Panoramic Cultural Journey

Thanks for choosing this China tour from Shanghai, and welcome to “The Paris of the Orient”. As one of China's name cards to the world, Shanghai presents a mesmerizing blend of modernity and rich history. As soon as you land, our guide and the driver will offer you an airport-hotel transfer by private car. The rest of the day is free for your own arrangement. 

You can rest at the hotel to adjust to the time difference, or head to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street on your own. Just like the Fifth Avenue in New York, this 6-km-long (3.7-mi) street is Shanghai’s busiest and most vibrant commercial hub. Here, you’ll find the city’s oldest and largest department stores, luxury boutiques, and various traditional restaurants.

 Tips for China Travel:
1. Visa Requirement: Since you need to spend nearly three weeks in China, which exceeds the 10-day maximum duration allowed under China’s visa-free transit policy, you need to apply for a tourist visa, aka L-visa, 1-2 months before your departure to ensure a smooth journey.
2. Car-hailing: Download the app DiDi, China’s Uber, and register with your overseas phone number. It allows payment via foreign bank cards.

In the morning, the guide will greet you at the hotel lobby and escort you to Yu Garden with the private driver. Built between 1368 and 1644 AD, it is Shanghai’s best-preserved classical garden, featuring elegant structures with white walls, gray-tiled roofs, and gracefully upturned eaves. Climb the 14-meter-high (46-foot) Great Rockery, and you’ll catch the panoramic view of the surroundings. Crossing the Zigzag Bridge, whose nine turns are believed to ward off evil spirits and bring good fortune, let’s explore the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar to browse various handicrafts. 

Next, soak in the chill vibe of the Former French Concession as you stroll past low-rise European-style villas, chic cafes, and independent boutiques to see the blend of history and contemporary life. While here, why not try the 30-minute coffee delivery service? The flavor of the coffee may not amaze you, but the speed of delivery is impressive, which is a testament to China’s advanced logistics network and cost-efficient service economy. Later, ascend to the 118th floor of Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China and the second-tallest in the world, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the Huangpu River and the sprawling cityscape.Then, let’s head to the Bund, Shanghai’s most famous 1-mile waterfront promenade. Since China’s first international port opened here in the 19th century, it has been renowned as the “Wall Street of the East”. Stroll along the river, you’ll see grand neoclassical and Gothic buildings from the 19th-20th centuries standing opposite futuristic skyscrapers.

★ Huangpu River Night Cruise

When the night is nigh, board a cruise ship to float over the Huangpu River. As buildings on both banks are illuminated, their reflections transform the river into a shimmering ribbon winding through the heart of Shanghai. On one side, historical architectures glow with golden light, evoking a sense of being in Europe, while modernist landmarks like the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Shanghai Tower pulse with neon, creating a cyberpunk-inspired scene.

Finally, the guide and the driver will escort you back to your hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, we will escort you to the airport for a 2.5-hour flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, a local guide and the driver will pick you up and escort you to the hotel.

 Free Time Suggestion: (at your own expense)
After settling in, you may explore Zhengyang Pedestrian Street on your own. The street is bustling with shops selling ethnic clothing, local handicrafts, and a wide variety of snack stalls. Try Guilin’s most famous dish, Guilin Rice Noodles. The cooked rice noodles are always served with pickled vegetables, peanuts, cilantro, and beef or chicken. Chili oil is added for extra flavor and color. Locals often enjoy them with hot broth, but if you prefer a drier version, the noodles are just as tasty without soup. Other street foods, like sweet potato cakes and herbal tea eggs, are also worth tasting.

Meals: Breakfast

★ Li River Cruise to Admire Karst Landscapes

In the morning, your guide will accompany you on a cruise down the Li River to a small riverside village in Yangshuo. An old Chinese saying that goes, “East or west, Guilin’s landscape is best”, and the moment you set off, you’ll understand why. Towering karst peaks draped in lush greenery rise along the banks, intersected with patches of farmland and sparkling cottages. During the cruise, you’ll pass a massive yellow rock whose golden reflection spreads across the water like a length of yellow cloth. If lucky, you may encounter local fishermen gliding by on a bamboo raft with their cormorants. 

After disembarking, we’ll cycle into Yangshuo’s idyllic rural scenery. The paths unfold like an open-air gallery, lined with traditional houses, quiet paddies, tranquil ponds, and soft rolling hills. On the way, you’ll pass a 1,400-year-old banyan tree, whose vast canopy resembles a giant green umbrella. Following the path, you’ll finally arrive at the foot of the Moon Hill with a round arch, which appears to be the phases of the moon viewed from different angles. 

At the end of the day, the driver and the guide will escort you back to the hotel in Guilin.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The guide will pick you up at the hotel and hit the road to the Reed Flute Cave, a spectacular limestone cave that has been a popular attraction for over 1,000 years. Inside, you’ll encounter a mesmerizing array of stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars, some resembling pagodas, while others forming vast chambers of the “Crystal Palace.” Enhanced by colorful lighting, the entire scene creates an enchanting fairy-tale atmosphere. As you explore, you can also view poetry and inscriptions left by visitors from centuries past. With a constant temperature below 20°C (68°F), the cave offers a cool and refreshing escape from the summer heat.

We’ll then head to the Elephant Trunk Hill, where natural forces have created a rock formation that resembles a giant elephant with green “fur” drinking from the river. A viewing platform offers the perfect spot for a photo with this iconic natural sculpture. 

In the afternoon, a high-speed railway station see-off service will be offered to you. In 4.5 hours, you’ll arrive in Kunming, where the local guide and the driver will pick you up and help you check into the hotel.

 Free Time Suggestion: (at your own expense)
If you’re not tired, you can head to the Jinma Biji Zone on your own to experience local life. This vibrant commercial area is centered on two historic ornamental archways with finely carved beams, brackets, and upturned eaves. Feel free to explore shops and sample authentic Yunnan snacks, such as mashed potatoes, steamed chicken, and wild mushroom dishes, from local eateries.

Meals: Breakfast

Meet with your guide at the hotel lobby in the morning, and head to Kunming Stone Forest, the most iconic karst landscape in South China. Here, you’ll wander among towering limestone pillars, some sharp as swords piercing the sky, while others shaped like mushrooms, animals, and human figures. Among them stands the iconic “Ashima” rock, named after a girl. According to the legend, Ashima was saved by her true love from a forced marriage to a local bully, yet tragically drowned in a flood while escaping, and was finally turned to a rock. Locals now honor her as a guardian spirit, believing that she brings happiness and freedom.
► Tips:
1. The Stone Forest is divided into two main areas: the Greater and the Lesser Stone Forests. The greater one features densely packed pillars and a more complex landscape, suitable for visitors with good physical strength. The lesser one, with its more spread-out rock formations and flatter terrain, is an ideal relaxing option for seniors and families with kids.
2. The site is explored mainly on foot, so please wear comfortable shoes.

In the afternoon, your Kunming guide and the driver will say goodbye to you at the railway station, where you will embark on the high-speed train to Dali in Yunnan Province. Upon arrival, the local guide and the driver will convoy you to the hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast

Nestled in southwestern China, Dali has long been a mecca for backpackers for its slow-paced lifestyle, stunning natural scenery, and antique towns. And the Bai ethnic minority living here nurtures its unique culture. 

In the morning, your guide will accompany you to Dali Ancient City, which once served as a key gateway along the Silk Road during the 14th century. Along the cobblestone streets, you’ll find rows of traditional Bai ethnic residences and craft shops, many specializing in tie-dye, a textile art dating back to the 3rd century BC. Artisans fold, stitch, or bind the fabric before dying to create intricate patterns of flowers, birds, butterflies, clouds, and geometric shapes. The finished cloth is often used for clothing and decorative wall hangings. Besides, you may try local snacks such as grilled rice cakes and grilled curdled milk at your own expense. 

Next, let’s visit the Chongsheng Temple, which is known for its three elegant pagodas and is thus also dubbed the Three Pagodas Temple. From the square, you can admire the pagodas set against the backdrop of mountains.

Afterward, spend the rest of the day along the shore of Erhai Lake. A leisurely stroll along the pathway offers mirror-like waters on one side and local villages on the other. Feel free to pause anytime for photos or simply to enjoy the gentle lake breeze. At dusk, the soft sunlight washes the sky in shades of purple and orange, setting the water aglow. If you prefer, you can also explore by bicycle; our guide can assist with rental at your own expense. In the end, your guide and the driver will escort you back to the hotel.
► FYI: If visiting between December and January, you may see flocks of seagulls. Bird feed is available for purchase by the lake if you wish to feed them.

Meals: Breakfast

With our guide and the driver, start your day by hearing the bargaining between vendors and customers at a local market. Continue driving to the Yan’s Compound, a classic Bai-style building that once belonged to a wealthy merchant in the early 20th century. Here, your attention will be drawn to the exquisite carvings of floral and animal motifs adorning the doors, windows, and beams. The compound also offers insight into the history of the Yan family and displays a collection of traditional furniture. 

As we arrive at Lijiang, we will directly head to Lijiang Old Town, a central hub of the Naxi ethnic minority. Gray-tiled roofs and white walls form its skeleton, a network of canals weaves through, supplying its lifeblood, and the rich Naxi culture breathes a unique soul into its timeless streets. Wandering on the cobbled paths, you can capture a distant view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. As night falls, bonfires will be lit in Square Street, where locals will invite visitors to join in traditional circle dances, creating a warm and festive atmosphere. Have a good sleep in our selected hotel in this ancient town.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, set forth to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain with your guide and the driver. First, we’ll stop at the Ganhaizi Meadow at an elevation of about 3,100 meters (10,170 feet) to see the panoramic view of the mountain’s 13 peaks. Then, take a cable car up to the Spruce Meadow surrounded by spruce forests at 3,240 meters (10,630 feet). Following the wooden boardwalk, you can admire the snow-capped peaks up close while breathing in the fresh pine-scented mountain air. On our return, we’ll pass by White Water River, which appears milky white on cloudy and rainy days, but shimmers with a Tiffany-blue hue on sunny days, creating a scene reminiscent of the Blue Moon Valley described in the British writer James Hilton’s “Lost Horizon”.  
► Tips:
1. To prevent altitude sickness, please ensure you have a good rest the night before and consider bringing medication just in case.
2. Sunglasses are essential due to strong glare from the snow and high UV exposure at high elevation. 

After leaving the mountain area, we’ll visit Baisha Village, the original settlement of the Naxi people in Lijiang. Here, you can view the Baisha Murals, which, though faded, still vividly showcase a unique blend of Han Chinese, Tibetan, and Naxi artistic styles, with figures rendered in remarkable detail.

★ Special Arrangement: 

Finally, step into a Naxi home to talk with an elderly Dongba, a Naxi traditional shaman, who is a mage of Naxi history and culture. You can learn to write their ancient ideographic scripts and taste authentic Lijiang refreshments.

At the end of the day, the guide and the driver will escort you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

 Free Time Suggestion: (at your own expense)
To experience local life, consider visiting Zhongyi Market on your own, where vendors sell freshly cut vegetables, fruits, and a variety of spices. You can also explore an array of street foods such as pork dumplings, spicy fried potatoes, and deep-fried dough sticks. On a clear day, the snow-capped mountain peak is visible in the distance.

In the afternoon, you will be escorted to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight to Chongqing. Upon arrival, the local guide and the driver will meet you and accompany you to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Chongqing’s rugged terrain has shaped its unique transportation. In the morning, the guide and the driver will accompany you to visit Liziba Light Rail Station to witness the remarkable sight of a train passing directly through a residential building. You might wonder - doesn’t this disturb the residents? In fact, advanced noise and vibration reduction technology maintains sound levels below 65 dB, allowing life inside to continue undisturbed. Then, continue to experience another mode of transport, the Yangtze River Cableway. This aerial crossing connects both sides of the river in about five minutes, offering panoramic views of the wide waters below and the red ribbon-like East Water Gate Bridge.

Afterwards, we’ll stroll on Longmenhao Old Street, known for its well-preserved architecture blending Chinese and Western styles from the late 19th century. Here, you can touch the weathered brick walls and enjoy elevated views where traditional buildings meet the modern skyline. Finally, head to the Hongya Cave, an 11-story stilted structure built into the cliff. Start from the top floor for a bird’s-eye view of the Jialing River bustling with boat traffic, then descend step by step to explore craft shops and local products on each level. If you want to try the local snacks, the Tofu Pudding with Rice is highly recommended. Silky tofu served with a spicy sauce made from chili, scallions, ginger, and sesame paste, accompanied by steamed rice, offers a tangy, savory flavor.

At the end of the day, the guide and the driver will escort you to the high-speed train station for the rail journey to Chengdu. As soon as you disembark, the local guide will meet you and convoy you to the hotel with a private driver. 

Meals: Breakfast

★ Have a Fans Meeting with the Giant Pandas

Can’t wait to meet flocky pandas? The guide and the driver will whisk you away to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the morning when these black-and-white animals are most active. In the simulated natural habitat, you can watch these charming creatures munching on fresh bamboo or clumsily clambering up tree branches. If lucky, you may even see panda cubs, which are as fluffy as stuffed toys. It’s hard to imagine how these “rice balls” grow into 100-kilogram (about 220-pound) butterballs! To avoid disturbing them, please keep quiet and refrain from using flash photography.

Afterwards, return to the hotel for a short break, and our food tour will begin at about 3:00 PM. We’ll pass through Tianfu Square, Chengdu’s largest public square, and enter People’s Park to experience the city’s famous slow-paced life. At the park’s “matchmaking corner”, you’ll be culture-shocked by the Chinese blind date culture, where parents post information about their children to seek suitable spouses. You’ll be treated to local tea served in a lidded bowl at a traditional tea house, soaking in the laid-back atmosphere like a true local.

Next, let’s wander through the Wide and Narrow Alley to step into a local market, where the air is filled with aromas of local spices like Sichuan chili and peppercorns. Then, we will head to Kuixinglou Street and Fuqi Night Market to sample at least six authentic snacks, such as chilled jelly dessert with fruits and nuts, fried sweet glutinous rice balls, and Cold Pot Skewers. After this culinary adventure, we’ll escort you back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

In the morning, the guide and the driver will help you board the high-speed train to Xi’an. Upon arrival, the Xi'an-based guide and the driver will escort you to the hotel. 

After dropping off your luggage, let’s climb up to the Xi’an City Wall, one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China. Standing approximately four stories high, the wall is wide enough atop for four buses to drive side by side. Walking on the wall, you’ll see low-rise buildings with blue-gray tile roofs spread across the cityscape, punctuated by the distant Bell and Drum Towers inside the wall, while modern skyscrapers rise dramatically outside. If interested, you can rent a bike at your own expense to ride on top of the wall. 

Then, we will drive past the Bell Tower and stop at the Muslim Quarter, a bustling food street. Follow your guide to navigate through the maze of alleys, where you’ll be immediately enveloped in the aroma of local snacks and the lively calls of vendors. At last, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel, but you are welcome to stay longer on your own. After having dinner with delicacies such as glutinous rice cake with jujube, hand-pulled belt-like noodles, and various grilled skewers, it’s very convenient to take a taxi back.

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, the guide and the driver will escort you on a 1-hour private car ride to the Terracotta Army Museum. Here, you’ll encounter the 2,000-year-old underground legion formed by more than 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers and horses, which was built to safeguard the mausoleum of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang (259-210 BC). Each figure is unique, featuring individualized facial expressions, hairstyles, armor, and even palm lines. It’s believed that the Terracotta Army lies only on the periphery of the emperor’s burial complex, and the core grave hides in Mount Li. The interior of the tomb is said to mimic a miniature world, with mercury representing rivers and sophisticated booby traps installed for protection, which is one of the reasons why archaeologists have yet to excavate the true grave. Even so, the scale of the Terracotta Army alone hints at the grandeur of the unseen mausoleum.

After getting out of the museum, we’ll arrange lunch at a famous local restaurant where you can try specialties such as Cold Noodles, Chinese burger, and Ice Peak, a local orange-tasting soft drink. There are also other dishes open to your choice according to your preference.

★ Special Arrangement: 

In the afternoon, let’s bring history to life by making a mini terracotta figure in person at a local workshop. Under the guidance of the artisans, you’ll learn to knead, shape, and carve the clay, and take the finished piece home as a unique handmade souvenir.

Later, we’ll return to the city center to visit the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda. This seven-story pagoda tapers from the base to the top, with traditional eaves elegantly protruding at each level, resembling the wings of a flying wild goose. Finally, the guide and the driver will accompany you back to the hotel. 

► FYI: If you’d like to experience Xi’an’s dynamic nightlife, you can head to the Great Tang All Day Mall located south of the pagoda on your own. As the city’s most bustling pedestrian, it features themed sculptures, cultural squares, and occasional street performances.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Farewell to our Xi’an guide and the driver, and hop on a 5.5-hour high-speed train to Beijing. Upon arrival, the local guide and the driver will give you a warm greeting and transfer you to the pre-booked hotel.

After a short break, let’s explore the Hutong alleys. These narrow alleys, woven through quarters connecting old and new Beijing, pulse as the city’s capillaries. We’ll arrange for you a pedicab ride through the alleys to see how traditional gray-brick courtyards blend with trendy cafes and bars. To glimpse authentic local life, the guide will accompany you to enter a courtyard residence. At the end of the day, we’ll escort you back to the hotel.

► FYI: Should you wish to extend your evening, you can kill time at a cozy bar in the Hutong area. Sip a cocktail while listening to live music and feel the vibrant new energy flowing through old Beijing. Finally, return to the hotel on your own.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, depart from the city center with your guide and the driver for Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the finest preserved sections of the ancient Great Wall of China. Jump on a cable car, ascend toward the wall, and you’ll be surprised to find that the wall’s crenellated battlements resemble a stone zipper running along the mountain ridge. As you approach, their grand scale becomes truly impressive. Once atop, you’ll gain a clear understanding of how it served as a formidable defensive barrier. Notice the watchtowers spaced at regular intervals, which were used for surveillance and communication in ancient times. If you’re feeling energetic, climb to the highest watchtower for a breathtaking view of the undulating mountains and the Great Wall winding like a serpent into the distance. Finally, descend by cable car to conclude your visit.

In the afternoon, we’ll return to the urban area and visit the Summer Palace, a royal resort dominated by Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake. It is said that to construct this lavish complex, the funds for the navy were diverted, weakening national defense and leading to later military defeats. Saunter along the lakeside Long Corridor, and you’ll arrive at Through the Wonderland, a structure said to be inspired by an emperor’s dream. Adorned with yellow, green, and blue glazed tiles, it shimmers vividly under the sunlight, creating a scene as enchanting as a classical painting. 

At the end of the day, the guide and the driver will convoy you back to the hotel. 

Meals: Breakfast

Meet your guide at the hotel lobby in the morning, and start today’s sightseeing from Tiananmen Square. Proceeding along its central axis, we’ll enter the Forbidden City. This was the home of 24 emperors from 1406 AD until it became a museum in 1925 AD. The complex is divided into two main sections: the Outer Court for governance and ceremonies, and the Inner Court for private life. Moving through the narrow passages with the vibrant painted beams and red walls, you can imagine the solemn gatherings of officials on the square before the Three Great Halls, and feel the echoes of royal life all around you.

★ Special Arrangement:

After leaving the palace complex, we’ll arrange a farewell la carte lunch for you at a specially selected restaurant, valued at CNY 150 (USD 21) per person and included in our price. Here, you’ll have a chance to taste Beijing’s most iconic dish, the Roast Duck.After lunch, we’ll conclude the day at the Temple of Heaven, the world’s largest and best-preserved ancient sacrificial complex. Walking along the broad Vermilion Steps Bridge, you’ll be intrigued by the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest with its distinctive three-tiered blue-glazed roof. Today, the complex also serves as a “green lung” of the city, where locals gather to exercise and socialize among ancient cypress trees, offering a glimpse into the harmonious blend of historic grandeur and contemporary urban life.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Your China tour package from Shanghai will end today. After checking out from the hotel, the guide and the driver will escort you to the airport for your homebound flight.

Want to further explore China? We can continue to tailor your journey to Xinjiang, Tibet, and Dunhuang. We also offer services in other Asian countries, including Thailand and Japan. Just feel free to contact us at any time!  

Meals: Breakfast