The Grand Panorama: China's Iconic Landscapes & Cultures

An Epic Exploration from Imperial Capitals to the Roof of the World

Itinerary Overview

This comprehensive 23-day journey showcases China's most spectacular destinations, blending ancient history with breathtaking natural scenery. From the imperial grandeur of Beijing to the mystical landscapes of Yunnan and the mighty Yangtze River, this tour offers an unparalleled immersion into China's cultural and geographical diversity.

Detailed Daily Itinerary

Days 1-4: Imperial Beijing & Ancient Wonders

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

• Transfer service to your hotel
• Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
• Meals: No meals included
• Arrive in China's capital city and settle into your hotel with free time to relax after your journey

Day 2: Beijing's Historical Heart

• Tian'anmen Square - The world's largest urban square
• Forbidden City - Largest and most complete ancient imperial palace
• Temple of Heaven - Imperial sacrificial altar complex
• Optional: Peking Opera performance (additional cost)
• Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 3: The Great Wall Experience

• Mutianyu Great Wall - Magnificent, well-preserved section
• Bird Nest Stadium - Olympic venue photo opportunity
• Water Cube - Iconic aquatic center exterior visit
• Optional: Peking Roasted Duck dinner (additional cost)
• Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an Transition

• Hutong Tour by Rickshaw - Traditional neighborhood exploration
• High-speed train to Xi'an
• Accommodation: Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an ★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Days 5-7: Ancient Capitals & Panda Encounters

Day 5: Xi'an's Terracotta Legacy

• Terracotta Warriors - UNESCO World Heritage archaeological marvel
• Xi'an City Wall - Ancient defensive fortifications
• Muslim Quarter - Cultural and culinary exploration
• Optional: Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner (additional cost)
• Accommodation: Grand Noble Hotel Xi'an ★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 6: Xi'an to Chengdu Journey

• Shaanxi History Museum - Cultural artifacts and historical exhibits
• Small Wild Goose Pagoda - Buddhist architecture and temple grounds
• High-speed train to Chengdu (approximately 4 hours)
• Accommodation: Sunshine Tianfu Hotel ★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 7: Chengdu's Natural Treasures

• Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding - Panda conservation center
• Mount Leshan - Giant Buddha carving and scenic mountain
• Optional: Sichuan Opera performance (additional cost)
• Accommodation: Sunshine Tianfu Hotel ★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Days 8-11: Scenic Guilin & Karst Landscapes

Day 8: Chengdu to Guilin Transition

• People's Park - Local leisure culture experience
• Wuhou Temple - Three Kingdoms historical site
• Jinli Ancient Street - Traditional shopping corridor
• Flight to Guilin
• Accommodation: Guilin Bravo Hotel ★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 9: Longji Rice Terraces Exploration

• Longji Rice Terraces - Magnificent agricultural landscapes
• Ping'an Zhuang Village - Minority culture immersion
• Optional: Four Lakes Night Cruise (additional cost)
• Accommodation: Guilin Bravo Hotel ★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 10: Li River Scenic Beauty

• Li River Cruise to Yangshuo (approximately 4 hours)
• West Street - Charming tourist thoroughfare
• Countryside Biking Tour - Rural landscape exploration
• Accommodation: Guilin Bravo Hotel ★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch box

Day 11: Guilin to Kunming Journey

• Elephant Trunk Hill - Guilin's iconic natural landmark
• Reed Flute Cave - Spectacular limestone cavern
• High-speed train to Kunming
• Accommodation: Cachet Boutique Kunming Artime ★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Days 12-17: Yunnan's Cultural & Natural Splendors

Day 12: Kunming's Urban Charms

• Green Lake Park - Local leisure and recreation spot
• Flower & Bird Market - Traditional market experience
• Stone Forest - Extraordinary karst formations
• Accommodation: Cachet Boutique Kunming Artime ★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 13: Dali's Historic Grandeur

• Bullet train to Dali (approximately 2 hours)
• Erhai Lake Cruise - Scenic lake exploration
• Three Pagodas - Ancient Buddhist monuments
• Xizhou Bai's Houses - Traditional architecture
• Dali Ancient Town - Historic trading center
• Accommodation: Gurong Hotel ★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 14: Lijiang Ancient Town

• Train from Dali to Lijiang (approximately 2 hours)
• Lijiang Ancient Town - UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Accommodation: Lijiang Golden Path Hospitality Hotel ★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 15: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

• Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - Majestic mountain scenery
• Yufeng Temple - Multi-religious architectural complex
• Baisha Mural - Ancient Naxi kingdom artwork
• Accommodation: Lijiang Golden Path Hospitality Hotel ★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 16: Journey to Shangri-La

• Scenic drive to Shangri-La (approximately 4 hours)
• Accommodation: Blossom Hill Inn Shangri-la ★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 17: Shangri-La's Spiritual Landscapes

• Songzanlin Lamasery - Tibetan Buddhist monastery
• Potatso National Park - Pristine natural reserve
• Accommodation: Blossom Hill Inn Shangri-la ★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Days 18-21: Yangtze River Cruise Experience

Day 18: Shangri-La to Chongqing & Cruise Embarkation

• Flight to Chongqing
• Yangtze River Cruise check-in
• Accommodation: Victoria cruise ★★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast

Day 19: Yangtze River Scenic Cruising

• Morning activities: Tai Chi practice and breakfast
• Optional: Fengdu Ghost City excursion
• Fengdu "Jade Emperor" shore excursion
• Evening entertainment: Captain's Welcome Reception
• Optional: FengYan SanGuo "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" Show
• Accommodation: Victoria cruise ★★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 20: Three Gorges Spectacle

• Morning activities: Tai Chi and breakfast
• Optional: White Emperor City excursion
• Qutang Gorge sailing
• Wu Gorge scenic cruising
• Goddess Stream shore excursion
• Evening: Captain's Farewell Banquet
• Accommodation: Victoria cruise ★★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 21: Three Gorges Dam & Shanghai Transfer

• Three Gorges Dam Site - Engineering marvel tour
• High-speed train to Shanghai (approximately 7.5 hours)
• Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast

Days 22-23: Modern Shanghai & Departure

Day 22: Shanghai's Urban Highlights

• Yuyuan Garden - Classical Chinese garden
• The Bund - Historic waterfront promenade
• Jade Buddha Temple - Sacred Buddhist site
• Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower - Modern landmark
• Optional: Acrobatics Show (additional cost)
• Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★
• Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Day 23: Departure from Shanghai

• Transfer service to airport
• Meals: Breakfast
• Conclude your 23-day Chinese adventure and depart for home