Overview
Experience the best of China on this immersive 14-day journey from Beijing to Shanghai.
Discover ancient imperial landmarks, walk along the Great Wall, meet Chengdu’s famous giant pandas, explore vibrant Chongqing, and cruise through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze River.
This route combines China’s rich history, stunning natural scenery, authentic local culture, and unforgettable food experiences. Perfect for first-time visitors.
Highlights
- Step into China’s imperial past at the Forbidden City, Summer Palace, and the ancient capitals of Beijing and Xi’an
- Stand on the Great Wall and admire sweeping mountain landscapes stretching across northern China
- Witness the incredible Terracotta Army, one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries
- Slow down in Chengdu with giant pandas, traditional teahouses, and Sichuan local life
- Experience the bold flavors of Sichuan and Chongqing, from street snacks to famous hotpot culture
- Sail through the breathtaking Three Gorges along the Yangtze River, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and misty scenery
- End the journey in Shanghai, where historic architecture meets China’s modern skyline and vibrant city life
Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing Airport Arrival → Hotel
The Experience:
Welcome to Beijing, China’s historic capital and the starting point of your China highlights journey.
Upon arrival, we will meet you at the airport and arrange a comfortable private transfer to your hotel.
Today is mainly for rest and adjusting after your international flight. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a gentle first impression of Beijing’s wide boulevards, traditional hutong neighborhoods, and local food culture nearby.
Beijing blends imperial history with modern city life, offering a fascinating introduction to Chinese culture.
Tips
- Rest early to recover from jet lag and prepare for the days ahead.
- Overnight: Beijing
Day 2: Beijing | Forbidden City → Summer Palace
The Experience:
Today, we explore the imperial heart of Beijing.
In the morning, your driver will transfer you to the world-famous Forbidden City, once home to China’s emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walking through its grand courtyards, ancient halls, and ceremonial gates offers a deep look into Chinese imperial culture and history.
In the afternoon, we continue to the beautiful Summer Palace, known for its peaceful lakes, elegant gardens, and traditional Chinese landscape design. You can stroll beside Kunming Lake and admire the harmony between architecture and nature.
Highlights
- Forbidden City
- Summer Palace
Tips
- Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as there is extensive sightseeing today.
- Overnight: Beijing
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Beijing | Great Wall
The Experience:
After breakfast, we drive outside Beijing to visit the legendary Great Wall of China.
Depending on your preferred travel style, we usually recommend the Mutianyu section for its scenic mountain views and more relaxed atmosphere.
Walk along ancient stone pathways, climb watchtowers, and admire one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements stretching across northern China’s mountains.
After sightseeing, return to Beijing by private vehicle.
Highlights
- Great Wall hiking
Tips
- Morning visits usually offer cooler weather and fewer crowds.
- Overnight: Beijing
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Beijing → Xi’an by High-Speed Train → Ancient City Wall
The Experience:
This morning, your driver will transfer you to the railway station, and then you will board a modern high-speed train to Xi’an.
The journey is smooth and comfortable, giving you a chance to experience China’s world-famous rail network while watching the changing landscapes outside the window.
After arrival in Xi’an, your driver and guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel in the city center.
After checking in, you can optionally visit the impressive Xi’an City Wall, one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China. You may walk or cycle along the wall while enjoying views of the old city below.
Xi’an was once the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and remains deeply connected to China’s dynastic history.
Highlights
- China’s high-speed train
- Xi’an Ancient Wall
Tips
- Keep snacks and a light jacket handy for the train journey.
- Overnight: Xi'an
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Xi'an | Terracotta Warriors → Muslim Quarter
The Experience:
Today we visit the world-famous Terracotta Army, one of the most important archaeological discoveries.
Thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots were created over 2,000 years ago to guard China’s first emperor in the afterlife.
In the late afternoon, return to central Xi’an and explore the lively Muslim Quarter. The narrow streets are filled with local snacks, traditional markets, and the rich cultural heritage of the ancient Silk Road.
Highlights
- Terracotta Warriors
- Silk Road culture
- Muslim Quarter food
Tips
- Try local specialties such as roujiamo and hand-pulled noodles.
- Overnight: Xi'an
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Xi’an → Chengdu by High-Speed Train → Kuanzhai Alleys (Optional)
The Experience:
Today we travel by high-speed train from Xi’an to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and one of China’s most relaxed cities.
After arrival, your driver and guide will transfer you to the hotel downtown.
Depending on your energy, you can explore Kuanzhai Alleys, a charming historic district lined with traditional courtyard buildings, teahouses, local snack shops, and boutique stores.
Chengdu is famous for its slow-paced lifestyle, tea culture, and rich Sichuan culinary traditions.
Highlights
- Chengdu old streets
Tips
- Chengdu evenings are ideal for relaxed walks and casual dining.
- Overnight: Chengdu
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Chengdu | Panda Base → Wenshu Monastery → Teahouse
The Experience:
This morning, we will visit the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see China’s beloved giant pandas in a spacious natural environment.
We will get there before 09:00 AM, as the morning is usually the best time to watch them eating and playing.
In the afternoon, we continue to Wenshu Monastery, one of Chengdu’s most important Buddhist temples, where peaceful gardens and incense-filled halls create a calm atmosphere.
Later, you can slow down with a traditional Chengdu teahouse experience, an important part of local daily life and social culture.
Highlights
- Giant pandas
- Buddhist culture
- Chengdu teahouse culture
Tips
- Early morning visits usually provide the best panda activity.
- Overnight: Chengdu
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Chengdu → Leshan Giant Buddha
The Experience:
Today, we will take a day trip from Chengdu to Leshan.
After breakfast, we drive from Chengdu to Leshan to visit the remarkable Leshan Giant Buddha, the world’s largest stone Buddha statue carved into a riverside cliff over 1,000 years ago.
You may explore the site on foot or enjoy panoramic river views by boat. Along the way, we also experience Sichuan food culture through local snacks and regional dishes.
Return to Chengdu in the evening.
Highlights
- Leshan Giant Buddha
Tips
- Boat views often provide the best perspective for photos.
- Overnight: Chengdu
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 9: Chengdu → Chongqing by High-speed Train → Hongyadong → Liziba → Yangtze Cruise Boarding
The Experience:
Today we take a high-speed train to Chongqing, one of China’s most unique mountain cities.
After arrival, we visit famous city landmarks, including Hongyadong, known for its dramatic hillside architecture and glowing night views.
Then we will transfer to Liziba Station, where the monorail passes directly through a residential building.
In the evening, transfer to the cruise terminal and board your Yangtze River Cruise.
Highlights
- Chongqing skyline
- Yangtze Cruise embarkation
Tips
- Chongqing’s terrain includes many stairs and slopes, so comfortable shoes are important.
- Overnight: Ship
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise | Fengdu Ghost City
The Experience:
Today your Yangtze River cruise continues through central China’s scenic river landscapes.
Depending on the cruise schedule, we may visit Fengdu Ghost City, famous for its temples, legends, and traditional Chinese folk culture related to the afterlife.
The rest of the day can be spent relaxing onboard while enjoying river views and passing mountain scenery.
Highlights
- Yangtze scenery
- Fengdu excursion
Tips
- Cruise decks are excellent places for sunrise and sunset photography.
- Overnight: Ship
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Yangtze River Cruise | Baidicheng (Optional) → Qutang Gorge → Wuxia Gorge → Shennv Stream
The Experience:
Today is one of the scenic highlights of the entire journey.
Your cruise passes through the spectacular Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, where towering cliffs and misty peaks rise dramatically above the Yangtze River.
Depending on your cruise selection, optional shore excursions such as White Emperor City may also be available.
Later, transfer to a smaller boat to explore the quieter waters of Shennv Stream.
The Three Gorges region combines breathtaking natural scenery with centuries of Chinese poetry, legends, and river culture.
Highlights
- Three Gorges
- Shennv Stream
Tips
- Keep a light jacket for the cooler breeze on the observation deck.
- Overnight: Ship
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Yangtze River Cruise | Three Gorges Dam → Disembark → Yichang → Shanghai by Flight
The Experience:
This morning, visit the massive Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project and one of modern China’s greatest engineering achievements.
After disembarking in Yichang, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Shanghai.
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening in China’s most modern metropolis.
Highlights
- Three Gorges Dam
- Yangtze Cruise completion
- Overnight: Shanghai
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 13: Shanghai | The Bund → Nanjing Road → Yu Garden
The Experience:
Today, we discover the highlights of Shanghai.
Begin at the iconic The Bund, where colonial-era buildings stand opposite Shanghai’s futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River.
Continue to bustling Nanjing Road before exploring the elegant classical Chinese design of Yu Garden in the old city area.
Highlights
- Shanghai skyline
- Yu Garden
Tips
- Evening walks along the Bund are especially beautiful after sunset.
- Overnight: Shanghai
- Meals: Breakfast
Day 14: Shanghai | Hotel → Airport → Departure
The Experience:
After breakfast, we arrange your private transfer to the airport for departure from Shanghai.
Thank you for joining this unforgettable China highlights tour filled with history, culture, food, scenic river landscapes, and modern city experiences.
- Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
- Beijing: 3 Nights
- Xi'an: 2 Nights
- Chengdu: 3 Nights
- Cruise: 3 Nights
- Shanghai: 2 Nights
We carefully choose accommodations based on location, comfort, cleanliness, service quality, and overall travel experience.
In cities, including Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Shanghai, we prioritize hotels with convenient access to major attractions, local food areas, and transportation hubs to make your journey smoother and more enjoyable.
For the Yangtze River Cruise, we work with trusted cruise brands offering comfortable cabins, scenic viewing decks, and reliable onboard services.
This itinerary is also 100% tailor-made. Whether you prefer boutique hotels, luxury resorts, family-friendly stays, larger cruise suites, or premium international hotel brands, we can customize the accommodation style entirely around your travel preferences and budget.
Cost
Included
- Accommodation with breakfast throughout the itinerary
- Yangtze River Cruise accommodation with meals
- High-speed train tickets mentioned in the itinerary
- Domestic flight from Yichang to Shanghai
- Private air-conditioned vehicle for all local transfers
- Sightseeing tours and entrance tickets listed in the itinerary
- Expert English-speaking local guide
Excluded
- International or domestic flights to Beijing
- Lunches and dinners not listed in the itinerary
- Optional activities and personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities for guide and driver
- Cruise optional excursions
Transportation
This route combines high-speed rail, domestic flights, river cruise, and private transfers for a comfortable and efficient journey between destinations.
- Private airport / station transfers in each city
- Beijing → Xi'an: High-speed train
- Xi'an → Chengdu: High-speed train
- Chengdu → Chongqing: High-speed train
- Chongqing → Yichang: River cruise
- Yichang → Shanghai: Flight
Essential Tips
- Chengdu and Chongqing cuisine can be quite spicy. Tell your guide if can't eat spicy food.
- Bring comfortable walking shoes for historical sites.
- River cruise temperatures can be cooler in the evenings. Bring a jacket.
Gallery
FAQ
Is this a good first-time China itinerary?
Yes. This route covers many of China’s most famous destinations, including Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, the Yangtze River, and Shanghai, making it ideal for first-time visitors.
How many days do you need for a China highlights tour?
A 14-day itinerary allows enough time to experience China’s major cultural, historical, and scenic highlights comfortably without rushing.
Is the Yangtze River Cruise worth it?
Absolutely. The Yangtze River Cruise offers stunning Three Gorges scenery, relaxing travel, and a unique perspective on central China that is difficult to experience by land.
Are China high-speed trains comfortable for tourists?
Yes. China’s high-speed rail network is modern, clean, efficient, and one of the easiest ways to travel between major cities.Jiuzhaigou’s scenery is beautiful all year, with each season offering a different color palette. The most recommended time for this route is Apr-Oct.
Which Yangtze River Cruise is best?
No. Hotels are located outside the park, mainly in the Jiuzhaigou or Chuanzhusi area.
Can this China tour be customized?
Yes. All our China tours are fully tailor-made. Hotels, cruise options, pacing, activities, and destinations can all be adjusted to suit your travel needs.
When is the best time to visit Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, and the Yangtze River?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) generally offer the most comfortable temperatures and best sightseeing conditions across this route.
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