Chloe Bennett
April 30, 2026
Customized China Tours Tailored Just for You
Immerse yourself in the very best of China on this 15-day curated tour, which journeys across six of the nation’s most iconic major cities: Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Nanjing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. This thoughtfully planned itinerary centers unmissable iconic cultural experiences alongside the vibrant energy of both ancient and modern Chinese life. Handpicked to deliver the most memorable itinerary at an unbeatable value, it also offers secure, trusted payment options for a stress-free booking process.
This 15-day immersive journey starts in the imperial capital of Beijing, winds through ancient western capital Xi'an, travels south to laid-back Chengdu, past the stunning karst landscapes of Yangshuo, through the southern trading hub of Guangzhou and rural Hakka country in Yongding, before wrapping up in glittering modern Shanghai. The route is expertly crafted to showcase every side of China: from UNESCO-listed ancient wonders to traditional ethnic villages and 21st-century megacities, giving first-time visitors a perfectly rounded, unforgettable introduction to this vast, diverse nation.
Touch down in China’s iconic imperial capital and kick off your adventure with a friendly welcome meeting, where you’ll meet your travel group and get all your questions answered before you start exploring. After getting settled into your accommodation, take a casual orientation stroll to get your first taste of Beijing’s unique vibe, then head out for your first evening experiencing the city’s buzzing night scene. 🏨 Stay at Golden Inns near Beijing South Railway Station.
Dive deep into Beijing’s most iconic central spots today: join an expert CEO-led tour of sprawling Tiananmen Square, then climb to the top of Jingshan Park for sweeping panoramic views of the entire Forbidden City complex spread out below. Next, wander through the winding, centuries-old alleyways of a traditional Beijing hutong, before ending your day at the historic Drum and Bell Tower, the ancient timekeeping heart of old Beijing. 🏨 Another night at Golden Inns near Beijing South Railway Station.
Today brings one of your trip’s most anticipated experiences: a full day exploring the stunning, less crowded Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. Hike along the ancient stone battlements, soak up jaw-dropping mountain views, and learn about the wall’s 2,000+ years of history before departing for Xi’an, the ancient capital of 13 Chinese dynasties. 🍽️ A delicious lunch is included on your day of exploration.
Settle into Xi’an’s charming ancient city vibe with a casual orientation walk to get your bearings in the city center, then head out on a guided tour of Xi’an’s most famous treasure: the UNESCO-listed Terracotta Warriors, the thousands of life-sized clay burial army built for China’s first emperor. End your day wandering the bustling, food-filled lanes of the historic Muslim Quarter, where you can sample local street snacks as you explore. 🏨 Stay at the charming Bancheng Guesthouse.
Leave Xi’an and travel southwest to Chengdu, the laid-back, food-loving capital of Sichuan province. Get your first feel for the city on a casual orientation walk around downtown, then get ready for a fun night out exploring Chengdu’s world-famous food scene and vibrant nightlife. 🏨 Stay at the local-themed Poshpacker Local Tea Hostel.
Spend a full day exploring Chengdu’s most beloved local spots: start with a stroll through leafy People’s Park, where you can watch locals play mahjong and sip traditional Sichuan tea, before stopping by bustling Tianfu Square, Chengdu’s central public gathering space. Next, wander the beautifully restored traditional courtyard lanes of Kuan Zhai Xiang Zi, picking up souvenirs and sampling local Sichuan snacks along the way. 🏨 Another night at Poshpacker Local Tea Hostel.
Leave Chengdu and travel to Yangshuo, the scenic riverside town famous for its dramatic limestone karst peaks. Get settled with a gentle orientation walk around town to get your bearings, and soak in your first views of the iconic peaks that surround the area. 🍽️ Lunch is included on your travel day, and 🏨 you’ll stay at the cozy Floral Hotel Memorize Scene.
Explore Yangshuo’s stunning countryside on a guided cycling tour, riding along quiet country lanes past rice paddies, karst outcrops, and tiny local villages. Stop to take in breathtaking views and interact with local residents, with a delicious homemade lunch served at a family-run local restaurant mid-tour. 🍽️ Lunch is included, and 🏨 you’ll stay another night at Floral Hotel Memorize Scene.
Enjoy a full free day in Yangshuo to explore at your own pace! Whether you want to take a bamboo raft down the Li River, hike to a mountain viewpoint for panoramic peak views, sample Guilin rice noodles at a local spot, or just relax with a coffee overlooking the river, the day is entirely yours to customize. 🏨 Stay at Floral Hotel Memorize Scene for the night.
Leave scenic Yangshuo and travel to Guangzhou, the bustling southern Chinese trading hub with thousands of years of history as a port city. Spend the day exploring the city’s top sights: wander the lush, monument-filled grounds of Yuexiu Park, tour the intricately carved traditional courtyard architecture of Chen Clan Academy, and end your day strolling along the tree-lined, colonial-era riverfront of Shamian Island. 🏨 Stay at Five Rams City Hotel in central Guangzhou.
Leave Guangzhou and head inland to Yongding, home to the world-famous Hakka tulou—unique circular fortified clay villages built by the Hakka ethnic group hundreds of years ago. Spend the afternoon exploring a well-preserved ancient tulou and learning about the Hakka people’s unique communal culture. 🏨 Stay overnight at the charming Yuchenglou Guesthouse, located right inside a historic tulou for an authentic experience.
Dive deeper into traditional Hakka culture today with an orientation walk through the Hakka Cultural Village, where you can see traditional folk craft demonstrations, sample authentic Hakka cuisine, and learn more about the long history of Hakka communities in southern China. Take time to soak up the quiet, laid-back vibe of rural southern China away from big city crowds. 🏨 Another night at Yuchenglou Guesthouse.
After your time exploring rural Hakka country, travel north to Shanghai, China’s most dynamic and modern metropolis, to wrap up your trip. Settle into your central hotel after your journey, with the evening free to catch your first glimpse of Shanghai’s famous glittering skyline. 🏨 Stay at the Green Oriental Hotel Hongkou Branch (HuaYi Eastern Shanghai).
Get to know Shanghai’s unique mix of old and new today: start with a casual orientation walk through the city center to get your bearings, then wander through the winding lanes of Old Town Shanghai, where you can see traditional shikumen architecture, visit ancient temples, and try local Shanghai specialties like soup dumplings. End your day with a fun night out, taking in Shanghai’s famous nightlife and stunning skyline views along the Bund. 🏨 Another night at Green Oriental Hotel Hongkou Branch.
Your 15-day cross-China adventure comes to a close today. After checking out of your hotel, you’ll be ready to depart with lasting memories of your journey through ancient and modern China.
Min 2 · Max 20 people per group
Traveler reviews
April 30, 2026
I was worried that visiting six cities in 15 days would feel chaotic, but the itinerary was so well-planned that I never felt hurried. Each city gave me a completely different perspective on China: ancient imperial history in Beijing and Xi'an, buzzing modern energy in Shanghai and Guangzhou, laid-back panda-filled charm in Chengdu, and layered modern history in Nanjing. I got to try every iconic regional dish, from Sichuan hotpot to Peking duck to Cantonese dim sum, and I have zero regrets about the extra pounds I gained. This is the perfect tour for first-time visitors who want to see the best of China without the stress of planning everything yourself.
February 19, 2026
As someone who loves both history and regional food, this tour checked every single box for me. I explored Nanjing's ancient city walls, ate hand-pulled noodles in Guangzhou, cycled through Beijing's old hutongs, and watched the skyline light up over Shanghai's Bund. The pace was perfect, giving us enough free time to wander on our own while still hitting all the iconic must-see spots. I already recommend this tour to every friend asking about a first trip to China.
October 11, 2025
This immersive tour gave me a wonderful well-rounded view of modern and ancient China that I'll never forget.
May 2, 2025
I traveled during Golden Week, so all top attractions like the Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors were far more wonderful than I anticipated. Otherwise, the balanced itinerary covering all six cities was fantastic, and every cultural experience felt authentic.
April 27, 2025
My consultant Lynn from HelloChinaTrip helped me adjust a few small details of the itinerary before departure, and everything went off without a hitch. From the Great Wall to giant pandas, every stop exceeded my high expectations.
March 12, 2025
This 15-day tour of China's most iconic cities was the best international trip I have ever taken.
January 9, 2025
Walking the Great Wall outside Beijing and holding a giant panda cub in Chengdu were experiences I've dreamed of for years. This tour perfectly balances iconic landmarks and intimate cultural experiences that let you really connect with each place you visit.
December 18, 2024
I got to see the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, hold a baby panda in Chengdu, and walk the Bund at sunset in Shanghai. Every curated cultural stop felt intentional, and we never felt rushed between cities.
