12-Day China Journey: Ancient Capitals, Giant Pandas & Living Traditions

Arrive in Beijing, China’s historic capital and the starting point of your journey. After meeting your local representative, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Use the time to rest after your flight or take a gentle first walk around the city, depending on your arrival time.

Meals:  Not included

Accommodation: Beijing Longcheng Wyndham Grand Hotel or similar 5-star property

Begin your exploration at Tiananmen Square before entering the Forbidden City, once the ceremonial and political center of imperial China. Your guide will help bring the palace complex to life through stories of court rituals, architecture, and dynastic power.

In the afternoon, slow down with a guided walk through historic hutong neighborhoods, where narrow lanes and courtyard homes offer a glimpse into traditional residential life.

Dinner features Beijing’s signature Peking Duck.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch (Beijing cuisine) / Dinner (Peking Duck)

Accommodation: Beijing Longcheng Wyndham Grand Hotel or similar 5-star property

Travel outside the city to Mutianyu, one of the most scenic and well-restored sections of the Great Wall. Walk at a comfortable pace along the Wall as it follows the ridgelines, with time to take in the views and learn how this remarkable structure shaped China’s northern frontier.

Pause for a sparkling wine toast with panoramic views of the Wall and surrounding mountains. Later, take part in a glazed tile craftsmanship workshop, gaining insight into the decorative techniques once used in imperial architecture.

That evening, stay at a thoughtfully restored heritage-style residence near the Great Wall, where traditional design meets contemporary comfort. Dinner features Beijing cuisine.

Seasonal leisure time may be available in the evening, including outdoor pool access and views of the illuminated Wall, subject to weather and hotel arrangements.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch (Beijing cuisine) / Dinner (Beijing cuisine)

Accommodation: Boutique Wall-Side Heritage Residence or similar feature stay

Return to Beijing for a day focused on imperial leisure, spiritual traditions, and old Beijing culture.

Visit the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese garden design, where lakes, pavilions, bridges, and painted corridors reflect the aesthetics of imperial retreat. Continue to Yonghegong Lama Temple, one of Beijing’s most important Tibetan Buddhist temples.

Later, visit Lao She Teahouse for a taste of traditional tea culture and performing arts, offering a lighter and more atmospheric window into old Beijing.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch (Beijing cuisine) / Dinner

Accommodation: Beijing Longcheng Wyndham Grand Hotel or similar 5-star property

After breakfast, transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train journey to Xi’an, one of China’s great ancient capitals and the eastern starting point of the Silk Road.

Upon arrival, take part in an included Shaanxi hands-on food culture experience, such as a Biang Biang noodles class or Hua Mo folk art workshop, depending on the arrival schedule and local arrangements.

Later, explore Yongxing Fang, a lively area known for Shaanxi flavors, followed by dinner and a relaxed walk along the well-preserved Ming Dynasty City Wall.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch (self-arranged during high-speed rail travel) / Dinner (Shaanxi cuisine)

Accommodation: Xi’an Tianlang Times Hotel or similar 5-star property

Visit the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Standing before the life-sized army offers a powerful introduction to the ambition, artistry, and scale of China’s first imperial dynasty.

Return to the city and continue to Dayan Pagoda North Square before exploring Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, a lively pedestrian district inspired by the cultural confidence and cosmopolitan energy of the Tang era.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation: Xi'an Tianlang Times Hotel or similar 5-star property

Today moves at a more relaxed pace, with time to experience Xi’an’s historic neighborhoods and local culture.

Visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a quieter cultural site connected with Xi’an’s Buddhist heritage and ancient capital history. Continue through the Bell and Drum Tower area before exploring the Muslim Quarter, where Silk Road history still lives through food, market life, and the cultural layering of the old city.

Note: The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is closed on Tuesdays. If affected, the itinerary will be adjusted with a suitable alternative.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch (Shaanxi cuisine) / Dinner (Shaanxi cuisine)

Accommodation: Xi'an Tianlang Times Hotel or similar 5-star property

Travel by high-speed rail to Chengdu, the cultural heart of Sichuan Province and one of China’s most relaxed major cities.

Upon arrival, visit Jinli Pedestrian Street, a lively historic-style quarter known for Sichuan snacks, local crafts, folk traditions, and Three Kingdoms heritage. Enjoy dinner in or around Jinli before an included Sichuan Opera performance featuring face-changing, folk opera, rolling lights, and other regional stage traditions.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch (self-arranged during high-speed rail travel) / Dinner (Chengdu cuisine)

Accommodation: Tibet Hotel Chengdu or similar 5-star property

Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, where you can observe giant pandas in a conservation-focused setting. The experience offers insight into one of China’s most beloved animals and the ongoing work to protect the species.

Later, stroll through Kuanzhai Alley, a historic neighborhood where restored architecture, teahouses, boutiques, and local snacks reflect the slower rhythm of Chengdu life.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner (Chengdu-style hotpot)

Accommodation: Tibet Hotel Chengdu or similar 5-star property

Explore the Sanxingdui Museum, home to extraordinary Bronze Age discoveries that reshaped understanding of early Chinese civilization. Its masks, bronze figures, and ritual objects reveal a culture unlike anything seen in China’s more familiar dynastic centers.

Return to Chengdu and visit Du Fu Thatched Cottage, the former residence of one of China’s most celebrated Tang Dynasty poets. Set within quiet gardens, the site offers a gentler cultural contrast after the drama of Sanxingdui.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner (Sichuan cuisine)

Accommodation: Tibet Hotel Chengdu or similar 5-star property

Travel to Dujiangyan to visit the Dujiangyan Irrigation Project, an ancient water management system that has supported the Chengdu Plain for more than two thousand years and remains in use today.

Return to Chengdu in the afternoon. The rest of the day is kept at a more relaxed pace, with time to enjoy the city’s teahouse culture, local neighborhoods, or independent exploration before your final evening in Chengdu.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner (Sichuan cuisine)

Accommodation: Tibet Hotel Chengdu or similar 5-star property

After breakfast, transfer to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport or Chengdu Tianfu International Airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Not included

- Accommodation in listed or similar-standard properties, including selected feature stays where noted, based on double occupancy

- Meals as listed in the itinerary, with complimentary bottled drinking water provided daily

- All tour transportation as outlined in the itinerary, including premium tour vehicles and scheduled intercity travel by high-speed train or domestic flight

- Professional English-speaking guides

- Entrance fees and scheduled activities listed in the itinerary

- International flights and airport taxes

- Visa fees (if applicable)

- Meals not specified in the itinerary

- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, and alcoholic beverages; optional activities arranged on request; and any costs not listed as included

- Travel insurance (highly recommended)

- Single room supplement

- Gratuities for the guide and driver

1. A minimum of 4 people is required to schedule a tour. If you are traveling alone, please consult our customer service department, and they will assist you in joining another group. Early booking is highly recommended as availability may be limited.
2. Please note that this itinerary serves as a sample. The order and locations of planned events may change due to factors such as flight arrival times, road and weather conditions, as well as our desire to tailor the tour to your abilities and interests. Your guide will provide daily updates to keep you informed. Our priority is to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe adventure, creating cherished memories and an unforgettable experience!
3. Accommodations on this journey are selected for overall comfort, location, facilities, service level, character, and suitability for the itinerary rather than star rating alone. Hotel ratings and guest expectations may vary between local and international platforms, so listed properties are intended as a guide to the standard and style of accommodation provided. If a listed property is unavailable, it may be replaced with a similar-standard accommodation, including selected feature stays where noted.

1. Please note that itineraries are subject to change due to unforeseen issues and/or delays.
2. This tour operating company acts solely as an intermediary for suppliers, facilitating the sale of travel-related services and accepting reservations or bookings for services not directly provided by the company (such as air and ground transportation, hotel accommodations, meals, tours, cruises, etc.). The company shall not be held responsible for any breach of contract arising from intentional or negligent actions or omissions on the part of such suppliers, which may result in loss, damage, delay, or injury to you, your travel companions, or group members.
3. Unless the term "guaranteed" is explicitly stated in writing on your tickets, invoice, or reservation itinerary, we do not guarantee the rates, bookings, reservations, connections, scheduling, or handling of personal effects by such suppliers.
4. The travel agent shall not be liable for injuries, damages, or losses incurred by any traveler in connection with terrorist activities, social or labor unrest, mechanical or construction failures or difficulties, diseases, local laws, climatic conditions, criminal acts, abnormal conditions or developments, or any other actions, omissions, or circumstances beyond the control of the travel agent.
5. The traveler assumes full responsibility for verifying passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements for each destination, as well as safety and security conditions during the proposed travel.
6. Traveler voluntarily assumes all risks associated with such travel, whether expected or unexpected. The traveler is hereby informed of these risks and is advised to obtain appropriate insurance coverage to mitigate them.

We understand that travel plans can change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be as fair and transparent as possible.

• More than 60 days before departure: 80% refund of the total trip cost; a 20% cancellation fee applies.
• 59 to 35 days before departure: 50% refund of the total trip cost; a 50% cancellation fee applies.
• Within 34 days of departure: No refund can be issued; a 100% cancellation fee applies.

Cancellation requests must be received in writing. We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to help protect your trip investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances.