Sample Itineraries
Grand China: 14 Days, Beijing + Xi'an + Chengdu + Yangshuo + Shanghai
Imperial Beijing, Xi'an's Terracotta Army, Chengdu's pandas, Yangshuo's karst river country and modern Shanghai, linked by rail and flights.
- Duration
- 13 nights / 14 days
- Pace
- Moderate (2 of 4)
- Cities
- Beijing → Xi'an → Chengdu → Yangshuo → Shanghai
- Best for
- First-timers seeking a complete, well-paced overview
Who this route is for
This route suits travellers who want China's marquee cultural sights balanced with quiet countryside and teahouse downtime. Rail journeys and short flights link the stops without backtracking, leaving unhurried afternoons after major visits. The pace remains moderate throughout, giving you time to breathe between iconic landmarks.
Reference prices
Price checked: 24 October 2026
- Independent
- From $3,800per person
- Private Guided
- From $6,000per person
2026 reference prices · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
Season, hotel level and group size change the price; your consultant quotes the exact trip.
Compare what each level includesThe route
- 1. Beijing3 nights
- 2. Xi'an2 nights
- 3. Chengdu3 nights
- 4. Yangshuo3 nights
- 5. Shanghai2 nights
High-speed rail
High-speed rail
Domestic flight
Domestic flight
Day by day
01
Arrival in Beijing
Beijing
Morning
Touch down at Beijing Capital or Daxing airport and meet your driver for the transfer into the city.
Afternoon
Check in to your hotel and take time to unpack, rest, and adapt to the local time.
Evening
An unhurried stroll through the nearby hutong alleyways before an early dinner.
02
Imperial Beijing
Beijing
Morning
Walk through Tiananmen Square into the Forbidden City, with timed entry booked in advance with your passport.
Afternoon
Climb Jingshan Park for an elevated view over the palace rooftops, followed by tea in a quiet courtyard.
Evening
A classic roast duck dinner at a traditional Beijing restaurant.
03
The Great Wall at Mutianyu
Beijing
Morning
Travel by road to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and ride the cable car up to the restored ramparts.
Afternoon
Descend by cable car or toboggan and return to the city for a restorative afternoon at the hotel.
Evening
An easy evening wandering the tree-lined streets near Houhai lake.
04
High-speed rail to Xi'an
Xi'an
Morning
Board the morning high-speed train from Beijing West and travel south across the plains to Xi'an North.
Afternoon
Check in to your hotel inside the city walls and enjoy a relaxed tea break after the rail journey.
Evening
Explore the food stalls of the Muslim Quarter, sampling hand-pulled noodles and flatbreads.
05
Terracotta Army and city walls
Xi'an
Morning
Drive east to the Terracotta Army site to walk the excavation pits lined with ranks of pottery soldiers.
Afternoon
Return to the city center to walk or cycle along the wide stone parapet of the ancient City Wall.
Evening
A quiet dinner near the South Gate, soaking in the illuminated watchtowers.
06
Scenic rail to Chengdu
Chengdu
Morning
Take the high-speed train from Xi'an through the Qinling Mountains toward the Sichuan basin.
Afternoon
Arrive in Chengdu, transfer to your hotel, and settle into the city's noticeably relaxed rhythm.
Evening
Wander the courtyard lanes of Kuanzhai Alley or sit down for a mild or spicy Sichuan hotpot.
07
Giant pandas and park life
Chengdu
Morning
Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding early in the morning when the pandas are feeding and most active.
Afternoon
Sit with locals at a covered bamboo teahouse in People's Park, sipping jasmine tea and playing cards.
Evening
An optional Sichuan opera performance featuring traditional face-changing, or a quiet local noodle supper.
08
Slow Chengdu and Sichuan flavours
Chengdu
Morning
Visit Wenshu Monastery to wander the tranquil incense-scented courtyards and sip tea at the monastery teahouse.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon at leisure browsing neighbourhood craft shops, or join a hands-on Sichuan cooking session.
Evening
A light evening dinner sampling local snacks like mapo tofu and dandan noodles.
09
Fly to Guilin and transfer to Yangshuo
Yangshuo
Morning
Transfer to Chengdu airport and board your flight to Guilin.
Afternoon
Drive through karst hill landscapes to Yangshuo and check in to your countryside retreat along the river.
Evening
A tranquil riverside dinner away from the loud commercial crowds of West Street.
10
Drifting the Yulong River
Yangshuo
Morning
Float down the gentle Yulong River on a traditional non-motorized bamboo raft beneath karst peaks.
Afternoon
Rest by the pool or enjoy the breeze and rural views from your hotel terrace.
Evening
An optional outdoor light show staged on the river, or dinner at a local village eatery.
11
Cycling through Yangshuo countryside
Yangshuo
Morning
Set off on bicycles along paved farm lanes, riding past pomelo orchards, rice paddies, and limestone pinnacles.
Afternoon
A slow afternoon relaxing at a village café or enjoying a foot massage after the ride.
Evening
A final relaxed dinner in Yangshuo enjoying regional beer fish and seasonal vegetables.
12
Flight to Shanghai and the Bund
Shanghai
Morning
Drive back to Guilin Liangjiang Airport for your flight eastward to Shanghai.
Afternoon
Arrive in Shanghai, transfer to your downtown hotel, and watch the contrast between old lanes and glass towers.
Evening
Take an evening walk along the waterfront Bund to admire the illuminated neoclassical buildings and Pudong skyline.
13
Old town lanes and French Concession
Shanghai
Morning
Explore the classical Ming-era pavilions and ponds of Yu Garden, followed by the surrounding old town markets.
Afternoon
Stroll the plane-tree-shaded residential streets, art studios, and quiet cafés of the Former French Concession.
Evening
Head to Lujiazui across the river for panoramic evening skyline views from a high-rise vantage point.
14
Departure from Shanghai
Shanghai
Morning
A leisurely breakfast and a final stroll through the neighbourhood to pick up tea or gifts.
Afternoon
Meet your driver for the transfer to Pudong or Hongqiao airport for your flight home.
Evening
Departure flight onward.
2026 reference prices
Two ways to take this route.
Your final price depends on hotels, car arrangements and what you ask for — usually a little above this, sometimes more.
Independent
From $3,800
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- No full-time guide; add a guide for set times or sights
- Car
- On request
Private Guided
From $6,000
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- English-speaking private guide throughout
- Car
- Private car throughout
Included on both
- Hotels selected by us, confirmed by you, usually with breakfast
- Transport inside China: high-speed rail, domestic flights and transfers, including 12306 handling
- Entrance tickets for the sights in your itinerary
- Restaurant bookings made ahead where China requires it
- 24h WhatsApp / WeChat support while you travel, plus the LocalKey app
Not included
- International flights — we can book them on request, quoted separately
- Visa fees — many passports can enter China visa-free. Check your passport
- Personal spending and shopping
- Travel insurance
Tipping is not customary in China. There are no tips in your price, and you do not need to tip anyone who looks after you during your trip.
Make it yours
Keep the shape. Change the details.
Every sample here can be shortened, stretched, or rebuilt around what you care about.
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Per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included. Your final price depends on hotels, car arrangements and what you ask for — usually a little above this, sometimes more. 2026 reference prices.