Signature 12-Day China Impression Tour
Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Shanghai
🛏️ Accommodations
4 Stars or equivalent
✈️ Transportation
Flight, Train, Private Car
👥 Group Size
Max 12
🗓️ Best Season
Mar - Oct
🚶 Fitness Level
Easy to Moderate
🗣️ Language
English
What’s Included
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11 nights accommodations in handpicked hotels that blend local charm with modern comfort (double occupancy**)
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11 breakfasts at hotels
10 lunches, featuring local specialties
11 dinners, including special meals like Peking Duck, Sichuan Hotpot, and Shuyan Banquet
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All entrance fees mentioned on the itinerary
All immersive experiences mentioned on the itinerary
Dian Cha Tea Ceremony
Hutong Rickshaw Ride
Tai Chi Class
Cooking Class
Face-Changing Performance
Golden Impression Massage
Shanghai Tower with Afternoon Tea
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Airport transfers for both arrival & departure
2 high-speed trains (1st class) from Beijing to Xi’an and Xi’an to Chengdu
1 domestic flight (economy class) from Chengdu to Shanghai
Private AC vehicle & driver for all in-city transport
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An expert English-speaking guide with local knowledge & insights in each city
Gratuities for drivers and guides included
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General travel incident insurance
Daily drinking water
VAT taxes
What’s NOT Included
International airfares
Visa application fees
Souvenirs & other personal expenses
Activities not in the itinerary
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Warm Welcome
Touch down in Beijing, where our dedicated team will greet you at the airport and ensure a seamless transfer to your hotels. Take time to settle in after your journey.
Kick off the tour with an orientation session. This is your chance to engage with your expert guide and travel group, learn about the exciting adventures ahead, and pick up helpful tips for your trip.
Enjoy a welcome dinner at a traditional courtyard restaurant, offering an authentic taste of Beijing’s culinary heritage.
Day 2: The Imperial Capital
Start your day with a private guided tour of the majestic Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as the imperial palace for nearly 500 years. Explore the Palace Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of Chinese art and artifacts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the opulent lives of past emperors.
Ascend Jingshan Park for panoramic views of Beijing’s skyline, including the stunning Forbidden City below.
Immerse yourself in a Hutong Tour with a traditional rickshaw ride, exploring the narrow alleyways of Beijing’s historic neighborhoods and uncovering their unique history and charm.
End the day with a feast at one of Beijing’s finest restaurants, savoring the iconic Peking Duck, celebrated for its perfectly crispy skin and rich, flavorful tradition refined over centuries.
Day 3: Walking the Great Wall
Begin your day with a private journey to the the Great Wall at Mutianyu, one of the most iconic attractions in China and the world, and a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering stunning views and a glimpse into China's rich history. This section of the Great Wall is known for its tranquil atmosphere, fewer crowds, and is very popular among western visitors.
After returning to the city, immerse yourself in an Dian Cha (Tea Whisking) Experience, a historic tea preparation method that flourished during the Song Dynasty. In this 2-hour session, explore the tradition’s rich history, master the intricate seven-layer tea whisking technique, create delicate tea paste art, and savor the refined flavors of this ritual.
Day 4: Temple Tranquility
Start your day at the Temple of Heaven, a peaceful landmark from the Ming Dynasty and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the morning sun as you explore the serene grounds where ancient rituals once took place.
Participate in a Tai Chi class led by a master instructor, experiencing the calming flow of this traditional practice while immersing yourself in local culture.
In the afternoon, take part in a 2.5-hour interactive cooking class, where you’ll learn to prepare popular Chinese dishes. Get hands-on experience with essential cooking techniques, discover the secrets of a Chinese kitchen to create authentic Chinese dishes using fresh, local ingredients.
Day 5: High-Speed to History
Start your day by browsing the vibrant stalls of a local flea market, perfect for honing your bargaining skills and finding unique treasures or souvenirs.
After lunch, board a high-speed train to Xi’an. Enjoy a comfortable ride as you watch China's diverse landscapes unfold outside your window. Upon arrival, indulge in the rich flavors of the Silk Road with dinner at a traditional restaurant before checking into your hotel.
In the evening, immerse yourself in the energy of Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, a lively cultural hub brimming with history, vibrant markets, and irresistible street food. Wander through its bustling alleys, sample local delicacies, and explore the unique crafts that make this neighborhood unforgettable.
Day 6: Guardians of Time
Begin your day at the iconic Terracotta Warriors Museum, where thousands of life-sized sculptures silently stand guard over the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
Continue your journey with a stroll or bike ride atop the Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China. This centuries-old structure offers a vantage point to admire Xi’an’s blend of ancient charm and modern energy.
As evening falls, experience the mesmerizing Big Goose Pagoda Musical Fountain, Asia's largest outdoor fountain, where a dazzling show of water, lights, and music, set against the backdrop of this historic site Conclude your day with a leisurely exploration of Ever-Bright City, a vibrant area filled with bustling shops, colorful lights, and lively entertainment—a perfect way to end your time in Xi’an.
Day 7: Culinary & Cultural Charm
Begin your day with a high-speed train ride to Chengdu enjoying a smooth and scenic journey to the culinary capital of China. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and settle in before exploring the city’s vibrant energy. Stroll through the bustling shopping streets of Chunxi Road, Taiguli, and IFS, where modern luxury meets local culture.
Embrace the relaxed pace of Chengdu with a visit to People’s Park, where you’ll sip traditional tea at an open-air teahouse and soak in the city’s famous leisurely lifestyle.
In the evening, indulge in the bold and flavorful experience of a Sichuan hotpot, a signature culinary tradition renowned for its spice and warmth. Wrap up your day with a dazzling face-changing performance, a captivating highlight of Sichuan opera and ancient artistry.
Day 8: Pandas & Ancient Engineering
Start your day with a visit to the Dujiangyan Panda Base, where you’ll observe giant pandas in a tranquil setting that mimics their natural habitat. Watch these gentle creatures as they play, eat, and relax—an unforgettable experience for animal lovers.
Explore the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a 2,000-year-old engineering marvel that continues to benefit the region to this day. Walk through its stunning surroundings and learn about the ingenious design that has stood the test of time.
Conclude your day with a relaxing Golden Impression massage, a cherished local tradition that offers the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploration.
Day 9: Ancient Wonders & Flavors
Dive into the fascinating history of the Sanxingdui Museum, where you’ll explore intricately crafted bronze artifacts, golden relics, and other treasures from a mysterious civilization that thrived over 3,000 years ago. This immersive experience is perfect for uncovering the rich heritage of Sichuan.
In the evening, enjoy a Shuyan Banquet, a lavish dining experience inspired by how people dined and celebrated in ancient times. Savor Sichuan delicacies while taking in traditional performances that bring the banquet’s historical atmosphere to life.
Day 10: Modern Splendor
Board your morning flight to Shanghai and arrive in China’s bustling cosmopolitan hub. After landing, settle into your hotel and enjoy some downtime to recharge before diving into the city’s vibrant energy.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely stroll through the Former French Concession, where historic streets meet boutique shops, trendy cafes, and a unique blend of European and Chinese influences.
As evening falls, visit the Bund, an iconic waterfront promenade with breathtaking views of Shanghai’s illuminated skyline, where colonial-era buildings stand in stunning contrast to the futuristic skyline across the river.
Day 11: Gardens & Sky-high Views
Start your day at the Yuyuan Garden, a masterpiece of classical Chinese.
Explore the vibrant Chenghuang Temple Food Street, where you can indulge in Shanghai’s famous street food, from soup dumplings to scallion pancakes, while soaking up the lively atmosphere.
Ascend the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China, to take in unparalleled panoramic views of this dynamic city from its observation deck. Enjoy an afternoon tea on the 119th floor.
Spend your afternoon with leisure time to explore this vibrant city at your own pace, followed by a farewell dinner with your group, reflecting on the journey and sharing one final memorable experience together.
Day 12: Fond Farewells
Bid farewell to China as our team arranges transportation to the airport for your return home. Option to extend your stay in Shanghai to explore more of its unique attractions and hidden gems at your own pace.
Where You Will Stay
We frequently partner with these distinctive hotels, with final selections confirmed about one month before departure. Our goal is to provide unique accommodations that blend local charm and modern comforts, offering you a memorable and relaxing stay.
Blossom House, Beijing
Nestled in the heart of Beijing's historic Hutongs, Blossom House offers a serene retreat surrounded by historically preserved "Siheyuan” (traditional Chinese courtyard houses). The hotel is centrally located, within walking distance of Houhai Park and Shichahai Lake, making it an ideal base for exploring the city's rich history and vibrant local culture. Blending timeless Chinese architecture with modern comfort, this property provides a unique experience for a glimpse into the city's heritage.
Heritage Hotel, Chengdu
Awarded as a top design hotel in the Asia-Pacific region, this charming boutique hotel is located in the heart of Chengdu's vibrant Jinjiang District. Renovated from a late Qing Dynasty traditional residence, the property seamlessly blends traditional Sichuan-style architecture with modern design, offering guests a unique stay that is both culturally immersive and exceptionally comfortable. Close to Chunxi Road, Taikoo Li, and other iconic attractions, the hotel is an oasis of calm amidst the bustling city.
Hidden Hotel, Xi’an
Located in the heart of Xi’an’s bustling Beilin District, Hidden Hotel offers a modern retreat infused with traditional Chinese aesthetics. Just steps from the city’s iconic South Gate, the hotel provides easy access to the historic Bell and Drum Towers, the vibrant Muslim Quarter, and the centuries-old City Wall. Thoughtfully designed with classic Chinese elements and contemporary comforts, this property offers a tranquil escape while keeping you close to the lively urban scene.
Hilton Garden Inn, Shanghai
Located in the heart of the iconic Lujiazui International Financial District, this hotel offers breathtaking views of the Huangpu River and Shanghai’s iconic skyline, including the famous “Lujiazui Trio”—the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center. Surrounded by premium shopping centers and towering business buildings, it combines convenience with sophistication, making it an ideal base for immersing yourself in the dynamic energy of the city.
* Final itinerary subject to change and/or cancel based on weather conditions, availability, or other unforeseen circumstances. Please refer to Terms & Conditions. The itinerary, including all activities and accommodations, will be confirmed 14 days prior to departure.
** Single room surcharge applies; check for pricing and availability prior to booking.