16 Days Spectacular China Tour:
Beijing-Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou-Yunnan-Shanghai

Tour Highlights

⦁ Cover some of China's most iconic destinations, each with unique attractions and experiences.
⦁ Explore local markets and community, and interact with the locals.
⦁ Visit Jiuzhaigou Valley to admire its colorful lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests.
⦁ Experience Yunnan’s diverse cultures, stunning natural landscapes, and rich ethnic minority heritage.

Itinerary Overview

D1-D4 Beijing Arrival & Sightseeing

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

D5-D9 Chengdu & Jiuzhaigou Sightseeing

Visit Chengdu Panda Base, Renmin Park, Kuanzhai Alley, Huanglong National Park, Jiuzhaigou Valley, Sichuan Cuisine Museum, Lotus Pond Wholesale Market.

D10-D14 Yunnan Sightseeing

Dali Ancient Town,Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Xizhou, Zhoucheng Village, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha Village, Lijiang Old Town, Tiger Leaping Gorge.

D15-D16 Shanghai Sightseeing & Departure

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 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 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: Appreciate the classic Chinese art performance of Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theater.

D4 Beijing & Flight to Chengdu (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 paintings, it has long been hailed as an epitome of artistic brilliance.

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Chengdu(abt 3hrs). 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.

D5 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. Moreover, one cannot miss the chance to encounter adorable baby pandas in the Moon and Sun nursery houses. In addition to giant pandas, the park is also home to various other wildlife species including swans and red pandas. Along the designated route, you will traverse through bamboo forests and verdant spaces while enjoying intimate encounters with nature and giant pandas.

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. The area is also famous for its street food and snacks, allowing you to sample authentic Sichuan cuisine.

Optional activity: In the evening, enjoy a wonderful performance of Sichuan Opera which includes folk opera, face changing, fire spitting, rolling lights, etc.

D6 High speed train to Jiuzhaigou & Sightseeing(B)

Today you will take a morning high speed train to Huanglong Jiuzhai Railway Station(2hrs). Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to visit Huanglong National Park (about 30mins).

Huanglong National Park, located in the northern part of Sichuan Province, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning natural beauty, including colorful pools, terraced waterfalls, and lush forests. You will take a cable car directly to the top to save energy for the walking trails. Walk down the valley along the wooden boardwalks that wind through the park, marveling at the Huanglong Valley, famous for its terraced pools filled with crystal-clear water in various shades of blue, green, and yellow, due to mineral deposits. Don't miss the Five-Color Pond, the highest and most spectacular of all the ponds, as well as the Huanglong Temple and the Flying Waterfall.

Useful tips:
1) Wear comfortable hiking shoes, dress in layers as temperatures can fluctuate, and bring rain gear if visiting during the rainy season.
2) Apply sunscreen and wear a hat as the UV rays can be strong at high altitudes.
3) Some attractions in Huanglong valleys are located over 3500 meters above the sea level, so be prepared for potential altitude sickness symptoms. Rest and hydration help.
4) There is no restaurant in the valley, you can bring some food or snacks.

After the visit, drive about 2 hours to Jiuzhaigou for accommodation. Have a good rest!

D7 Jiuzhaigou Valley(B)

Get up early to avoid crowds and make the most of your time in Jiuzhaigou Valley.

Jiuzhaigou Valley, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sichuan Province, spanning over 720 square kilometers, is celebrated for its pristine lakes, cascading waterfalls, colorful forests, and snow-capped peaks. Our bus won’t be able to go inside the park, and we specially arranged private shuttle bus for your group only. Take the private shuttle bus to visit Jiuzhaigou's three main valleys: Shuzheng Valley, Rize Valley, and Zechawa Valley.

Key Attractions:
Sparkling Lake: Known for its mirror-like surface reflecting the surrounding trees and sky.
Five-Color Pond (Wu Cai Chi): A small but incredibly vivid pond with water that seems to change colors throughout the day.
Pearl Shoal Waterfall: A broad waterfall cascading over a wide limestone shelf.
Long Lake: The largest and deepest lake in Jiuzhaigou, backed by snowy mountains.
Nuorilang Falls: A magnificent waterfall that's especially impressive after rainfall.

After sightseeing here, visit a Tibetan family to experience the authentic Tibetan way of life, including their food, customs, and living conditions. You'll have the chance to taste traditional Tibetan dishes such as yak meat, momos (dumplings), Tibetan butter tea, and tsampa (roasted barley flour).

Tips:
1) Jiuzhaigou is also at a high altitude, so take it slow, stay hydrated, and carry altitude sickness medication if necessary.
2) There is only one restaurant in the valley, and food options are limited. You can bring some food for lunch if you like.

D8 Jiuzhaigou & High speed train to Chengdu(B)

In the morning, you will visit Jiuzhai Tibetan and Qiang Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum. The museum showcases a variety of traditional items and crafts, including Tibetan and Qiang textiles, costumes, and embroidery. You can also see displays of traditional Tibetan medicine, Tibetan Buddhist art, and other cultural artifacts.

After the visit, you will participate in a Tibetan incense-making experience. Work alongside experienced craftsmen who have mastered the art of Tibetan incense making, and understand how Tibetan incense is used in daily life and in religious ceremonies.

In the afternoon, drive about 2hrs to Huanglong Jiuzhai Railway Station for a high speed train back to Chengdu. Upon arrival, your guide will pick you up and escort you to your hotel. Have a good rest!

D9 Chengdu&Flight to Kunming (B)

After breakfast, you will get escorted to Sichuan Cuisine Museum. Here you will not only get to know the history and development of Sichuan cuisine through various exhibits that showcase traditional cooking utensils, ingredients, and culinary techniques, but also engage in traditional techniques such as the "turning, sun-drying, and exposing" method used for making Pixian Douban(chili bean paste), and the process of making traditional soy sauce.

Join a hands-on cooking class led by master chefs to learn the secrets of mapo tofu or kung pao chicken, followed by a feast of your creations.

Then you will visit 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 the tour, transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Kunming(abt 1.5hrs). Upon arrival in Kunming, known as the "Spring City" for its pleasant climate. Your guide will pick you up and escort you check into your hotel.

D10 Kunming & High speed train to Dali (B,L)

In the morning, drive about 1.5hrs to visit the Stone Forest (Shilin), a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stunning karst landscape with towering limestone pillars. Begin your exploration in the Greater Stone Forest, which encompasses the main and most spectacular part of the park. Meander through the labyrinth of towering stone pillars, some reaching over 30 meters high, resembling a petrified forest. Don't miss the iconic spots like the Sword Peak Pond and the Ashima Rock, named after a local legend.

After the Greater Stone Forest, proceed to the Lesser Stone Forest, which features smaller but equally fascinating rock formations. The landscape here is more serene and less crowded, allowing for a more intimate experience with nature.

After that, drive back to Kunming city and visit Green Lake Park, a serene oasis in the heart of the city. Take a leisurely stroll around the lake, enjoying the weeping willows, lotus flowers (in season), and the various bird species, including the famous seagulls that migrate here in winter.

Then you will take a two-hour high-speed train to Dali, a historic city surrounded by mountains and the beautiful Erhai Lake. On arrival, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel.

D11 Dali(B,L)

Begin your day with a visit to Erhai Lake, one of the seven biggest freshwater lakes in China. The early morning light reflecting off the calm waters is a sight to behold. Hop on an electric sightseeing car, leisurely weaving between the lake and its surrounding countryside, immersing yourself in the tranquility of Erhai Lake and the simplicity of the neighboring villages.

After the visit, head to Dali Ancient Town, a well-preserved historic center filled with traditional Bai-style buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and bustling markets. Wander around Renmin Road, Foreigner Street, and other alleys, browsing through local handicrafts, trying street food, and immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere.

Then visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, a symbol of Dali and a significant Buddhist site. These pagodas, dating back over a thousand years, showcase the architectural brilliance of the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms.

D12 Dali-Lijiang(B,L)

After breakfast, drive about 1 hour to Xizhou, known for its well-preserved Bai houses and morning market. Wander through the lively market where locals gather to trade goods, from fresh produce and spices to handcrafted items. Observe the daily life of the Bai people and don't hesitate to sample local snacks and street food. After the market, take a leisurely stroll through Xizhou's narrow lanes, admiring the beautifully preserved Bai-style architecture. The houses feature elegant courtyards, ornate woodcarvings, and whitewashed walls, reflecting the region's unique aesthetics.

In the afternoon, head to Zhoucheng Village, just a few kilometers south of Xizhou, renowned for its traditional tie-dyeing techniques. Aside from the tie-dye workshops, Zhoucheng also has a slower pace that invites you to wander its peaceful streets, appreciate the local craftsmanship, and possibly interact with friendly villagers. Participate in a hands-on tie-dye workshop where you'll learn the intricate process of creating the Bai's signature indigo-dyed fabrics. Under the guidance of local artisans, you'll tie, twist, and dye your own piece of cloth, creating a unique souvenir to take home.

After the visit, drive about 2hrs to Lijiang and check in to your hotel.

D13 Lijiang (B,L)

In the morning, drive about 30 kilometers to visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Take the tramway for a scenic ride up the mountain, and visit Spruce Meadow(3240m). At the top, take some time to explore the boardwalks, admire the panoramic vistas.

You can opt to experience the thrilling 'Impression Lijiang' show, performed by around 500 locals against the stunning backdrop of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, under the clear blue sky. The performance lasts approximately 60 minutes. (Note: Tickets can be difficult to secure during peak season. If you're interested in attending the show, please let us know in advance.)

Descend the mountain, and pay a visit to the Blue Moon Valley. Nestled at the foot of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley is Known for its crystal-clear, turquoise-colored waters fed by melting snow.

After that, head towards Baisha Village, approximately 15 kilometers north of Lijiang. Visit the Baisha Murals, a series of precious artworks dating back to the Ming Dynasty, showcasing a fusion of Tibetan, Han, and Naxi styles. The murals are housed in several old temples within the village and are a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage.

Then take your time to explore Lijiang Old Town, strolling its maze-like streets, crossing the ancient bridges, and exploring the vibrant marketplace.

D14 Lijiang & Flight to Shanghai (B,L)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to visit one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world—the Tiger Leaping Gorge. This iconic site is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas. The gorge is nestled between the towering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the south (5,596 meters) and the majestic Haba Snow Mountain to the north (5,396 meters). Spanning 17 kilometers in length, the gorge is divided into three sections: upper, middle, and lower. Your visit will focus on the mature and well-developed Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Upon arrival, you will walk approximately 1,000 steps along the wooden path from the entrance to the Tiger Leaping Rock. Take a moment to marvel at the magnificent views of the gorge and the rolling waves of the Yangtze River below.

After the visit, transfer back to Lijiang and get transferred to the airport for the flight to Shanghai(abt 3.5hrs). You will be greeted by your tour guide on arrival, and transferred to your downtown hotel.

D15 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