Uncover the Beauty of China: A 22-Day Panorama Tour of Culture and Scenery

Beijing(3N)-Xian(2N)-Leshan-Emeishan(1N)-Jiuzhaigou(2N)-Chengdu(2N)-Lijiang(2N)-Dali(2N)-Kunming(1N)-Guilin(1N)-Longsheng-Yangshuo(2N)-Shanghai(3N)

Embark on an unforgettable journey through China, exploring its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant cities. This 22-day China panorama tour offers a perfect blend of ancient wonders and modern marvels, ensuring an immersive experience for every traveler.

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing

Upon arrival in Beijing, you will meet with our private guide and be transferred to the hotel for check-in. After that, you can choose to explore the fascinating capital city on your own for the rest of the day, or enjoy a good rest at the hotel after a long flight journey.

Day 2: Beijing

The second day in Beijing will take you to experience the charm of this ancient capital city. We start with Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world, by walking from the south to the north side to closely feel the symbolic heart of Beijing. Crossing the road by underground passage, we stroll into the Forbidden City, a grand and ancient architectural complex that once served as the imperial palace for Ming and Qing dynasty emperors. Walking through its vast halls and courtyards, you can marvel at the intricate details of the buildings, the rich history that permeates every brick and beam, and the sense of awe that comes from standing in a place where centuries of Chinese history unfolded. Exiting from the north gate of the Forbidden City, we continue to Coal Hill, on top of which you will have a stunning panoramic view of the palace complex. Walking through Yan Dai Xie Jie, a bustling street with various shops, we go to Houhai, which originally served as a royal lake and is now a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking a blend of culture and relaxation. After a short stay at Bell and Drum Tower Square, we will take a rickshaw to shuttle between the old Hutongs, including a visit to a local family living there.

Day 3: Beijing

In the morning, we will drive to visit the Great Wall at the Mutianyu Section, a less crowded yet equally majestic part of this iconic landmark. You will ride a cable car up to the highest watchtower, then take a hike along the flagstones that are hundreds of years old to admire the natural scenery and experience the historical significance. The next must-see spot is the Summer Palace. With its beautiful lakes, gardens, and pavilions, it is a perfect example of Chinese landscape gardening. The last stop of today is the 798 Art Zone, a renowned cultural and artistic hub, where you will find various art forms like painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art, and all kinds of nice shops.

Day 4: High-speed Train to Xian

Our last day in Beijing will include a visit to The Temple of Heaven, which served as the sacred place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped the heavens and prayed for good harvests. Now it has become a popular park for locals and tourists to exercise or relax, like practicing Taichi, singing, dancing, playing poker, strolling with a bird, and so on. Before leaving Beijing, we will visit Panjiayuan Market, a sprawling marketplace in Beijing renowned for its vast collection of antiques, cultural artifacts, and second-hand goods. After that, we take a high-speed train to Xian.

Day 5: Xian

This morning, we drive to visit one of the most iconic attractions in China, the Terracotta Army. The life-sized terracotta soldiers and horses, discovered near the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, are a testament to the ancient craftsmanship and military power of the Qin dynasty. It's an awe-inspiring sight that transports visitors back to ancient times. Back in the city, we continue to visit the Ancient City Wall, which has a history of over 600 years. You can walk or cycle along the wall to get a panoramic view of the city and appreciate the ancient defensive architecture. We will take a walking tour of Muslim Street, a collective term for a Muslim community area renowned for its bustling atmosphere, rich history, and a wide variety of delicious food. Here we will visit a quiet grand mosque hidden in the alley and enter a traditional courtyard to enjoy the ancient traditional art form of China – Shadow Play. In the evening, we will visit the Grand Tang Dynasty Everbright City, a dazzling cultural and commercial district that recreates the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty with illuminated streets, historical performances, and immersive traditional experiences.

Day 6: High-speed Train to Chengdu

Transfer to take a high-speed train to Chengdu and then drive to Leshan. We will visit the Leshan Giant Buddha by taking a boat tour and also walking along the pathways to admire its grandeur closely. Continue driving to Emeishan and check in to the hotel.

Day 7: Emeishan – Chengdu 

The visit to Emeishan starts from Baoguo Temple at the foot of the mountain, then go up to Wannian Temple by cable car, walk through the Monkey area, and go down. Drive back to Chengdu, with a stop at Huanglongxi Old Town to explore its old streets, traditional architecture, and rich cultural heritage, showcasing a slice of old-time Sichuan charm.

Day 8: High-speed Train to Jiuzhaigou

In Chengdu, we visit the Panda Base to see adorable giant pandas, then explore Wenshu Temple for Buddhist culture, relax at People's Park with its teahouses, and stroll through Kuan Zhai Xiang Zi for old-town charm and local snacks. Transfer to take a high-speed train to Jiuzhaigou, then 2h driving to the hotel at the entrance area of Jiuzhaigou.

Day 9: Jiuzhaigou

Full day tour of Jiuzhaigou, a fairyland of prismatic lakes, cascading waterfalls, and ancient forests.

Day 10: Huanglong and Back to Chengdu

Drive to visit Huanglong Scenic Area to see its colorful pools and unique travertine formations amid snow-capped mountains and dense forests, then transfer to take a high-speed train back to Chengdu.

Day 11: Chengdu fly to Lijiang

According to the flight time, we may visit a local town close to the airport, where you can step back in time and experience the rich traditions and charming atmosphere of a historic Chinese town. Transfer to take a flight to Lijiang. Meeting with a local guide and driver, we drive to Lijiang Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage gem of cobblestone lanes, gurgling canals, and Naxi ethnic charm, where ancient Tea Horse Road history mingles with lantern-lit courtyards beneath the gaze of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. If time permits, we will visit the Naxi Museum and Black Dragon Pool Park.

Day 12: Lijiang

This morning, we ascend Jade Dragon Snow Mountain via the Yunshanping Cable Car to alpine meadows with sweeping views of jagged peaks sacred to the Naxi people. Descend to Blue Moon Valley, where turquoise pools mirror snow-capped ridges, then witness the epic Impression Lijiang Show, a grand outdoor performance celebrating local ethnic traditions against the mountain’s backdrop. Complete your journey in Baisha Village, famed for Ming-era murals and rustic charm, and Shuhe Old Town, a quieter Tea Horse Road gem of stone bridges and murmuring streams.

Day 13: Lijiang – Shaxi – Dali

We start the day at the morning market of the old city, where many locals gather for fresh produce, traditional crafts, and authentic Yunnan snacks, capturing the vibrant pulse of daily Naxi culture. Stroll along the ancient streets of Shaxi Ancient Town, with stops at the old temple, the ancient stage, and Yujin Bridge, to admire the traditional architecture, enjoy the scenic beauty, experience its rich history and culture, and immerse yourself in the charm of this quaint town. Glide across West Lake on a serene boat cruise, framed by misty mountains and fishing villages. Continue to Dali and check in to the hotel.

Day 14: Dali

This morning starts in Xizhou Old Town, a Bai ethnic treasure with Ming-Qing courtyards and buttery "Xizhou baba" pancakes. Delve into Zhoucheng Village, the heart of traditional tie-dye craftsmanship, where indigo fabrics flutter like folk art. Continue to the Three Pagodas Temple, a 9th-century architectural marvel where ancient Buddhist history meets tranquil gardens—accessible via convenient shuttle rides. Glide through rustic villages and fields on an electric bicycle tour, soaking in the pastoral landscape with a stop at Yang Liping Theater. Cap your day wandering Dali Ancient City’s cobblestone lanes, brimming with Bai-style courtyards, handicraft stalls, and echoes of the historic Tea Horse Road. 

Day 15: High-speed Train to Kunming and Stone Forest

Transfer to take the morning bullet train to Kunming. Meeting with a local guide and driver, we drive one and a half hours to visit Stone Forest, a breathtaking karst landscape of jagged rock pillars. Back in Kunming, we visit Green Lake Park, where you may see locals and visitors gathering to stroll, sing, or dance, and the Old Street area.

Day 16: High-speed Train to Guilin

Transfer to take a high-speed train to Guilin. First, visit the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, known for its distinctive shape resembling an elephant drinking from the river. Then, enjoy a walking tour along the picturesque Li River, offering gorgeous views of the surrounding karst landscapes. Finally, take a leisurely stroll around the serene Shanhu Lake, where you can admire the lake's stunning beauty and relax in the peaceful atmosphere.

Day 17: Longsheng Terrace Fields

Longji Rice Terraces, carved into the mountainsides, are a spectacular sight with cascading fields that shimmer like silver ribbons. Created by the Yao people over generations, these terraces showcase their farming wisdom and cultural heritage. Land transfer to Yangshuo and check in to the hotel.

Day 18: Yangshuo

We start with bamboo rafting to Fuli, taking in the scenic views along the way. Upon arrival, visit the charming Fuli old town, which is famous for its traditional fan-making skills. Then go on a bicycle tour to nearby villages, with stops at Banyan Tree and Moon Hill. Finally, explore the bustling West Street, which offers a lively atmosphere and vibrant nightlife.

Day 19: Flight to Shanghai

We will spend the morning at the local market and Yangshuo Park to get an up-close look at the daily life of the locals. Before transferring to the airport for the flight to Shanghai, we make a stop at Xianggong Hill, renowned for its panoramic sunrise views over the dramatic karst peaks and the serene Li River, offering photographers and travelers a breathtaking vista of Guilin's iconic landscape.

Day 20: Shanghai

Our tour will start with a visit to Yu Garden, a famous classical Chinese garden located in the city center, and the nearby market, where you will find various local snacks, traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, pearls, and other specialty goods. Walk along Nanjing Pedestrian Road to the Bund, a famous waterfront area along the Huangpu River known for its historical architecture, stunning skyline, and vibrant nightlife. In the late afternoon, we will visit a multi-function commercial complex known as “the Hanging Gardens of Babylon,” which contains a shopping mall, restaurants, art galleries, and office space. For the evening, we offer several optional activities, like an Acrobatic Show or a Night Boat Cruise on the Huangpu River, which you can choose according to your wishes.

Day 21: Water Town of Shanghai

This morning will take you to Zhujiajiao Water Town, which is often referred to as the "Venice of Shanghai" due to its network of canals, arched stone bridges, and traditional architecture. You can ride a hand-cranked boat to the town center and then take a walking tour among the streets. Back in Shanghai, visit Tian Zi Fang, a creative district known for its abundance of art studios and galleries, and Xin Tian Di, a comprehensive business district for shopping, dining, entertainment, and culture.

Day 22: Departure From Shanghai

From the bankside of the Huangpu River, we will take the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel to Pudong, first visit the Shanghai Municipal History Museum on the ground floor of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, then go up to its main observation deck for a panoramic view of Shanghai’s skyline. Continue to Lane 1192 Old Shanghai Style Street, an "immersive" retro food street that perfectly reproduces the old Shanghai style of the thirties of the last century, where you can see rickshaws, docks, old-fashioned trams, shop signs, and other scenes. The last stop in Shanghai will be Fun Collection, an underground market with all kinds of products, like clothes, suitcases, toys, digital products, handicrafts, and so on.

After that, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight back home, ending the whole tour in China.