China's Grand Circuit: Ancient Capitals, Tibet & Avatar Landscapes
An Immersive Exploration of Ancient Heritage, Living Traditions & Modern Marvels
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Your private guide will greet you at Beijing Airport's Arrival Hall, holding a personalized welcome sign. A comfortable private transfer will take you to your carefully selected hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to recover from your journey. If you feel energetic, we can provide suggestions for independent exploration to gain your first impressions of China's capital city.
Day 2: Imperial Beijing - From Royal Power to Heavenly Worship
Morning: Tian'anmen Square & Forbidden City
Begin at Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest central city square, historically significant for celebrations and military parades. Walk north through the Tian'anmen Tower to enter the majestic Forbidden City, the 600-year-old imperial palace complex. Our expert guide, who visits over 100 times annually, will lead you through essential palaces for at least 2 hours, sharing fascinating stories about imperial life and Chinese architecture.
Afternoon: Culinary Delights & Spiritual Sites
Enjoy an à la carte welcome lunch featuring Peking Roast Duck at a local favorite restaurant (valued at CNY150 per person). Witness the chef's masterful duck-slicing technique before savoring this iconic dish. Continue to Yonghe Temple, Beijing's best-preserved lamasery showcasing Han, Manchu, Mongolian and Tibetan architectural fusion. Conclude at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors performed solemn ceremonies to honor the God of Heaven.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, à la carte welcome lunch
Day 3: Great Wall Majesty & Hutong Life
Morning: Mutianyu Great Wall Adventure
Journey to Mutianyu Great Wall, renowned for its magnificent scenery. A round-trip cable car ride facilitates your ascent to walk along this ancient wonder winding through mountain ridges. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for this unforgettable experience.
Afternoon: Olympic Legacy & Traditional Communities
Return to downtown Beijing with a photo stop at the Bird's Nest Olympic Stadium. Experience old Beijing through a 40-minute rickshaw ride through Shichahai's Hutongs, followed by a visit to a preserved Siheyuan (traditional courtyard house) to chat with local residents about contemporary Chinese life.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Day 4: Royal Gardens & High-Speed to Xi'an
Morning: Summer Palace Exploration
Visit the Summer Palace, the imperial family's luxurious retreat featuring classical Chinese garden design and ingenious landscape architecture. The harmonious blend of natural and man-made beauty exemplifies traditional Chinese gardening philosophy.
Afternoon: Bullet Train Experience
Board a high-speed train to Xi'an (approximately 4.5-5.5 hours), traveling at up to 350 km/h. Upon arrival, our Xi'an guide will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Tang Dynasty Culture
Morning: Terracotta Army Immersion
Explore the world-renowned Terracotta Army Museum, featuring thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb. Our exclusive access includes: - The new "Archaeological Discoveries" exhibition with previously unseen artifacts - A visit to the home of Mr. Yang Zhifa, who discovered the first warrior in 1974 - A 40-minute workshop creating your own mini terracotta figure souvenir
Afternoon: Ancient Pagoda & Cultural Revival
Admire the 1,300-year-old Giant Wild Goose Pagoda at Ci'en Temple, originally built by Emperor Li Zhi for his mother. Experience traditional culture at Great Tang All Day Mall, where you'll dress in Han Chinese clothing to explore this Tang Dynasty-themed district.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Day 6: Xi'an's Living Heritage & Journey to Chengdu
Morning: City Wall & Local Connections
Visit City Wall Park to observe and participate in local activities like Tai Chi with elderly residents. Cycle along the ancient City Wall for panoramic city views (bike rental assistance provided).
Afternoon: Muslim Quarter & Culinary Discovery
Explore the Great Mosque and bustling Muslim Quarter, sampling authentic Xi'an snacks including hot oil noodles, fried dumplings, and Chinese Hamburger for lunch. Board an afternoon high-speed train to Chengdu (approximately 4 hours), with hotel transfer upon arrival.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, featured Xi'an snacks lunch
Day 7: Panda Conservation & Chengdu Community Life
Morning: Giant Panda Encounter
Visit the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding during morning hours when these charismatic animals are most active. Observe pandas eating, playing, and displaying their endearing behaviors in naturalistic habitats.
Afternoon: Authentic Local Experiences
Immerse yourself in Xiaojiahe Community for genuine Chengdu lifestyle experiences: - Optional lunch at Yongle Restaurant, a Michelin-recommended Sichuan cuisine establishment - Exploration of a local vegetable market to understand daily shopping customs - Riverside relaxation observing locals playing mahjong, drinking tea, and socializing - Special coffee service in traditional covered tea bowls
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Day 8: Shanghai Arrival & River Perspectives
Morning: Flight to Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai (approximately 2.5 hours) with airport greeting and transfer to your hotel.
Afternoon: Historic Bund & Modern Skyline
Explore the Bund, Shanghai's early 20th-century prosperous district with preserved Western-style architecture. Embark on a one-hour Huangpu River cruise, contrasting historical buildings on the west bank with Pudong's futuristic skyscrapers on the east.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast
Day 9: Shanghai's Dual Character - Museum Culture & Water Town Charm
Morning: Art Treasures & Classical Gardens
Visit Shanghai Museum, housing 120,000 ancient art pieces among China's finest collections. Explore Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden creating natural beauty in the urban center, followed by Yuyuan Bazaar.
Afternoon: Water Town Excursion
Journey to Zhujiajiao Water Town, the "Oriental Venice," featuring traditional residences along canals that preserve historical atmosphere contrasting with modern Shanghai. Enjoy a farewell à la carte lunch (valued at CNY150 per person) featuring Shanghai and Cantonese specialties.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast, à la carte farewell lunch
Day 10: Shanghai Departure
According to your flight schedule, private transfer to Shanghai Airport. For Pudong Airport departures, we can arrange Maglev train experience upon request. We wish you a pleasant journey home!
Meals: Western buffet breakfast