17-Day Enchanting China Tour Itinerary
Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 17-day journey through China’s most enchanting cities and landscapes. Discover the imperial grandeur of Beijing, marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, come face-to-face with giant pandas, cruise the majestic Yangtze River, and experience the vibrant energy of Shanghai.
This tour offers a perfect mix of history, culture, nature, and modern marvels, ensuring an immersive and unforgettable adventure through China’s rich heritage and breathtaking scenery.
Tour Itinerary
DAYS 1-2: FLY OVERNIGHT TO BEIJING
- Fly overnight to Beijing, China’s historic capital.
- Upon arrival, enjoy leisure time to relax and explore at your own pace.
DAY 3: IMPERIAL BEIJING
- Visit Tiananmen Square – the heart of Beijing.
- Explore the Forbidden City, a vast imperial palace filled with ancient treasures.
- Stroll through Yandaixiejie Hutong and experience traditional Beijing life.
- Enjoy lunch in the hutongs and an evening at leisure in the vibrant Houhai district. (B,L)
DAY 4: HUANGHUACHENG GREAT WALL & WANGFUJING STREET
- Visit the scenic Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall, accessed by boat.
- Take in the breathtaking views from the top.
- Enjoy free time exploring Wangfujing Street, one of Beijing’s largest shopping areas.
- Optional: Peking Duck Dinner. (B,L)
DAY 5: SUMMER PALACE
- Explore the magnificent Summer Palace, including the Long Corridor and Marble Boat.
- Stroll along Kunming Lake and admire the traditional Chinese architecture.
- Walk up Longevity Hill for panoramic views.
- Stop at the Olympic Park for a photo opportunity. (B)
DAY 6: TEMPLE OF HEAVEN & FLY TO XIAN
- Visit the Temple of Heaven, where locals practice Tai Chi, dancing, and calligraphy.
- Immerse yourself in the harmonious atmosphere of this cultural landmark.
- Fly to Xian, the ancient capital of China. (B,L)
DAY 7: TERRACOTTA WARRIORS & MUSLIM QUARTER
- Marvel at the UNESCO-listed Terracotta Army, a stunning archaeological discovery.
- Learn the fascinating history behind these life-sized warriors.
- Take a walking tour of the bustling Muslim Quarter.
- Enjoy free time in Defu Lane or take an optional Xian night tour. (B,L)
DAY 8: EXPLORE XIAN (OPTIONAL CYCLING ON THE CITY WALL)
- Free day to explore Xian at your own pace.
- Optional: Cycle along Xian’s ancient city walls for incredible views of the city.
- Optional: Tang Dynasty Show in the evening. (B)
DAY 9: BULLET TRAIN TO CHENGDU & PEOPLE’S PARK
- Board a high-speed bullet train to Chengdu.
- Visit People’s Park, a lively area where locals drink tea, play chess, and dance.
- See Matchmaker’s Corner, where parents find suitors for their children.
- Optional: Sichuan Hot Pot Dinner & Face-Changing Opera Show. (B,L)
DAY 10: FREE DAY IN CHENGDU (OPTIONAL PINGLE ANCIENT TOWN TOUR)
- Enjoy a free day to explore Chengdu at your own pace.
- Optional: Visit Pingle Ancient Town, a Han Dynasty trading stop along the Tea Horse Road.
- Walk through charming tea-house-lined streets and cross the Jinji Rope Bridge. (B)
DAY 11: GIANT PANDAS & YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
- Visit the Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre to see adorable giant pandas in their natural habitat.
- Travel to Chongqing and board your luxury Yangtze River cruise for the next three nights. (B,D)
DAYS 12-13: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE
- Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the majestic Yangtze River.
- Admire the Three Gorges’ stunning scenery.
- Take a side trip to the Shennong or Goddess Stream.
- Participate in shore excursions to fascinating cultural sites. (B,L,D)
DAY 14: THREE GORGES DAM & SHANGHAI
- Visit the Three Gorges Dam, one of the world’s largest engineering feats.
- Fly to Hangzhou, then travel to the modern metropolis of Shanghai. (B,L)
DAY 15: SHANGHAI CITY TOUR & HUANGPU RIVER CRUISE
- Take a breakfast walking tour, sampling local delicacies like pancakes and fried breadsticks.
- Explore Yu Garden, the Old Town, and a Silk Factory.
- Stroll along The Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront.
- Enjoy an evening Huangpu River cruise, witnessing the neon lights of Pudong. (B)
DAY 16: FREE DAY OR OPTIONAL ZHUJIAJIAO WATER TOWN TOUR
- Enjoy a free day to explore Shanghai independently.
- Optional: Visit Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town with canals and historic buildings.
- Evening ERA Acrobatic Show & Farewell Dinner featuring authentic Shanghainese cuisine. (B,D)
DAY 17: FLY HOME
- Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK.
- Arrive home the same or following day. (B)
Why Choose This Tour?
✅ Must-See Landmarks – Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Warriors, and the Three Gorges Dam.
✅ Authentic Cultural Experiences – Hutong dining, Tai Chi, teahouse visits, and night markets.
✅ Incredible Wildlife Encounters – Meet adorable pandas in Chengdu.
✅ Breathtaking Landscapes – Cruise the Yangtze River and admire the Three Gorges.
✅ Luxury & Comfort – Stay in hand-picked hotels and cruise in style on the Yangtze River.
✅ High-Speed Travel – Experience China’s modern bullet trains.
