Nihao! Welcome to Beijing! Upon your arrival in China's magnificent historic capital, our local guide and professional driver will meet you at the airport or high-speed railway station to provide a private, comfortable escort directly to your hotel.

After check-in, spend the remainder of the day at your leisure. Feel free to relax, recover from jet lag, or take a gentle stroll around the surrounding neighborhood to get your first taste of Beijing's vibrant street life and culinary scene.

Meals: Self-arranged / Not included

Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing

Expert Arrival & Transit Insights:
Beijing is exceptionally well-connected internationally and domestically. Flights land at either Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). If arriving via China's high-speed rail network, major stations like Beijing West Railway Station or Beijing South Railway Station connect directly to key hubs—including Xi'an or Shanghai (4–6 hours), Zhengzhou (2.5–3 hours), Wuhan (4–5 hours), and Harbin (5–5.5 hours). Keep your passport ready for seamless arrival procedures.

Spend an entire day exploring the historic core of Beijing, visiting iconic landmarks that highlight the city's imperial past and wandering through stunning royal gardens.

After breakfast, begin your tour at Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square and an enduring symbol of modern China. Take time to photograph Tiananmen Gate (Gate of Heavenly Peace), the world-famous architectural backdrop featured daily on national broadcasts.

Cross the square to enter the Forbidden City (Imperial Palace Museum), a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world's largest palace complex. Home to 24 emperors across the Ming and Qing Dynasties, this monumental landmark showcases 500 years of imperial history. Stroll along its historic central axis to admire ancient wooden architecture, ornate thrones, and courtyard halls.

Exit through the northern gate into Jingshan Park (Coal Hill). A short climb up the paved path leads to Wuchun Pavilion, offering breathtaking panoramic views overlooking the golden roofs of the sprawling palace complex contrasting against the towering skyscrapers of modern Beijing.

In the afternoon, take a private drive to the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), China's premier imperial retreat and landscape garden design masterpiece. Enjoy a leisurely walk past peaceful waters, grand pavilions, marble bridges, and royal corridors while admiring serene lake views and lush surroundings. Afterward, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing

Expert Visiting & Schedule Insights:
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as navigating the vast courtyards of the Forbidden City and climbing Jingshan Park involves significant walking on foot (the summit climb is optional based on physical comfort). Please note that the Forbidden City is closed every Monday; for tours taking place on Mondays, an alternative visit to the Temple of Heaven or Prince Gong's Mansion will be arranged.

After breakfast, depart the city center and travel northwest into the scenic mountains to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, renowned for its densely spaced 23 Ming-dynasty watchtowers and lush, peaceful natural scenery. Ascend to Tower 14 via a comfortable cable car ride, then begin exploring the scenic western section of the wall on foot. Active hikers can continue along the stone ramparts up to Tower 20 to enjoy sweeping, panoramic views of the ancient fortifications snaking across the surrounding mountain ridges.

Following your Great Wall excursion, board your private vehicle and return to Beijing's city center. Stop at the Beijing Olympic Park for photos of two iconic modern landmarks: the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), celebrated venues built for the landmark 2008 Summer Olympics and utilized again during the 2022 Winter Games.

Conclude your day as your team escorts you back to your hotel for a restful evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing

Expert Transit & Sightseeing Insights:
The drive from central Beijing to the Mutianyu Great Wall takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours each way depending on morning traffic. Dress in comfortable layers and wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction, as the stone steps along the watchtowers can be steep and uneven.

After breakfast, your private driver escorts you to the railway station to board a comfortable high-speed bullet train bound for Xi'an, the ancient starting point of the Silk Road and historic capital for 13 imperial dynasties spanning over a millennium. Sit back and watch the varied landscapes of northern China unfold across the 4.5-to-5.5-hour journey.

Upon arrival at Xi'an Railway Station, your local guide and driver will meet you at the exit to begin your afternoon explorations in this ancient cultural hub.

Head first to the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta), situated within the peaceful grounds of Da Ci'en Temple. Built in 652 AD during the Tang Dynasty, this magnificent seven-story brick pagoda was constructed under the supervision of the legendary Buddhist monk Xuanzang to store and translate the sacred scriptures he brought back from India—a historic pilgrimage that inspired the Chinese literary classic Journey to the West.

In the late afternoon, head to the vibrant Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie), a lively historic enclave spanning over 500 meters that serves as the heart of Xi'an's Hui Muslim community. Stroll through the bustling, lantern-lit streets and experience the city's celebrated culinary culture by sampling signature local street delicacies, including Roujiamo (savory Chinese-style burger), Yangrou Paomo (crumbled flatbread soaked in rich lamb broth), and hand-pulled Biangbiang noodles.

Afterward, your team will escort you to your hotel for check-in and a restful evening.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Xi'an

Expert Transit & Sightseeing Insights:
Boarding high-speed trains in China requires showing your original passport at ticket checkpoints; keep it easily accessible in your hand luggage. When exploring the Muslim Quarter, the main paved pedestrian lane can get quite crowded in the evening—keep an eye on personal belongings and wear comfortable shoes for walking on stone streets.

After breakfast, board your private vehicle and travel approximately 40 kilometers northeast of central Xi'an to visit the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum (Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum). Commissioned over 2,200 years ago by Emperor Qin Shihuang to guard his afterlife, this UNESCO World Heritage archaeological marvel houses over 8,000 life-sized, individually sculpted terracotta figures. Begin at Pit 1, the largest and most impressive excavation hall, where over 6,000 soldiers and horses stand in formidable battle formation. Continue to Pit 2 and Pit 3 to inspect intricate battle strategies, including cavalry, kneeling archers, war chariots, and command headquarters that illustrate the supreme military precision of the Qin Dynasty.

In the afternoon, return to the city center to explore the Xi'an Ancient City Wall, one of China's oldest and best-preserved imperial urban fortifications. Ascend the massive stone ramparts to take a relaxed stroll past grand corner watchtowers, battlements, and deep moats, taking in stunning views of the architectural contrast between the historic inner city and modern Xi'an's rising skyline.

Conclude your tour with a visit to the Bell Tower (or Drum Tower), a magnificent 600-year-old Ming Dynasty landmark rising above the geographic center of the city. As evening approaches, admire the grand wooden architecture illuminated against the night sky, and wander through Bell and Drum Tower Square to immerse yourself in the lively local nightlife and atmosphere before returning to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Xi'an

Expert Visiting & Sightseeing Insights:
The drive between central Xi'an and the Terracotta Warriors takes about 1 hour each way depending on traffic. Photography inside the pit halls is permitted, but flash is strictly prohibited to preserve the original pigments on the terracotta figures. Walking along the cobblestone surface of the Ancient City Wall covers wide distances, so comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel as your private driver escorts you to Xi'an North Railway Station. Board a sleek high-speed bullet train for a scenic 3-to-4-hour journey across the Qinling Mountains, linking the historic cradle of northern Chinese civilization with the fertile Sichuan Basin.

Upon arrival at Chengdu Railway Station (or Chengdu East Railway Station), your local guide and professional driver will greet you at the station exit and transfer you privately to your downtown hotel for check-in.

Spend the remainder of the afternoon and evening at your leisure in this famously relaxed capital city. Known across China for its leisurely lifestyle, world-renowned giant pandas, teahouse culture, and fiery UNESCO-recognized Sichuan gastronomy, feel free to take a gentle walk down historic pedestrian lanes like Jinli Street or Kuanzhai Alleys (Wide and Narrow Alleys) to sample famous street snacks like Dan Dan noodles or savor an authentic Sichuan hotpot dinner.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Chengdu

Expert Transit & Travel Insights:
The high-speed rail line connecting Xi'an and Chengdu is an engineering masterpiece, passing through dozens of long mountain tunnels under the Qinling range. Have your passport readily accessible at train station entry checkpoints. If you choose to sample authentic Sichuan cuisine for dinner, keep in mind that local dishes are heavily flavored with fragrant Sichuan peppercorns (ma) and chili peppers (la)—you can always ask the restaurant for mild spice (wei la).

Begin your day early to fulfill your panda dreams at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the world's leading facility for giant panda conservation and research. Stroll through bamboo-lined pathways to watch giant pandas playing, climbing, and munching on fresh bamboo. Visit the nursery enclosures to spot newborn or infant cubs, observe the lively and adorable red pandas in their open-air habitats, and learn about breeding efforts at the Panda Museum.

In the afternoon, take a private 1-hour drive north of Chengdu to the Sanxingdui Museum (Sanxingdui Site), a world-class archaeological treasure trove unveiling the mysterious 3,000-year-old Ancient Shu Kingdom. Marvel at extraordinary Bronze Age relics, including the towering Bronze Sacred Tree, the enigmatic Bronze Vertical-Eyed Mask, the intricate Gold Scepter, and ceremonial jade artifacts that dramatically reshaped historians' understanding of ancient Chinese civilization.

Return to Chengdu in the late afternoon and conclude your tour at Jinli Old Street, a historic 1,800-year-old pedestrian enclave reflecting the rich heritage of the Shu Kingdom. Stroll beneath red lanterns down cobblestone alleys flanked by Qing-dynasty architecture, browse local handmade crafts, watch traditional Sichuan folk performances, and sample authentic street snacks like three-cannon dumplings (Sanguan Pao) or sweet sticky rice cakes.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Chengdu

Expert Visiting & Seasonal Insights:
Arriving at the Chengdu Panda Base early in the morning is essential, as giant pandas are most active during cooler morning feeding times before retreating to rest during afternoon heat.

Peak Season Alternative Notice (Plan B): Sanxingdui Museum entry tickets are subject to strict daily visitor quotas. If museum tickets are unavailable during high-demand peak travel periods, your afternoon itinerary will smoothly transition to a full-day Chengdu Downtown City Tour, visiting the Chengdu Museum, the historic Kuanzhai Alleys (Wide and Narrow Alleys), and the relaxed teahouses of Renmin Park (People's Park).

Board a morning high-speed bullet train for a swift 1-to-2-hour journey from Chengdu to Chongqing, China's celebrated "Mountain City" and a sprawling metropolis famous for its futuristic architecture, dramatic river canyons, and vibrant nightscape. Upon arrival at Chongqing Railway Station, meet your local guide and private driver to begin exploring this dynamic urban center.

Head first to the famous Liziba Metro Station on CRT Line 2 to witness a world-famous engineering marvel: a monorail train driving directly through the middle of a 19-story residential apartment building. Stop at the dedicated viewing platform below to snap photos and observe this unique cityscape feature in action.

Continue to the Kuixing Building, an architectural icon capturing Chongqing's mind-bending "8D cyberpunk" layout. Originally built as a sacred Qing Dynasty shrine honoring scholars, walk across a spacious ground-level plaza only to step over the railing and realize you are actually standing on the rooftop of a 22-story skyscraper. Afterward, stroll to Jiefangbei (Liberation Monument) in the heart of the commercial district. Stand before the historic 27.5-meter tower—constructed in 1940 to honor resilience during WWII—to take the classic "Hello Chongqing" photo.

In the evening, gather for an authentic Chongqing Hot Pot group dinner to test your spice tolerance in the world-famous birthplace of this iconic dish, savoring rich chili-and-peppercorn broth cooked right at your table.

Following dinner, explore Hongya Cave (Hongyadong), a magnificent 11-story complex of traditional wooden stilted houses (diaojiaolou) built against the steep cliffside along the Jialing River. As darkness falls, stroll onto the nearby Qiansimen Bridge for a spectacular bird's-eye view of Hongya Cave's glowing golden lights reflecting off the river waters before your team escorts you back to your downtown hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (Chongqing Hot Pot)

Accommodation: Hotel in Chongqing

Expert Transit & Sightseeing Insights:
Chongqing's mountainous terrain involves navigating multi-level skywalks, steep staircases, and elevators between elevated streets, so sturdy, comfortable walking shoes are essential today. Chongqing hot pot is traditionally prepared with generous amounts of red chili and numbing Sichuan peppercorns; non-spicy bone broth options (qing tang) or mild split pots (yuan yang guo) are readily available upon request.

After breakfast, depart downtown Chongqing on a scenic 2.5-hour drive into the mountain wilderness of Wulong Karst National Geological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage natural site celebrated for its immense limestone sinkholes, underground rivers, and dramatic gorge landscapes.

Upon arrival, step out onto the thrilling Glass Observation Deck hanging over a 280-meter vertical cliff for sweeping aerial views of the gorge floor. Next, descend deep into the canyon via the park’s glass sightseeing elevator and begin your walking tour past three colossal natural limestone arches.

Start under Tianlong Bridge (Sky Dragon Bridge), the park’s most majestic natural archway, framing the ancient courtyard of the Tianfu Official Post (Tianfu Guo Yi)—a historic Siheyuan complex nestled inside the gorge that served as a key filming location for Hollywood’s Transformers: Age of Extinction. Proceed down the stone trail to Qinglong Bridge (Green Dragon Bridge), an exceptionally tall karst arch surrounded by lush forest and towering rock walls. Conclude your trek at Heilong Bridge (Black Dragon Bridge), exploring its misty caverns and tranquil stream winding beneath a soaring stone canopy.

After completing your karst adventure, board your private vehicle for the return drive to Chongqing city center, where you can enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Chongqing

Expert Visiting & Outdoor Insights:
The canyon trail involves descending steep outdoor stone staircases and walking on damp, uneven natural terrain; sturdy walking shoes with strong grip and non-slip soles are required. Temperature inside the gorge is cooler and humidity is higher than in the city—dressing in breathable layers and carrying a light raincoat or waterproof shell is highly recommended.

Spend a relaxing morning finalizing your packing or enjoying breakfast in Chongqing. In the afternoon, your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel to provide a smooth transfer directly to Chongqing Chaotianmen Port (or designated boarding pier) for cruise embarkation.

After completing check-in procedures aboard your luxury Yangtze River cruise vessel, settle into your stateroom and take time to explore the ship's onboard facilities, open-air sun decks, and observation lounges. As evening falls, admire the glittering skyline of Chongqing illuminated against the night sky as your cruise vessel officially sets sail at 21:00 to begin your iconic journey down the Yangtze River.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Luxury Yangtze River Cruise Vessel

Expert Boarding & Navigation Insights:
Departure piers, boarding logistics, and sailing schedules on the Yangtze River are strictly regulated and subject to water level fluctuations, seasonal dam operations, and navigation weather conditions. During periods of extreme water levels (most common in spring and mid-summer), the cruise line may arrange a complimentary motorcoach transfer from central Chongqing to Fengdu Port (approx. 2.5 hours) for boarding. Your travel consultant and local guide will actively monitor real-time port updates and coordinate all boarding details seamlessly.

Wake up to gentle morning views as your cruise ship glides along the Yangtze River. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast buffet on board before participating in the day's scheduled river activities, cultural lectures, or scenic deck relaxation.

In the morning, disembark with your local English-speaking tour guide for an intriguing shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City (Fengdu Gui Cheng) on Mount Mingshan. With a history spanning over 2,000 years, this complex of temples, shrines, and stone statues reflects ancient Taoist and Buddhist beliefs regarding the afterlife. Explore famous landmarks such as the Nothing-to-Be-Done Bridge (Naihe Bridge), the Ghost Torture Pass (Guimen Guan), and the Tianzi Palace while learning about traditional Chinese folklore and mythological legends.

Alternatively, depending on your ship's specific sailing itinerary, you may choose an optional excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda ("The Pearl of the Yangtze"). Built against a sheer rectangular cliff face, this extraordinary 12-story red wooden pavilion is recognized as an architectural marvel. Climb the interior wooden staircases to the summit for sweeping views overlooking the wide expanse of the Yangtze.

Return to the ship for lunch and enjoy an afternoon of scenic river cruising as your vessel continues its downstream voyage.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Onboard Cruise)

Accommodation: Luxury Yangtze River Cruise Vessel

Expert Onboard & Shore Excursion Insights:
Shore excursions involve disembarking via gangways and climbing stone staircases along the riverbanks (particularly at Fengdu Ghost City), so comfortable walking shoes are required. Specific shore excursion stops, scheduling, and optional tour offerings vary slightly depending on the cruise line and river water levels; your onboard daily itinerary bulletin will provide precise departure times each morning.

Today offers a magnificent journey through the world-famous Three Gorges (Sanxia), one of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in China. Rise early as your cruise vessel sails through Qutang Gorge, the shortest and most dramatic of the three gorges, framed by sheer limestone cliffs flanking the iconic Kuimen Gate (famously depicted on China's 10-yuan banknote). Next, navigate into the serene and tranquil Wu Gorge, famous for its emerald waters, misty mountain peaks, and the famed Shennv Peak (Goddess Peak) towering above the riverbanks.

In the afternoon, transfer to a smaller motorized boat for a scenic excursion into Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream), a pristine tributary winding through narrow canyon gorges. Sail past soaring cliff walls to observe rare vegetation and ancient Bo minority hanging coffins suspended high up on sheer rock faces. Along the way, enjoy warm hospitality and traditional folk songs performed by local Tujia guides.

Return to the ship as your vessel enters Xiling Gorge, historic for its winding channels and dramatic karst topography. In the evening, join your fellow guests and ship crew for the festive Captain's Farewell Banquet, enjoying a celebratory dinner to commemorate your memorable voyage down the Yangtze.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner (Onboard Cruise)

Accommodation: Luxury Yangtze River Cruise Vessel

Expert Navigation & Viewing Insights:
Keep your camera ready on the open-air sun deck during the morning gorge pass, as the ship passes through Kuimen Gate and Wu Gorge relatively quickly. For the Shennv Stream boat transfer, bring a light windbreaker jacket, as wind currents inside the narrow mountain tributary can feel cool even on clear days.

Train (~6–7 Hours) & Private Chauffeured Vehicle Transfer in Shanghai

After breakfast, complete check-out procedures aboard your vessel and disembark at Maoping Port in Yichang. Board a comfortable tourist bus to visit the world-famous Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric project. Spanning 2,335 meters across the Yangtze River and standing 181 meters high, explore key viewing platforms to witness the massive spillway gates, power stations, and the impressive multi-stage ship lock system.

Optional Experience: Guests seeking an extra engineering thrill can opt for the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift experience—the world's largest vertical boat elevator—allowing your boat to be lowered over 100 meters directly through the dam structure in a giant water-filled chamber.

After concluding your dam excursion, transfer by shuttle bus to the Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal (arriving between 12:30 and 13:30). Your local transfer team will then escort you to Yichang East Railway Station to board a sleek high-speed bullet train bound for Shanghai (approx. 6–7 hours). Sit back and enjoy the scenic journey as you travel east across the Yangtze River Basin toward China's dazzling coastal metropolis.

Upon arrival at Shanghai Railway Station (or Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station), your local guide and professional driver will meet you at the exit for a private transfer to your downtown hotel for check-in.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Hotel in Shanghai

Expert Luggage & Transit Insights:
During disembarkation, the cruise line coordinates luggage portage directly from your cabin to the Three Gorges Tourist Center in Yichang, allowing you to tour the dam hassle-free. Arrival times in Yichang vary slightly depending on your morning schedule: standard dam visits arrive around 12:30, while adding the optional Ship Lift experience brings you into Yichang around 13:30. Have your passport accessible for high-speed rail security checkpoints.

Discover why Shanghai was historically celebrated as the "Paris of the East" on a full-day city tour showcasing its striking modern skyscrapers, classical gardens, and grand colonial architecture.

Begin your morning in the Lujiazui Financial District in Pudong. Ascend the ultra-futuristic Shanghai Tower, the second-tallest building in the world, via one of the world's fastest elevators traveling at 64 km/h. Step onto the 118th-floor Top of Shanghai Observatory for breathtaking 360-degree views overlooking the Huangpu River, looking down on iconic neighboring skyscrapers like the Jin Mao Tower and World Financial Center.

Next, cross the river to visit the prestigious Shanghai Museum in People's Square. Housed in a unique building designed after an ancient bronze vessel (ding) symbolizing traditional Chinese cosmology, explore world-renowned collections spanning 5,000 years of Chinese art. In the Ancient Bronze and Ceramics halls, admire national treasures like the 3,000-year-old Da Ke Ding tripods and ancient ceremonial Bianzhong chime bells.

Continue to Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden), a peaceful 400-year-old classical Ming Dynasty garden in the city center. Stroll past koi-filled ponds, ornate rockeries, and traditional pavilion halls before exploring the bustling Yu Garden Bazaar (Yuyuan Bazaar), an ideal spot to taste authentic local street snacks like Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and browse traditional handicrafts.

In the late afternoon, take a leisurely stroll down Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Shanghai's premier shopping thoroughfare lined with historic department stores and modern boutiques. Conclude your tour at The Bund, Shanghai's world-famous waterfront promenade featuring a grand ensemble of 52 historic European-style colonial buildings facing the futuristic skyline of Pudong across the river.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in Shanghai

Expert Visiting & Museum Schedule Insights:
Both the Shanghai Museum and Yu Garden are closed every Monday. For tours taking place on Mondays, your guide will arrange alternative visits to the Shanghai Museum East and the historic City God Temple (Chenghuangmiao). During peak travel seasons when main museum entry tickets sell out, visits seamlessly switch to the state-of-the-art Shanghai Museum East Branch in Pudong.

Today marks the conclusion of your memorable 15-day journey across China. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel and spend your remaining hours in Shanghai at your leisure—whether picking up last-minute souvenirs, enjoying a final cup of tea, or taking a peaceful morning walk through the city.

At the appointed time, your private guide and professional driver will meet you in the hotel lobby to assist with check-out and provide a smooth, comfortable transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), or Shanghai Railway Station for your onward flight or train home.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Not included (End of Tour Services)

Expert Departure & Ongoing Travel Insights:
For international departure flights from Shanghai airports (PVG/SHA), we recommend scheduling your airport departure transfer at least 3.5 to 4 hours prior to your scheduled flight time to allow ample time for traffic, baggage check-in, and customs clearance.

Trip Extensions Across Asia: If you wish to extend your journey to explore additional destinations—such as Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, or Hong Kong—our experienced travel consultants can seamlessly design customized post-tour extensions, flight connections, and hotel arrangements tailored to your preferences.