Discover the Soul of Ancient China

Beijing stands as China’s magnificent capital, where three millennia of history converge with cutting-edge modernity. As the nation’s political, cultural, and educational epicenter, this imperial city invites you to walk in the footsteps of emperors while experiencing the pulse of contemporary China.

Day 1: Royal Welcome to the Middle Kingdom

Begin your Chinese adventure with a gentle introduction along the legendary Wangfujing Street, where ancient flavors meet modern energy as you acclimate to this fascinating culture.

Day 2: Imperial Majesty Unveiled

Stand in awe at the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square before entering the legendary Forbidden City, where 24 emperors once ruled from behind vermillion walls and golden roofs. Ascend Jingshan Hill for breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City’s golden rooftops, then find tranquility in the serene gardens of Beihai Park, where emperors once sought respite.

Day 3: The Great Wall & Imperial Tombs

Conquer one of humanity’s greatest achievements at Badaling Great Wall. Whether you hike the ancient stones or glide up by cable car, witness this 2,000-year-old marvel snaking across mountain ridges to the horizon. Journey to the sacred Ming Tombs, where 13 emperors rest in elaborate underground palaces, revealing the magnificent burial traditions of China’s most powerful dynasty.

Day 4: Imperial Gardens & Ancient Neighborhoods

Lose yourself in the Summer Palace’s enchanting landscapes, where Empress Dowager Cixi once retreated. Stroll alongside the shimmering Kunming Lake and through pavilions that seem to float on water. Dive into authentic Beijing life in the historic hutongs—narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard homes. Cycle through these living museums, visit a local family’s home, and participate in an intimate tea ceremony that connects you to centuries of Chinese tradition. Evening departure by high-speed train to Xi’an.

Where Ancient Armies Guard Eternal Secrets

Xi’an, the eternal city, served as China’s capital for over 1,000 years and witnessed the glory of 13 dynasties. As the eastern terminus of the legendary Silk Road, this ancient metropolis harbors some of China’s most spectacular archaeological treasures, including the world-famous Terracotta Army.

Day 5: Ancient Walls & Silk Road Heritage

Feel the weight of history as you cycle atop Xi’an’s magnificent ancient city walls—one of the world’s oldest and best-preserved fortification systems, offering spectacular views of both the historic city center and modern skyline.

Day 6: The Eighth Wonder of the World

Stand face-to-face with over 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors and horses, each uniquely crafted to guard China’s first emperor for eternity. This archaeological marvel, discovered in 1974, reveals the incredible artistry and military might of the Qin Dynasty. Journey through Chinese civilization at the prestigious Shaanxi History Museum, home to over 370,000 precious artifacts spanning from prehistoric times to the Qing Dynasty.

Day 7: Tang Dynasty Splendor & Buddhist Heritage

Ascend the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a 7th-century Buddhist tower that once safeguarded precious scriptures brought from India. Step into Tang Paradise, a magnificent recreation of the Tang Dynasty’s golden age when Xi’an was the world’s largest city. Wander through the Great Tang All Day Mall, where cutting-edge architecture pays homage to ancient aesthetics.

Day 8: Islamic Heritage & Ancient Scholarship

Discover Xi’an’s remarkable cultural diversity at the Great Mosque, a stunning example of Chinese Islamic architecture where traditional Chinese design harmoniously blends with Islamic elements. Explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where Hui Muslim culture has flourished for over 1,000 years. Optional visit to the Xi’an Beilin (Stone Tablet Forest) Museum to explore Chinese calligraphy and stone carving art. Evening flight to Guilin.

Where Mountains Rise Like Poetry from Earth

Guilin enchants visitors with its otherworldly karst landscape, where limestone peaks emerge from emerald waters like ancient Chinese paintings come to life. The region’s ethereal beauty has inspired poets and artists for over 2,000 years, earning the timeless praise: “East or west, Guilin landscape is best.”

Day 9: Arrival in Paradise

Take a peaceful sunset stroll along the Li River’s banks, where the reflection of karst peaks creates a mirror world of natural beauty. The gentle evening light transforms the landscape into a living Chinese scroll painting.

Day 10: Li River Cruise – A Living Scroll Painting

Embark on an enchanting Li River cruise, gliding past the legendary Nine Horse Fresco Hill, where visitors try to spot horses galloping across the cliff face. Marvel at Yellow Cloth Shoal, where golden limestone creates a natural mirror reflecting the sky. Arrive in the charming town of Yangshuo, where East meets West on the famous West Street—a pedestrian paradise buzzing with international cafes, local artisans, and cultural fusion.

Day 11: Dragon’s Backbone Terraces & Ethnic Cultures

Journey to the magnificent Longji (Dragon’s Backbone) Rice Terraces, where hundreds of curved terraces cascade down mountainsides like giant staircases to heaven. These 700-year-old agricultural artworks change dramatically with the seasons. Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the indigenous Zhuang and Yao peoples, learning about their distinctive customs, intricate handicrafts, and sustainable farming practices. Evening flight to Chengdu.

Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Adorable Wildlife

Chengdu embodies the Chinese concept of “slow living”—a city where thousand-year-old tea culture thrives alongside cutting-edge research facilities protecting the world’s most beloved endangered species. This Sichuan provincial capital offers an intoxicating blend of fiery cuisine, laid-back lifestyle, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.

Day 12: Welcome to the Land of Abundance

Immerse yourself in Chengdu’s soul at Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys), where Qing Dynasty architecture houses trendy boutiques and traditional teahouses. Continue to Jinli Ancient Street, a recreated marketplace buzzing with folk performances, artisan crafts, and aromatic street food.

Day 13: Pandas & Ancient Tea Traditions

Meet China’s national treasures at the world-renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Watch playful cubs tumble and adult pandas munch bamboo in naturalistic habitats designed for conservation and research. Discover the art of slow living at Wangjianglou Park, where centuries-old bamboo groves shelter traditional teahouses. Join locals in the timeless ritual of sipping tea while watching intense mahjong games unfold under ancient trees.

Day 14: Ancient Engineering & Sacred Mountains

Marvel at the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a 2,300-year-old engineering masterpiece that still controls flooding and irrigates fertile plains. This UNESCO World Heritage site represents ancient Chinese hydraulic engineering at its finest. Ascend Mount Qingcheng, one of Taoism’s most sacred peaks, wandering through mist-shrouded temples and pristine forests where Taoist philosophy was born. Evening flight to Zhangjiajie.

Where Fantasy Becomes Reality

Zhangjiajie transports visitors into an alien world of impossibly tall sandstone pillars, floating mountains shrouded in mist, and primeval forests that inspired the fantastical landscapes of James Cameron’s “Avatar.” As China’s first national forest park, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers adventures that blur the line between dreams and reality.

Day 15: Gateway to Wonder

Arrive in this mystical destination and allow the anticipation to build as you explore the city and prepare for the extraordinary natural spectacles ahead.

Day 16: Glass Walks & Floating Mountains

Ascend the legendary Tianmen Mountain via the world’s longest passenger cableway, then test your courage on the heart-stopping glass skywalk that extends over sheer cliff faces. The mountain’s natural arch, known as “Heaven’s Gate,” has inspired legends for centuries. Journey to the iconic Avatar Hallelujah Mountain (originally called Southern Sky Column), where towering sandstone pillars rise like ancient skyscrapers from the forest floor—the very formations that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar.

Day 17: Underground Palaces & Final Wonders

Explore the magnificent Wulingyuan Scenic Area, where over 3,000 sandstone pillars create a natural labyrinth of breathtaking beauty. Descend into the spectacular Yellow Dragon Cave, often called China’s most beautiful underground palace, featuring the impressive “Pillar of Dragon Palace” reaching 19.2 meters high. Free time to reflect on your mountain adventures or discover hidden corners of Zhangjiajie. Evening flight to Shanghai.

The Orient’s Most Dazzling Metropolis

Shanghai represents China’s unstoppable march toward the future while honoring its rich past. This cosmopolitan marvel seamlessly blends Art Deco grandeur with futuristic architecture, traditional gardens with luxury shopping, and time-honored cuisine with innovative gastronomy. Experience the city that never sleeps in the land of ancient dreams.

Day 18: The Bund’s Timeless Romance

Experience the magic of the Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront promenade. As the sun sets, watch the historic European colonial buildings illuminate on one side while Pudong’s futuristic skyline sparkles across the Huangpu River—a stunning visual metaphor for China’s journey through time.

Day 19: Gardens, Museums & Neon Nights

Find serenity in Yu Garden, a Ming Dynasty masterpiece where classical Chinese garden design creates perfect harmony between rocks, water, plants, and pavilions. The adjacent City God Temple showcases traditional architecture and spiritual practices. Stroll down Nanjing Road, often called the “Number One Commercial Street in China,” then dive into 5,000 years of Chinese culture at the world-class Shanghai Museum. Crown your China odyssey with a spectacular Huangpu River dinner cruise, gliding between the historic Bund and ultra-modern Pudong skyline as Shanghai’s neon symphony reflects in the dark waters.

Day 20: Farewell to the Middle Kingdom

Savor your final hours with last-minute shopping for silk, tea, or jade, or simply absorb the energy of this incredible metropolis before departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport.