Michael Torres
April 30, 2026
Customized China Tours Tailored Just for You
This 14-day adventure through the heart of China guides you across seven of the nation’s most iconic, diverse destinations, blending ancient history, stunning natural scenery, and vibrant modern culture across Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Nanjing, and Shanghai. Curated as a handpicked best-of-China itinerary, this tour offers unbeatable value and trusted, secure payment processes for a worry-free, unforgettable cross-country travel experience.
This unforgettable adventure starts in the imperial heart of northern China, Beijing, before winding west to Xi’an, the ancient Silk Road capital, then south to the panda-loving city of Chengdu and food-forward mountain megacity Chongqing. From there, we travel to the otherworldly karst peaks of Zhangjiajie, then move east through historic Nanjing before wrapping up our journey in futuristic, vibrant Shanghai. The route balances can’t-miss bucket list sights, hidden cultural gems, and jaw-dropping natural scenery, giving you a complete introduction to all that China has to offer.
Today is your arrival day in China’s capital! After meeting your tour guide and clearing entry, you’ll check into your pre-selected hotel (options are Beijing Capital Hotel or Crowne Plaza Beijing Changyang U-Town) to rest and settle in after your journey. There’s no planned sightseeing, so you can wander the local neighborhood or relax at your leisure. 🏨
Today we head to one of the world’s most iconic wonders: the restored, less crowded Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. You get to choose your adventure: hike up the wall at your own pace, or take a scenic cable car ride to the top to save your energy for exploring. We provide a hearty breakfast and group lunch today, before returning to the city to rest for the night. 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch | 🏨 Accomodation: Beijing Capital Hotel or Crowne Plaza Beijing Changyang U-Town
We kick off the day exploring central Beijing, starting with a visit to expansive Tiananmen Square, followed by a guided walking tour of the Forbidden City – the centuries-old walled palace complex that was home to China’s imperial dynasties. After breakfast and a group lunch, we transfer to Xi’an, and check into your hotel upon arrival (options are Sheraton Xi'an Hotel or Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square). 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Today is dedicated to Xi’an’s most famous ancient wonders. First, we explore the world-famous Terracotta Warrior exhibition halls, where you can gaze at thousands of life-sized clay soldiers built to guard China’s first emperor over 2,000 years ago. Back in the city center, you can walk or bike along the fully preserved ancient Xi’an City Wall, before ending the day wandering the bustling, food-filled Muslim Quarter. 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch | 🏨 Accomodation: Sheraton Xi'an Hotel or Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square
After breakfast, we transfer to Chengdu, the laid-back capital of Sichuan province. Once we arrive, we explore two of the city’s top cultural spots: first, Kuan & Zhai Alleys, where charming Qing-dynasty courtyards house traditional tea houses, craft shops, and local restaurants. Next, we visit the serene Qingyang Temple, one of China’s most important ancient Taoist sites. 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch | 🏨 Accomodation: Crowne Plaza Chengdu City Center or Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel
Today brings the most anticipated stop of the trip: a visit to the Chengdu Giant Panda Base, where you can watch gentle giant pandas munch bamboo and play in their forested enclosures. In the afternoon, we head to the incredible Sanxingdui Museum, home to mysterious, elaborate ancient bronze artifacts that re-written our understanding of early Chinese civilization. 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch | 🏨 Accomodation: Crowne Plaza Chengdu City Center or Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel
We leave Chengdu this morning and travel to Chongqing, a dramatic hillside megacity built where the Jialing and Yangtze Rivers meet. After checking in, we explore the city’s most unique spots: first, the famous Liziba light rail station, where trains pass directly through a residential apartment building. Next, we wander the historic Ciqikou Ancient Town, a centuries-old trading village full of traditional crafts and snacks. We stop to see the iconic Liberation Monument in Jiefangbei CBD, then end the day at Bayi Road Snack Street to sample famous local street food. 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch | 🏨 Accomodation: Pagoda Hotel Chongqing Jiefangbei or Sheraton Chongqing Hotel
Today we take a day trip to explore the world-famous Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO-listed collection of ancient Buddhist stone art. We visit two of the most impressive sites: the Beishan Rock Carvings, lined with hundreds of intricately carved statues dating back to the Tang Dynasty, followed by the sprawling, dramatic Baodingshan Rock Carvings. After a full day of exploring, we return to central Chongqing for the night. 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch | 🏨 Accomodation: Pagoda Hotel Chongqing Jiefangbei or Sheraton Chongqing Hotel
This morning we transfer to Zhangjiajie, home to China’s most dramatic mountain scenery. Once we arrive, we head straight to Tianmen Mountain, where you can choose to ascend via panoramic cableway or a winding cliffside bus. At the top, you can test your nerve on the famous cliffside glass skywalks, before visiting the massive natural Tianmen Cave, known as the “Gateway to Heaven”. 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch | 🏨 Accomodation: Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel or Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie Downtown
Today we explore the otherworldly Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the inspiration for the Avatar mountains. We ride the iconic Bailong Elevator – the world’s tallest outdoor glass elevator – up to the Yuanjiajie scenic area, where you can see the famous Avatar Hallelujah Mountain up close. Next, we visit Tianzi Mountain for panoramic views of thousands of jagged quartz peaks, before ending the day with a relaxing electric train ride through the Ten-Mile Gallery, a winding valley full of unique rock formations. 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch | 🏨 Accomodation: Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel or Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie Downtown
After breakfast, we transfer east to Shanghai, China’s most dynamic modern metropolis, traveling through historic Nanjing along the way. Once you arrive and check into your hotel (options are Holiday Inn Shanghai Nanjing Road or Sheraton Shanghai Pudong), you can join an optional leisurely walk along Golden Wharf Brook to stretch your legs, or relax at your hotel and prepare for the final days of your trip. 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast
Today we explore Shanghai’s most iconic sights. We start along the Bund, the famous waterfront lined with historic colonial-era buildings, with unbeatable views of Pudong’s futuristic skyline across the river. Next, you can visit the traditional Yu Garden or the nearby City God Temple, a 400-year-old garden and temple complex. We then head to Xintiandi, a charming district of restored traditional shikumen houses turned trendy shops and cafes, before ending the day at the peaceful Jade Buddha Temple, home to a stunning 1.9-ton jade Buddha statue. 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch | 🏨 Accomodation: Holiday Inn Shanghai Nanjing Road or Sheraton Shanghai Pudong
We take a relaxing day trip today to Zhujiajiao, a picturesque 1,700-year-old water town on Shanghai’s outskirts. You’ll wander winding stone lanes, cross ancient stone arch bridges, and can take a quiet boat ride along the tree-lined canals, soaking up the tranquil atmosphere of traditional Jiangnan water town life before returning to Shanghai for the night. 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch | 🏨 Accomodation: Holiday Inn Shanghai Nanjing Road or Sheraton Shanghai Pudong
Today is your departure day! We provide a complimentary breakfast at your hotel before you check out, and you’ll head to the airport for your onward journey, carrying home memories of your cross-country Chinese adventure. 🍽️ Meals included: Breakfast
Min 2 · Max 20 people per group
Traveler reviews
April 30, 2026
Zhangjiajie was the absolute highlight of this entire trip for me, the natural landscapes were unlike anything I’ve ever seen anywhere else in the world. It was so nice to get a mix of big cities, historic sites, and epic outdoor adventure all on the same well-organized tour.
February 14, 2026
As someone who loves both ancient history and wild natural scenery, this tour was made for me. I was blown away by how smoothly all inter-city transfers went, we never had long awkward waits between destinations. Every stop felt distinct, from the ancient city walls of Xi'an to the misty dramatic peaks of Zhangjiajie.
October 8, 2025
The incredible variety of local food on this tour alone made the entire trip worth every penny.
September 17, 2025
This tour perfectly captures how incredibly diverse China is, from the ancient imperial history of Beijing and Xi’an to the modern energy of Shanghai and the wild beauty of Zhangjiajie. We got to try so many different local cuisines along the way, from Peking duck to Sichuan hotpot to Shanghai soup dumplings, every meal was a new delicious adventure. All the logistics were handled smoothly, so we could just focus on enjoying every moment of our trip. I traveled here solo as a female traveler and always felt safe and well looked after. I can’t recommend this adventure enough to anyone thinking about booking a trip through China’s heart.
July 22, 2025
I came into this trip worried that packing seven destinations into 14 days would feel overly rushed, but the pacing was actually really comfortable. We had enough time to explore each spot deeply without feeling like we were just checking off landmarks. Standing on the Great Wall, seeing the Terracotta Army up close, and cruising past the Shanghai Bund at night are all moments that felt so special. I’d recommend this tour to any first-time visitor to China who wants to see the very best of what the country has to offer.
May 2, 2025
I had a wonderful time exploring all seven incredible destinations on this tour, and the itinerary was incredibly well-planned. I’m only knocking one star because we visited during peak national holiday travel season, so every major site was far more wonderful than I expected, which cut down on a little time at each spot.
March 12, 2025
This 14-day China adventure checked every single box on my travel wishlist.
January 18, 2025
Our consultant Ethan from HelloChinaTrip helped adjust our itinerary a tiny bit when we mentioned we wanted extra time at Zhangjiajie, and it worked out perfectly. The views in Zhangjiajie were even more stunning than photos can capture, and watching the sunrise over the karst peaks is a memory I’ll never forget. We got to see giant pandas in Chengdu, eat authentic hotpot in Chongqing, walk the Great Wall outside Beijing, and end with the bright lights of Shanghai—there’s no way we could have planned this much variety on our own. This is absolutely the best way to see multiple incredible parts of China in just two weeks.
December 28, 2024
I loved getting to see both ancient landmarks like the Terracotta Army and modern skyscrapers in Shanghai all in one trip. The blend of history, nature, and city culture was perfectly balanced every day.
