoonTour Du Fu Thatched Cottage; taste Gaiwan Tea at People's Park and experience the matchmaking corner Folk Customs.

DinnerNot included · Self-arranged

EveningStrolling Kuanzhai Alley, experience Chengdu Slow Living.

TransportAir-conditioned tour busStayChengdu 4-star Hotel

9DAYChengdu

Day 9 Chengdu → Chongqing (high-speed rail) · Board the cruise ship

BreakfastIncluded · Within Hotel · Breakfast included

MorningTake the high-speed rail to Chongqing.

LunchNot included · Self-arranged

AfternoonVisit Liziba Light Rail Station, Kuixinglou, and Hongyadong.

DinnerIncluded · Included

EveningBoard the Yangtze River cruise ship and begin the Three Gorges journey.

TransportHigh-speed rail + cruise shipStayYangtze River cruise ship

10DAY长江游轮

Day 10 Yangtze River cruise · Fengdu Ghost City/Shuangguishan

BreakfastIncluded · Within Hotel · Breakfast included

MorningGo ashore to visit Fengdu Ghost City (deluxe cruise) or Shuangguishan (standard cruise).

LunchIncluded · Included

AfternoonOn board Leisure, join the onboard Culture activities.

DinnerIncluded · Included

EveningWatch the live-action Performance «Fengyan Three Kingdoms» (deluxe cruise).

TransportCruise shipStayYangtze River Cruise

11DAY长江游轮

Day 11 Yangtze River Cruise · Three Gorges · Shennü Stream

BreakfastIncluded · Within Hotel · Breakfast included

MorningCruise through the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River and take in the magnificent scenery of Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge.

LunchIncluded · Included

AfternoonTake a small boat to visit Shennü Stream and experience the beauty of the deep gorge.

DinnerIncluded · Included

EveningAttend the crew farewell party dinner.

TransportCruise + small boatStayYangtze River Cruise

12DAYYichang

Day 12 Yichang → Shanghai (high-speed rail)

BreakfastIncluded · Within Hotel · Breakfast included

MorningAfter disembarking, visit the majestic Three Gorges Dam.

LunchIncluded · Included

AfternoonTake the high-speed train to Shanghai; upon arrival, transfer to Hotel.

DinnerNot included · At own expense

EveningCheck in at ShanghaiHotel and rest at leisure.

TransportHigh-speed train + private car transferStayShanghai 4-star Hotel

13DAYShanghai

Day 13 Shanghai · Yu Garden · ShanghaiMuseum · The Bund · Huangpu River cruise

Destination

Shanghai

Shanghai is China's most cosmopolitan city — a glittering financial capital where the colonial Bund faces the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River. It has been a gateway between China and the world for over a century, and that openness still defines its character today.

BreakfastIncluded · Within Hotel · Breakfast included

MorningVisit Yu Garden and ShanghaiMuseum to experience Jiangnan Garden and Shanghai-style Culture.

LunchNot included · Self-arranged

AfternoonStrolling the Bund and admire the collection of international Architecture.

DinnerNot included · Self-arranged

EveningTake a boat Night tour the Huangpu River and enjoy the dazzling Night views on both banks.

TransportAir-conditioned tour bus + cruise boatStayShanghai 4-star Hotel

14DAYShanghai

Day 14 Departure from Shanghai

BreakfastIncluded · Within Hotel · Breakfast included

MorningFree time according to flight schedule; spend your last moments leisurely at Hotel or City center.

LunchNot included · Self-arranged

AfternoonPrivate transfer to the airport; check-in assistance.

DinnerNot included · Self-arranged

EveningConclude your pleasant China journey; wishing you a smooth trip home!

TransportPrivate airport transfer

Hotels

Hotel Reference

Destination	Hotel	Rating	Room type	Nights
Beijing	Beijing 4-star Hotel	4-star	Standard Twin Room	3 nights
Xi'an	Xi'an 4-star Hotel	4-star	Standard Twin Room	3 nights
Chengdu	Chengdu4-starHotel	4-star	Standard Twin Room	2 nights
Yangtze River Cruise	Yangtze River Luxury Cruise	5-star	Balcony Room	2 nights
Shanghai	Shanghai4-starHotel	4-star	Standard Twin Room	2 nights

Activities

Recommended Activities

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

View the national treasure up closeGiant Panda.

Three Gorges of the Yangtze River

Magnificent canyon scenery.

Three Gorges Dam

The world's largest Water Conservancy hub project.

Included / Not included

Pricing

Included

Domestic flight and train tickets
HotelAccommodation (including daily breakfast)
Meals as listed in the itinerary
Professional English-speaking guide
Driver and air-conditioned tour vehicle
First entrance tickets to attractions
Yangtze River cruise (including all meals on board)

Not Included

International round-trip airfare
China visa fees
Optional paid activities
Any expenses incurred due to flight delays, cancellations, or force majeure
Excess baggage fees
Tips for guide and driver

Notes

Good to Know

This itinerary is privately customized and the order may be adjusted according to your flight/train schedule.
The Yangtze River cruise includes all meals on board; please inform us of any dietary restrictions in advance.
Cruise cabins are in high demand; early booking is recommended.

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