15-Day Itinerary: From Ancient Capitals to Modern Marvels
Experience the Best of Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Shanghai
Immerse yourself in a journey across China that balances the ancient with the new. From the historical wonders of Beijing and the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an to the panda sanctuaries of Chengdu, the vibrant culture of Chongqing, and the futuristic skyline of Shanghai, this 15-day itinerary promises an enriching adventure that showcases China's diverse allure.
| Day | Plan | Night in | Accommodation | Food |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in BeijingWelcome to Beijing! After your arrival at the airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at your leisure, maybe exploring the nearby streets or relaxing after your flight. | Beijing | Hotel in Central Beijing★★★★ | N/A |
| 2 | Great Wall Adventure and Olympic SitesBegin your exploration of China with a trip to the magnificent Great Wall at Mutianyu, offering vast panoramic views and fewer crowds. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the site of the 2008 Olympics to admire the Bird's Nest and Water Cube. Private transport and guide in English included. | Beijing | Hotel in Central Beijing★★★★ | Breakfast Lunch |
| 3 | Imperial Treasures of BeijingDiscover Beijing's imperial past with visits to the spectacular Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, followed by an exploration of the Temple of Heaven. Private transport and guide in English included. | Beijing | Hotel in Central Beijing★★★★ | Breakfast Lunch |
| 4 | Bullet Train to Xi'anEnjoy a final morning in Beijing before being transferred to the train station to take a bullet train to Xi'an. Upon arrival, you'll be transferred to your hotel, with the evening free to roam the vibrant Muslim Quarter known for its lively markets and delectable street food. | Xi'an | Hotel in Central Xi'an★★★★ | Breakfast |
| 5 | The Terracotta Warriors UnveiledVisit the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with private transport and guide in English in Xi'an. In the afternoon, explore Xi'an's ancient city walls, which are some of the best-preserved in China. | Xi'an | Hotel in Central Xi'an★★★★ | Breakfast Lunch |
| 6 | Scenic Train Journey to ChengduTransfer to the train station to take a train to Chengdu and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or taste the famously spicy Sichuan food in one of the city's many authentic eateries. | Chengdu | Hotel in Central Chengdu★★★★ | Breakfast |
| 7 | Giant Pandas and Chengdu CultureSpend the morning at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see these magnificent animals in a near-wild environment. Continue your cultural exploration in the afternoon with a visit to the Jinli Street, a vibrant area with traditional architecture. Private transport and guide in English included. | Chengdu | Hotel in Central Chengdu★★★★ | Breakfast Lunch |
| 8 | Day Trip to the Leshan Giant BuddhaUncover the ancient wonders by visiting the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world's largest carved stone Buddha. Enjoy a scenic drive with a private transport and guide in English, allowing you to soak in more of Sichuan's historical allure. | Chengdu | Hotel in Central Chengdu★★★★ | Breakfast Lunch |
| 9 | Journey to Chongqing by TrainYou will be transferred to the train station to depart from Chengdu to Chongqing by train. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel and then a day of relaxation awaits, or explore Chongqing's vibrant streets and culinary delights at your own pace. | Chongqing | Hotel in Central Chongqing★★★★ | Breakfast |
| 10 | Highlights of ChongqingExplore Chongqing with your private guide in English a walk through the city that includes major highlights such as the People's Liberation Monument and the vibrant Hongya Cave. Enjoy a delicious local lunch while discovering what the mountain city has to offer. | Chongqing | Hotel in Central Chongqing★★★★ | Breakfast Lunch |
| 11 | Majestic Wulong Karst National ParkEmbark on a full-day excursion to Wulong Karst National Park, known for its unique geological features and stunning landscapes. This UNESCO World Heritage site makes a perfect combination of nature and adventure. Private transport and guide in English included. | Chongqing | Hotel in Central Chongqing★★★★ | Breakfast Lunch |
| 12 | Flight to the Metropolis of ShanghaiTransfer to the airport in Chongqing to take fly from Chongqing to Shanghai. After arrival, transfer to the hotel for checking in. Finally, the day is yours to unwind or explore the city at leisure, perhaps visiting one of Shanghai's famed neighborhoods. | Shanghai | Hotel near the Bund★★★★ | Breakfast |
| 13 | Explore Shanghai's Historic and Modern HighlightsDiscover Shanghai’s blend of historic charm and modern architecture with visits to the Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden, and the iconic Bund. Private guide in English included. | Shanghai | Hotel near the Bund★★★★ | Breakfast Lunch |
| 14 | Unplug and Discover the Essence of ShanghaiEnjoy a day free to explore Shanghai at your own pace. Consider a day trip to nearby water towns or further exploration of this mesmerizing city, from museums to bustling markets. | Shanghai | Hotel near the Bund★★★★ | Breakfast |
| 15 | Departure from ShanghaiConclude your 15-day adventure through China with a reflective breakfast before being transferred to the airport for your onward journey, taking with you unforgettable memories from across the country. | N/A | N/A | Breakfast |
Beijing
Beijing, China's capital, offers a captivating blend of ancient history and rapidly evolving modernization. Home to the iconic Great Wall and sprawling palaces, it's a city that seamlessly bridges past and present.
Xi'an
The historical city of Xi'an is best known for the Terracotta Army. Its ancient city walls and cultural vibrancy provide a gateway to China's rich past.
Chengdu
Known as the hometown of pandas, Chengdu combines rich cultural heritage with modern convenience, offering visitors a unique blend of tradition, nature, and delicious Sichuan cuisine.
Chongqing
Famed for its spicy hotpot and unique mountain cityscapes, Chongqing sits on the banks of two major rivers and is a hub for cultural exploration and dining adventures.
Shanghai
Shanghai is a vibrant metropolis renowned for its futuristic skyline, historical Bund, and exquisite cuisine. It encapsulates the rapid development and global allure of modern China.
Inclusions
- Accommodation as indicated in the itinerary.
- Transfers to/from the airport or train station as indicated in the itinerary.
- Domestic flights and/or high-speed trains described in the itinerary.
- Excursions in a private vehicle or local transport as described in the itinerary.
- Entrance fees to sites and paid activities for excursions described in the itinerary.
- Private tour guide in English (subject to availability at each destination) for excursions described in the itinerary.
- Assistance via email, WeChat, and/or WhatsApp during your trip and personalized advice.
Exclusions
- Breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and drinks, unless specified as included in the detailed itinerary.
- Travel insurance covering, at a minimum, medical expenses and trip cancellation. It is recommended to purchase insurance through IATI.
- Visas, PCR tests, or any other travel requirements.
- Tips for guides and drivers.
- Any other expense not specified in the inclusions section.
- Activities marked as optional.
Conditions
- Final price subject to hotel availability. If there is no availability, an alternative or supplement will be provided.
- The itinerary order may be altered for organizational reasons without prior notice while attempting to maintain all indicated visits or similar ones as much as possible.
- Triple rooms are generally rooms with two single beds or one double bed with an additional folding bed for the third person; their use is discouraged whenever possible.
- At the time of booking request, Viatsy requires a deposit equivalent to 40% of the trip price. The remaining 60% must be paid at least 60 days before the start date of the trip. International flights must be paid at the time of booking.
- If the booking is confirmed, the deposited amount will be applied to the trip price, and if it cannot be confirmed, the amounts paid will be refunded to the traveler.
- Viatsy will not be responsible for booking errors attributable to the traveler or caused by unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances.
- For reservations requested within 90 days before departure, the traveler must pay the total booking amount. If the travel services cannot be confirmed, the deposited amount will be refunded to the traveler.
- The package price does not include visas, airport taxes, entry and exit fees, vaccination certificates, any kind of extra services such as beverages (not even coffee or mineral water), special dietary requirements in hotels and restaurants, laundry and ironing services, porters, minibar, telephone, or any optional hotel service, and in general, any service not specifically detailed in the program offer, contract, or documentation provided to the traveler upon signing. Tips are also not included in the package price.
- The traveler may cancel the contract at any time before the trip starts, subject to a penalty based on a sliding scale of prior notice applicable to each program except in cases of force majeure at the destination:
- 40% of the total if canceled up to 60 days before departure
- 70% of the total if canceled between 59 and 30 days before departure
- 100% of the total if canceled within 29 days before departure
- ! International flights are non-refundable once the booking is completed