SIGNATURE CHINA EXPLORATION TOUR
Beijing, Chengdu, Guizhou, Shanghai
12 Days from $6,180
🛏️ Hotels 4 Stars or equivalent
✈️ Transport Flight, Train, Private Car
👥 Group Size Max 16
🗓️ Best Season Apr—Jun, Sep—Nov
🗣️ Language English
🚶 Fitness Level Easy to Moderate
🕒 Downtime Less
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Handpicked premium hotels with local charm and modern comfort
Daily meals, incl. special dining experiences*
All cultural experiences and activities listed in the itinerary
All attraction admissions with fast-track entry
1 high-speed train and 2 domestic flights
Private vehicle & driver for all local transfers
Roundtrip airport transfers
Expert English-speaking guides in each city
24/7 local concierge support
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
Single room supplement **
International flights to/from China
Visa fees (if required)
Personal expenses
Hotel incidentals, add-on services
Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Gratuities for guides and drivers
DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrival & Warm Welcome
Touch down in Beijing, where a private driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel.
Step back in time with a leisurely Hutong tour and rickshaw ride, winding through Beijing’s charming alleyways.
Celebrate the start of your journey with an orientation dinner in a traditional courtyard restaurant, a warm welcome to Beijing’s culture and flavors.
Day 2: The Imperial Capital
Experience morning life at the Temple of Heaven Park, where you’ll watch locals practice their routines and take part in a Tai Chi lesson led by a master.
In the afternoon, explore the magnificent Forbidden City (The Palace Museum), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s most iconic landmarks.
Ascend Jingshan Park for sweeping views over the Forbidden City’s golden rooftops.
Day 3: Walking the Great Wall
Ride the cable car up to the Great Wall of China and walk along this ancient marvel — then cap the moment by sipping a cold beer atop the Wall, a true bucket-list experience.
Enjoy a relaxed lunch before returning to Beijing on a scenic countryside drive, passing rolling hills and rural villages.
As dusk settles, indulge in the iconic flavors of Peking Duck during an authentic Beijing dining experience.
Day 4: Journey into Chengdu
Begin the morning with an Intangible Cultural Heritage workshop, where you’ll try Chinese brush calligraphy or Dian Cha Tea whisking, and create keepsakes rooted in tradition.
Fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province and home to China’s beloved pandas.
In the evening, savor the bold flavors of Sichuan hotpot, a signature experience in this spice-loving city.
Day 5: A Day of Pandas & Chengdu Calm
Visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base, where you’ll see giant pandas up close in a peaceful, natural setting before returning to downtown Chengdu after lunch.
Enjoy free time in the afternoon, then unwind with a 100-minute Golden Impression massage, cherished by locals for its calming and rejuvenating touch.
End the evening with a leisurely visit to Jinli Ancient Street, a lively lantern-lit walkway filled with snacks, shops, and Chengdu’s vibrant nighttime charm.
Day 6: Chengdu’s Cultural Rhythm
Begin your morning at People’s Park with a relaxing tea-drinking session as you watch a live face-changing performance, a signature Sichuan art form.
Continue to the lively Wide & Narrow Alleys for a leisurely walk through Chengdu’s historic courtyards before returning to the hotel for a quick refresh.
In the evening, explore the creative district of East Memory before enjoying an elegant Shuyan Banquet with traditional performances.
Day 7: Entering Colorful Guizhou
Begin your journey with a high-speed train ride from Chengdu to Guiyang, the capital city of Guizhou, followed by a local lunch before continuing onward to Kaili via private transport.
Explore the lively Kaili markets, where regional crafts and daily life fill the stalls, before transferring to your guesthouse in the rice terraces.
Settle into your rice-terrace guesthouse and enjoy free time surrounded by sweeping views.
Day 8: Villages, Terraces & Secret Teahouse
Begin the morning with a walk through local Miao villages, taking in wooden homes, mountain paths, and the unhurried pace of rural life.
Continue with a gentle countryside hike, followed by lunch and a visit to another Miao village to learn about daily traditions and local customs.
Conclude the afternoon at a secret, exclusive teahouse, a serene hideaway offering a peaceful terrace view before returning for dinner.
Day 9: From Silver Crafts to Skyscrapers
Embark on a unique cultural journey by visiting a master of Miao silver jewelry, a bearer of intangible cultural heritage.
During this visit, you’ll not only discover the rich history and techniques behind traditional silver craftsmanship but also have the opportunity to try your hand at creating your own silver piece.
Take a flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation and relax.
Day 10: Flavors & Lights of Shanghai
Join a 2.5-hour interactive cooking class, where you'll learn to recreate popular Chinese restaurant dishes at home.
Stroll through the storied lanes of the Former French Concession, a district known for its cafés, boutiques, and understated charm, savoring the blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication. .
In the evening, glide along the river on a Huangpu River Cruise, watching Shanghai’s skyline shimmer to life before heading back to the hotel.
Day 11: Shanghai’s Timeless Corner
Begin your morning by ascending the Shanghai Central Tower (the tallest building in China) for panoramic views o over the city’s skyline.
Continue with a visit to the bustling Chenghuang Temple Bazzar and the classical Yuyuan Garden, exploring traditional shops, local snacks, and Ming-style architecture.
Spend the afternoon wandering the lively lanes of Tianzifang before concluding the day with a memorable farewell dinner.
Day 12: Fond Farewells
Bid farewell to China as our team arranges transportation to the airport for your return home.
Option to extend your stay in Shanghai to explore more of its unique attractions and hidden gems at your own pace.
WHERE YOUR WILL STAY
We frequently partner with these distinctive hotels, with final selections confirmed about one month before departure. Our goal is to provide unique accommodations that blend local charm and modern comforts, offering you a memorable and relaxing stay.
Blossom House, Beijing
Nestled in the heart of Beijing's historic Hutongs, Blossom House offers a serene retreat surrounded by historically preserved "Siheyuan” (traditional Chinese courtyard houses). The hotel is centrally located, within walking distance of Houhai Park and Shichahai Lake, making it an ideal base for exploring the city's rich history and vibrant local culture. Blending timeless Chinese architecture with modern comfort, this property provides a unique experience for a glimpse into the city's heritage.
Heritage Hotel, Chengdu
Awarded as a top design hotel in the Asia-Pacific region, this charming boutique hotel is located in the heart of Chengdu's vibrant Jinjiang District. Renovated from a late Qing Dynasty traditional residence, the property seamlessly blends traditional Sichuan-style architecture with modern design, offering guests a unique stay that is both culturally immersive and exceptionally comfortable. Close to Chunxi Road, Taikoo Li, and other iconic attractions, the hotel is an oasis of calm amidst the bustling city.
Muyunjian Guesthouse, Guizhou
Muyunjian Guesthouse sits atop scenic terraced fields, offering breathtaking views right at your doorstep. Year-round mist rolls through the valleys, with clouds rising and falling each day, creating a dreamlike, ever-changing landscape. Nearby, cascading waterfalls add to the serene atmosphere, their gentle sounds blending with the natural beauty of the surroundings. Surrounded by ancient minority villages, this tranquil retreat is the perfect place to immerse yourself in nature’s splendor and rich cultural heritage.
Hilton Garden Inn, Shanghai
Located in the heart of the iconic Lujiazui International Financial District, this hotel offers breathtaking views of the Huangpu River and Shanghai’s iconic skyline, including the famous “Lujiazui Trio”—the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center. Surrounded by premium shopping centers and towering business buildings, it combines convenience with sophistication, making it an ideal base for immersing yourself in the dynamic energy of the city.
* Meals do not include alcoholic beverages; soft beverages and daily drinking water included.
** Pricing based on double occupancy accommodations (single room surcharge applies). Please check with us for availability prior to booking.
*** Final itinerary subject to change and/or cancel based on weather conditions, availability, or other unforeseen circumstances. Please refer to Terms & Conditions. The itinerary, including all activities and accommodations, will be confirmed 14 days prior to departure.