🌟 Highlights
- Traverse 7 of China’s most iconic regions, blending thousands of years of imperial history, dramatic natural scenery, and dynamic modern city vibes into one seamless cross-country adventure.
- Get authentic local experiences: countryside cycling through jagged karst peaks, home-cooked regional meals, and a front-row seat to legendary Shaolin kung fu performances.
- Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base to get up close to China’s most beloved animal and learn about global conservation efforts.
- All core activities and iconic sightseeing stops are pre-organized, so you can focus on enjoying your trip without the hassle of independent planning.
🗺️ Itinerary Overview
This 17-day curated journey kicks off in the international gateway of Hong Kong, before moving into the jaw-dropping karst countryside of Yangshuo for outdoor adventure. It continues on to panda-packed Chengdu, the ancient imperial capital of Xi’an, the Buddhist art hub of Luoyang, and legendary Shaolin Temple, before heading north to Beijing to walk the Great Wall and explore the Forbidden City. The trip wraps up with a stop in serene, garden-filled Suzhou, and ends in the glittering modern metropolis of Shanghai, giving you a complete portrait of China’s diverse landscapes, layered history, and vibrant contemporary culture.
📖 Day-by-Day Itinerary
🌟 Day 1: Hong Kong
Arrive in the bustling, iconic international hub of Hong Kong today! Settle into your accommodation at your own pace, wander nearby neighborhoods, sample local street food, or soak up stunning Victoria Harbour views before your cross-country China adventure officially begins. No meals included today.
🌟 Day 2: Hong Kong → Yangshuo
Today you’ll travel from Hong Kong to scenic Yangshuo, tucked into Guangxi’s world-famous karst country. After checking in, you can stretch your legs with a casual stroll and catch your first glimpse of the jagged limestone peaks that rise from the Li River’s banks. 🍽️ Breakfast included.
🌟 Day 3: Yangshuo
Get ready for a day of outdoor fun exploring Yangshuo’s one-of-a-kind landscape! You’ll head out on a guided cycling tour through the quiet countryside, pedaling past rice paddies, sleepy farming villages, and towering karst formations. All gear (bikes and safety helmets) is provided, so you just need to enjoy the fresh air. Midday, you’ll stop at a local friend’s home for a casual lunch made with fresh, locally grown produce straight from the surrounding fields, for an authentic taste of rural southern China. 🍽️ Breakfast and lunch included.
🌟 Day 4: Yangshuo
Today is your free day to explore Yangshuo at your own pace! You can book a bamboo raft cruise down the Li River, browse the night market for handcrafted souvenirs, hike to a hilltop viewpoint for panoramic karst photos, or just relax at a riverside café watching the world go by. 🍽️ Breakfast included.
🌟 Day 5: Yangshuo → Chengdu
Today you’ll depart Yangshuo and travel to Chengdu, the laid-back capital of Sichuan province. Once you arrive, join a leisurely walking tour of two of the city’s most beloved local spots: bustling central Tianfu Square, and leafy People’s Park, where you can watch locals play mahjong, drink tea, and practice morning tai chi. 🍽️ Breakfast included.
🌟 Day 6: Chengdu
Today is the day many visitors wait for: a full visit to the world-famous Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base! Wander through lush, natural enclosures to see giant pandas (and even rare red pandas) munching bamboo, playing, and napping in the shade, and learn about the incredible conservation work being done to protect these iconic animals. 🍽️ Breakfast included.
🌟 Day 7: Chengdu → Xi'an
Today you’ll travel from Chengdu to Xi’an, one of China’s four great ancient capitals and home to the world-famous Terracotta Army. After arriving, set out on a walking tour of the bustling Muslim Quarter, where you can sniff out delicious street food snacks as you wander, then stop to admire the ancient Xi’an City Walls and Gates—one of the best-preserved ancient city fortifications in the world. 🍽️ Breakfast included.
🌟 Day 8: Xi'an
Today you’ll visit the legendary Terracotta Warriors archaeological site, one of the most spectacular ancient discoveries in the world. Walk through massive excavation pits to see thousands of life-sized, individually carved warrior and horse statues built to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang over 2,000 years ago, and learn about the site’s history and ongoing archaeology from your guide. 🍽️ Breakfast included.
🌟 Day 9: Xi'an → Luoyang
Leave Xi’an behind today and travel to Luoyang, an ancient capital and centuries-old center of Buddhist art in China. After arriving, join a guided exploration of the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO-listed site with thousands of carved Buddha statues and inscriptions cut into the limestone cliffs over 1,500 years ago. 🍽️ Breakfast included.
🌟 Day 10: Luoyang → Shaolin Temple
Today is dedicated to exploring the legendary birthplace of Shaolin kung fu! You’ll tour the ancient Shaolin Monastery nestled at the foot of Song Mountain, then wander through the atmospheric Shaolin Pagoda Forest, the historic burial ground for eminent Shaolin monks. After that, catch a thrilling live Shaolin Kung Fu performance from the temple’s resident martial artists. Midday, you’ll enjoy a delicious Buddhist vegetarian lunch at Yongtai Temple, a simple yet flavorful meal rooted in centuries-old monastic tradition. 🍽️ Breakfast and Buddhist vegetarian lunch included.
🌟 Day 11: Beijing
Today you’ll travel to Beijing, China’s modern capital and home to centuries of imperial history. Arrive and settle into your accommodation at your leisure, with the rest of the day free to explore nearby attractions or rest after your journey. 🍽️ Breakfast included.
🌟 Day 12: Beijing
Today you’ll head out of the city to visit the stunning Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. Walk along the ancient stone battlements winding over misty mountain ridges, soak up sweeping panoramic views of the wall stretching into the distance, and snap photos of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. 🍽️ Breakfast included.
🌟 Day 13: Beijing
Dive into Beijing’s imperial history today! First, you’ll explore the vast open spaces of Tiananmen Square, then step inside the Forbidden City, the centuries-old walled imperial palace complex that was home to Chinese emperors for hundreds of years. After exploring the palace, you’ll wander through a traditional Beijing hutong (alley neighborhood) to get a taste of old Beijing local life. In the evening, you’ll enjoy an iconic Beijing Roast Duck dinner, with crispy skin and tender meat paired with classic sides. 🍽️ Breakfast and Beijing Duck dinner included.
🌟 Day 14: Beijing → Suzhou
Depart Beijing today and travel to Suzhou, the picturesque “Venice of the East” famous for its delicate classical gardens and water towns. After arriving, take a leisurely walking tour of the city to get oriented, then explore one of Suzhou’s world-famous classical Chinese gardens, designed to evoke natural landscapes in miniature. In the evening, settle in for a traditional performance of local music, opera, and theater for an immersive taste of Suzhou’s rich cultural heritage. 🍽️ Breakfast included.
🌟 Day 15: Suzhou → Shanghai
Leave Suzhou this morning and travel to Shanghai, China’s most dynamic modern metropolis. After arriving, join an orientation walking tour to get your bearings, then explore two of Shanghai’s most iconic districts: the glittering waterfront of The Bund, lined with historic colonial-era buildings, and charming Old Town, where you can browse traditional shops and soak up old Shanghai vibes. 🍽️ Breakfast included.
🌟 Day 16: Shanghai
Dive deeper into Shanghai’s rich history and culture today! Your walking tour will take you through the city’s most historic neighborhoods, you’ll revisit The Bund for daytime views, then explore the beautiful traditional Yuyuan Gardens, a 400-year-old classical garden in the heart of the city. In the evening, you’ll gather for a dinner of delicious local Shanghai specialties, from soup dumplings to classic Shanghainese sweet and savory dishes. 🍽️ Breakfast and Shanghai specialties dinner included.
🌟 Day 17: Shanghai
Today marks the end of your 17-day China adventure! After breakfast, you’ll check out and prepare for your onward journey, taking home endless memories of your cross-country trip through China. 🍽️ Breakfast included.
✅ What's Included
- Guided countryside cycling tour through Yangshuo’s karst landscape, complete with bike rental and safety helmets
- Home-cooked lunch featuring fresh, locally grown produce at a local Yangshuo resident’s home
- All pre-planned guided sightseeing activities: Tianfu Square & People’s Park walking tour, Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base entry, Xi'an Muslim Quarter walking tour, Xi'an City Walls and Gates viewing, Terracotta Warriors archaeological site entry, Longmen Grottoes guided exploration, Shaolin Monastery and Pagoda Forest access, live Shaolin Kung Fu performance, Buddhist vegetarian lunch at Yongtai Temple, and Mutianyu Great Wall entry
- All included meals outlined in the day-by-day itinerary
❌ What's Not Included
- All core experiences and activities listed in this itinerary are included; no mandatory fees for outlined attractions and meals are excluded from the package
ℹ️ Important Information
