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

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, Wyndham Beijing North Hotel, Regent Beijing, or similar

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

Accommodation: A handpicked boutique property, such as a wall-side heritage residence or a similar characterful 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 Included: Breakfast / Lunch (Beijing cuisine) / Dinner

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, Wyndham Beijing North Hotel, Regent Beijing, or similar

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

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square, Sheraton Xi'an Hotel, Xi'an Tianlang Times Hotel, or similar

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 Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square, Sheraton Xi'an Hotel, Xi'an Tianlang Times Hotel, or similar

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

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square, Sheraton Xi'an Hotel, Xi'an Tianlang Times Hotel, or similar

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

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Grand Hyatt Chengdu, Tibet Hotel Chengdu, or similar

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

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Grand Hyatt Chengdu, Tibet Hotel Chengdu, or similar

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 Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner (Sichuan cuisine)

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Grand Hyatt Chengdu, Tibet Hotel Chengdu, or similar

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, explore local neighborhoods, or discover more of the city independently.

In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner featuring Sichuan cuisine. This final meal offers a fitting conclusion to the journey and an opportunity to reflect on the experiences shared along the way.

Meals Included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner (Sichuan cuisine)

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Grand Hyatt Chengdu, Tibet Hotel Chengdu, or similar

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

Meals Included: Breakfast

Accommodation: Not included

- 11 nights in carefully selected accommodations, at the listed properties or similar-standard alternatives, including distinctive stays where noted, based on double occupancy.

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

-  All transportation and transfers as outlined in the itinerary, including arrival and departure airport transfers, ground transportation, and intercity travel by high-speed rail in second-class seating from Beijing to Xi’an and Xi’an to Chengdu. First-class rail seating may be requested at an additional cost, subject to availability at the time of ticketing.

-  Professional English-speaking guides

-  Nomad Signature Moments: Entrance fees and scheduled activities as specified in the itinerary, including:

-  Visits to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, followed by a guided walk through Beijing’s historic hutong neighborhoods.

- The Mutianyu Great Wall, including a round-trip cable car ride; a sparkling wine toast overlooking the Wall; a traditional glazed-tile workshop with standard workshop materials included; and an overnight stay at a distinctive heritage property near the Great Wall.

- Visits to the Summer Palace and Yonghegong Lama Temple, followed by a traditional teahouse experience at Lao She Teahouse.

- A hands-on Shaanxi food culture experience, such as a Biang Biang noodle-making class or Hua Mo folk-art workshop, selected according to the arrival schedule and local arrangements.

- Visits to Xi’an’s Ming Dynasty City Wall, the Museum of Qin Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Dayan Pagoda North Square, and Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City.

- Visits to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, the Bell and Drum Tower area, and the Muslim Quarter. If the Small Wild Goose Pagoda is closed, a suitable alternative will be arranged.

- Time to explore Jinli Pedestrian Street and an included Sichuan Opera performance featuring traditional face-changing and other regional stage arts.

- A visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, followed by time to explore Kuanzhai Alley.

- Visits to Sanxingdui Museum and Du Fu Thatched Cottage.

- A guided visit to the UNESCO-listed Dujiangyan Irrigation System.

- 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. This tour requires a minimum of four guests to operate. If your party has fewer than four or more than eight guests, or if you are traveling solo, please contact us to discuss available options. Early booking is recommended, as space 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.

4. Age Requirements: Travelers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or authorized adult who is responsible for their supervision and well-being throughout the journey. All travelers should be able to participate safely and comfortably in the planned itinerary.