12 Days Authentic China Tour:
Beijing-Xian-Chengdu-Hangzhou-Shanghai
Tour Highlights
⦁ Visit multiple major cities to experience the breadth of Chinese culture and history.
⦁ Learn about Chinese cuisine culture, and participate in a cooking class.
⦁ Explore local markets and community to gain a deeper understanding of Chinese traditions and customs.
⦁ Discover the enchanting world of traditional Chinese medicine at Huqingyu Tang in Hangzhou.
Itinerary Overview
D1-D4 Beijing Arrival & Sightseeing
Visit Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Hutongs.
D5-D6 Xian Sightseeing & High speed train to Chengdu
Visit Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
D7-D8 Guilin&Yangshuo Sightseeing
Take Li River cruise, and visit Yangshuo countryside, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave.
D9-D10 Hangzhou Sightseeing&High speed train to Shanghai
Visit West Lake, Feilai Peak, Lingyin Temple, Dragon Well Tea Plantations, Huqingyu Tang, Grand Canal.
D11-D12 Shanghai Sightseeing&Departure
Visit Yu Garden, Former French Concession, Shanghai Tower, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Bund.
Detailed Itinerary
(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Day 1 Beijing Arrival
Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! Upon arrival, our professional tour guide will pick you up at the arrival hall of Beijing Capital International Airport or Daxing 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 enjoying a buffet breakfast at the hotel, you will embark on an exploration of Beijing's rich historical heritage with a brief visit to Tiananmen Square, which currently holds the distinction of being the largest city plaza in the world. The northern square is home to Tiananmen Gate, where Chairman Mao announced the establishment of the People's Republic of China. Upon entering Tiananmen, you will be greeted by one of the world's five most significant palaces – Forbidden City (Palace Museum), an immense complex comprising over 9,000 rooms that once served as residences for 24 emperors during 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.
For lunch, you will taste the Chinese cuisine. Take the chance to learn how to use chopsticks, also known as "kuaizi" in Chinese. Using chopsticks is not only practical but also an important part of table manners and cultural tradition in Asian cultures.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use chopsticks:
1. Hold the First Chopstick: Place the first chopstick between your thumb and index finger, about one-third of the way up from the bottom. Rest it on the base of your ring finger.
2. Position the Second Chopstick: Hold the second chopstick like you would hold a pencil, using your index finger and resting it on the top joint of your middle finger.
3. Adjust the Grip: Move the top chopstick (the one between your index and middle fingers) down so that it's slightly crossed over the first chopstick, creating a V-shape at the top.
4. Pick Up Food: Gently squeeze the chopsticks together, applying even pressure, to grasp the food securely. The bottom chopstick should remain relatively stationary, acting as a base. The movement comes mainly from the upper chopstick sliding up and down against the lower one.
In the afternoon, 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 paintings, it has long been hailed as an epitome of artistic brilliance.
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 Beijing & High speed train to Xian (B,L)
In the morning,you will pay a visit to Beijing Hutongs. The Hutongs, which are narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard houses, not only serve as the veins of the city and thoroughfares for traffic but also hold great historical and cultural significance.As you wander through these ancient streets, you can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia for bygone eras. Each Hutong tells its own unique story, bearing witness to the changes that have shaped Beijing over centuries. From dynastic shifts to modernization efforts, these alleys have seen it all. You will hop on a rickshaw to shuttle through the Hutong streets and alleys, and get knowledge of the lifestyle of old Beijing.
After the visit, you will be transferred to the railway station to take a high speed train to Xian(abt 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, you will visit 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. Orderly arrayed in rows and lines, these figures of warriors and horses make up a great underground army consisting of war chariots, infantrymen, cavalrymen and other armed servicemen. You will also learn to 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 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). You will 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). Leave the City Wall, head to Muslim Quarter, where you can try different local snacks and explore Muslim culture.
Optional activity: You can have a dumpling banquet for dinner, followed by a wonderful Tang Palace Dance Show.
D6 Xian & High speed train to Chengdu (B,L)
In the morning, you will visit 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. Notably, Xuanzang served as the inspiration for Tang Seng in the celebrated Chinese novel Journey to the West. (Note: An additional fee of 30 RMB is required for ascending the Big Wild Goose Pagoda).
In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the railway station for a high speed train to Chengdu(abt 3.5-4hrs). Welcome to Chengdu! The hometown of Giant panda. You will be greeted by your tour guide on arrival, and transferred to your hotel in downtown area.
D7 Chengdu(B,L)
Get up early today to pay a stirring visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding is globally renowned for its conservation and breeding efforts, boasting a wealth of panda resources and a pristine ecological environment. Take a stroll in the base, you can closely observe pandas engaging in their daily activities such as eating, playing, and resting.
Right after the unforgettable time with giant pandas, you make a stop at Chengdu Lotus Pond Wholesale Market which is situated at the northern gateway of Chengdu City. It is a sprawling and highly diversified wholesale market, offering a wide range of products including clothing, accessories, bags, hats, socks, and more.
After that, transfer to Chengdu Renmin Park. Make a stop at Heming Teahouse which is an iconic venue that embodies the essence of Sichuanese tea culture. Here, you can relax in a traditional environment, savor local teas like jasmine or Longjing. Visit the famous “Matchmaking Corner”. The scene at the corner is typically filled with advertisements for potential spouses, where parents engage in exchanging information, each striving to find a suitable partner for their unmarried adult children who had surpassed the traditionally preferred age for marriage.
Next to Renmin Park, you will take a stroll at Kuanzhai Alley. Literally translated as "Wide and Narrow Alleys," this charming neighborhood comprises three parallel alleys — Kuan Street (Wide Alley), Zhai Alley (Narrow Alley), and Jing Alley (Well Alley) — that reflect the traditional architectural style and local lifestyle of old Chengdu.
Optional activity: In the evening, enjoy a wonderful performance of Sichuan Opera which includes folk opera, face changing, fire spitting, rolling lights, etc.
D8 Chengdu & Flight to Hangzhou(B,L)
After breakfast, you will pay a visit to Sichuan Cuisine Museum. Here you will not only get to know the significant part of local Sichuan cuisine culture, but also learn to cook typical Sichuan dishes under the guidance of senior chefs. There are two cooking menus for your choice. Menu A：Panda Steamed Dumplings, Kung Pao Chicken, Mapo Tofu. Menu B：Pumpkin steamed dumplings, Daqian Dry-braised Fish, Boiled Beef in Hot Chili Oil. Inform us your preference, and we will make arrangement accordingly. After that, enjoy delicious meals cooked by yourself for lunch, and be awarded with “Rookie Master Chef” certificate.
In the afternoon, get transferred to the airport for your flight to Hangzhou(abt3hrs). On arrival, be greeted by your tour guide and escorted to your downtown hotel.
D9 Hangzhou (B,L)
Begin your day at West Lake, a must-visit destination in Hangzhou. You can take a leisurely stroll along the Su Causeway. Visit the Broken Bridge, and admire the beauty of the Ten Scenes of West Lake. You will also enjoy a leisurely boat cruise on the lake, experiencing its tranquility and immersing themselves in the poetic atmosphere.
After that, head to Feilai Peak which located near the south shore of West Lake. There are over 300 Buddhist statues and more than 470 inscriptions carved into the rocks, making it an invaluable repository of Chinese art and religious history. Next to Feilai Peak, you will visit Lingyin Temple which is one of the largest and most significant Buddhist temples in China. The temple complex is extensive and houses numerous halls, pavilions, and pagodas, displaying the essence of traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture.
In the afternoon, head to the Dragon Well Tea Plantations. Here, you can have a cup of authentic Longjing tea while enjoying the serene surroundings and learning about traditional tea-making processes. Also pay a visit to National Tea Museum. The museum will show you everything about the history, culture, and scientific knowledge of tea in China.
Optional activity: You can watch "Enduring Memories of Hangzhou," a spectacular live performance directed by Yimou Zhang. The performance typically begins at 7:45pm.
D10 Hangzhou & High speed train to Shanghai (B,L)
This morning you will firstly visit Hefang Street. Step back in time on this historic pedestrian street lined with traditional shops, snack vendors, and time-honored brands. Sample local delicacies, shop for souvenirs, or watch artisans at work.
You will also visit Huqingyu Tang which is a time-honored traditional Chinese medicine brand established in 1874 during the late Qing Dynasty. Here you can explore historical artifacts related to traditional Chinese medicine, including old prescription records, medicine processing tools, and rare herbal specimens. You will witness traditional medicine-making processes, such as herb grinding and pill making.
Then you will take a 30 minutes sightseeing cruise on the Grand Canal, the longest and oldest man-made waterway in the world. Immersed in picturesque views, you will also learn about the canal's history, which dates back over 2,500 years.
After the tour, get transferred to the railway station for one-hour high speed train to Shanghai. On arrival, your guide will pick you up and escort you to your downtown hotel.
D11 Shanghai (B,L)
Start today with an exploration of Yu Garden - an iconic classical garden nestled within bustling Shanghai's core. Situated northeast of Huangpu District's Old Town area, you will see the stylish Chinese pavilion and authentic old architectures in Yu Garden. Surrounding the garden is a bustling marketplace filled with shops selling traditional Chinese crafts, souvenirs. Enjoy shopping time at Yuyuan Bazaar, and you can try snacks and local delicacies like xiao long bao (steamed dumplings).
In the afternoon, enjoy a walking tour through Former French Concession to explore the city's unique history, architecture, and modern lifestyle. The city walk starts from Tianzifang, a place filled with artsy shops, studios, galleries, and cozy cafes. Here you can appreciate traditional Shanghai shikumen architecture. Continue north to Sinan Mansions, an upscale residential and commercial complex that exemplifies the elegance of the French Concession era.
Next highlight for today is Shanghai Tower. Stands in the heart of the Lujiazui Financial Zone, Shanghai Tower(632 meters) is the tallest building in China, and the third tallest in the world. You will take a high-speed elevator ride that swiftly takes you up to the observation deck(118F), reaching speeds of up to 46 miles per hour (73 km/h). Enjoy panoramic views of Shanghai from the observation deck, including the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, the Bund, and the sprawling cityscape stretching to the horizon.
To conclude your day filled with exploration and discovery, take a leisurely stroll down Nanjing Road to the Bund and enjoy the fascinating night view of Shanghai.
Optional activity: You can also take a relaxing Huangpu River cruise to enjoy the fascinating night view of Shanghai.
D12 Shanghai Departure(B)
Today comes to the end of your China tour. Your guide will escort you to the airport for your flight to next destination.
Tour ends
