Open menu

Beijing and Xi'an feature long walking days. Upon arrival in the Jiuzhaigou area on Day 8, no sightseeing is scheduled; accommodation is arranged locally from Day 8 through Day 10. Day 9 involves visiting high-altitude scenic areas, and Day 11 includes the return trip to Chengdu.

Overview

从北京的故宫和长城出发，经西安的兵马俑与城墙抵达成都。第八天乘高铁前往九寨沟地区，抵达后留出休息时间；接下来走进九寨沟景区，再到甲勿海熊猫中心。第十一天返回成都，最后两天在上海走过豫园、上海博物馆、外滩与黄浦江。城际交通日留有余量，具体班次按出行日期确认。

— LyrikTrip 旅行设计师

告诉我们您的出行日期和随行人数。酒店、城际班次、园内交通及具体包含项会按实际日期核对，并在报价与确认单中列明。

Why you'll love this trip

  • The classics, plus altitude. The Terracotta Warriors, pandas, high speed trains and the Bund, with English speaking guides city by city.
  • 14 days from the Forbidden City to lakes at 3,000 meters. See both Chinas.
  • Walk along the central axis through the Forbidden City, exit the north gate, and head straight up into Jingshan Park to look back at the sea of rooftops you passed beneath that morning.
  • Ride or walk the Xi'an City Wall, with the old town’s narrow alleys on one side and the modern city on the other; bicycle rentals are included in your current package.
  • Day 7 afternoon is reserved for a teahouse in People's Park: sit under the shade of trees, sip gaiwan tea, and watch the neighboring tables chat and play cards.
  • Spend a full day exploring a valley at an elevation of 2,000 to 3,100 meters, wrapping up in the early afternoon rather than staying until closing time.
  • Start with a visit to the Chengdu Giant Panda Base, then head to the Jiawuhai Panda Center to compare the visitor experience at two different habitats.
  • On the evening of Day 13, stroll along the Bund and gaze at the Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River; on Day 14, take a ferry across the river, depending on your flight time.
  • On Day 8, take a high-speed train to the Jiuzhaigou area; no sightseeing is scheduled that day. You will stay there for three nights and return to Chengdu by high-speed train on Day 11.
Tour route mapTour route: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, ShanghaiBeijing · ArrivalsD1–D4Xi'anD5–D6ChengduD7JiuzhaigouD8–D10Shanghai · DeparturesD11–D12

Things to do

Forbidden City, Beijing
01
Jingshan Park, Beijing
02
Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing
03
Tiananmen Square, Beijing
04
Temple of Heaven, Beijing
05
National Museum of China, Beijing
06
Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an
07
Muslim Quarter, Xi'an
08
Xian Ancient City Wall Cycling, Xi'an
09
Chengdu Panda Base, Chengdu
10
Learn more
People's Park Tea, Chengdu
11
Learn more
Jiuzhaigou, jiuzhaigou
12
Jiawu Sea Panda Center, Jiuzhaigou
13
Learn more
Kuanzhai Alley and Taikoo Li, Chengdu
14
Community Opera House, Chengdu
15
Yu Garden and Old Town, Shanghai
16
Shanghai Museum, Shanghai
17
The Bund, Shanghai
18
Former French Concession and Wu Kang Road, Shanghai
19
The Bund and Huangpu River Ferry, Shanghai
20
Forbidden City, BeijingHeritage
Jingshan Park, BeijingViewpoint
Mutianyu Great Wall, BeijingGreat Wall
Tiananmen Square, BeijingLandmark
Temple of Heaven, BeijingCulture
National Museum of China, BeijingMuseum
Terracotta Warriors, Xi'anHeritage
Muslim Quarter, Xi'anFood
Xian Ancient City Wall Cycling, Xi'anCycling
Chengdu Panda Base, ChengduNature
Learn more
People's Park Tea, ChengduCity
Learn more
Jiuzhaigou, jiuzhaigouNature
Jiawu Sea Panda Center, JiuzhaigouNature
Learn more
Kuanzhai Alley and Taikoo Li, ChengduCity
Community Opera House, ChengduCulture
Yu Garden and Old Town, ShanghaiHeritage
Shanghai Museum, ShanghaiMuseum
The Bund, ShanghaiRiverfront
Former French Concession and Wu Kang Road, ShanghaiCity
The Bund and Huangpu River Ferry, ShanghaiCity
Forbidden City, BeijingHeritage
Jingshan Park, BeijingViewpoint
Mutianyu Great Wall, BeijingGreat Wall
Tiananmen Square, BeijingLandmark
Temple of Heaven, BeijingCulture
National Museum of China, BeijingMuseum
Terracotta Warriors, Xi'anHeritage
Muslim Quarter, Xi'anFood
Xian Ancient City Wall Cycling, Xi'anCycling
Chengdu Panda Base, ChengduNature
Learn more
People's Park Tea, ChengduCity
Learn more
Jiuzhaigou, jiuzhaigouNature
Jiawu Sea Panda Center, JiuzhaigouNature
Learn more
Kuanzhai Alley and Taikoo Li, ChengduCity
Community Opera House, ChengduCulture
Yu Garden and Old Town, ShanghaiHeritage
Shanghai Museum, ShanghaiMuseum
The Bund, ShanghaiRiverfront
Former French Concession and Wu Kang Road, ShanghaiCity
The Bund and Huangpu River Ferry, ShanghaiCity
Forbidden City, BeijingHeritage
Jingshan Park, BeijingViewpoint
Mutianyu Great Wall, BeijingGreat Wall
Tiananmen Square, BeijingLandmark
Temple of Heaven, BeijingCulture
National Museum of China, BeijingMuseum
Terracotta Warriors, Xi'anHeritage
Muslim Quarter, Xi'anFood
Xian Ancient City Wall Cycling, Xi'anCycling
Chengdu Panda Base, ChengduNature
Learn more
People's Park Tea, ChengduCity
Learn more
Jiuzhaigou, jiuzhaigouNature
Jiawu Sea Panda Center, JiuzhaigouNature
Learn more
Kuanzhai Alley and Taikoo Li, ChengduCity
Community Opera House, ChengduCulture
Yu Garden and Old Town, ShanghaiHeritage
Shanghai Museum, ShanghaiMuseum
The Bund, ShanghaiRiverfront
Former French Concession and Wu Kang Road, ShanghaiCity
The Bund and Huangpu River Ferry, ShanghaiCity

Itinerary

Arrivals

Beijing · Day 1 - Day 4

Beijing
Beijing
Beijing

Day 1 · Arrive in Beijing, Rest

Private airport transfer arranged per confirmed flight; rest upon arrival in the city. No sightseeing planned for this day.

Airport pickup Your driver and vehicle are waiting 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 an ordinary city street. The country you flew this far for shows up before you have unpacked anything.
Evening No other activities are scheduled for the day. Dinner is at your own expense. If you would like restaurant recommendations or reservations, please let us know once your travel dates are confirmed.

Stay — Beijing · Meals — None included today

Day 2 · Forbidden City Central Axis and Jingshan Park

Walk through the Forbidden City to Jingshan via Shennvmen, and gaze back at the palace rooftops from the summit.

The Forbidden City The Forbidden City requires advance booking of your entry time slot for your travel date. Walk the central axis past the imperial halls of state, residential quarters, and the Imperial Garden; stand at the courtyard’s center to look back, where the palace gates stand one after another in succession.
Out the north gate to Jingshan Park The palace's back gate opens onto a hill built from the earth dug out of the moats, and the climb to the pavilion on top takes about twenty minutes. From the rail you look straight back down the way you came: golden roofs in ranks, and the city's central axis running out through them to the north and to the south. It takes a second up there to work out that the small courtyards below are the ones you were standing in an hour ago.
Pace The Forbidden City is extensive, so please allow time for breaks during your visit. Note that it is typically closed on Mondays; you'll need to adjust your sightseeing order accordingly after confirming your dates.

Stay — Beijing · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 3 · Mutianyu Great Wall

Head north from Beijing to Mutianyu, walking along the city wall and watchtowers, and return to Beijing that evening.

Drive out to Mutianyu The run north takes a good part of the morning, which is why nothing else is on today; the vehicle stays with you all day.
Up to the wall The cable car, the open chairlift and the toboggan are sold at the gate and paid on site, and the stepped path is the alternative. Your guide tells you which line is moving before you choose. Admission and the walk on top are already yours.
The restored section Walk along the mountain ridge between the watchtowers, where your guide will introduce the city walls, passes, and the terrain along the way. From above, the watchtowers stretch one after another, following the contours of the mountains.

Stay — Beijing · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 4 · Three Beijing Landmarks, Then Xi'an in the Afternoon

Walk through Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven, and the National Museum of China; tour durations will be adjusted based on reservations and high-speed rail schedules, ending with a night stay in Xi'an.

Tian'anmen Square You cross the ceremonial center of modern China on foot. Everyone is screened to enter and the queue takes its own half hour to an hour, so it sits in the day's budget separately; your guide walks you to the nearest screening entrance rather than the long way around.
Temple of Heaven Walk along the central axis to see the main buildings of the Temple of Heaven and its circular and square layouts, then pass through park areas with local activities. The visiting order may be adjusted based on the day's reservation and train schedule.
National Museum of China The National Museum of China, located on the east side of Tiananmen Square, features exhibits of bronze, ceramics, sculpture, and calligraphy. Reserve your admission for the date of your visit; allow enough time to connect with your afternoon high-speed train.
Afternoon train to Xi'an In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Xi'an; station transfers at both ends will be arranged as per the confirmation sheet. Train schedule and travel time are subject to the actual date.

Stay — Xi'an · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

高铁

Xi'an · Day 5 - Day 6

Xi'an
Xi'an
Xi'an

Day 5 · Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Xi'an

Spend your morning exploring the Terracotta Warriors, then return to Xi'an's old town in the evening to stroll past the Drum and Bell Towers and through the Muslim Quarter.

Terracotta Warriors An estimated eight thousand figures, found in 1974 by farmers digging a well. Your guide teaches you to read rank before you look: armor, hairstyle, stance, and suddenly the rows are a general, crossbowmen, foot soldiers rather than a crowd. In the more recently excavated area, some figures still hold traces of their original paint. Stand at the end of Pit 1 and look down the length of it. You'll lower your voice without deciding to.
Back into the city The site sits about an hour east of Xi'an, and the afternoon is left open on purpose so the evening is not a rush.
Bell Tower, Drum Tower and the Muslim Quarter Two towers at the center of the old grid, one that rang the day open and one that closed it, and behind them the lanes where the city's Hui community has cooked and traded for centuries. Your guide walks the evening with you and tells you what each stall is making before you commit to it. Food here is bought by the piece, on your own account.

Stay — Xi'an · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 6 · Xi'an City Wall, Afternoon Departure to Chengdu

Ride or walk along the Xi'an City Wall in the morning, then take a high-speed train to Chengdu in the afternoon.

Xi'an City Wall by bicycle You ride up onto one of the most complete surviving city walls in China and go around the top of it. Your bicycle is in the price. On your left the old grid of roofs, on your right the towers of the new city; both are at your shoulder, neither is in your way. Turn back whenever you have had enough, or walk a section instead.
Allow time for transfers The city wall itinerary is scheduled in the morning, allowing time for checkout and transfer to the station. Luggage storage will be confirmed based on the hotel's actual arrangements.
Afternoon train to Chengdu Travel to Chengdu by high-speed rail in the afternoon, passing through the Qinling mountain region. Train schedules and travel duration will be confirmed based on your departure date.

Stay — Chengdu · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

高铁

Chengdu · Day 7

Chengdu
Chengdu
Chengdu

Day 7 · Panda Base and People's Park

Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the morning, then relax with a bowl of gaiwan tea in a teahouse at People's Park in the afternoon.

Chengdu panda base You are there in the morning, the hours when the pandas are generally moving: eating, climbing down off things, dropping back to sleep in the fork of a tree. Flat shaded paths and about three hours to use as you like. Get to an enclosure fence early and wait: the animal comes over on its own schedule, not on yours.
Teahouse sitting in People's Park Find a bamboo chair beneath the trees in People's Park and order a gaiwan tea. Around you, you'll hear the chatter and clink of cards; keep some afternoon time to linger. Tea and other services are subject to the tea house's on-site arrangements.

Stay — Chengdu · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

高铁

Jiuzhaigou · Day 8 - Day 10

Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou

Day 8 · High-Speed Rail to Jiuzhaigou

Take the high-speed train from Chengdu to the Jiuzhaigou area. After arriving at your hotel, spend the day at leisure; no sightseeing is scheduled.

Train to Jiuzhaigou Take a high-speed train from Chengdu to the Jiuzhaigou area, passing through the basin and mountainous terrain; confirm the specific train schedule and connecting transport details based on your travel dates.
Arrival at about 2,000 meters Your driver takes you to the hotel and the afternoon is yours to do nothing with. Thin air is worth taking seriously on the first day: walk slowly, drink more water than you want to, and let your body catch up.
Why the day is empty Upon arrival, no further sightseeing is scheduled. Rest at the hotel to ensure ample time for entering Jiuzhaigou National Park the following day.

Stay — Jiuzhaigou · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 9 · Jiuzhaigou Lakes & Waterfalls

Take the scenic area's shuttle bus to tour the lakes, then walk to the Five Flower Lake and Nuorilang Waterfall; note that on-site transportation fees are not included and will be confirmed separately.

Into the valley Your park admission is in your price; the shuttle ticket is bought at the gate on your own account, and the whole valley is toured on that shuttle system, because the lake groups are too far apart to walk in a day. Your guide picks the loop on the morning itself, by season and by how many people are in the park.
Five Flower Lake Shallow, and clear enough that the trees which fell into it long ago are still visible lying on the bottom, whole. Stand on the boardwalk above the narrow end and look straight down rather than across.
Nuorilang Falls Wide rather than tall, a curtain of water coming off a terrace of travertine several hundred meters across. The sound arrives before the view does.
Pace at altitude Everything today is walked slowly and sat down often, and the visit closes in the early afternoon so that nobody is chasing the last shuttle.

Stay — Jiuzhaigou · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 10 · Jiawuhai Panda Center

Head to Jiawuhai Panda Center; spend the rest of the day relaxing. Overnight in the Jiuzhaigou area.

Jiadu Giant Panda National Nature Reserve Visit the Jiawuhai Panda Center. Please confirm the exact opening hours, tour details, and pickup arrangements based on your travel date.
Third Night in Jiuzhaigou The rest of the time is free; tonight is your third night in the Jiuzhaigou area, and you will return to Chengdu by high-speed train the following day.
The valley in the evening The light goes off the ridge early up here and the temperature drops with it. Bring the layer you have been carrying since Beijing.

Stay — Jiuzhaigou · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

高铁

Chengdu · Day 11 - Day 12

Chengdu
Chengdu
Chengdu

Day 11 · Return to Chengdu by High-Speed Rail

Enjoy free time in the morning, then take a high-speed train back to Chengdu for the night.

A free morning No scheduled activities before the train departure. Return train times and accommodations in Chengdu are confirmed according to the travel dates.
Afternoon train to Chengdu The same three and a half hours back through the gorges, with your driver at both ends. The plateau closes behind you and the basin opens up green and hazy.
Chengdu, one night This stop exists because the round trip requires it, and we do not dress it up as a stay. Check in, eat somewhere your guide points you to, sleep at 500 meters.

Stay — Chengdu · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 12 · Chengdu Streets & Sichuan Opera, Evening Flight to Shanghai

Explore the historic Kuanzhai Alley and Taikoo Li, enjoy a Sichuan opera performance, and then fly to Shanghai.

Kuanzhai Alley and Taikoo Li Three parallel lanes of gray brick courtyards, restored and full of teahouses and shops, and then the low glass blocks of a modern retail district built around a Song dynasty temple. Both are busy and commercial; you go for the two of them side by side, and for what is sold on the street.
Community Sichuan opera Watch a Sichuan opera and face-changing performance at a community theater. If the troupe's schedule permits, you can get an up-close look at the performers' backstage preparations; the exact experience is subject to the confirmed itinerary.
Evening flight to Shanghai Arrive in Shanghai via an evening flight; transfers at both ends and hotel check-in will be arranged according to the confirmation. The specific flight and schedule are subject to the actual travel date.

Stay — Shanghai · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

航班

Shanghai · Day 13 - Day 14

Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai

Day 13 · Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum & The Bund

Stroll from Yu Garden and the Old City to the Shanghai Museum, then enjoy the views along the Huangpu River at the Bund in the evening.

Yu Garden and the old city Pavilions, rockery, ponds and a path that never runs straight, dropped inside the oldest quarter of the city. A Ming dynasty official built it for his father, which is why the scale is domestic. Flat the whole way; the lanes outside the wall are where the neighborhood still shops.
Shanghai Museum The Shanghai Museum features bronzes, ceramics, and other treasures; check the specific travel date for admission and gallery opening details.
The Bund after dark The old banking houses hold one bank of the Huangpu River, the Pudong towers hold the other, a century apart and looking straight at each other across the water. Your guide is with you the whole evening, which also settles the strangers who approach visitors here about English practice or a tea ceremony. Stand at the rail with the old buildings behind you and the towers in front: the fourteen days close up into one picture.

Stay — Shanghai · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 14 · Wukang Road, Huangpu River Ferry, and Airport Transfer

Depending on the departure flight time, we will enjoy a walk along Wukang Road and a ferry ride across the Huangpu River, followed by a transfer to the airport.

Former French Concession and Wukang Road Walk along Wukang Road, where century-old houses and charming street shops sit beneath the shade of plane trees. The route is flat, so you can adjust the timing based on your return flight.
Huangpu River ferry You cross the river on the boat people take to get to work, standing at the rail with commuters and their scooters, not on a sightseeing deck. Half an hour end to end, and it is the last thing on the plan for a reason: the trip started on a paved axis and it finishes on moving water.
Airport drop-off Your airport transfer is scheduled to accommodate your return flight, with ample time allowed for check-in procedures. If your flight is early, please confirm in advance whether to adjust the Wukang Road and ferry excursion dates.

Stay — Trip ends · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Departures

Free PDF

Read it on your own time

We'll send this itinerary guide to your inbox for free.

No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.

Hotels

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

Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort Area)
Shanghai
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort Area)
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: A luxurious garden hotel near Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering complimentary shuttle service to both destinations.
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
Beijing
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
International high-end hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and city stays.
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel
Shanghai
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang, located in the South Huangpi Bridge area near the French Concession, is just steps from Metro Line 9 and the Expo site.
Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel
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.
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
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.
Noble Guest Hotel
Jiuzhaigou
Noble Guest Hotel
A culturally rich hotel located near the entrance to Jiuzhaigou National Park.
DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road
Beijing
DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road
International upscale hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and leisure stays.
Atour S Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Center Aegean Sea
Shanghai
Atour S Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Center Aegean Sea
Inside the Aegean Sea Shopping Park at the intersection of Wuzhong Road and Hongjing Road in the golden commercial district of Hongqiao Town, directly connected to Longbai Xincun Station on Metro Line 10.
Shangri-La Hotel
Xian
Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel Xi'an: five-star luxury near the Terracotta Warriors, 35 minutes from the airport.
The Temple House
Chengdu
The Temple House
Boutique luxury hotel inside a restored Qing-dynasty courtyard near Taikoo Li with one of Chengdu's strongest design statements.
Hotel Indigo Jiuzhai, an IHG Hotel
Jiuzhaigou
Hotel Indigo Jiuzhai, an IHG Hotel
A boutique luxury resort inspired by Tibetan and Qiang culture, offering stylish accommodations and immersive local experiences near Jiuzhaigou National Park.
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort Area)
Shanghai
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort Area)
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: A luxurious garden hotel near Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering complimentary shuttle service to both destinations.
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
Beijing
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
International high-end hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and city stays.
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel
Shanghai
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang, located in the South Huangpi Bridge area near the French Concession, is just steps from Metro Line 9 and the Expo site.
Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel
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.
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
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.
Noble Guest Hotel
Jiuzhaigou
Noble Guest Hotel
A culturally rich hotel located near the entrance to Jiuzhaigou National Park.
DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road
Beijing
DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road
International upscale hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and leisure stays.
Atour S Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Center Aegean Sea
Shanghai
Atour S Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Center Aegean Sea
Inside the Aegean Sea Shopping Park at the intersection of Wuzhong Road and Hongjing Road in the golden commercial district of Hongqiao Town, directly connected to Longbai Xincun Station on Metro Line 10.
Shangri-La Hotel
Xian
Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel Xi'an: five-star luxury near the Terracotta Warriors, 35 minutes from the airport.
The Temple House
Chengdu
The Temple House
Boutique luxury hotel inside a restored Qing-dynasty courtyard near Taikoo Li with one of Chengdu's strongest design statements.
Hotel Indigo Jiuzhai, an IHG Hotel
Jiuzhaigou
Hotel Indigo Jiuzhai, an IHG Hotel
A boutique luxury resort inspired by Tibetan and Qiang culture, offering stylish accommodations and immersive local experiences near Jiuzhaigou National Park.
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort Area)
Shanghai
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort Area)
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: A luxurious garden hotel near Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering complimentary shuttle service to both destinations.
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
Beijing
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
International high-end hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and city stays.
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel
Shanghai
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang, located in the South Huangpi Bridge area near the French Concession, is just steps from Metro Line 9 and the Expo site.
Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel
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.
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
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.
Noble Guest Hotel
Jiuzhaigou
Noble Guest Hotel
A culturally rich hotel located near the entrance to Jiuzhaigou National Park.
DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road
Beijing
DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road
International upscale hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and leisure stays.
Atour S Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Center Aegean Sea
Shanghai
Atour S Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Center Aegean Sea
Inside the Aegean Sea Shopping Park at the intersection of Wuzhong Road and Hongjing Road in the golden commercial district of Hongqiao Town, directly connected to Longbai Xincun Station on Metro Line 10.
Shangri-La Hotel
Xian
Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel Xi'an: five-star luxury near the Terracotta Warriors, 35 minutes from the airport.
The Temple House
Chengdu
The Temple House
Boutique luxury hotel inside a restored Qing-dynasty courtyard near Taikoo Li with one of Chengdu's strongest design statements.
Hotel Indigo Jiuzhai, an IHG Hotel
Jiuzhaigou
Hotel Indigo Jiuzhai, an IHG Hotel
A boutique luxury resort inspired by Tibetan and Qiang culture, offering stylish accommodations and immersive local experiences near Jiuzhaigou National Park.

Included / Excluded

What's Included

  • Private vehicleAir conditioned private vehicle with driver for all listed touring in all five cities; airport pickup on day one and drop off on day fourteen; station and airport transfers at both ends of every intercity segment, the Jiuzhaigou round trip included; fuel, tolls, parking and the driver's service allowance
  • GuideLicensed English speaking guide on every listed touring day in each city, including the Muslim Quarter evening in Xi'an and the Bund evening in Shanghai
  • Hotels13 nights' accommodation, including hotel breakfast: 3 nights in Beijing · 2 nights in Xi'an · 2 nights in Chengdu · 3 nights in Jiuzhaigou · 1 night back in Chengdu · 2 nights in Shanghai. The specific hotels and room types are subject to the confirmation voucher.
  • Tickets & experiences, BeijingTiananmen Square, allow time based on same-day security checks · Forbidden City, reserve entry by travel date · Jingshan Park, access via Forbidden City North Gate · Mutianyu Great Wall admission and guided walk on the restored section · Temple of Heaven · National Museum of China, reserve entry by travel date
  • Tickets & experiences, Xi'anThe Terracotta Warriors · Xi'an City Wall cycling, bicycle rental included, or walking a section instead if you prefer · Bell Tower, Drum Tower and the Muslim Quarter in the evening, guide accompanied
  • Tickets & experiences, ChengduMorning visit to the Panda Base · gaiwan tea at People's Park · Kuanzhai Alley and Taikoo Li · community Sichuan opera performance, with backstage tour subject to troupe schedule
  • Tickets & experiences, JiuzhaigouJiuzhaigou Scenic Area admission ticket; the sightseeing route is arranged according to the opening conditions of the day. · Jiawu Sea Panda Center; the specific visiting time is confirmed based on the travel date.
  • Tickets & experiences, ShanghaiYu Garden and the Old City · Shanghai Museum, please check booking requirements against your travel date · The Bund and the Puxi skyline in the evening, with a guide · Former French Concession and Wukang Road · Huangpu River ferry
  • ReservationsReservations for the Forbidden City, the National Museum of China, and the Shanghai Museum must be checked against your travel date for booking rules and available time slots; final entry arrangements are subject to your confirmed voucher.
  • Meals13 hotel breakfasts, one on each of days two through fourteen
  • OtherBottled water on scheduled touring days; travel accident insurance for the duration of the journey

Not Included

  • International flightsFlights into Beijing and out of Shanghai
  • Intercity transport, five segmentsHigh-speed rail segments from Beijing to Xi'an, Xi'an to Chengdu, and Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou, plus a domestic flight from Chengdu to Shanghai. Intercity fares and cabin classes are verified separately based on the travel date; final inclusions are subject to the written quotation. Airport and station transfers are detailed in the private vehicle notes above.
  • In park transportThe Jiuzhaigou park shuttle, the Mutianyu cable car or chairlift, and the Mutianyu toboggan descent. All three are bought on site at your own cost
  • VisasIf a Chinese visa is required, related fees and procedures are not included in the route price.
  • Lunches and dinnersLunch and dinner are not included for the entire itinerary, including meals in the Jiuzhaigou area; please ask your guide for restaurant recommendations, with expenses to be paid by guests.
  • Sightseeing not listed aboveAny attraction, venue, performance or workshop not named in the included lists, and anything added locally
  • Spending inside venuesFood, drinks, souvenirs and paid services inside any venue, including tea or ear cleaning ordered beyond the included tea sitting, photography services at either panda site, and anything bought inside the Jiuzhaigou area
  • Altitude related medical careOxygen supply, altitude medication, altitude related treatment. Evacuation and any insurance top up for high altitude travel
  • Extra nightsAny night before day one or after day fourteen. Guests who prefer to land a day early are quoted for that night and the matching airport pickup separately
  • PersonalGratuities for guides and drivers, single or extra room difference. Laundry, minibar and personal shopping

Special Notes

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

  • Booking and Confirmation — This route can be inquired about and booked based on your travel dates. Hotels, four segments of high-speed rail, domestic flights, sightseeing bus services at Jiuzhaigou, and their respective fees must be verified individually. The specific inclusions, pricing, availability, and payment terms are subject to the written quote and confirmation.
  • Departure Date — Please provide your intended travel date. The operating status of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, as well as rail and flight schedules and accommodation availability at each stop, will be verified based on this date. If the original plan cannot be fulfilled, we will first discuss alternative options before confirming the final quote.
  • Mondays — The Palace Museum is usually closed on Mondays. After confirming your travel dates, adjust the itinerary for the Beijing segment based on its opening hours that day.
  • Altitude — On Day 8, take a high-speed train to the Jiuzhaigou area; no sightseeing is scheduled that day. Day 9 involves entering scenic areas at higher altitudes, with local activities continuing on Day 10, and returning to Chengdu on Day 11. There are three nights of accommodation in the local area. Guests with altitude concerns, cardiopulmonary conditions, or a history of altitude sickness should consult a doctor before booking; costs for related medical care, oxygen, evacuation, and supplemental insurance are not included.
  • The two plateau rail segments — Verify the available seats and schedule for the round-trip high-speed trains on Day 8 and Day 11 based on your actual travel dates, and ensure they align with local activities and accommodation prior to confirmation.
  • In park transport — The current itinerary lists sightseeing car service in the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, cable car or chairlift, and slide at Mutianyu as optional paid items; final purchase methods and costs are subject to written quotations and on-site rules.
  • Security screening at the square — Security checks are required for entry to Tiananmen Square, and queue times vary by date. Day 4 also includes the Temple of Heaven, a museum, and an afternoon high-speed train, so visitation durations must be verified after the train schedule is confirmed.
  • Visa window — Entry and visa requirements vary depending on your passport's issuing country, the length of your stay in China, and your travel dates. Before booking, please verify the applicable official Chinese policies and allow sufficient time for visa processing if required.
  • US passports — Guests holding U.S. passports should verify the applicable entry and visa requirements for China against their planned travel dates. Visa fees and processing procedures are not included in the route price; please allow sufficient processing time before confirming your itinerary.
  • Confirmation and changes — the confirmation time commitment and the change and refund terms are being settled with our on the ground partner. Until they are, each quote states in writing its own confirmation deadline and its change and refund conditions. Note what a date change touches on this route: four rail segments, one domestic flight, hotel inventory, and the plateau season window, all at once.

Is Fourteen Days Your Length?

Fewer than fourteen days?

Fewer than fourteen days?

We can discuss adjusting the high-altitude section or switching to a route via Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, and Shanghai. If the number of days is shortened, city stops, transportation, and accommodations will all need to be rearranged; please provide your travel dates and the number of travelers, and we will verify feasible options and pricing.

Good to Know

Group
Private itinerary; minimum of 1 guest. The number of travelers must be confirmed based on vehicle availability, accommodation, and actual dates.
Pace
14 days, with 3 nights in Beijing, 2 in Xi'an, 2 in Chengdu, 3 in Jiuzhaigou, 1 in Chengdu on the return trip, and 2 in Shanghai. The itinerary includes four high-speed rail segments and one domestic flight; Days 8 and 11 focus on intercity travel.
Effort
Beijing and Xi'an feature long walking days, including a visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall. After arriving in the Jiuzhaigou area on Day 8, allow for rest; Day 9 involves visiting higher-elevation scenic areas, with accommodation remaining in the local area on Day 10 and a return to Chengdu on Day 11.
Ports
Beijing in, Shanghai out; airport pickup on day one and drop off on day fourteen
Visas
Entry requirements depend on your passport-issuing country, duration of stay, and travel dates. Please verify the applicable official Chinese policies before booking, and allow sufficient processing time if a visa is required.
Language
Licensed English speaking local guides throughout, city by city
Meals
13 hotel breakfasts. No lunch and no dinner is included on any day, the two Jiuzhaigou days included; your guide recommends and books, on your account
Payment
This itinerary is available for booking; please provide your preferred dates and number of travelers. Actual pricing, inclusions, and payment terms are subject to our written quotation and confirmation.
Season
Jiuzhai Valley's operating status and round-trip transportation depend on specific dates. Please verify details for your actual travel dates before departure; if your selected dates are unavailable, your itinerary may need to be adjusted.

Your Private Concierge

Jenessa

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

E
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
C
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
L
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
M
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
R
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.

The high part of this route tops out at about 3,100 meters during the day and you sleep at about 2,000, which is lower than most people expect from a plateau trip and well below the height at which altitude sickness becomes common. The plan does the rest: the ascent day carries no sightseeing at all, the valley day is walked slowly with the visit closing in the early afternoon, and the descent gets its own full day. What we cannot promise is how any individual body responds, so your quote states the altitude range in writing before you pay, and if you have a heart or lung condition or have reacted to altitude before, take medical advice first. Altitude medical care, oxygen and evacuation are not included in this route's price or its insurance.

Not this route, not this season. The Jiuzhaigou window closes from November through March, and the road and rail conditions up there in those months are not established for this plan, so we hold November and December closed rather than quietly swap the plateau for something else. For October to December 2026 the open window is October 8 to October 31, with the national holiday week at the start of the month excluded as well. If your dates are fixed in November or December, say so early and we will point you at a route that actually works then instead of selling you this one.

Three things you will actually use, and we would rather list them than let you find out at a gate. The Jiuzhaigou park shuttle, which is how the whole valley is toured. The cable car or chairlift up at Mutianyu, and the toboggan back down. All three are bought on site at present, because we have no landed price for them yet and we do not put an item in your base price before we can price it. Everything else on the included list is paid for. We are working the pricing with our partners, and if any of the three moves into the base price, your quote says so in writing before you pay.

It is the trade this route is built on, and we would make it again. Getting to the valley and back takes a travel day each way, and the ascent day is left empty on purpose so that your body has a night at 2,000 meters before the valley day rather than arriving and walking straight into it. Compressing that into a single day is the one change we decline on this route. What those two days buy you is the third one: a full day of lakes at altitude, finished early, walked slowly, with nobody chasing a train.

Most guests on this route do not. UK, French, German, Dutch, Belgian, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Nordic, Central European, Irish, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports enter visa free for stays days, and we check your 14 days plus any other days in China against that window before you pay. The current policy runs through December 31, 2026, so departures on or before December 17, 2026 finish inside it. US passports are different: the US is not on that list, and the 10 day transit policy does not work here either, on length and on area both, because the Jiuzhaigou section sits outside the region it allows. US guests hold a Chinese tourist or business visa, applied for in person the first time, so allow several weeks. We confirm visa status before any payment, and if the dates do not fit, we say so instead of selling.

Ready when you are.

No pressure. Browse our trips, or talk to a real person. Either way, your inbox stays clean.

Browse all tripsPlan with us