Itinerary
- Day 1
Beijing
You'll arrive in Beijing and connect with your private guide and driver who takes you to the Sunworld Hotel. After settling in, the rest of the day is yours to wander around and get a feel for the city's historic character at your own pace.
- Start point
- China (Beijing)
- Meals
- Breakfast
- Day 2
Beijing
Start early and head to the Forbidden City to see the Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture that defined imperial life. Then travel about two hours to the Great Wall, take a cable car up, and hike along the ancient ramparts with expansive views stretching across the landscape.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to the Forbidden City
- Cable car ascent and hiking on the Great Wall
Landmarks Forbidden City Great Wall of China 
- Day 3
Beijing
This day is free for you to plan. Check out Tiananmen Square, the Summer Palace, or the Temple of Heaven if you want historical sites. The Lama Temple or Hutongs are also great options if you're interested in traditional neighborhoods and trying local street food.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit to Tiananmen Square
- Visit to the Summer Palace
- Visit to the Temple of Heaven
- Visit to the Lama Temple
- Explore the Hutongs for authentic local experiences and street food
Landmarks Tiananmen Square Summer Palace Temple of Heaven Lama Temple Hutongs - Day 4
Beijing to Xi'an
After breakfast, you'll head to the railway station and board a high-speed train for about five or six hours to Xi'an. Your guide and driver meet you when you arrive and take you to your hotel. Later in the day, walk through the vibrant Muslim Quarter and visit the Great Mosque.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to the Muslim Quarter
- Visit to the Great Mosque
Landmarks Great Mosque 
- Day 5
Xi'an to Dali
You'll see the Terracotta Warriors, an ancient army of life-size soldiers made over 2,200 years ago with individual facial features and expressions. After that, transfer to the airport for your flight to Dali, where you'll get settled into your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to the Terracotta Warriors
Landmarks Terracotta Warriors 
- Day 6
Dali
Take a relaxed morning to rest. By late morning or early afternoon, bike along the scenic Erhai Ecological Corridor toward Xizhou Village. You'll experience the culture and customs of the Bai Minority people with peaceful views of Erhai Lake around you.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Biking along the Erhai Ecological Corridor to Xizhou Village
- Visit to Bai Minority Village
Landmarks Erhai Lake Xizhou Village - Day 7
Dali to Lijiang
Have breakfast, then head to the railway station for a 1.5 hour high-speed train ride to Lijiang. After you arrive and get to your hotel, your guide takes you to explore the ancient town with its cobbled streets and traditional rooftops. Climb Lion Hill for panoramic views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Lijiang Town
- Ascent of Lion Hill with panoramic views
Landmarks Lijiang Town Lion Hill 
- Day 8
Lijiang
Travel 8 kilometers to Baisha Ancient Town to see the historic temple and ancient frescoes. Then continue to Yuhu Village at the base of Yulong Snow Mountain where a Naxi family greets you in traditional attire. You'll learn about Naxi script and participate in traditional activities like making soymilk, tofu curd, and Naxi paper.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit to Baisha Ancient Town
- Visit to historic temple with frescoes
- Visit to Yuhu Village
- Cultural experience with Naxi family
- Making soymilk, tofu curd, and Naxi paper
Landmarks Baisha Ancient Town Yuhu Village Yulong Snow Mountain 
- Day 9
Lijiang to Shangri-La
You'll travel to Shangri-La through dramatic mountain scenery. Along the way, see Tiger Leaping Gorge where the Yangtze River cuts through towering canyons, and the Yangtze's First Bend. Pass through villages of local minority groups before reaching your hotel by evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- View of Tiger Leaping Gorge
- View of Yangtze's First Bend
- Glimpses of minority villages
Landmarks Tiger Leaping Gorge Yangtze River First Bend 
- Day 10
Shangri-La
Start your morning walking through Pudacuo National Park to see sapphire-blue lakes, dense forests, and wildlife-filled meadows. In the afternoon, visit Gedan Songzanlin Monastery where you'll meet with a lama to learn about Tibetan Buddhist practices and spiritual traditions.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Walk through Pudacuo National Park
- Visit to Gedan Songzanlin Monastery
- Meeting and discussion with a lama
Landmarks Pudacuo National Park Gedan Songzanlin Monastery - Day 11
Shangri-La to Chengdu
Spend your morning exploring Dukezong Ancient Town with its authentic Tibetan dwellings and cultural heritage. You'll turn the world's largest prayer wheel for good fortune. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chengdu, and then head to your hotel after landing.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Explore Dukezong Ancient Town
- Turn the world's largest prayer wheel
Landmarks Dukezong Ancient Town 
- Day 12
Chengdu
Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base to see giant pandas, red pandas, golden monkeys, and other endangered wildlife. In the afternoon, explore the Chengdu Museum to learn about local history and handcrafts. End your day at Wenshu Temple where you can have traditional tea with locals.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit to Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base
- Visit to Chengdu Museum
- Visit to Wenshu Temple
Landmarks Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base Chengdu Museum Wenshu Temple - Day 13
Chengdu Departure
After your final breakfast in Chengdu, take a taxi or subway to the airport for your departure. You'll head home with memories from your journey through China's major destinations.
- Meals
- Breakfast
