10-Day Classic China Tour Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai
Journey Overview
Discover the real China through its history, culture and local experiences. This 10-day journey takes you from Beijing’s imperial landmarks, to Chengdu’s famous giant pandas and Sichuan traditions, and finally to Shanghai’s unique blend of ancient charm and modern city life. Explore iconic attractions, enjoy local performances and experience the diverse culture of China’s most fascinating destinations.
Journey Highlights
- Explore China’s imperial heritage in Beijing, including the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall.
- Meet giant pandas, discover Sichuan culture and enjoy a traditional Sichuan Opera performance in Chengdu.
- Experience Shanghai’s unique blend of ancient water towns, classical gardens and modern skyline views.
Detailed Itinerary
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize every detail according to your interests and schedule.
Arrival in Beijing & Lao She Teahouse
Arrival in Beijing
Upon arrival at Beijing airport, our local representative will welcome you at the arrival hall and transfer you to your hotel.
Evening
At 19:00, enjoy a cultural performance at Lao She Teahouse (ticket included). Experience traditional Chinese arts including Peking Opera, comedy storytelling, acrobatics and other folk performances.
Tea and snacks are available at your own cost (approximately CNY 50 per person).
After the show, transfer back to your hotel.
Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Shichahai Hutongs
Morning
visit Tiananmen Square, one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks.
Continue to the Palace Museum (advance reservation required, closed on Mondays except public holidays). Explore the former imperial palace and admire its grand halls, traditional architecture and historical treasures.
Afternoon
Lunch is at your own arrangement.
Stroll through Shichahai, a historic hutong area featuring traditional courtyard houses, local shops and artisan workshops.
Join an included traditional Chinese craft experience, such as paper-cutting or sugar figure making, and discover a glimpse of Beijing’s local culture.
Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace
Morning
drive approximately 1.5 hours to Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved sections of the Ming Dynasty Great Wall.
Enjoy the included round-trip cable car and walk along the ancient wall while taking in beautiful mountain views.
(Approximately 2-hour visit)
Afternoon
Lunch is at your own arrangement.
Visit the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and China’s largest imperial garden.
Explore Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, Seventeen-Arch Bridge and the Tower of Buddhist Incense while appreciating the beauty of traditional Chinese garden design.
Beijing to Chengdu by High-Speed Railway
Morning
check out from your hotel and transfer to Beijing West Railway Station.
Take a second-class seat on a high-speed train to Chengdu East Railway Station.
Reference train schedule: 08:26–17:38
Travel time: approximately 9 hours 12 minutes
(Final train schedule will be confirmed based on ticket availability.)
Evening
Upon arrival in Chengdu, transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Enjoy free time in the evening. You may explore local areas such as Kuanzhai Alley and Jinli Ancient Street to experience Chengdu’s relaxed lifestyle and vibrant atmosphere.
Giant Pandas, Dujiangyan & Sichuan Opera
Morning
visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding.
Get close to China’s beloved giant pandas and observe their daily activities, including feeding and resting. Explore Panda Villa and the Sun Nursery House to learn more about panda conservation.
Afternoon
Lunch is at your own arrangement.
Drive approximately 1 hour to Dujiangyan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s oldest irrigation systems still in use today.
Explore key sites including Fish Mouth, Feisha Weir and Baopingkou, and discover the wisdom behind this ancient engineering achievement.
Evening
At 19:00, enjoy an included Sichuan Opera performance.
Experience traditional techniques such as face-changing, fire-spitting and lantern rolling before returning to your hotel.
Leshan Giant Buddha & Huanglongxi Ancient Town
Morning
drive approximately 2 hours to Leshan Giant Buddha.
Visit this impressive Tang Dynasty stone-carved Buddha, standing 71 meters tall at the meeting point of three rivers. Walk along the scenic paths and admire this remarkable cultural landmark.
(Approximately 2-hour visit)
Afternoon
Lunch is at your own arrangement.
Continue to Huanglongxi Ancient Town, a charming historic water town in western Sichuan.
Stroll along traditional stone streets, explore well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of old Sichuan.
After the visit, return to Chengdu.
Chengdu to Shanghai by High-Speed Railway
Morning
check out from your hotel and transfer to Chengdu East Railway Station.
Take a second-class seat on a high-speed train to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station.
Reference train schedule: 08:16–18:22
Travel time: approximately 10 hours 6 minutes
(Final train schedule will be confirmed based on ticket availability.)
Evening
Upon arrival in Shanghai, transfer to your hotel and complete check-in.
Enjoy free time in the evening. You may visit Nanjing Road and The Bund to experience Shanghai’s spectacular night views.
Classical Shanghai: Yu Garden, The Bund & Huangpu River Night Cruise
Morning
visit Yu Garden, a masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design from the Ming Dynasty.
Explore its elegant pavilions, rockeries, ponds and traditional layouts, then continue to the City God Temple area to experience Shanghai’s local culture and traditional snacks.
Afternoon
Lunch is at your own arrangement.
Stroll along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Shanghai’s famous commercial avenue with historic buildings, flagship stores and a vibrant city atmosphere.
Evening
Walk to The Bund, known for its historic waterfront architecture.
Enjoy an included Huangpu River night cruise and admire Shanghai’s iconic skyline, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower and the illuminated buildings along The Bund.
After the cruise, transfer back to your hotel.
Zhujiajiao Water Town & Tianzifang Creative District
Morning
travel to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, one of Shanghai’s most charming Jiangnan water towns.
Visit Kezhi Garden and Fangsheng Bridge, and enjoy the peaceful scenery of waterways, stone bridges and traditional residences.
(Approximately 2-hour visit)
Afternoon
Lunch is at your own arrangement.
Explore Tianzifang, a creative neighborhood developed from traditional Shikumen buildings.
Walk through its narrow lanes filled with boutique shops, art studios and cafés, and experience a different side of Shanghai’s local lifestyle.
Departure from Shanghai
Morning
enjoy free time until your departure.
You may shop for souvenirs or explore nearby areas at your own pace.
Departure
Transfer to Shanghai airport approximately 2 hours before your international flight departure.
Complete your boarding procedures and end your memorable China journey.
Journey Inclusions & Exclusions
- Transportation
- Private ground transportation throughout the itinerary, including airport pickup, sightseeing transfers, railway station transfers and airport drop-off services.
- Guide Service
- Professional English-speaking local guide service. Your guide will contact you before the tour begins.
- Entrance Tickets & Included Experiences
- Admission tickets and arranged experiences listed in the itinerary, including:
- Lao She Teahouse performance
- Palace Museum
- Traditional Chinese craft workshop
- Mutianyu Great Wall (ticket, shuttle bus and round-trip cable car)
- Summer Palace
- Dujiangyan Irrigation System
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Sichuan Opera performance
- Leshan Giant Buddha (entrance ticket)
- Yu Garden
- Zhujiajiao Ancient Town
- Huangpu River night cruise
- Accommodation
- 9 nights 3-star hotel accommodation:
- Beijing Wansin Zhige Hotel or equivalent (3 nights)
- Holiday Inn Express Chengdu North Station or equivalent (3 nights)
- Rezen Cuiji Hotel Shanghai or equivalent (3 nights)
- Accommodation is based on twin/double rooms (two guests sharing one room).
- Meals
- Daily breakfast as specified in the itinerary.
- Inter-city Transportation
- Second-class high-speed railway tickets:
- Beijing West Railway Station → Chengdu East Railway Station
- Chengdu East Railway Station → Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station
- (Final train schedules are subject to ticket availability.)
- Tour Operation & Service Fees
- Local operation, coordination and service fees.
- Taxes
- All applicable local taxes.
- Personal Expenses
- Tea and snacks at Lao She Teahouse, special exhibition tickets at the Palace Museum (Treasure Gallery / Clock Gallery), sightseeing carts or optional transportation inside attractions, all lunches and dinners, souvenirs, shopping and other personal expenses.
- International Flights & Visa Fees
- International arrival and departure flights, and Chinese visa application fees.
- Other Expenses
- Any costs or services not specifically mentioned under “Price Includes”.