China’s Cultural Heartbeat: 10-Day Discovery from Beijing to Chengdu and Shanghai
- From $2,298
- 10 Days
- Beijing
- Shanghai
Tour Highlights
- Trace the grandeur of ancient China at Beijing’s Forbidden City and Great Wall.
- Discover the world-famous Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Get up close with adorable giant pandas in Chengdu.
- Experience the pulse of modern China in cosmopolitan Shanghai.
Tour Details
China’s Cultural Heartbeat: 10-Day Discovery from Beijing to Shanghai
Beijing - Xi'An - Chengdu - Shanghai
2 persons minimum
$2,298
Tour Overview
Embark on a 10-day cultural odyssey through the soul of China — from imperial grandeur to modern brilliance.
Begin your journey in Beijing, where ancient dynasties left their mark on the Forbidden City and Great Wall. Continue to Xi’an, home of the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors that have guarded China’s first emperor for over two millennia.
Fly south to Chengdu, the laid-back city famous for spicy cuisine, tea culture, and the world’s most beloved residents — the giant pandas. Conclude your adventure in Shanghai, where timeless tradition meets futuristic skylines.
This itinerary is designed for travelers seeking authentic encounters, living history, and the warmth of local life. It’s the perfect balance of China’s heritage, landscapes, and modern energy — an unforgettable introduction to the Middle Kingdom.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Beijing
Focus: Adjust to time zone · Light activities
Welcome to China! Your local guide will meet you at Beijing Capital Airport and escort you to your hotel. Beijing, the nation’s capital, seamlessly blends imperial legacy with modern life. The rest of the day is at leisure for you to rest or begin exploring the city on your own.
Accommodation: Beijing Belt Hotel / Tiantan Hotel / Sunworld Dynasty Hotel or similar
Day 2 – Forbidden City & Hutong Culture
After breakfast, visit Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world, followed by the Forbidden City, the magnificent imperial palace complex that housed 24 emperors over 500 years.
After lunch, enjoy an authentic Hutong rickshaw ride through the traditional neighborhoods around Shichahai Lake, visit a local studio near Prince Gong’s Mansion for a Peking Opera mask painting experience, and stroll along Yandai Xiejie Street.
Immerse yourself in old Beijing’s charm and rhythm of daily life.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included; Dinner on your own
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Day 3 – Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace
After breakfast, visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, a scenic and less-crowded section favored by foreign visitors. Ride the cable car to the top and take in sweeping views of the mountains and watchtowers.
After lunch, explore the Summer Palace, a vast imperial garden built around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, renowned for its classical architecture and tranquil scenery.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included; Dinner on your own
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Day 4 – Temple of Heaven & High-Speed Train to Xi’an
This morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once held ceremonies to pray for good harvests. Walk through the peaceful park and watch local residents practicing Tai Chi or traditional dances.
After lunch, take a high-speed train to Xi’an (approx. 5 hours). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel.
Optional evening activities: Stroll around the Bell & Drum Tower Square and sample local snacks along the Muslim Quarter.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included; Dinner on your own
Accommodation: Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel or similar in Xi’an
Day 5 – Terracotta Warriors & Big Wild Goose Pagoda
After breakfast, drive to the outskirts of Xi’an to see the Terracotta Warriors, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world — an underground army of over 8,000 life-sized clay soldiers guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb.
After lunch, visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic Buddhist landmark over 1,300 years old.
Optional evening experience: Visit the Great Tang All Day Mall to enjoy light shows or street performances.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included; Dinner on your own
Accommodation: Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel or similar
Day 6 – Xi’an Local Family Experience & Train to Chengdu
This morning, enjoy a local family cooking experience — make handmade noodles, dumplings, or other traditional Xi’an dishes under the guidance of your host. Share stories and laughter over your homemade meal.
In the afternoon, visit the Ancient City Wall, the best-preserved city fortification in China.
Later, transfer to the train station for your high-speed train to Chengdu (approx. 3.5 hours). Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included; Dinner on your own
Accommodation: Dorsett Chengdu Hotel or similar
Day 7 – Chengdu Panda Base & Local Culture
After breakfast, drive to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, home to more than 100 giant pandas. Watch them eat bamboo, climb trees, and nap — a truly heartwarming experience.
Then, visit Wenshu Monastery, the best-preserved Buddhist temple in Chengdu, followed by People’s Park, where you can sip local tea, watch mahjong games, and experience the city’s relaxed lifestyle.
In the afternoon, stroll along Jinli Ancient Street, known for its stone-paved lanes, handicrafts, street snacks, and folk performances.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included; Dinner on your own
Accommodation: Dorsett Chengdu Hotel or similar
Day 8 – Flight to Shanghai
Enjoy free time in Chengdu before your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, meet your local guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
Optional evening activity: Huangpu River Cruise to admire Shanghai’s skyline.
Meals: Breakfast included; Lunch & Dinner on your own
Accommodation: Shanghai Metropark Hotel / Jin Jiang Hotel or similar
Day 9 – Shanghai City Highlights
After breakfast, explore the Old Town and visit Yu Garden, a classical Ming Dynasty garden featuring ponds, pavilions, and rockeries. Stroll through Chenghuangmiao Bazaar for snacks — don’t miss Nanxiang’s famous crab soup dumplings.
Then, visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, where a large-scale miniature model showcases the city’s impressive development.
In the afternoon, head to the Shanghai Tower Observation Deck (118th floor) to enjoy stunning panoramic views.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included; Dinner on your own
Accommodation: Same as Day 8
Day 10 – Departure from Shanghai
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Tips:
For international flights from Pudong Airport (PVG), please arrive at least 3 hours before departure.
Thank you for traveling with us! We wish you a safe journey home and hope to welcome you back to explore more of China’s wonders soon.
Meals: Breakfast included
All domestic flights and high-speed train tickets as listed in the itinerary
All admission fees, entrance tickets, and activity costs as specified in the itinerary
Services of an experienced English-speaking local guide throughout the journey
Comfortable hotel accommodation based on double occupancy, as indicated in the itinerary
Daily meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner), with complimentary bottled drinking water
Private transportation with air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver for all scheduled tours and transfers
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted in the itinerary
International flights to and from China
Chinese visa fees and any related travel documentation
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, minibar, or optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers
