13 Days China Group Tour from Chengdu with Classic China

Nihao! Welcome to Chengdu, the panda hometown in southwestern China! Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Chengdu, the driver will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Chengdu. The rest of the day is free on your own so that you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourselves around your hotel.

Arrival Ideas:

Chengdu is well connected by air and high-speed rail. There are two airports - Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport operating many international and domestic airlines. Travelers can go to Chengdu by air from most cities in China, like Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xian, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Lhasa, Lanzhou, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, Chongqing… In addition, travelers can take high speed train to Chengdu from Xian (3-4 hours), Chongqing (1.5-2hours), Guiyang (3.5-4.5 hours), Kunming (6-6.5hours), Shanghai (12.5-14.5 hours), etc.

After breakfast, meet your guide at the hotel lobby. Take the coach to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. We deliberately reserve the morning for this visit because the pandas are at their liveliest in this period. The base is home to over 100 giant pandas. You may see them devouring bamboo, dozing in the crooks of tree branches, or tumbling and chasing one another. If you are lucky, you may also encounter some newborn cubs in the glass-walled "Moon Nursery."

Rather than a zoo, the base is more like a semi-wild and bamboo-shaded park, making the visit more like an easy forest stroll. Besides the adorable giant pandas, you can also encounter the red pandas, and elegant black swans.

After the visit, head north to the Sanxingdui Museum — roughly 50 kilometers, about an hour by coach. Sit back and recharge for the mysteries ahead. Sanxingdui is the site of a lost Bronze Age kingdom that flourished more than 3,000 years ago. Here, a professional guide will lead you through the sacrificial pits that stunned the archaeological world when they were discovered in 1986. Discover a wealth of treasures, including a bronze standing figure over two meters tall, a nearly four-meter Sacred Tree, masks with wide, staring eyes, and a golden scepter. Widely recognized as the "source of Yangtze River civilization," the site will introduce you to a civilization lost for millennia.

💡Good to know: The tickets for the Sanxingdui Museum are extremely hard to come by, especially during peak travel season. We'll do everything we can to secure them. Should the tickets not come through, we will spend the afternoon exploring highlights of old Chengdu instead, including city history galleries at the Chengdu Museum, traditional courtyard houses, tea houses, and street snacks in the Qing-dynasty lanes of Kuanzhai Alleys, and locals' leisure life at People's Park.

At the end of the day, enjoy some time at Jinli, one of the most vibrant streets in Chengdu to experience local snacks and everyday Chengdu life. Sitting right beside Wuhou Shrine, the ancient street comes alive after dark as red lanterns flicker along the cobblestones. Try to entertain your stomach with san da pao, dan dan noodles, and wontons, and experience many local crafts, like sugar painting and paper cutting.

On this day, you will be escorted to the train station in Chengdu for your high-speed train journey to Guilin (5-6 hours). (Note: In some circumstances, you may take a flight from Chengdu to Guilin, which takes about 1.5 hours.) Welcome to Guilin, the land of nature's masterpieces. Upon your arrival in Guilin, your driver will meet you at the exit of the train station/airport and escort you to your hotel in downtown Guilin.

In this afternoon, start your visit to the Symbol of Guilin - Elephant Trunk Hill. Located at the intersection of the Li River and Peach Blossom River, Elephant Trunk Hill looks like a huge elephant drinking water from the river. Then you will pay a visit to the Reed Flute Cave, a classic scenic spot with karst landforms. The amazing stalactites and stalagmites in the cave resemble animals or plants. When the colorful neon lights turn on, you will feel as if you are walking through a crystal palace.

Start your morning with a transfer to the cruise pier about 40 minutes away. Please arrive early to allow time to collect tickets and clear security check.

During the 4–5 hours Li River cruise, you will immerse yourself in the otherworldly natural beauty as the river opens up, and the karst peaks begin closing in on both banks. You can head up to the deck and claim a spot for a better view and many great photo opportunities.

Key sights you can expect along the way include the misty scenery of Yangdi, the panoramic view of Langshi, the iconic Nine Horses Mural Hill, and the Yellow Cloth Shoal — the scene printed on the back of the 20 RMB note — among others.

Lunch is served on board, a home-style Chinese set menu or buffet depending on the boat. If you are a picky eater, please bring a few snacks.

Good to know:

• The top deck is the best place to watch the scenery but it can be windy — hold on to your hat.

• There are seats and restrooms in the cabin if you need a break from the sun.

The cruise ends at Longtoushan Pier, right next to Yangshuo town. Your driver will be waiting at the pier to take you to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is about stepping into the countryside scenery in Yangshuo.

You can ride a bike to explore the postcard-like karst hills and rice paddies, pass by some tranquil villages, and cross quaint old stone bridges. To save time and energy, you can also rent an e-bike (optional, at an extra cost).

The two well-trodden cycling routes are:

• Ten-Mile Gallery: a roughly 10 km landscaped road — easy to follow, quicker to finish, and a good pick if your time is short.

• Yulong River (recommended): set off from Gongnong Bridge, ride past the old village of Jiuxian to Fuli Bridge, and follow the river for about 1.5–2 hours through rice fields, bamboo and bridge reflections, stopping whenever you like. This is the most pastoral ride of all.

After the cycling adventure, enjoy your night at the West Street, Yangshuo's oldest street — about 500 meters of flagstones lined with houses from the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the 1970s and 80s, Western backpackers began arriving here, and many stayed for years, opening cafés and bars. That is how the street became one of China's earliest and best-known "foreigner streets".

Dinner ideas: Beer Fish, the local signature — Li River fish braised with beer, tomatoes and chili, mildly spicy and best with a bowl of rice. Other local flavors worth trying include Guilin rice noodles, stuffed river snails and bamboo rice.

On this day, you will be transferred to the airport for the flight to Shanghai (about 2.5 hours). Welcome to Shanghai! Upon your arrival, your driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in downtown Shanghai. Enjoy a good rest today.

Today is a free day on your own to explore China's most internationalized and vibrant city - Shanghai. Here, you will find an endless range of delicious food, modern architecture, cultural sites and shopping at every corner. You can take a walk along the exotic streets and absorb atmosphere of vitality. Enjoy your day!

Today, follow your local guide in Shanghai to discover why this city is often called the "Paris of the East." From world-class museums and classical gardens to futuristic towers and iconic architecture, the city is where East and West, past and future harmoniously coexist.  

Start in Pudong's Lujiazui financial district, home to a trio of landmark skyscrapers. At 632 meters, Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China and the third-tallest on earth, twisting a dramatic 120-degree twist from base to peak.

Ride one of the world's fastest elevators (64 km/h) to the Shanghai Observatory on the 118th floor for breathtaking 360-degree views with the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center spread below.

Next, head to the Shanghai Museum (East) to see some of the best examples of ancient Chinese art. The new building itself is a striking sight, whose modern, sweeping facade looks like river water, and is inspired by Shanghai's spirit of embracing all that the world brings to its shores.

Inside the museum, the numerous displaying bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy and painting, jade, antique furniture, coins, and sculpture make it like a iving encyclopedia of Chinese art.

The highlight of the museum is the Da Ke Ding, a Western Zhou ritual vessel over 3,000 years old. Cast into its inner wall is a long inscription recording stories of the Zhou royal house.

Continue to Yu Garden, a classical Jiangnan-style private garden founded in the Ming Dynasty (1559). Hidden in the heart of Shanghai, it offers a striking counterpoint to the modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui. Wandering through its pavilions, ponds, rockeries, and winding corridors, every step reveals a new scene.

The Exquisite Jade Rock (Yu Linglong) featuring delicate hollows and perforations is the garden's centerpiece. The Nine-Turn Bridge and the Mid-Lake Pavilion are iconic photo stops.

Several minutes' walk away, the red-lantern-lined lanes of the Yuyuan Bazaar are filled with century-old shops. You can sample local specialties such as Nanxiang xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), browse traditional craft stalls, and soak up the old-Shanghai buzz and classical culture.

In the afternoon, stroll along Nanjing Road, China's most famous shopping street. Running east to west, it's lined with time-honored shops, modern department stores, and small boutiques.

Follow the pedestrian street all the way east and you'll reach the Bund. Along the Huangpu River stands a row of dozens of century-old buildings in a mix of neo-classical, Gothic, and Baroque styles, all of which are testaments to a hundred years of Shanghai's history.

From the riverside promenade, the Huangpu River stretches before you, with the Lujiazui skyscrapers clearly visible on the opposite bank. As dusk falls, old and new cityscapes come together in a single frame, creating Shanghai's most classic photo scene.

At the end of the day, your driver will drop you off at your hotel in Shanghai.

Travel Notes:

• Yu Garden is closed on Mondays. If your visit falls on a Monday, your guide can suggest an alternative such as the nearby City God Temple or the Former French Concession instead.

• The Shanghai Museum (East) is shut on Tuesdays. On those days the museum at People's Square takes its place, or another city sight.

On this day, you will have some time till be met in the hotel lobby and escorted to the airport for your flight to Xian (about 2.5 hours).

Welcome to Xian, the capital of 13 ancient China dynasties! Upon your arrival in Xian, the local driver will greet you at the exit of the airport, and then escort you to your hotel in Xian downtown area. Enjoy some time on your own after the hotel check-in.

Many travelers know Xi'an for the Terracotta Army, and you will witness this remarkable underground army dating back over 2,200 years this morning. About 40 km from the city center, the Terracotta Army ranks among the world's greatest archaeological discoveries.

Qin Shihuang, China's first emperor, ordered craftsmen to build this vast burial army to guard him in the afterlife. Though the entire site has not been fully excavated yet, you will be amazed by the military formation of the Qin Dynasty, revealed through the over 8,000 life-sized terracotta figures that have been unearthed so far. All of them are testaments to the extraordinary skill of ancient Chinese craftsmen.

Currently, there 3 pits open to the public. Pit 1 is the most striking one, housing over 6,000 soldiers and horses. Pit 2 houses around 1,300 warriors and horses, showing the battle formation with its kneeling and standing archers, chariot ranks and weapon-bearing troops.

After lunch, drive back to the city center to enjoy your time on the Ancient City Wall, the Fortification of Xi'an and one of the most complete and oldest city walls still standing in China. Stroll along its ramparts, gazing over the inner and outer walls, watchtowers and moat, and enjoy panoramic views of modern Xi'an.

Descend from the City Wall at Yongning Gate, then walk to the Bell & Drum Tower Square to admire the over 600-year-old Bell Tower and Drum Tower, which offer an ideal backdrop for photos capturing the city's blend of past and present. After dark, the square offers a vibrant city nightscape and a glimpse into locals' evening routines.

This morning, you will go to visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xi'an's most recognizable landmarks and symbol of the magnificence of the Tang Dynasty. This seven-story pagoda standing in the tranquil Da Ci'en Temple is one of China's best examples of a Tang-style pagoda (squarish rather than round). It was completed in AD 652 to house Buddhist sutras brought back from India by the monk Xuan Zang. His travels inspired one of the best-known works of Chinese literature, Journey to the West. Later, you will have the opportunity to explore the vibrant and bustling Muslim Quarter (Muslim Street). This historic quarter, situated just behind the Drum Tower about 430 meters west of the Bell Tower in downtown Xian, has been around for over 1,000 years.

After the tour, you will be transferred to the train station for your high speed train to next destination - Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing, your driver will meet you at the train station and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can explore by yourself around your hotel.

Today is for you to discover the imperial side of Beijing through its iconic landmarks, imperial palaces and gardens.

Meet your guide after breakfast and begin your tour at Tian'anmen Square, a vast plaza that ranks as the largest of its kind anywhere on earth. It has played host to one landmark moment after another in modern Chinese history, and it offers a perfect photo spot in front of the Tian'anmen Gate.

A short walk brings you into the Forbidden City (aka Palace Museum), where 24 emperors once lived behind its walls. For roughly five centuries, it functioned as the ceremonial and political core of the country, through both the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1911) dynasties. UNESCO now lists it among the world's heritage treasures. Its more than 8,700 rooms make it the country's finest and most complete collection of ancient buildings — a true city within a city.

Enter from the Meridian Gate and walk along the central axis to encounter some of its best highlights, taking in the architecture details and treasures as your guide recounts how the rulers who resided here spent their days.

After the visit, a gentle 15-minute climb to the top of Jingshan Park follows. The view platform at the highest pavillion in the park will reward you with a bird's-eye view over the rooftops of the Forbidden City and the modern city beyond.

Visit the Summer Palace in the afternoon, a lakeside retreat where generations of emperors in the Qing Dynasty escaped the summer heat. It has long been called a "Museum of Royal Gardens," with temples, pavilions, bridges, gate-towers and a painted corridor well arranged along shores of Kunming Lake. Wandering through the garden feels like stepping into a scroll of classical Chinese landscape painting.

Travel Note: The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If your planned visit falls on a Monday, your guide will adjust the itinerary and arrange the visit for another day during your stay in Beijing.

Drive roughly 73 km (about 1.5-2 hours) out of the city this morning to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall. This restored section borders Jiankou Wild Great Wall to its west and is widely praised as the longest and best-preserved open stretch of the Ming Great Wall. Compared to the popular Badaling Great Wall, this section sees fewer visitors and features 23 Ming-era watchtowers and sweeping views.

Based on your energy level, you can hike the whole section or take a cable car up to Watchtower 14. The hike from Watchtower 14 to Watchtower 20 is mostly easy with expansive scenery and excellent photo spots, though the final stretch between Tower 19 and 20 is steep (the famous Hero Slope).

Drive back to the city center after this once-in-a-lifetime experience. En route, stop for photos outside two Olympic icons: the Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), built for the 2008 Summer Games and reused for the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Your driver then drops you at the hotel, and the rest of the evening is your own.

It is time to end your 8-day China group tour. You will have some time in Beijing and explore more on your own till be escorted to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.

Trip Extension Ideas: If you want to explore other Asia destinations rather than return home right away, we would be glad to assist you with an extension trip. Feel free to tell us your ideas!