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12 Days Timeless China Explorer Trip
Embark on a 12-day immersive journey to the cultural heart of China. From Beijing's imperial palaces and the Great Wall to the ancient warriors of Xi'an and the spicy streets of Chengdu, this expertly curated tour connects the best of China's history, food, and natural beauty. Explore UNESCO-listed sites, enjoy thrilling high-speed train rides, meet giant pandas, and cruise past the world's largest Buddha. This once-in-a-lifetime trip combines bucket-list landmarks with local experiences, traditional performances, and authentic flavors, making it perfect for curious and adventurous travelers.
Day 1 - 2 Arrive in Beijing & Street Food Delights
Arrive in Beijing and check in to your hotel for some rest. In the evening, stroll through the lively Wangfujing Snack Street where sizzling skewers, candied fruits, and spicy dumplings offer a thrilling introduction to Chinese street food culture.
Explore the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Tiananmen Square
Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors and Ancient Chariots in Xi'an
Get up close with giant pandas in Chengdu
Cruise to admire the mighty Leshan Giant Buddha
Day 3 Forbidden City & Peking Duck Dinner
Start your morning in Tiananmen Square, then dive deep into China's imperial legacy with a guided tour of the majestic Forbidden City. Continue your exploration of this sprawling palace complex in the afternoon. Cap the day with a traditional Peking Duck feast—crispy skin, delicate pancakes, and rich flavors.
Tiananmen Square
Forbidden City
Peking Duck Dinner
Day 4 Great Wall Adventure
The Great Wall
Set out early for an unforgettable journey to the Great Wall of China. Spend your day walking along the ancient stone ramparts, soaking in panoramic mountain views. Return to Beijing in the evening for a well-deserved rest.
Day 5 High-Speed to Xi'an
High-speed train experience
Muslim Quarter Night Market
Hop on a high-speed train to Xi'an, the starting point of the Silk Road. After checking in, enjoy free time to explore. As night falls, wander through the famous Muslim Quarter night market, where you can sample local specialties like lamb skewers, roujiamo (Chinese burger), and hand-pulled noodles.
Day 6 Terracotta Warriors & Epic Outdoor Show
Terracotta Warriors
The Song of Everlasting Sorrow Show
Visit the legendary Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring thousands of life-sized clay soldiers buried with China's first emperor. Explore the Bronze Chariots and Horses Museum to see remarkable ancient artifacts. In the evening, be captivated by The Song of Everlasting Sorrow, a grand outdoor performance in a historic palace setting.
Day 7 Ancient Xi'an: Museums, Walls & Night Lights
Xi'an Museum
Start your day at Xi'an Museum and the peaceful Small Wild Goose Pagoda, then cycle along the ancient City Wall from Yongning Gate for sweeping views of the old town. In the evening, head to the Great Tang All Day City—a dazzling pedestrian zone filled with lights, performances, and Tang Dynasty vibes.
Day 8 High-Speed to Chengdu & Sichuan Show
Face-changing performance
Sichuan Hotpot Dinner
Take the high-speed train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan. After hotel check-in and free time to relax, enjoy a fiery hotpot dinner while watching Sichuan opera's mesmerizing face-changing performance.
Day 9 Pandas & Ancient Shu Treasures
Panda Base
Start your morning with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you'll see these adorable creatures up close. In the afternoon, explore the Jinsha Site Museum, home to ancient gold masks and mysterious relics of the Shu civilization. Enjoy a free evening in Chengdu to shop, eat, or unwind.
Day 10 Dujiangyan & Mount Qingcheng Taoist Journey
Beijing
Travel to Dujiangyan, an ancient irrigation marvel still in use today. Afterward, hike the scenic front side of Mount Qingcheng, a Taoist holy site nestled in misty forests. Take part in a peaceful Tai Chi session before returning to Chengdu.
Airport Pick-up
Accommodation
Transport all day
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Transport all day
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
High-speed train
Lunch
Accommodation
Transport all day
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Transport all day
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
High-speed train
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Transport all day
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Small Wild Goose Pagoda
Jinsha Museum
Shopping Time
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Mount Qingcheng
Tai Chi Experience
Transport all day
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Day 11 Cruise to the Leshan Giant Buddha
Leshan Giant Buddha Boat Tour
Head to Leshan and cruise the river to admire the world's largest stone Buddha, carved into a cliffside overlooking the confluence of three rivers. Marvel at the serene grandeur of this sacred site before returning to Chengdu in the evening.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cruise
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Day 12 Fly Home
After an incredible journey through China's ancient capitals and modern marvels, transfer to the airport for your flight back home —taking with you a treasure trove of cultural memories and unforgettable experiences.
Airport Drop-off
What's Included in the Package
Accommodation - boutique hotels, traditional guesthouses, and local style lodges (twin share rooms or private rooms upon request)
Transportation - Airport pick and drop off, private transfers , experienced local drivers, river cruise and high-speed train
Meals - Meals listed in the itinerary, selected local specialty meals, 9 lunches and 8 dinners, please notify us if you have any food allergy
Guided Services - English-speaking local guide throughout the trip and cultural interpreter for key heritage experiences
Activities & Experiences - Tickets to all attractions and activities, culture shows and hands-on cultural experiences included in the itinerary
Support & Safety - Travel insurance covering local emergency medical assistance and on-ground support during the trip
Cost not Included
International Airfare - Flights between your country and China are not included in the package
International Travel Insurance - Comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, luggage, etc.
Visa fees - Visa fees and associated costs
Personal Expenses - Meals not mentioned in the itinerary, optional activities, bar expenses and other personal purchases/shopping/expenses on the trip
Others - Anything not mentioned in the package
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