Highlights
What you will see
China is a country of contrasts and this route combines imperial Beijing, historic Chengdu, dramatic Chongqing and cosmopolitan Shanghai.
Itinerary
Day by day
Arrive in Beijing
Airport pickup at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), then drive to the Ctrip 4-diamond hotel, followed by free time to explore.
- TicketsNone
- MealsNone
Beijing
After breakfast today explore Beijing with your guide who will collect you from the hotel by car. Visit the world’s largest city square, Tiananmen Square. Make your way across the road to the magnificent Forbidden City, a culturally historic landmark in China, which was the former residence of Chinese royalty and courtiers for five centuries. After the Forbidden City tour, exploration continues with a visit to the Summer Palace. Appreciate the beautiful gardens and imagine the lifestyle of royalty and courtiers who enjoyed this summer resort during imperial times. A stopover at Beijing’s stadium and pool – the Bird's Nest and Water Cube – built for the 2008 Summer Olympics and Paralympics – provides a modern contrast to China’s ancient history. Return to the Ctrip 4-diamond hotel.
- TicketsForbidden City, Summer Palace
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch
Beijing
In the morning, commence the day’s adventure with exploration of the Mutianyu Great Wall by car, a less frequented part of China’s 1,400-year-old iconic landmark, located approximately 70 kilometres from Beijing. Take a pleasant and comfortable round-trip cable car transfer over the picturesque scenery, then walk the wall to take in the Ming dynasty guard towers and sensational views. On return to the city in the afternoon, exploration continues with a visit to the Confucius Temple and Imperial College Museum. Stroll through the hutongs nearby and experience local life as you wander through quaint shops, enjoy a coffee, and gain an insider’s view of a real Beijing community. Return to the Ctrip 4-diamond hotel.
- TicketsMutianyu Great Wall (excluding cable car), Confucius Temple & Imperial College
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch
Beijing – Chengdu
This morning, you will visit the Temple of Heaven by car, the sacred site where Ming and Qing emperors performed annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests. Built in 1420, this magnificent complex features the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, and the Circular Mound Altar, reflecting the ancient cosmological concept of “round heaven and square earth.” Stroll among the ancient cypress trees, admire the acoustic wonders of the Echo Wall, and immerse yourself in the solemn atmosphere of imperial rituals. After the tour, you will be transferred to Beijing Capital International Airport for your flight to Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (approx. 3 hours). Upon arrival, your local guide will greet you at the arrivals hall with a welcome sign and escort you to your pre‑booked Ctrip 4-diamond hotel in the city centre. After check‑in, the evening is free for you to explore Chengdu at your own pace – perhaps try some authentic hotpot or take a leisurely walk to soak up the relaxed vibe of the “Land of Abundance.”
- TicketsTemple of Heaven
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch
Chengdu
This morning, drive to Dujiangyan and visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base to see giant pandas by car. Please note: Panda Paradise is currently closed, and neither of the two panda attractions currently offers the panda volunteer experience. After lunch, return to downtown Chengdu and explore Chunxi Road–Taikoo Li, an open-air district blending Sichuan style with modern design—free time for shopping and photos. At dusk, wander through Kuanzhai Alley, with its Qing-era lanes, snack stalls, teahouses, and handicraft shops; try local snacks or watch a face-changing Sichuan opera show. After the tour, return to your Ctrip 4-diamond hotel on your own or arrange guide and driver pickup.
- TicketsDujiangyan Panda Base
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch
Chengdu – Chongqing
This morning, start at Jinli Ancient Street, a lively lane beside Wuhou Shrine with green-tiled buildings by car, red lanterns, and a mix of Sichuan snacks, handicrafts and tea houses – try the local “Three Cannons” or candied fruit to soak up Chengdu’s relaxed yet bustling vibe; then take a short walk or drive to Wangjianglou Park, a bamboo-shaded riverside garden where you can climb the iconic Wangjiang Pavilion for a view of the Jinjiang River and recall the poetic spirit of Tang-dynasty poetess Xue Tao; after lunch at your own leisure, head to Chengdu East Railway Station for a high-speed train to Chongqing (journey time is modest), and upon arrival proceed to Ciqikou Ancient Town, a thousand-year-old waterfront settlement along the Jialing River with stilt-houses, time-honoured shops and tea houses lining the flagstone streets – sample spicy tripe or Chen’s sesame candy while wandering through the narrow alleys to feel the old vitality of this historic port. After exploring Ciqikou Ancient Town, you may return to your Ctrip 4-diamond hotel.
- TicketsNone
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch
Chongqing
Start from Jiefangbei, the heart of Chongqing, then walk to Bayi Snack Street, where a variety of street foods like spicy sour noodles and mini tangyuan await – enjoy a self‑arranged lunch; then proceed to Kuixinglou, a rooftop square that offers a striking view of the Jialing River and reveals the city's unique vertical terrain – you’ll feel the magic of being “on the 22nd floor while thinking you’re on the ground”; next, drive to Liziba Station to witness the famous light‑rail train passing through a residential building, and capture this surreal scene from the viewing platform; continue to ride the Crown Escalator, one of Asia’s longest outdoor escalators, gliding downward as if in a time tunnel; then take the Yangtze River Cableway for an aerial crossing over the river, enjoying sweeping views of the water and the skyline; as night falls, finish at Hongyadong, where the cliffside stilt‑house complex glows with golden lights reflected in the river, creating a dreamlike scene – you can wander freely, take photos. Return to your Ctrip 4-diamond hotel.
- TicketsYangtze River Cableway (One Way)
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch
Chongqing – Shanghai
This morning, head to the Eling Creative Park (Eling 2 Factory) by car, a vibrant arts district converted from a former printing factory, where industrial brick walls, steel frames and old machinery blend seamlessly with contemporary art galleries, indie bookshops, stylish cafés and design studios – it's a favourite spot for Chongqing’s creative crowd; take photos against the weathered factory facades, enjoy panoramic views of the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers from the rooftop terraces, or simply sip coffee while soaking up the city’s laid‑back vibe; after the visit, you will be transferred to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport for your flight to Shanghai (flight duration is roughly two hours), and upon arrival, your local guide will greet you at the arrivals hall with a welcome sign, then escort you to your pre‑booked Ctrip 4-diamond hotel in the city centre, offering a brief introduction to Shanghai’s landmarks and urban character along the way; the rest of the evening is yours to explore at leisure or to rest after the journey.
- TicketsNone
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch
Shanghai
Commence your tour of Shanghai with a visit to the Shanghai Museum by car, a massive museum housing over 140,000 artifacts, presenting the full history and culture of this cosmopolitan city. Enjoy a walk along The Bund, iconic and prestigious, one of the most well-preserved examples of old Shanghai glamour. Walk Nanjing Road, the busiest shopping precinct in China. Then visit Yuyuan Bazaar, a lively commercial area adjacent to the classical Yuyuan Garden, where you can marvel at the artistically designed traditional Chinese gardens and stroll around the nearby bazaars. Continue to the Former French Concession, wandering the quieter streets of Dongping Road or Sinan Road, where you will find the essence of classic Shanghai. Head to Lujiazui in Pudong to view the iconic skyscrapers from the outside, including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower, from the riverside promenade, offering a modern contrast to the historic sights. Then visit Wukang Road, admiring the historic villas and old-style architecture lining both sides. Finally, explore Xintiandi, a vibrant district blending traditional Shikumen architecture with modern shops, restaurants, and cafés. Return to the Ctrip 4-diamond hotel.
- TicketsShanghai Museum
- MealsBreakfast, Lunch
Depart from Shanghai
Before your airport transfer, enjoy a visit to Jing’an Temple, a serene Buddhist temple with a history of over 1,700 years, located in the heart of Shanghai’s bustling commercial district. Your tour guide will collect you at the hotel and drive you to the airport for your flight home. For small group tour travelers, a transfer service from your hotel to Hongqiao or Pudong Airport can be arranged on request.
- TicketsJing’an Temple
- MealsBreakfast
Accommodation
Comfortable stays along the route
Accommodation is arranged in carefully selected four- and five-star hotels in each city on the route.
Inner-city hotel with convenient access to the main sights.
Comfortable hotel close to the historic core of the city.
Scenic-area hotel for easier access to the national park.
Central hotel for the Bund, Yu Garden and old French Concession.
Inclusions / Exclusions
What is usually included
Included
- Admission fees to sightseeing spots and activities specified
- Accommodation in hotels based on double or twin occupancy
- Meals as specified in the itinerary
- Excellent private English-speaking guide
- Economy class domestic flights between Beijing，Chengdu, Chongqing and Shanghai
- Land transfers with drivers as specified
- Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour
- Government taxes and fees
Not included
- International flights to and from China
- China visa fees
- Gratuities to guides and drivers and any expense of a personal nature
- Travel insurance
- Small group airport transfer service from hotel to the Shanghai airport
Important information
Before you book
The route can be arranged as a private tour for your own group.
Small group departures are fixed and capped at 12 travelers.
The route uses a mix of high-speed rail and domestic flights to keep travel smooth.
Official holiday periods can affect pricing and availability.
