Contact us info@vividtravelnz.com
15 Days Imperial China & Urban Wonders Trip
This 15-day China tour takes you from the imperial heart of Beijing to the ancient treasures of Xi'an, the panda-filled charm of Chengdu, and the dazzling skyline of Shanghai. Designed for travelers seeking deep cultural immersion and authentic local encounters, you'll explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites, enjoy regional cuisines, try traditional crafts, and witness world-class performances. Travel by high-speed train and plane for seamless, comfortable transitions across China’s most iconic destinations.
Day 1 - 2 Arrive in Beijing & Street Food Delights
Arrive in Beijing and settle into your hotel. Spend the evening exploring at your own pace—wander the city's bustling streets and get your first taste of local life in this dynamic metropolis.
Walk the Great Wall of China and uncover the secrets of the Forbidden City
Witness the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors and cycle the ancient Xi'an City Wall
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 Hutongs, Culture & Peking Opera
Shichahai Rickshaw Ride
Prince Gong's Mansion
Begin your day at Prince Gong's Mansion (Gongwangfu), a beautiful Qing Dynasty residence. Continue to the historic Shichahai area, where you'll ride a traditional rickshaw through the hutongs and try your hand at Chinese paper-cutting or another cultural craft. In the evening, watch a dazzling Peking Opera performance filled with color, music, and drama.
Day 6 High-Speed Train to Xi'an & Night Market
Bullet Train to Xi'an
Muslim Quarter Night Market
Travel by high-speed train to Xi'an, the ancient capital of 13 dynasties. After checking into your hotel, spend the evening sampling street snacks and soaking in the lively atmosphere of the Muslim Quarter night market.
Day 7 Terracotta Warriors & Tang Dynasty Show
Terracotta Warriors
Step into history with a visit to the Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's greatest archaeological discoveries. Then explore the exquisite Bronze Chariot Museum. End your day with the stunning 'Song of Everlasting Regret' live performance, bringing Tang Dynasty romance to life.
Day 8 Xi'an Culture & Ancient Walls
Small Wild Goose Pagoda
Xi'an Museum
Start your day at the Xi'an Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda to discover relics of ancient dynasties. In the afternoon, cycle along the ancient City Wall from Yongning Gate. As night falls, stroll the illuminated Great Tang All Day Mall, filled with lights, sculptures, and street performances.
Day 9 Train to Chengdu & Sichuan Flavors
Speed train to Chengdu
Hop on a high-speed train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan. After check-in, enjoy a fiery hot pot dinner and experience Sichuan's iconic face-changing opera—a true feast for the senses.
Day 10 Pandas & Ancient Civilization
Beijing
Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and observe these adorable creatures up close. After lunch, explore the Jinsha Site Museum and its treasures from the mysterious Shu Kingdom. The rest of the day is free for your own exploration or relaxation.
Airport Pick-up
Accommodation
Transport all day
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Transport all day
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Bullet Train
Lunch
Accommodation
Transport all day
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Speed train
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Song of Everlasting Regret Show
Hot pot dinner
Sichuan Opera Face-changing Show
Panda Base
Get close to Pandas!
Jinsha Museum
Transport all day
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Day 11 Cruise to the Leshan Giant Buddha
Leshan Giant Buddha Boat Tour
Take a scenic drive to Leshan and enjoy a river cruise to view the world's largest stone Buddha. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stands majestically carved into a cliff. Return to Chengdu in the evening.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Cruise
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Day 12 Fly to Shanghai & Bund Lights
Fly from Chengdu to Shanghai and check into your hotel. At night, stroll along the iconic Bund and enjoy spectacular views of Shanghai's futuristic skyline lit up against the river.
Flight
Peking Opera Performance
Transport all day
Transport all day
The Bund Nightscape
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Day 13 Classical Gardens & Local Streets
Yu Garden
Begin at the classical Yu Garden and the historic City God Temple bazaar. In the afternoon, explore Tianzifang, a maze of old Shanghai alleys filled with artisan workshops. Cap off the day with a tasting tour of signature Shanghai dishes.
City God Temple Bazaar
Tianzifang Lanes
Shanghai Cuisine Tasting
Transport all day
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Day 14 Water Town
Zhujiajiao Water Town
Boat Ride & Pingtan Music
Escape to the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao, where narrow canals, arched bridges, and boat rides transport you to another era. Experience traditional Suzhou-style music (pingtan) as you glide through the waters. Enjoy a relaxing final evening before departure.
Transport all day
Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation
Day 15 Return Home
Say goodbye to China as you head to the airport for your return flight back home —bringing home memories of imperial palaces, spicy feasts, ancient wonders, and heartfelt connections.
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, flight from Chengdu to Shanghai and high-speed train
Meals - Meals listed in the itinerary, selected local specialty meals, 12 lunches and 12 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
Send Your Enquiry via This Form Below
Connect With Us
Support
info@vividtravelnz.com
© 2025. All rights reserved.
Christchurch, New Zealand
