15 Days China Discovery Tour: Beijing-Xian-Gansu-Sanya

Tour Highlights

Immerses yourself in the rich history and diverse cultures of China.
Experience China’s geographic extremes from the raw beauty of Northwestern deserts to Sanya’s tropical bliss.
Sample a variety of regional cuisines, and learn about Chinese cuisine culture.
Explore bustling markets and local community, immerse yourself in the local culture.

Itinerary Overview

D1-D4 Beijing Arrival & Sightseeing

Explore Hutongs, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Summer Palace.

D5-D6 Xian Sightseeing

Visit Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Big Wild Goose Pagoda,Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City.

D7-D10 Gansu Sightseeing

Visit Mogao Caves, Echoing-Sand Mountain and Crescent Lake, Yangguan Pass, Yumen Pass, Yardang National Geopark, Zhangye Danxia Landform, Giant Buddha Temple.

D11-D15 Sanya Sightseeing

Visit Yu Garden, Former French Concession, Shanghai Tower, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Bund.

Detailed Itinerary

(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

D1 Beijing Arrival

Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! Upon arrival, our professional tour guide will pick you up at the airport, and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from the jet lag.

D2 Beijing (B,L)

After breakfast, the local guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby. Transfer to the scenic Shichahai area, known for its interconnected lakes—Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai. Dive into the labyrinthine network of narrow alleys known as Hutongs. Wander down Yandai Xiejie, a 700-year-old sloping street once famed for its tobacco pipe shops. These alleyways are home to some of Beijing’s oldest neighborhoods and provide a glimpse into the daily lives of local residents. Hop on a rickshaw to shuttle through the Hutong streets and alleys, and get knowledge of the lifestyle of old Beijing.

For lunch, indulge in one of China's most celebrated dishes, Peking Roasted Duck, savoring the flavors that have made it world-renowned.

The highlight of your day continues as you walk cross the city moat en route to the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), one of the world's five major palaces. This vast complex, with over 9,000 rooms, once served as the imperial residence for 24 emperors throughout the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Traverse through various gateways to marvel at its splendid architecture adorned with yellow glazed tile roofs, white marble foundations, and exquisite colorful paintings.

Optional activity: In the evening, you can watch a breathtaking acrobatic show at the Red Theater.

D3 Beijing (B,L)

After breakfast, you will visit the Temple of Heaven first. The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. It was the place where the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshiped heaven and prayed for good harvest.

After the visit, drive about 70km to witness one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Great Wall. Visit Mutianyu which is one of the best preserved yet less crowded sections of the Great Wall. The Mutianyu Great Wall serves as a strategic link between the Juyongguan Great Wall to the west and Gubeikou to the east, effectively safeguarding Beijing throughout history. It has earned the moniker "Perilous Mountain and Mighty Pass". You will take a cable car up to the half way to enjoy some hiking. After that, descend Mutianyu Great Wall by cable car.

Then dive back to Beijing downtown, and make a stop at Beijing Olympic Village to view Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the outside.

Optional experience: For dinner, you can taste the famous Peking Roasted Duck. Followed by the classic Chinese art performance of Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theater.

D4 High speed train to Xian(B,L)

In the morning, drive to Summer Palace, China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Here you can leisurely stroll amidst ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges, and corridors. Take a leisure stroll on the rippling Kunming Lake to enjoy the verdant mountain view of Longevity Hill. You will visit the Long Corridor, boasting a total length of 728 meters and housing 273 rooms. Renowned for its exquisite architectural design, meandering layout, and vibrant color

After lunch, you will be transferred to the railway station to take a high speed train to Xian(4.5-5hrs). On your arrival, you will be picked up by our tour guide, and escorted to your hotel for check in.

D5 Xian (B,L)

After breakfast, head to Terracotta Warriors Museum which is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in human history. There are more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses made to protect the first emperor of China Qin Shihuang in this afterlife. The Terracotta Warriors and horses are all life-sized, and the warriors carry real bronze battle weapons. You will also make a miniature Terracotta Warrior on your own under the instruction of a local potter.

Then drive back to downtown area and pay a visit to the Muslim Quarter. Here you can try different local snacks and explore Muslim culture. Visit the Great Mosque, a serene 8th-century mosque blending Chinese and Islamic architecture.

Optional activity: You can have a dumpling banquet for dinner, followed by a wonderful Tang Palace Dance Show.

D6 Xian & Flight to Dunhuang (B,L)

In the morning, pay a visit to the Ancient City Wall. The wall was built for defensive purposes, enclosing and protecting the city from invading forces, constructed initially during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). Get up to the wall to get panoramic views of the city. If you like, you can also enjoy a relaxing bike riding on the Wall(optional with additional cost).

After lunch, visit the Da Cien Temple, where the Big Wild Goose Pagoda stands as a renowned architectural masterpiece. Soaring to a height of 64.5 meters, this pagoda was constructed by the esteemed Buddhist master Xuanzang during the early Tang Dynasty to safeguard invaluable scriptures he acquired from India. (Note: An additional fee of 30 RMB is required for ascending the Big Wild Goose Pagoda).

Following your visit to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, you’ll have the chance to try on Hanfu, the stately attire worn by emperors, their families, ministers, and nobility during ancient Chinese dynasties. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to capture some memorable photos!

Then you will head to visit the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City and enjoy some leisure time. The entire area is designed to resemble the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty, with beautifully reconstructed buildings, ornate gateways, and traditional Chinese lanterns hanging overhead.

After the tour, transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Dunhuang(abt 2.5hrs). Be greeted by the local tour guide on arrival, and get transferred to the hotel in downtown area.

D7 Dunhuang (B,L)

This morning you will fully explore Mogao Caves. The Mogao Caves are located approximately 25 kilometers southeast of Dunhuang city center, and the drive usually takes about 30 minutes. Visit the Digital Exhibition Center first to learn about the preservation efforts and see high-definition projections of the cave art. This can be a great way to understand the history, arts, and other facts about Mogao Grottoes.

The Mogao Caves were first constructed in 366 AD during the Eastern Jin Dynasty and continued to be developed over the following millennium until the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368). The site consists of 735 grottoes, spread across 1.7 kilometers, housing over 2,000 painted sculptures and 45,000 square meters of murals. You will join a guided tour to visit a selection of the most important and well-preserved grottoes and gain insights into the history, art, and cultural significance of the caves.

This afternoon you will head to the Echoing-Sand Mountain (Mingsha Shan) and Crescent Lake (Yueyaquan). Explore the Echoing-Sand Mountain. Climb the dunes to enjoy the panoramic view and listen to the sound of the wind as it whistles through the sand, creating a unique echoing effect. You can also choose to rent shoes covers or sandals designed for sand to protect your feet. You can also experience the desert landscape on a camel if you like(optional).

Then visit the Crescent Lake, a natural oasis nestled among the sand dunes. Stroll around the lake, admire the traditional architecture, and take in the serene beauty of the area.

Optional activity: When night falls, visit the Shazhou Night Market. This bustling market is a great place to try local foods, shop for souvenirs, and experience the vibrant local culture.

D8 Dunhuang (B,L)

This morning you will firstly drive 1 hour to Yangguan Pass, which is an ancient pass and former military fortification on the Silk Road. Spend some time exploring the ruins and learning about its historical significance as a gateway to the Western Regions.

Keeping driving 50mins to Yumen Pass, another historical pass that once guarded the northern route of the Silk Road. Explore Yumen Pass, take in the desolate beauty of the area and imagine the bustling activity it once witnessed.

Continue your journey to the Yardang National Geopark, known for its unique yardang landforms created by wind erosion. Walk through the park to see the fascinating rock formations and enjoy the vast open spaces and stark beauty of the landscape.

After the tour, transfer back to the city(abt 2.5hrs).

D9 High speed train to Zhangye (B,L)

Today you will take a morning high speed train to Zhangye(4hrs). On arrival, be picked up by the local guide, and get transferred to a local restaurant for lunch.

This afternoon head to the Zhangye Danxia Landform Geological Park. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its colorful rock formations that resemble rainbows. Spend a few hours walking along the boardwalks and viewing platforms, visit different sections of the park to see various rock formations such as the Rainbow Mountains and the Seven-Colored Screen. Take time to capture the stunning scenery with your camera.

D10 Zhangye&High speed train to Lanzhou (B,L)

After breakfast, visit the renowned Giant Buddha Temple, a 12th-century Buddhist complex dating back to the Xixia Dynasty (1098 AD). This architectural gem houses Asia's largest indoor reclining Buddha - a 34.5-meter wooden masterpiece depicting the Buddha's Nirvana.

This afternoon take a 3-hour high speed train to Lanzhou. On arrival, get transferred to the hotel for check in.

D11 Flight to Sanya (B)

This morning get transferred to the airport and take a stop-over flight to Sanya. Upon arrival, our professional tour guide will pick you up at the airport, and drive about 1 hour to your beachside hotel for check in. The rest of the day is yours to relax.

D12 Sanya (B,L)

After breakfast, drive about 1hour to Binglang Ethnic Village. Immerse in indigenous traditions through Li brocade weaving, bamboo dancing, and folk performances.

Optional Experience: Engage in a fascinating Tie-Dye workshop, and create your very own personalized textile piece.

Then transfer to the city center and enjoy a serene stroll along the picturesque Coconut Dream Corridor, a breathtaking seaside promenade that graces the edge of Sanya Bay. You can also cycle along the palm-fringed Sanya Bay if you like.

Next, make your way to a local night market where you can indulge in a variety of authentic local dishes. Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of the night market, where every corner offers a new culinary adventure.