Amara Hassan
April 22, 2026
Customized China Tours Tailored Just for You
This 13-day fully private customizable tour whisks you across China, leading you from centuries-old ancient imperial capitals to the legendary, dreamlike landscapes near Shangri-La across five handpicked destinations: Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Lijiang, and the scenic Yangtze River. Curated to deliver the perfect blend of iconic imperial history and breathtaking natural Chinese beauty, this tour boasts unbeatable pricing, thoughtful itinerary curation, and secure trusted payment processes for a stress-free, unforgettable adventure.
This cross-country journey starts in the grand imperial capital of Beijing, winds through the ancient archaeological sites of Xi'an, traverses the stunning minority cultural heartland of Yunnan (stopping in Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La along the way), and ends in laid-back panda-country Chengdu, with stops along the Yangtze River at its most dramatic stretches. The route is carefully curated to balance bucket-list iconic sights with off-the-beaten-path cultural and natural encounters, taking you from the red walls of the Forbidden City to the misty deep gorges of the upper Yangtze for a truly well-rounded introduction to China.
🌟 Day 1: Beijing Today is your arrival day in China's buzzing capital! Take time to settle into your accommodation after your travel, acclimate to the new surroundings, and explore your neighborhood at your own pace. A complimentary breakfast is included 🍽️ to kick off your trip, and overnight accommodation in Beijing is provided 🏨.
🌟 Day 2: Beijing Get ready to check two of China's most iconic bucket-list sights off your list today. Start with a walk through the sprawling Forbidden City, the centuries-old exclusive imperial residence that once was closed off to all but the emperor's court. In the afternoon, head to the Great Wall: you'll ride a cable car up to the wall's ridge before setting off on a scenic hike along this legendary ancient structure, with sweeping views of surrounding mountains. Breakfast is included 🍽️, with another night of accommodation in Beijing 🏨.
🌟 Day 3: Beijing Enjoy a free, unscheduled day to explore Beijing exactly how you want today. Whether you want to sample famous Peking duck, browse crowded silk markets, visit a hidden local temple, or just relax at your hotel, the day is yours to customize. Breakfast is included 🍽️, with overnight accommodation in Beijing 🏨.
🌟 Day 4: Beijing to Xi'an Today you travel south to Xi'an, one of China's four great ancient imperial capitals. Once you arrive, dive into the city's rich multicultural history with a wander through the lively, food-filled Muslim Quarter, where you can sniff out fragrant street snacks and browse local craft stalls. Next, visit the ancient Great Mosque, a stunning blend of Chinese and Islamic architectural styles tucked away in the city's old center. Breakfast is included 🍽️, with overnight accommodation in Xi'an 🏨.
🌟 Day 5: Xi'an to Dali Kick off your day with Xi'an's most famous attraction: the Terracotta Warriors, a 2,000-year-old archaeological wonder of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers built to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Spend time marveling at this incredible ancient site before traveling onward to Dali, your base for exploring Yunnan's stunning lakeside landscapes. Breakfast is included 🍽️, with overnight accommodation in Dali 🏨.
🌟 Day 6: Dali Soak up Dali's laid-back lakeside vibe on a full day of exploration today! You'll bike along the car-free Erhai Ecological Corridor, a scenic path winding along Erhai Lake's shore with postcard views of the water and distant Cangshan Mountains. Your ride ends at charming Xizhou Village, followed by a visit to a traditional Bai Minority Village to experience local culture first-hand. Breakfast is included 🍽️, with overnight accommodation in Dali 🏨.
🌟 Day 7: Dali to Lijiang After a relaxing day by the lake, you'll travel from Dali to Lijiang, Yunnan's beloved ancient cultural hub. Once you arrive, wander the winding cobblestone lanes of UNESCO-listed Lijiang Ancient Town, full of traditional wooden courtyard homes and bustling craft shops. Later, climb Lion Hill for unbeatable panoramic views over the entire old town and surrounding snow-capped peaks. Breakfast is included 🍽️, with overnight accommodation in Lijiang 🏨.
🌟 Day 8: Lijiang Today is dedicated to exploring Lijiang's lesser-known historic gems and immersive Naxi culture. Start with a quiet visit to Baisha Ancient Town, one of the oldest Naxi settlements in the region, before stopping at a historic temple decorated with stunning centuries-old frescoes. Next, head to scenic Yuhu Village, nestled at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, before joining a local Naxi family for a hands-on cultural experience where you'll make traditional soymilk, tofu curd, and handcrafted Naxi paper. Breakfast and lunch are included 🍽️, with overnight accommodation in Lijiang 🏨.
🌟 Day 9: Lijiang to Shangri-La Today you journey north into the high alpine landscapes of mystical Shangri-La. Along the route, stop to take in jaw-dropping views of dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest river gorges in the world, plus the iconic natural landmark of the Yangtze's First Bend. You'll also pass through remote minority villages, getting a glimpse of traditional highland life. Breakfast and lunch are included 🍽️, with overnight accommodation in Shangri-La 🏨.
🌟 Day 10: Shangri-La Immerse yourself in Shangri-La's pristine nature and rich Tibetan Buddhist culture today. Start with a peaceful walk through Pudacuo National Park, where you'll wander past crystal-clear alpine lakes, lush primeval forests, and wildflower-filled meadows. In the afternoon, visit the grand Gedan Songzanlin Monastery, Yunnan's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, before getting the rare opportunity to meet and discuss Buddhist culture with a practicing lama. Breakfast and lunch are included 🍽️, with another night of accommodation in Shangri-La 🏨.
🌟 Day 11: Shangri-La to Chengdu Before leaving Shangri-La, explore the ancient stone lanes of Dukezong Ancient Town, a historic Tibetan trading town sitting 3,000 meters above sea level. Don't miss the chance to spin the world's largest prayer wheel, a beloved local tradition said to bring good fortune. After your exploration, travel onward to Chengdu, the laid-back capital of Sichuan, for the final leg of your tour. Breakfast is included 🍽️, with overnight accommodation in Chengdu 🏨.
🌟 Day 12: Chengdu Spend your last full day of the tour exploring Chengdu's best highlights. First, visit the world-famous Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, where you can get up close to adorable giant pandas as they munch bamboo and play in their lush enclosures. Next, dive into local history at the Chengdu Museum, before ending your day at the serene thousand-year-old Wenshu Temple, known for its tranquil gardens and tasty vegetarian snacks. Breakfast is included 🍽️, with overnight accommodation in Chengdu 🏨.
🌟 Day 13: Chengdu Departure Today marks the end of your Chinese adventure! Enjoy a final complimentary breakfast 🍽️ before you head to the airport for your onward departure, taking with you endless unforgettable memories of your journey.
Min 2 · Max 20 people per group
Traveler reviews
April 22, 2026
As someone who has traveled all over the world, I can say this 13-day private tour is one of the most well-crafted itineraries I've ever experienced. It perfectly balances the rich history of Beijing and Xi'an with the laid-back charm of Chengdu and the dramatic natural beauty of Lijiang near Shangri-La. Because it's fully customizable, I was able to add an extra day of hiking to my itinerary and cut a couple of touristy shopping stops that I didn't care about, which made the trip feel completely tailored to my interests. Every detail was taken care of from the moment I landed to the day I departed, so I never had to stress about planning or logistics. I would recommend this tour to any solo traveler or group looking for an authentic, stress-free trip across China.
February 10, 2026
We traveled during the Lunar New Year holiday in early February, so all the major historical sites were far more wonderful than we anticipated, and we had three straight days of cold rain in Lijiang that cut short our planned mountain hike. The tour itself was flawlessly organized, our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, and every other part of the experience was fantastic.
November 3, 2025
The contrast between the ancient imperial capitals and the dreamlike landscapes near Shangri-La made this a truly unforgettable trip.
April 18, 2025
When I reached out to HelloChinaTrip to customize this trip for my family of four, consultant Will adjusted the itinerary perfectly to accommodate my son's obsession with pandas in Chengdu and my love of ancient imperial history in Xi'an and Beijing. Every private transfer was on time, all of our guides were incredibly knowledgeable about local culture and history, and the final days exploring the landscapes near Shangri-La outside Lijiang were absolutely breathtaking. We got to try authentic home-cooked local food at spots that would never show up on generic travel guides, and every hotel we stayed at was comfortable and centrally located. This is easily the best-planned international trip my family has ever taken.
March 12, 2025
This private custom China tour exceeded every single one of my expectations.
December 28, 2024
Visiting Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Lijiang in one seamless trip was perfectly paced, and we never felt rushed between stops. Our private guide knew all the best hidden snack spots and quiet viewing areas away from the main tourist crowds. I would absolutely book this tour again for anyone wanting a stress-free introduction to China.
