A Journey Through Time: China's Ancient Heartlands
Rediscovering China's Cultural Treasures and Scenic Marvels
Detailed Itinerary: Beijing to Shanghai Exploration
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing - Gateway to Imperial China
Your China adventure begins with a warm welcome at Beijing Airport. Our representative will greet you upon arrival and facilitate your transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day offers flexibility for you to acclimate to the new time zone or explore the immediate vicinity. Our team remains available to provide recommendations for your independent evening activities.
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Legacy - Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven
Begin your exploration at Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares, before proceeding to the magnificent Forbidden City. This UNESCO World Heritage site served as the imperial palace for Ming and Qing dynasty emperors. Your expert guide will illuminate fascinating stories about royal life, including the intricate daily routines of imperial concubines who began their days at 5:00 AM in elaborate ceremonial dress.
Enjoy a specially curated welcome lunch featuring Peking Duck, a culinary masterpiece with centuries of imperial history. The afternoon continues with visits to Yonghe Temple, Beijing's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, and the Temple of Heaven, where emperors conducted sacred harvest ceremonies.
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure and Traditional Hutong Experience
Today features one of humanity's most remarkable achievements - the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. A cable car ride facilitates access to this magnificent structure winding through mountainous terrain. Enjoy approximately two hours exploring this architectural marvel before returning to the city.
En route, photograph the iconic Bird's Nest Stadium from the 2008 Olympics. The day concludes with a traditional rickshaw tour through Beijing's historic Hutong alleyways, including a visit to a local family's courtyard residence (Siheyuan) for authentic cultural immersion.
Day 4: Summer Palace and High-Speed Journey to Xi'an
Your final morning in Beijing includes a visit to the exquisite Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. After independent lunch, board a high-speed train to Xi'an (approximately 4.5 hours), where you'll be greeted and transferred to your hotel.
Day 5: Xi'an's Terracotta Army and Historical Treasures
Today unveils one of archaeology's greatest discoveries - the Terracotta Army Museum. Explore the three excavation pits containing thousands of life-sized soldiers, chariots, and horses created to protect China's first emperor in the afterlife. A special circular-screen documentary enhances your understanding of this remarkable site.
The afternoon features the Shaanxi Provincial History Museum, housing over 300,000 artifacts, followed by the Small Wild Goose Pagoda - an architectural wonder that has survived numerous earthquakes throughout its 1,300-year history.
Day 6: Xi'an's Ancient Walls and Muslim Quarter
Experience local life at City Wall Park during morning exercises before ascending Xi'an's ancient City Wall. Optionally rent a bicycle to traverse this impressive fortification. Visit the Great Mosque and explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter with its tantalizing street food and bustling market atmosphere. Later, board a high-speed train to Chengdu (approximately 4 hours).
Day 7: Chengdu Panda Sanctuary and Cultural Discovery
Today's highlight is the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you'll observe these beloved creatures during their active morning feeding and play sessions. The facility also features a panda hospital, museum, and educational cinema.
Explore Wide and Narrow Alleys' teahouses, restaurants, and artisan shops before visiting the Jinsha Site Museum to uncover ancient Shu Kingdom artifacts. Conclude at People's Park, where you'll witness local tea culture and the fascinating Chinese matchmaking corner.
Day 8: Chongqing Exploration and Yangtze River Embarkation
Travel by high-speed train to Chongqing (1-1.5 hours) and visit Jiefangbei CBD, the city's bustling commercial center. Explore Ciqikou Ancient Town's traditional architecture, local crafts, and authentic street food. In the late afternoon, board your Yangtze River cruise ship, where a welcome reception and dinner await luxury cruise passengers.
Day 9: Yangtze River Cruise - Shore Excursion and Leisure
Following the cruise itinerary, participate in morning shore excursions - either Fengdu's Ghost City (New Century Cruise) or ShuangGui Mountain (Victoria Cruise). The afternoon offers relaxation on deck, photography opportunities, or participation in onboard cultural activities.
Day 10: Three Gorges Spectacular and Shennv Stream
Today presents the cruise's pinnacle experience - sailing through the magnificent Three Gorges: Qutang, Wu, and Xiling. Witness scenery featured on the RMB 10 note and transfer to a smaller vessel for deeper exploration of Shennv Stream's karst landscapes, potentially viewing ancient cliff inscriptions and hanging coffins.
Day 11: Three Gorges Dam and Journey to Shanghai
Disembark to visit the monumental Three Gorges Dam, one of the world's largest hydroelectric projects. Afterward, travel by bullet train to Shanghai (approximately 6.5 hours), where you'll be met and transferred to your hotel.
Day 12: Shanghai's Contrasts - Tradition and Modernity
Explore Shanghai Museum's exceptional collections before visiting the classical Yu Garden. Enjoy a farewell lunch featuring Shanghai and Cantonese specialties. Stroll along the Bund's historic waterfront, then cruise the Huangpu River for panoramic views of the city's spectacular skyline. Conclude at Tianzifang's artistic enclave, where traditional architecture houses contemporary galleries and cafes.
Day 13: Shanghai Departure
Your comprehensive China journey concludes with airport transfer and assistance with check-in procedures. We bid you farewell and look forward to welcoming you back to explore more of China's wonders.