Mia Rodriguez
April 15, 2026
Spend 15 unforgettable days exploring China’s most famous major cities and iconic cultural heritage on this comprehensive cross-country tour. This handpicked itinerary takes you to six unmissable destinations: Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Nanjing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai, letting you experience the best of China’s diverse ancient culture and vibrant modern life in one seamless trip. Curated as a top-value travel experience, it offers competitive pricing and trusted, secure payment options for a completely worry-free journey.

This 15-day cross-country adventure starts in the imperial capital of Beijing, winds west through ancient Xi’an, south to panda country Chengdu and the dramatic limestone scenery of Yangshuo, then through the unique Hakka tulou villages of Fujian, before stopping in food-centric Guangzhou and ending in China’s most dynamic modern metropolis, Shanghai. The route weaves together thousands of years of cultural heritage, breathtaking natural landscapes, warm local hospitality, and the electric energy of 21st-century China, with seamless transitions between destinations that take all the stress out of planning your trip.
Kick off your Chinese adventure as soon as you arrive in the capital! We’ll host a friendly welcome meeting to go over your trip details, then take a casual orientation stroll to get your bearings in the city. End your first day with a group night out to explore Beijing’s buzzing evening vibe. 🏨 Stay at Golden Inns (Beijing South Railway Station)
Dive into Beijing’s layered history today. Join our special CEO-led tour of the iconic, historic Tiananmen Square, then climb up to Jingshan Park for sweeping panoramic views of the Forbidden City spread out below. We’ll wander through winding, centuries-old hutong alleyways to feel the charm of old Beijing, then visit the historic Drum and Bell Towers, the ancient timekeeping heart of the city. 🏨 Stay at Golden Inns (Beijing South Railway Station)
Get ready to visit one of the world’s most unforgettable wonders: the Great Wall of China! We’ll head to the peaceful, beautifully preserved Mutianyu section, where you can hike along ancient ramparts and take in sweeping mountain views. A delicious local lunch is included to recharge before your transfer to Xi’an for the next leg of the journey. 🍽️ Lunch included
Settle into Xi’an, the ancient capital of 13 Chinese dynasties, with a relaxing orientation stroll to get used to the city’s laid-back historic vibe. The day’s unmissable highlight is a fully guided tour of the world-famous Terracotta Army, where you’ll marvel at thousands of life-sized warrior statues built to guard the first emperor of China’s tomb. After the tour, we wander through the bustling Muslim Quarter to soak up Xi’an’s unique multicultural energy and spot countless street food specialties. 🏨 Stay at Bancheng Guesthouse
After a morning transfer from Xi’an, you’ll arrive in Chengdu, the laid-back Sichuan capital famous for pandas and spicy cuisine. We’ll take a gentle orientation walk to get familiar with the city’s tree-lined streets and friendly, relaxed vibe, then gear up for a fun group night out to try Sichuan’s iconic food and experience the city’s lively local nightlife. 🏨 Stay at Poshpacker Local Tea Hostel
Spend the day exploring Chengdu’s most beloved local spots. Start at People’s Park, where you can watch locals play mahjong, drink tea, and practice tai chi for a real taste of everyday Chengdu life. Next we stop at bustling Tianfu Square, the central heart of the city, before wandering through the restored ancient alleys of Kuan Zhai Xiang Zi, where you can shop for handcrafted souvenirs and snack on local treats. 🏨 Stay at Poshpacker Local Tea Hostel
Transfer from Chengdu to the stunning riverside town of Yangshuo, nestled between dramatic karst limestone peaks along the Li River. After checking into your hotel, we’ll take a casual orientation walk along the river to soak in the breathtaking natural scenery around you. 🍽️ Lunch included 🏨 Stay at Floral Hotel Memorize Scene
Explore Yangshuo’s idyllic countryside on a guided group cycle tour today! Pedal past lush rice paddies, along quiet riverbanks, and between jagged karst peaks, stopping to visit small local villages along the way. We’ll break for a delicious lunch at a family-run local restaurant mid-ride, all included in your tour. 🍽️ Lunch at local restaurant included 🏨 Stay at Floral Hotel Memorize Scene
Enjoy a full free day at leisure in beautiful Yangshuo! The day is entirely yours to customize: you can book a bamboo raft ride down the Li River, hike to a mountain viewpoint for sunset over the karsts, sample local Guilin rice noodles, or just relax by the river with a book. 🏨 Stay at Floral Hotel Memorize Scene
After transfer from Yangshuo, arrive in bustling Guangzhou, the commercial and culinary heart of southern China. Today we explore the city’s top highlights: we’ll wander through leafy, historic Yuexiu Park, visit the stunning Chen Clan Academy to admire intricate traditional Cantonese woodcarving and art, then stroll along the tree-lined colonial-era streets of Shamian Island, full of charming historic architecture and cozy local cafes. 🏨 Stay at Five Rams City Hotel
Travel from Guangzhou to the mountainous Yongding region of Fujian, home to the unique UNESCO-listed Hakka tulou: ancient circular fortified earth villages built as communal settlements hundreds of years ago. We’ll explore one of these incredible one-of-a-kind structures, learning about the unique history and culture of the Hakka people who call the region home. 🏨 Stay at Yuchenglou Guesthouse
Dive deeper into traditional Hakka culture today with a leisurely orientation walk through the Hakka Cultural Village. You’ll meet local residents, learn about traditional Hakka customs, crafts, and cuisine, and wander through quiet village lanes surrounded by lush mountain scenery. 🏨 Stay at Yuchenglou Guesthouse
Transfer from the mountain villages of Yongding to Shanghai, China’s most dynamic modern metropolis. After checking into your hotel, you’re free to relax after your journey or step out to get your first taste of Shanghai’s famous buzzing energy. 🏨 Stay at Green Oriental Hotel (Hongkou Branch)
Get to know Shanghai, a dazzling mix of ancient tradition and cutting-edge modernity. We start with an orientation stroll to get your bearings, then wander through atmospheric Old Town Shanghai, where you can explore traditional alleyways, visit ancient temples, and shop for traditional souvenirs. After a full day of exploring, we head out for a fun group night out: you can sample Shanghainese soup dumplings, admire the iconic Bund skyline lit up after dark, or explore the trendy bars of the former French Concession. 🏨 Stay at Green Oriental Hotel (Hongkou Branch)
Today marks the end of your cross-China adventure! After checking out of your hotel, you’ll prepare for your departure, taking with you endless memories of your 15-day journey through China’s most iconic destinations.
Min 2 · Max 20 people per group
Traveler reviews
April 15, 2026
This tour checked every single box on my China travel wishlist. I loved getting to explore six unmissable cities without the hassle of planning all transport and bookings myself. It was 15 unforgettable days full of amazing food, incredible history, and warm hospitality.
February 19, 2026
Every city on this itinerary had something unique and incredible to offer, I would recommend this tour to anyone.
May 2, 2025
I traveled during the May Golden Week holiday, so all the top attractions like the Forbidden City and Shanghai Bund were much more wonderful than I anticipated. The tour itself was perfectly organized, with all entry tickets pre-arranged and a great mix of guided exploration and free time to try local street food. I still had an amazing time exploring all the stops, the crowds were just an unavoidable downside of traveling during peak season.
April 21, 2025
Our consultant Lynn from HelloChinaTrip was incredibly helpful when I requested a small adjustment to our free time in Guangzhou to fit a quick family visit. Everything else about the tour ran smoothly from start to finish, with every iconic cultural site we wanted to see included in the 15-day route.
March 12, 2025
This 15-day cross-country China tour exceeded every expectation I had for my first trip to the country.
December 30, 2024
This handpicked itinerary is easily the best organized tour I’ve ever joined. It gives you the perfect mix of bucket list attractions – like the Great Wall outside Beijing and Xi'an’s Terracotta Army – and hidden local gems, such as Chengdu’s old teahouses and Nanjing’s historic city walls. The 15-day length is just right, never feeling too rushed or too slow, and it really highlights how diverse China’s culture and energy are across its major cities. I left with so many wonderful memories and already want to go back.
December 18, 2024
Seeing the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an and getting close to giant pandas in Chengdu were lifelong dreams come true. The itinerary balanced iconic heritage spots and modern city sights perfectly across all six cities.