25-Day Grand Tour of China: Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin & Shanghai

Arrive in Beijing and be greeted by your private guide at the airport arrivals hall. A comfortable private vehicle waits for the transfer to your centrally located hotel. After settling in, step out for a welcome dinner at a beloved local restaurant chosen for its authentic Beijing cuisine. Over steaming dishes of dumplings and Peking-style specialties, your guide walks through the 25-day journey ahead, covering logistics, local customs, and tips for making the most of every city. A relaxed evening sets the tone for the adventure ahead.

Start the day at a bustling local morning market where vendors sell fresh produce, fragrant spices, and steaming street breakfasts. Absorb the energy of everyday Beijing life before heading to Tiananmen Square, the vast ceremonial heart of the city. Pass through into the Forbidden City, where 980 buildings once housed emperors for five centuries. Your guide brings the Ming and Qing dynasties to life with stories of court intrigue as you walk marble courtyards and gilded halls. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors performed annual rites for good harvests beneath triple-eaved roofs of cobalt-blue tiles. End with a legendary Peking Duck dinner — the chef carves the bird tableside, crispy skin first, and wrapping each bite in thin pancakes becomes a hands-on ritual that tastes like the real Beijing.

Optional Excursions

Peking Duck Experience (Reservation Assistance)

Enjoy a traditional Peking Duck meal at a renowned Beijing restaurant. Your guide can assist with recommendations and reservations, while the meal cost is paid directly by you. Experience this iconic dish and Beijing’s rich culinary heritage.

+$0.00

Advisor quoted

Drive about 90 minutes northeast of Beijing to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, less crowded and beautifully restored. Hike along the ramparts at your own pace, climbing to watchtowers where panoramic views stretch across forested mountain ridges in every direction. The wall snakes dramatically over peaks, and standing atop it with the wind blowing feels like stepping back two thousand years. After a lunch of local mountain dishes, visit the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial garden in China. Stroll beside Kunming Lake, cross the marble Bridge of Beautiful Views, and wander through pavilions and corridors adorned with thousands of colorful paintings. The combination of wall and garden captures two sides of China: military might and refined beauty.

Optional Excursions

Mutianyu VIP Experience

Enjoy a premium Mutianyu Great Wall experience with our VIP package. Benefit from priority access, private shuttle service, a round-trip cable car ride, and breathtaking mountain views. After exploring the Wall, relax with a complimentary tea break.

+$150.00

Advisor quoted

Spend the morning in the Hutong district, the ancient alleyway neighborhood where old Beijing life still thrives. Visit a local family in their traditional courtyard home, sip tea together, and learn about daily routines, neighborhood gossip, and the changing face of the city. The family shares stories of growing up among the grey-brick lanes, and the exchange feels genuine and warm. After a hutong lunch, board a high-speed bullet train bound for Xi'an. The 4-hour journey covers 1,100 kilometers through the North China Plain and Qinling Mountains — watch the landscape shift from northern flatlands to western highlands through the train window. Arrive in Xi'an in the evening and transfer to your hotel, already sensing the ancient capital's gravitational pull.

Optional Excursions

Hutong Rickshaw Ride

Take a traditional rickshaw ride through Beijing’s hutongs. Relax as you travel along narrow alleys, admire courtyard homes, and experience the history, culture, and authentic charm of old Beijing’s traditional neighborhoods.

+$15.00

Advisor quoted

Visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. This 2,200-year-old underground army was built to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Walk into Pit 1 and face rows of life-size soldiers, each with a unique face, expression, and hairstyle — over 6,000 figures stand in formation before you. Continue to Pits 2 and 3 to see cavalry, archers, and officers in different formations. The Bronze Chariot Hall displays two half-scale chariots pulled by four horses, their intricate detail astonishing for an era before modern tools. Your guide explains how farmers stumbled upon the site in 1974 while digging a well, changing history overnight. Leave with a deep sense of awe at the ambition and craftsmanship of ancient China.

Optional Excursions

Dumpling Feast & Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show

Enjoy a traditional dumpling feast featuring a variety of handmade dumplings while watching a captivating Tang Dynasty music and dance performance. Experience Xi’an’s culinary heritage and the elegance of ancient Tang culture through delicious flavors, graceful dances, and traditional melodies.

+$76.00

Advisor quoted

Cycle or walk atop the Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved fortifications in China. The 14-kilometer circuit offers sweeping views of old and new Xi'an side by side. Visit Little Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 709 AD during the Tang Dynasty, and explore its peaceful temple grounds. Dive into the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where Hui Muslim vendors sell cumin-spiced lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, and persimmon cakes. In the evening, take seats at a Tang Dynasty Dance Show — colorful costumes, live instruments, and ancient melodies bring the Silk Road era to life in a performance that feels both grand and intimate.

Optional Excursions

Xi'an City Wall Bike Ride

If you find yourself with some extra time, a bike ride along the Ancient City Wall is an exhilarating way to enhance your Xi'an experience. This activity allows you to pedal around one of the best-preserved city walls in China, offering a unique and active exploration of its expansive ramparts.

+$7.00

Advisor quoted

Fly from Xi'an to Yichang, a scenic city on the Yangtze River. Meet your cruise director and board the luxury river ship. Settle into your cabin with a private balcony overlooking the river. Attend a welcome briefing and safety drill, then enjoy a buffet lunch on the observation deck as the ship begins its journey upstream. Sail through the beginning of the Three Gorges region, watching the landscape shift from rolling hills to dramatic cliffs. In the evening, attend the captain's welcome dinner and toast to the days ahead. The ship glides quietly through the gorge waters as stars appear overhead.

Cruise past the magnificent Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric project. Watch as the ship enters the ship lock system and is lifted 40 meters through a series of chambers — an engineering marvel that feels like floating up a staircase of water. Continue through Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges, with steep limestone cliffs rising on both sides and the river narrowing to a dramatic channel. On board, attend lectures about the region's history, ecology, and the millions of people relocated during the dam's construction. Evening brings a quiet sunset over the gorges and a multi-course dinner featuring local Hubei specialties.

Transfer to a smaller boat to explore Shennong Stream, a tributary of the Yangtze winding through a narrow valley of towering cliffs and hanging coffins perched on ledges. Watch for monkeys clinging to rocks along the banks and listen to traditional boatmen singing folk songs that echo off the canyon walls. Cruise through the stunning Wu Gorge, famous for its twelve peaks shrouded in mist and legend. The Goddess Peak rises tallest, and local lore says she watches over passing boats. The gorge is quiet except for the hum of the engine and the occasional call of a river bird. Afternoon tea on deck and an evening cultural demonstration round out a day of natural wonder.

Sail through Qutang Gorge, the shortest but one of the most dramatic of the Three Gorges, where the Yangtze narrows between towering cliffs rising high above the river. Enjoy a shore excursion to a local village or historic site along the riverbank, gaining a closer look at the landscapes and riverside life that have shaped this region for centuries. Return to the ship and continue your journey downstream toward Chongqing. Arrive in Chongqing in the morning and disembark, where your private driver will meet you and transfer you comfortably to your hotel.

Meet your guide at your Chongqing hotel and begin the day in Ciqikou Old Town, a historic riverside quarter known for its narrow stone-paved lanes, traditional teahouses, local shops, and Sichuan snacks. Continue to Jiefangbei, the lively heart of downtown Chongqing, before heading to Liziba to see the famous monorail pass directly through a residential building. Then stroll through Xiahaoli, where old lanes, restored houses, and modern cafés reflect the city’s blend of past and present. In the afternoon, travel by private car to Chengdu, a journey of around 4–5 hours through the Sichuan countryside. Arrive in Chengdu and check into your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Visit the Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre early to catch the giant pandas at their most active. Watch them tumble, climb, and strip bamboo with surprising dexterity. Learn about breeding programs and conservation challenges from expert keepers. Stroll Jinli Old Street, a beautifully restored Qing-dynasty lane lined with wooden storefronts, lanterns, and Sichuan street food — try mapo tofu, dan dan noodles, and spicy rabbit heads if you dare. In the afternoon, fly to Dali (1.5 hours), landing in the mild highland climate of Yunnan province. Transfer to your hotel near Dali Old Quarter, where Bai minority culture and Cangshan Mountain views await.

Visit Xizhou Village Market, where Bai minority farmers sell fresh produce, herbs, and homemade cheeses. Explore Yan Family House, a beautifully preserved Bai residence dating to the Qing Dynasty, with carved wooden screens, painted courtyards, and ancestral halls. Cruise Erhai Lake by private boat, with Cangshan Mountain's 19 peaks reflected in the crystal-clear water. Try your hand at tie-dye with a Golden Flower artisan — fold, bind, and dip cotton fabric in indigo to create a pattern that is uniquely yours. End the day exploring Dali Old Quarter, browsing craft shops and cafés along cobblestone streets beneath the glow of paper lanterns.

Visit the Three Pagodas, Dali's most iconic landmark dating to the 9th century. The central pagoda stands 69 meters tall, flanked by two smaller ones, all reflected in a still mirror pond. Explore the surrounding temple grounds and learn about the Kingdom of Nanzhao that once ruled this region. Board a bullet train to Kunming (2.5 hours), crossing high bridges and through tunnels carved into the Yunnan plateau. Arrive in the Spring City and check into your hotel. Kunming's mild climate and ethnic diversity set the stage for tomorrow's geological wonder.

Visit the Stone Forest, a 270-million-year-old karst formation where towering limestone pillars rise like petrified trees in a fossilized forest. Walk winding paths between formations some reaching 30 meters high, each with a name inspired by its shape. Learn about the local Sani people and their legend of Ashima, a girl who turned to stone for love. Enjoy a traditional Across the Bridge Noodles dinner — a steaming bowl of chicken broth, rice noodles, and toppings added one by one. If time allows, catch the optional Yunnan Impression Show, a large-scale outdoor performance directed by Zhang Yimou featuring 100 ethnic minority performers.

Board a bullet train to Guilin (7 hours) through some of China's most scenic mountain routes. Watch the beautiful karst landscape unfold outside the window — conical peaks rising from flat rice paddies, small villages nestled among bamboo groves, and rivers winding through limestone valleys. Arrive in Guilin and enjoy a leisure afternoon. Rest at your hotel, stroll along the Li River waterfront, or explore the city's night markets for local snacks. The next few days bring the iconic Guilin-Yangshuo scenery that has inspired Chinese painters for a thousand years.

Take the iconic Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, one of China's most celebrated journeys. Watch karst peaks rise from the emerald river like brushstrokes on a scroll. Water buffalo graze on riverbanks, and fishermen on bamboo rafts glide past. The 80-kilometer cruise takes about four hours, passing through scenery that has appeared on the 20-yuan banknote. Arrive in Yangshuo and explore local markets selling pomelos, kumquats, and handmade crafts. Stroll West Street with its cafes, bars, and souvenir shops — a lively strip that blends local culture with international energy.

Join a morning Tai Chi class with a local master in a peaceful park beside the Li River. Move through slow, deliberate forms as the sun rises over the karst skyline — the practice feels meditative and grounding. Explore the countryside by bicycle or on foot, passing rice paddies, orchards, and small villages where life moves at a gentle pace. Visit a local school or family to see rural Yangshuo life up close. In the evening, witness the traditional cormorant fisherman demonstration — an elderly fisherman stands on a bamboo raft with his trained birds, a scene unchanged for centuries. Enjoy a free afternoon to relax, kayak, or simply sit by the river.

Return to Guilin by private vehicle. Visit Reed Flute Cave, a spectacular limestone cavern illuminated in colored lights — stalactites and stalagmites formed over 180,000 years create an otherworldly underground landscape. See Ronghu Lake and the iconic Sun and Moon Pagodas, twin towers connected by an underwater passage. Walk through the Ancient South Gate, a restored Ming Dynasty gateway flanked by banyan trees. In the evening, the pagodas light up in gold and silver against the night sky, creating a magical reflection on the lake below. A fitting farewell to the karst landscape before heading east tomorrow.

Fly to Hangzhou (2 hours), the city Marco Polo called the finest in the world. Visit Lingyin Temple, one of China's largest and most revered Buddhist temples, founded in 326 AD. Walk among ancient trees and carved grottoes housing hundreds of Buddha statues dating to the 10th century. Explore Meijiawu Tea Village in the heart of the Longjing tea-growing region. Sit with a local tea farmer, taste freshly picked green tea, and learn the art of pan-firing leaves in a traditional iron wok. Watch sunset from Chenghuangge, a hilltop pavilion offering sweeping views over West Lake and the city skyline.

Cruise West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site that has inspired poets and painters for a millennium. Glide past Leifeng Pagoda, lotus-filled waters, and willow-lined causeways. The lake is framed by hills on three sides, creating a sense of enclosed beauty. Walk the Baboo Lined Path at Yunqi, a bamboo-shaded trail where sunlight filters through green stalks and the air smells of earth and moss. Then drive to Suzhou (3 hours) through the Jiangnan water town landscape — white-washed houses, stone bridges, and canal-side gardens. Arrive and check into your hotel in the classical garden city.

Visit the Humble Administrator's Garden, a UNESCO-listed classical Chinese garden from the Ming Dynasty. Every corner reveals a carefully composed scene — moon gates framing bamboo groves, covered walkways leading to hidden courtyards, and lotus ponds reflecting pavilions. The garden was designed to recreate famous landscapes in miniature, and walking through it feels like wandering a living scroll painting. In the afternoon, cruise the Grand Canal, the longest artificial waterway on Earth, built over 2,500 years ago. Glide past ancient stone bridges and waterside homes, imagining the merchants and scholars who once traveled this route between Beijing and Hangzhou.

Transfer to Shanghai (2 hours), China's most cosmopolitan city. Visit Matchmaker's Corner, a famous park where parents once gathered to arrange marriages and where locals still come for morning exercises and chess. Explore the Shanghai Museum with its world-class collection of ancient bronze vessels, jade carvings, and ceramic masterpieces spanning 5,000 years. Optionally ascend Jin Mao Tower for a bird's-eye view of the Pudong skyline, or ride the Maglev Train at 430 km/h. In the evening, enjoy a Huangpu River cruise, watching the Bund's colonial facades glow on one side and Pudong's futuristic towers on the other. End with a Shanghainese dinner of xiaolongbao soup dumplings and braised pork.

Visit Yu Garden, a 400-year-old classical garden tucked inside Old Town. Rockeries, koi ponds, and zigzag bridges create a maze of intimate scenes around every corner. Explore Old Town and its bustling bazaars selling silk fans, tea sets, and calligraphy brushes. Walk The Bund waterfront, Shanghai's most iconic promenade, where Art Deco buildings from the 1920s stand shoulder to shoulder. Stroll Tianzifang, a warren of narrow alleys converted into art galleries, indie boutiques, and cozy cafés. In the evening, enjoy the spectacular ERA Acrobatic Show, a high-energy performance combining Chinese acrobatics, aerial stunts, and motorcycle acts that pushes the boundaries of human skill.

Enjoy leisure time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Your guide can arrange visits to Nanjing Road pedestrian street, the French Concession, or any spot that catches your interest. After 25 days across 12 cities, from the Great Wall to the Bund, take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary journey. Transfer to Shanghai airport for your departure. Carry home memories of ancient warriors in Xi'an, karst peaks in Guilin, pandas in Chengdu, tea villages in Hangzhou, and the countless moments of connection with local families, guides, and fellow travelers that made this grand tour truly unforgettable.