Beijing, Xi'an & Chengdu 9-Day China Tour

Overview

九天从北京走到西安、成都：沿故宫中轴线登景山，在慕田峪长城步行；到西安看兵马俑、登城墙；最后在成都参观熊猫基地、坐进人民公园茶馆。两段高铁接在北京和西安的最后一个游览日，具体车次按预约和出行日期确认。

— LyrikTrip 旅行设计师

请告知出行日期、人数和成都离境航班，我们会据此核对场馆预约、高铁班次与酒店安排，并提供书面行程和报价。

Why you'll love this trip

A classic three-city journey featuring the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors, pandas, and a cycling tour of the city wall—accompanied by an English-speaking guide in every city.
From Beijing's Forbidden City to Xi'an's ancient city walls, then to Chengdu's teahouses—nine days stitching together three cities.

Walk the Central Axis through the Forbidden City, exit through the north gate, then climb Jingshan to look back at the golden roofs you were standing beneath twenty minutes ago.
Ride the cable car or open-air chairlift up to the Mutianyu Great Wall and stroll from one watchtower to the next—both modes of transport are included in your price.
Standing in the pits of the Terracotta Warriors, you'll learn to distinguish generals from archers by their armor and topknot styles.
Ride atop the Xi'an City Wall; bike rental is included in the price. On one side is the ancient city, on the other the modern district, with the moat below.
In the morning, visit the Chengdu Panda Base to observe the giant pandas on site; actual activity details are subject to conditions on the day.
In a teahouse at People's Park, sit back on a bamboo chair with a gaiwan of tea refilled whenever you like, and let the rest of the day unfold with no other plans at all.
Watch a Sichuan Opera face-changing performance at a community theater in Chengdu. Seating and backstage tours are confirmed based on the day's show schedule.

Things to do

The Drum Tower, Bell Tower & Muslim Quarter Night Views, Xi'an

Sichuan Opera & Face-changing in the Community, Chengdu

Landmark

Heritage

Viewpoint

Great Wall

Culture

Museum

Transfer

Heritage

Cycling

Pagoda

City

Nature

City

Stage

Landmark

Heritage

Viewpoint

Great Wall

Culture

Museum

Transfer

Heritage

Cycling

Pagoda

City

Nature

City

Stage

Landmark

Heritage

Viewpoint

Great Wall

Culture

Museum

Transfer

Heritage

Cycling

Pagoda

City

Nature

City

Stage

Itinerary

Arrivals

Beijing · Day 1 - Day 4

Day 1 · Land, and start tomorrow

Your driver meets the flight, whatever hour it lands. The nine days begin tomorrow, on the axis.

Airport pickup Your driver and vehicle wait for the flight number on your confirmation, and the run into the city is yours to sleep through.

Beijing through the window Ring roads first, then poplars and lit shopfronts along a city street; the country you flew this far for shows up before you have opened a bag.

Evening Nothing is scheduled. Your guide is reachable, and a place near the hotel is recommended and booked for you if you want dinner, on your account.

Day 2 · One line through the palace

The palace on foot, in one line. Then the hill that shows you what you just walked.

The Forbidden City Advance reservation is required for entry to the Forbidden City; your allocated time slot will be listed on your travel confirmation. Once inside, follow the central axis past the ceremonial halls where court affairs were conducted, to the rear residential quarters and the Imperial Garden. Stand in a courtyard and look back to see the successive gateways unfolding along the axis.

Out the north gate You leave through Shenwu Gate, the palace's north gate, and Jingshan is across the street. The order matters: the shape you could not see from inside is waiting on the other side of the road.

Jingshan Park About fifteen minutes uphill on foot, no cable car, with benches where you want them. From the hilltop pavilion the roofs run in rank below you and the Beijing Central Axis, on the UNESCO list since 2024, goes straight through them, north and south. You'll go quiet up there for a moment, because the line does not stop at the palace: it keeps going until the city runs out.

Lunch Lunch can be recommended and booked by your guide, with costs at your own expense.

Day 3 · Muyuan Great Wall, A Full Day

The whole day goes north for one thing. Walk the line an empire drew across its mountains.

Drive out to Mutianyu The run north takes a good part of the morning, which is why nothing else is on the plan today; the private vehicle stays with you from the hotel door and back to it.

Up to the ridge The climbing is done for you. The site runs an aerial cable car and an open chairlift up the hill; both fares are in your price, and your guide tells you at the morning briefing which line is operating. You step off onto restored wall with watchtowers stepping away along the ridge in both directions.

Tower to tower You walk the connected stretch while your guide reads the wall out loud: the beacon towers that carried a signal faster than a horse, the pass below that this section was built to close, and the sightlines that made both work.

Back down The method of descending the mountain and the corresponding fees are subject to the quotation and confirmation. Lunch can be recommended and booked by the guide, with costs to be covered by yourself.

Day 4 · The square, the altar, the museum, the train

Three stops on one axis, then the afternoon train west. You leave Beijing carrying the backstory for Xi'an.

Tian'anmen Square Please allow time for security screening before entering Tiananmen Square. Your guide will accompany you through the check.

Temple of Heaven The Hall of Prayer, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound stand on one line. Your guide gives you the grammar in a sentence, round for heaven and square for earth, and after that you read the buildings yourself: the ramps, the tiers, the numbers of the stones.

National Museum of China Then head to the National Museum of China, east of Tiananmen Square, to see bronzes, ceramics, sculptures, and calligraphy, setting the stage for tomorrow's visit to the Terracotta Warriors. The visit time is subject to the travel confirmation.

Afternoon train to Xi'an A vehicle will take you to the Beijing railway station; upon arrival in Xi'an, your driver and local guide will meet you and transfer you to the hotel. The specific train number, class, and arrival time are subject to the quotation and travel confirmation.

高铁

Xi'an · Day 5 - Day 7

Day 5 · The buried army

One site, one day, on purpose. Meet the men who were made to keep an emperor company.

Terracotta Warriors Pit Stand above the pit to see the terracotta warriors arranged in military formation. Take note of the differences in armor, headgear, and posture; your guide will help you identify the different troop types.

Traces of Mural Paintings In the newer excavation areas, look at the folds and the hair rather than the faces, and traces of the original paint are still there. You'll lose track of how long you have been at one railing, moving along a single row.

Crowds and timing This site draws very large crowds in peak season, so the hour you go in is set for your order in advance and written into your confirmation, rather than left to the day. The site's shuttle carts are not included; the walking route between the pits is short.

Lunch Hand-pulled noodles are what Shaanxi is known for and what your guide will point you at, on your account.

Day 6 · On the wall, then under the towers

Start with a ride or walk along the city walls, then head to the Bell and Drum Towers and Muslim Street in the evening. One city, two perspectives.

Xi'an City Wall by bike Tickets for the city wall and bicycle rentals are both included in the itinerary. Once atop the wall, you can either ride for a while or walk. On one side, you’ll see the old town; on the other, the new city. The moat and gate towers stretch out beneath you. Please note that the exact cycling duration is subject to the quote.

Bell and Drum Tower area After dark the two towers that once kept the city's time stand lit in the middle of the old town, one for the bell at dawn and one for the drum at dusk.

The Muslim Quarter after dark In the evening, explore Huimin Street with a guide, watching the preparation of barbecue and hand-pulled noodles; choose what to eat freely, with meal costs at your own expense.

Day 7 · Under the pagoda, then south

A slow morning at the foot of a brick tower. Then the mountains that separate northern China from the south.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda The pagoda Xi'an puts on its own postcards, with temple grounds, squares and gardens spread around its base. The morning is level walking with plenty of places to sit, which is the point of putting it before a train. Climbing the pagoda is ticketed separately and is not included; from below you get the shape anyway.

Afternoon train to Chengdu Your vehicle runs you to the station and your guide hands you over. The line goes south through the mountains that divide northern China from the southern half, and the country outside your window changes while you are still sitting down.

Into Chengdu A driver and your Sichuan guide meet the train and take you to the hotel. Nothing is scheduled for the evening; dinner is recommended and booked if you want it, on your account.

高铁

Chengdu · Day 8 - Day 9

Day 8 · Meet the Pandas First, Then Relax in a Bamboo Chair

Pandas while they are awake. Then a chair, for as long as you want it.

Chengdu panda base You go in the morning because that is when the pandas are generally moving; later in the day you would mostly be watching them sleep. About three hours on flat, shaded paths, with your guide reading the enclosures for you: who is related to whom, who came back from where. The base runs sightseeing carts inside and they are not in your price; the walking route between the enclosures works without them.

People's Park teahouse Settle into a teahouse at People's Park and enjoy a cup of gaiwan tea, with the tea and refills included in your itinerary. Under the shade of the trees, you'll watch people playing cards while an ear-cleaning master works nearby. The ear-cleaning service and any extra snacks are at your own expense, so take your time and let the afternoon drift by.

After the Teahouse After the teahouse, there are no fixed activities scheduled. You can relax at your own pace in the park or explore nearby neighborhoods.

Day 9 · Alleys, Sichuan Opera & the Airport

The last day stays in the city until the afternoon. You leave with one thing still unexplained.

Kuanzhai Alley and Taikoo Li Start with Kuan Alley, Zhai Alley, and Jing Alley to explore the courtyards and streetside shops. Then head to Taikoo Li to experience the open-air district around Daci Temple. Both areas are lively, so the itinerary schedules them as two consecutive stops.

Community Sichuan opera A neighborhood theater, not a hotel ballroom. You go backstage before the house opens: trunks, paint, headdresses, and someone gluing a beard while he talks to you. Then you sit close enough to see the performer's eyes when the face changes, and you still will not see how it happens.

Airport drop-off The day’s sightseeing ends in the afternoon, making it ideal for an evening or late-night departure from Chengdu. Your driver will transfer you from the theater to the airport; the exact pick-up time will depend on your flight and the confirmed itinerary details.

Departures

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Hotels

These are sample stays typically included in the itinerary. Final pricing depends on the hotel level selected.

Beijing

Atour Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station South Square)

Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station South Square.

Beijing

Atour Hotel, Liuliqiao, Beijing West Railway Station

Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station and Liuliqiao.

Beijing

Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast

International high-end hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and city stays.

Chengdu

Hilton Chengdu Chenghua

Located near Jianshe Road and the Eastern Suburb Memory Park, its prime location makes it a desirable choice for accommodation in Chengdu.

Xian

Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel

Sheraton Xi'an North City: five-star luxury five minutes from the Daming Palace, with an indoor pool and wellness centre.

Beijing

DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road

International upscale hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and leisure stays.

Beijing

Atour Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station South Square)

Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station South Square.

Beijing

Atour Hotel, Liuliqiao, Beijing West Railway Station

Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station and Liuliqiao.

Beijing

Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast

International high-end hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and city stays.

Chengdu

Hilton Chengdu Chenghua

Located near Jianshe Road and the Eastern Suburb Memory Park, its prime location makes it a desirable choice for accommodation in Chengdu.

Xian

Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel

Sheraton Xi'an North City: five-star luxury five minutes from the Daming Palace, with an indoor pool and wellness centre.

Beijing

DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road

International upscale hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and leisure stays.

Beijing

Atour Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station South Square)

Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station South Square.

Beijing

Atour Hotel, Liuliqiao, Beijing West Railway Station

Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station and Liuliqiao.

Beijing

Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast

International high-end hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and city stays.

Chengdu

Hilton Chengdu Chenghua

Located near Jianshe Road and the Eastern Suburb Memory Park, its prime location makes it a desirable choice for accommodation in Chengdu.

Xian

Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel

Sheraton Xi'an North City: five-star luxury five minutes from the Daming Palace, with an indoor pool and wellness centre.

Beijing

DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road

International upscale hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and leisure stays.

Included / Excluded

What's Included

Private vehicleAll listed excursions in the three cities include air-conditioned private vehicles, with full-day round-trip transfers to the Mutianyu Great Wall. The itinerary includes airport pickup on Day 1 and airport drop-off on Day 9, plus hotel-to-station transfers at both ends of each rail segment.
Intercity railThe current itinerary includes high-speed rail segments from Beijing to Xi'an on Day 4 and from Xi'an to Chengdu on Day 7. Specific train numbers, seat classes, and transfers at both ends are subject to confirmation in the written booking.
Hotels8 nights at your chosen level, four-star, five-star or quality boutique, breakfast included: Beijing 3 · Xi'an 3 · Chengdu 2
GuideLicensed English-speaking local guide on every touring day in each of the three cities, including the whole evening walk in Xi'an on day six
Timed reservationsThe Forbidden City and the National Museum of China both require a timed reservation that is hard to make on a non-Chinese mobile number. We make both reservations for you
Tickets & experiences, BeijingTian'anmen Square with your guide through the security check · the Forbidden City, out north through Shenwu Gate · Jingshan Park with the hilltop pavilion view · Mutianyu Great Wall admission with the uphill cable car · Temple of Heaven · the National Museum of China
Mutianyu uphill segmentCable car or chairlift can be arranged for the ascent to Mutianyu, though actual use is subject to the day's operational status; the descent method and associated fees are as confirmed in your written order.
Tickets & experiences, Xi'anThe Terracotta Warriors museum · Xi'an City Wall admission plus the bike rental for riding on top · the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and its surrounding cultural area · the evening walk through the Bell and Drum Tower area and the Muslim Quarter, guide accompanied
Tickets & experiences, ChengduVisit to the Chengdu Panda Base, a teahouse in People's Park, the Kuanzhai Alley & Taikoo Li area, and a community Sichuan opera performance are included, scheduled according to the itinerary. Tea seating, performance tickets, and backstage access are subject to written confirmation on your booking.
Meals8 hotel breakfasts, days two through nine
InsuranceTravel accident insurance; the scope and the sum insured are stated in your written confirmation

Not Included

International flightsFlights into Beijing and out of Chengdu
VisasVisa fees and application procedures; to determine whether a visa is required, please check the official policies against your passport details, itinerary, and travel dates.
Lunches and dinnersEvery lunch and dinner across the nine days: your guide recommends and books, on your account. Street food and shopping in the Muslim Quarter, in Kuanzhai Alley and on any other market street are on your account too
In-park transport and add-on ticketsIn-park transportation (except the funicular up to Mutianyu), toboggan slides, and separately ticketed add-ons (such as climbing the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda) are not included in the base price. The descent method from Mutianyu and its associated fees are subject to the quote and confirmation document.
In-venue servicesEar-cleaning at the teahouse, additional food and drinks ordered on the spot, and other optional on-site services
Domestic connecting flightsAny domestic flight added to reach a different departure gateway: priced separately at the time of choosing
PersonalGratuities, single or extra-room difference, personal spending, anything outside the listed plan

Special Notes

A few things on this route follow the calendar, the season or an operator's confirmation. Here they are, told straight.

Departure calendar — When traveling on public holidays, please verify venue availability, transportation, and visitor flow in advance; specific daily schedules are subject to the written itinerary.
Mondays — The Palace Museum's opening hours and reservation availability are subject to your travel date. In the event of a closure, we will confirm with you any adjustments to your Beijing itinerary.
Terracotta crowds — Reserve your Terracotta Army entry time slot based on your travel date; during peak season, allow extra time for security checks and museum admission.
December departures — The Great Wall cable car and Xi'an City Wall bike rentals may be subject to weather and operational schedules; please confirm specific arrangements before departure.
Last day timing — touring runs through the afternoon of day nine, so this plan is built for an evening or night departure out of Chengdu. If your flight leaves early, we re-time the day before your order is taken, or drop the last afternoon and say plainly that we have dropped it.
Getting home from Chengdu — The itinerary begins in Beijing and concludes in Chengdu. International flights to and from China are not included; should you wish to connect via another city from Chengdu, we can arrange and quote this separately based on actual flight dates.
Visa window — Entry and visa-exemption requirements may vary depending on your passport, length of stay, and travel dates. Please verify the official policies before booking and before departure.
US passports — Travelers holding U.S. passports should also verify the entry policies applicable to their itineraries and allow sufficient time to arrange any required visas.
Group — Private itinerary, exclusive to your group. Minimum of 1 guest. Specific group size and transportation arrangements are subject to the quote.
Confirmation and changes — Deadlines, changes, and refund terms are subject to the written order. When rescheduling, please reconfirm reservations for high-speed trains, venues, and hotels.

Is Nine Days Your Length?

Fewer than nine days?

The three cities come apart cleanly: Beijing and Xi'an stand on their own, and Chengdu can go. We cut a city rather than cut the nights, because a shortened Xi'an would put you at the pits and the wall on the same day. Tell us your dates and who is coming.

Good to Know

Group: A private itinerary for your group only. Minimum of 1 guest; final group size and vehicle arrangements are subject to the quote.
Pace: 9 days, 3 cities: 3 nights in Beijing, 3 nights in Xi'an, and 2 nights in Chengdu. Day 4 and Day 7 are intercity high-speed rail travel days; specific train schedules and sightseeing pace will be arranged according to the booking.
Effort: Moderate. The longest walk is the Forbidden City on day two; the Great Wall climb is done by the site's cable car or open chairlift; Jingshan is a short walk uphill with no cable car
Cities In & Out: Arrive in Beijing, depart from Chengdu; airport pickup on Day 1, airport transfer on Day 9
Connections: International flights are arranged by the traveler; for any additional domestic connecting segments departing from Chengdu, separate pricing will be provided based on the actual flight.
Visas: Verify official visa and visa-free policies based on your passport, entry method, length of stay, and travel dates.
Language: Licensed English-speaking local guides in all three cities
Payment: This route is available for booking. Terms regarding deposits, balance payments, modifications, and refunds are subject to the written quotation and order terms.
Season: Check the operating status of venues, Great Wall cable cars, and city-wall bike rentals for your travel dates; plan ahead during public holidays.

Your Private Concierge

Jenessa

Private China Route Concierge

“A bilingual planning desk for tailor-made China journeys.”

Our China team tunes pacing, hotels and local hosts around each route style.

20+

Years

300+

Trips Designed

24/7

On-Trip Care

Step 01

Tell us what excites you

Not your dates and budget — your curiosity. Where have you always wanted to go? What do you want to feel? We start there.

24h

First concept delivered

Step 02

We design it around you

Your specialist builds the itinerary from scratch — routes, hosts, hotels, and experiences you won't find anywhere else.

100%

Private, never off-the-shelf

Step 03

Lock it in with 30%

When the plan feels right, a 30% deposit holds your trip. Balance due 30 days before departure.

30%

Deposit to confirm

Step 04

Travel. We handle the rest.

Your Trip Pack arrives before you fly. On the road, your concierge is one message away — for the expected and everything you didn't plan for.

24/7

Support throughout your journey

Cancellation terms agreed in writing

English-speaking concierge

Secure payment via Stripe

Guest Reviews

4.9 / 5 · from 523 verified reviews

Emily Carter

🇺🇸 Seattle, USA

Perfect for couples

“My partner and I had an amazing time in China. Everything was arranged for us — transfers, hotels, guides. No stress at all.”

May 2026

Claire Brooks

🇬🇧 London, UK

Great for families

“Traveled with my two kids and had zero issues. The team made sure the pace wasn't too rushed and included things the kids would enjoy. Communication was easy throughout. Will definitely use them again for our next Asia trip.”

Apr 2026

Laura Bennett

🇨🇦 Toronto, Canada

Alisa made the whole experience easy

“Alisa was our point of contact throughout and she was brilliant — patient, knowledgeable, and always quick to reply. The trip itself was wonderful. Beijing and Guilin were highlights.”

Mar 2026

Mark Henderson

🇺🇸 Denver, USA

Good service, minor hiccup but sorted quickly

“Really good service. There was a small mix-up with one of our restaurant bookings but it got sorted quickly. The rest of the trip was seamless.”

Feb 2026

Rebecca Miller

🇺🇸 Boston, USA

Really listened to what we wanted

“Really helpful team. They listened to what we wanted and delivered. Beijing and Xi'an were incredible.”

Jan 2026

China Ready

We've solved the hard parts. Here's everything a first-time Western traveler needs to know before arriving.

Do this before you fly

VPN & Internet Access

What's blocked

Google, Gmail, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and most Western news sites are inaccessible in China without a VPN.

Download before you leave

It's nearly impossible to download a VPN once inside China. Install and test at home. Recommended: Astrill (most reliable), Mullvad, ExpressVPN — subscribe to at least two in case one stops working.

Hotel Wi-Fi tip

Some hotels block VPN connections on their Wi-Fi. Use your phone's mobile data as a hotspot if the VPN drops.

Good news

WhatsApp works perfectly through a VPN, so your messaging stays unchanged. Apple iMessage and Signal also work.

Your concierge sets this up on Day 1

Paying in China

China is cashless

Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for almost everything — restaurants, taxis, markets, tickets. Cash is rarely accepted in cities.

International cards now work

Foreign Visa/Mastercard can now link directly to Alipay (set up in minutes, $5,000 single transaction limit). Your concierge walks you through the setup on your first morning.

Carry some cash

We recommend ¥500–800 RMB in cash for the rare vendor that won't accept digital payment, and for small towns.

Booking this trip

Your deposit and balance are charged via Stripe — the same trusted platform used by Airbnb and Booking.com. USD billing, no surprise conversion fees.

We handle the paperwork

Visa & Entry

Do you need a visa?

Most US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand passport holders need a tourist (L) visa for stays over 10 days. We provide a visa invitation letter with every booking — it significantly speeds up approval.

240-hour visa-free transit

Citizens of 55+ countries (including USA, UK, most of EU, AUS, NZ, Canada) can enter China visa-free for up to 10 days if transiting through eligible ports. This covers our 12-day itinerary only if you have a confirmed onward flight.

Processing time

Apply 4–6 weeks before departure. Standard processing: 4–7 business days. Express (3 days) and same-day options available at most Chinese consulates.

What we provide

Visa invitation letter, hotel confirmation for all nights, suggested itinerary document — everything the consulate needs, formatted correctly.

Our responsibility, always

Safety & Practical Tips

Is China safe?

China consistently ranks among the safest countries for foreign tourists. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. Cities have extensive CCTV coverage and a visible police presence.

Emergency numbers

Police: 110. Ambulance: 120. Your concierge is your first call for any non-emergency situation — she has local contacts for every city on the itinerary.

Health & medications

Bring a full supply of any prescription medication. International pharmacies exist in major cities but may not carry your brand. Travel insurance is required — we can recommend policies that cover China specifically.

Language

English fluency outside hotels and tourist sites is limited. Your guides all speak English. We provide a printed pocket card with essential Chinese phrases and emergency contacts for every traveler.

Before You Book

Everything worth knowing before you book.

Nine days for Beijing, Xi'an and Chengdu. Is that too fast? 9

It is compact, and it is built to stay that way rather than to hide it. Three cities, three hotels, and both intercity moves are afternoon trains, so no day starts at an airport before dawn. Beijing gets three nights and Xi'an three, which is what the two of them need; Chengdu gets two, and one of those afternoons is a teahouse with nothing after it. The trade is real and we name it: there is no fourth city and no coastal stop on this plan.

Do we need a visa?

Most guests on this route do not. UK and European passports enter visa-free for stays days, and so do Canadian, Australian and New Zealand ones. We check your nine days plus any extra days in China against that window before you pay. The current policy runs through December 31, 2026, so an entry on or before December 23, 2026 finishes inside it. US passports are different. The US is not on that list, so US guests hold a Chinese tourist or business visa. The fee and the appointment are their own, and we confirm visa status before any payment. This route is not sold on the ten-day visa-free transit policy this season.

Can we fly straight home from Chengdu?

From the UK and western Europe, yes: Chengdu has direct long-haul service to your markets. From the Nordic countries, central Europe, Ireland and North America it is thin, so most guests connect. We do not include international tickets, so where there is no direct service the connection flies on your own ticket and your airline arranges it. If you would rather we add a domestic leg out of Chengdu to reach another gateway, we price it separately when you choose it and check the connecting time against your own flight. One thing to settle early either way: day nine tours through the afternoon, so tell us your departure time before you book.

A whole afternoon in a teahouse. Isn't that half a day wasted?

It is the one afternoon we will argue for. Chengdu's teahouses are where the city actually spends its time, and an hour there reads as a stop on the way somewhere; three hours reads as the thing itself. Your tea and the refills are included, your guide stays or steps away as you prefer, and the park sits twenty minutes' walk from the shopping streets if part of your group wants to go and come back. If you would still rather be moving, say so when we talk: we can put the opera on that afternoon instead and leave day nine lighter before your flight.

Why aren't lunches and dinners included?

On purpose, and it saves you money on this particular route. Two of your nine days are built around eating on the street, the Muslim Quarter in Xi'an and the lanes in Chengdu, where a set menu paid in advance would be the worst way to eat. Your guide recommends and books each day around what you feel like, and you pay at the table. All eight hotel breakfasts are included.

Tiananmen Square

The Forbidden City

Jingshan Park

Mutianyu Great Wall

Temple of Heaven

National Museum of China

Two Intercity Rail Journeys

Terracotta Warriors

Cycling on the Xi'an City Wall

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

The Drum Tower, Bell Tower & Muslim Quarter Night Views

Chengdu Panda Base

Teahouses in People's Park

Kuanzhai Alley & Taikoo Li

Sichuan Opera & Face-changing in the Community

01. Tiananmen Square

02. The Forbidden City

03. Jingshan Park

04. Mutianyu Great Wall

05. Temple of Heaven

06. National Museum of China

07. Two Intercity Rail Journeys

08. Terracotta Warriors

09. Cycling on the Xi'an City Wall

10. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

11. The Drum Tower, Bell Tower & Muslim Quarter Night Views

12. Chengdu Panda Base

13. Teahouses in People's Park

14. Kuanzhai Alley & Taikoo Li

15. Sichuan Opera & Face-changing in the Community

01. Tiananmen Square

02. The Forbidden City

03. Jingshan Park

04. Mutianyu Great Wall

05. Temple of Heaven

06. National Museum of China

07. Two Intercity Rail Journeys

08. Terracotta Warriors

09. Cycling on the Xi'an City Wall

10. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

11. The Drum Tower, Bell Tower & Muslim Quarter Night Views

12. Chengdu Panda Base

13. Teahouses in People's Park

14. Kuanzhai Alley & Taikoo Li

15. Sichuan Opera & Face-changing in the Community

01. Tiananmen Square

02. The Forbidden City

03. Jingshan Park

04. Mutianyu Great Wall

05. Temple of Heaven

06. National Museum of China

07. Two Intercity Rail Journeys

08. Terracotta Warriors

09. Cycling on the Xi'an City Wall

10. Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

11. The Drum Tower, Bell Tower & Muslim Quarter Night Views

12. Chengdu Panda Base

13. Teahouses in People's Park

14. Kuanzhai Alley & Taikoo Li

15. Sichuan Opera & Face-changing in the Community

Beijing · Day 1 - Day 4Collapse

Day 1 · Land, and start tomorrow

Day 2 · One line through the palace

Day 3 · Muyuan Great Wall, A Full Day

Day 4 · The square, the altar, the museum, the train

Xi'an · Day 5 - Day 7Collapse

Day 5 · The buried army

Day 6 · On the wall, then under the towers

Day 7 · Under the pagoda, then south

Chengdu · Day 8 - Day 9Collapse

Day 8 · Meet the Pandas First, Then Relax in a Bamboo Chair

Day 9 · Alleys, Sichuan Opera & the Airport

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Is Nine Days Your Length?

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Beijing · Day 1 - Day 4

Xi'an · Day 5 - Day 7

Chengdu · Day 8 - Day 9