Full touring days with one easy day built into Shanghai. The two longest days on foot are the Great Wall and the Forbidden City. The uphill and downhill transport at Mutianyu is not in your price, so plan on walking that climb unless your quote says otherwise.

Overview

Many first-time trips to China begin with palaces and ancient sites. This itinerary starts with Shanghai’s riverfront and towers, then moves to Chengdu’s teahouses and the still-active Dujiangyan irrigation system, before continuing to Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors and Beijing’s Forbidden City. The new and old do not need to be laid out on a single timeline; within one journey, they explain each other. You’ll stay three nights in Shanghai, Chengdu, and Xi’an, and two in Beijing; beyond the three intercity transfers, arrival days are reserved for rest. When you finally climb Jingshan in Beijing and look back at the riverbank roofs glimpsed on your very first night, these twelve days will have found their own order.

— LyrikTrip Travel Designer

Share your travel dates and the number of travelers, and we'll confirm transportation schedules, attraction bookings, and seasonal activities for each of the twelve days, listing the itinerary and costs in a written quote.

Why you'll love this trip

  • The classics in reverse order. Yu Garden, pandas, a Taoist mountain, the Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall, with English-speaking guides city by city.
  • 12 days from the Pudong skyline to a palace axis. See the whole timeline.
  • Stand on the Bund after dark on your first full evening, your guide beside you: a century of stone banking halls holds one side of the river and the Pudong towers hold the other, and the trip hands you both ends of its timeline before it has properly started.
  • Get to the Chengdu panda base in the morning, the hours when the animals are generally moving rather than sleeping: whatever else the twelve days do to you, this is the morning your phone fills up.
  • Take a bamboo chair in People's Park with a gaiwan refilled as long as you stay: a whole afternoon with nowhere to be next, put there on purpose rather than left over.
  • Walk a waterworks cut in the third century BC that still waters the plain below it, then sit down with a resident Taoist priest on the mountain above it: the oldest day of the trip lands in the middle and quietly rearranges everything after it.
  • Stand at the rail above the pits at the Terracotta Warriors while your guide reads the ranks out for you: you leave able to tell a general from a crossbowman by his armor and the knot of his hair, which is a better souvenir than a photograph.
  • Give a whole day to the wall at Mutianyu, watchtower to watchtower along the ridge, with your vehicle waiting below and nothing else on the day: the drive out is long, and that is exactly why the day carries one thing only.
  • Finish on the hill facing the Forbidden City: the field of golden roofs you spent the morning walking through lies below you, the axis runs off in both directions, and the twelve days line up in a single view.
Tour route mapTour route: Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi'an, BeijingShanghai · ArrivalsD1–D3ChengduD4–D6Xi'anD7–D9Beijing · DeparturesD10–D12

Things to do

Yuyuan Garden & the Old City, Shanghai
01
Shanghai Museum, Shanghai
02
The Bund, Shanghai
03
Former French Concession and Wukang Road, Shanghai
04
The Bund & Huangpu River Ferry, Shanghai
05
Chengdu Panda Base, Chengdu
06
Tea at People's Park, Chengdu
07
Dujiangyan, Dujiangyan
08
Daoist Temples & Dialogues in Qingchengshan, chengdu
09
Kuanzhai Alley & Taikoo Li, Chengdu
10
Terra Cotta Warriors, Xi'an
11
Xi'an City Wall, Xi'an
12
Bell and Drum Tower District at Night, xian
13
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an
14
Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing
15
Forbidden City, Beijing
16
Jingshan Park, Beijing
17

Itinerary

Shanghai · Day 1 - Day 3

Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai

Day 1 · Landing in Shanghai

Arrival day is reserved solely for airport transfer and check-in, allowing you time to rest.

Arrival & Airport Transfer Your driver will meet you based on your confirmed flight arrival time and transport you to your hotel in the city center.
Shanghai Through the Train Window From the towers on the elevated road to the plane trees and lit-up shops on the street, get to know this city through the car window first. Enjoy free time in the evening.

Day 2 · One garden, one lexicon, one skyline

From Yu Garden and its artifacts, head to The Bund at night for a view of the Huangpu River on both banks.

Yu Garden and the Old Town Stroll among pavilions, rockeries, and winding paths, then look up through the eaves to see the towers of the new city in the distance.
Shanghai Museum Follow your guide through a handful of bronze, ceramic, and calligraphy and painting works, setting the stage for what to watch for in Chengdu, Xi'an, and Beijing. The specific time slot is confirmed based on your travel date.
Bund Night Scenery Historic bank buildings face the Pudong towers across the river; your guide will accompany you on a riverside walk.

Day 3 · Slowing Down in Shanghai

Spend the morning strolling down the plane-lined avenues, then cross the river in the afternoon on a local ferry.

Former French Concession & Wukang Road Explore historic residences, corner shops, and everyday life beneath the plane trees, with walking distances that flex to your pace.
Huangpu River Ferry Cross the river with commuters and take in a brief glance at the cityscape on both banks; spend the rest of the time as you please.
航班

Chengdu · Day 4 - Day 6

Chengdu
Chengdu
Chengdu

Day 4 · Flying from Shanghai to Chengdu

This day is dedicated to the flight. Upon arrival, check in and rest.

Transfers and Flights A private car will transfer you to Shanghai Airport for a flight to Chengdu, followed by a private car transfer to your hotel. Flight times and cabin class are detailed in the written quote.
Evening in Chengdu After check-in, enjoy free time; if you need dinner recommendations, your guide can suggest restaurants near the hotel. Meals are at your own expense.

Day 5 · Tea After the Pandas

Watch the pandas in the morning, then unwind at People's Park in the afternoon with no rush to catch the next stop.

Chengdu Panda Base In the morning, stroll along the tree-lined garden paths to watch the pandas eat, climb, or nap in the branches.
Gaiwan Tea at People's Park Sink into a bamboo chair beneath the trees, sip a bowl of tea that is endlessly refilled, and take in the scene of card games and park life unfolding in the afternoon.

Day 6 · Dujiangyan's Waters, Qingcheng Mountain's Trails

Tour the water diversion project in the morning, walk through the forested mountains in the afternoon, then return to Chengdu that evening.

Dujiangyan Irrigation System Stand at the bifurcation and watch the Min River flow along different channels toward the flood discharge outlet and the Chengdu Plain.
Qingcheng Mountain Wander up stone-paved forest paths to explore this renowned Taoist mountain, where dappled shade gives way to uphill climbs along the trail.
Conversation with the Resident Daoist Priest Your guide will translate as the Taoist priest shares insights into daily life in the mountains; indoor or outdoor Tai Chi sessions will be confirmed based on the day's conditions. Return to Chengdu in the evening.
航班

Xi'an · Day 7 - Day 9

Xi'an
Xi'an
Xi'an

Day 7 · Three Alleys, Then Head North

Morning walking tour in Chengdu, followed by a high-speed rail ride through the Qinling Mountains to Xi'an.

Kuan Zhai Alley & Taikoo Li Both neighborhoods buzz with commercial energy. Your guide will show you how Chengdu weaves old streets together with new commercial districts.
High-Speed Rail to Xi'an In the afternoon, take the high-speed train north through the Qinling Mountains. Upon arrival in Xi'an, a private car will transfer you to your hotel. Cabin class and specific train services will be detailed in the written quotation.

Day 8 · Terracotta Warriors, a full day

No second attraction; visit order follows crowd flow inside the museum.

Terra Cotta Warriors By the excavation pit, we observe the military formation as the guide explains the armor, topknots, and postures, giving each row of terracotta warriors its own distinct character.
Linger a moment before a face The scale is visible at a glance, but the details reward a closer look. Today’s time is yours to spend here.

Day 9 · Above the City Wall, Beneath the Drum Tower

By day, view Xi'an from the city walls; by night, wander its streets to see how it lives.

Xi'an City Wall Walk a short distance atop the city wall to view the gray-tiled alleys inside and modern buildings outside from both sides of the crenellations. Biking is available for an additional fee.
Bell and Drum Tower District (Evening) Once both towers light up, walk with your guide through the nearby food street; the snacks are yours to choose and pay for on your own.
高铁

Beijing · Day 10 - Day 12

Beijing
Beijing
Beijing

Day 10 · Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and travel to Beijing by high-speed rail

The morning is still in Xi'an; by evening, you arrive at the final city of your journey.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Explore a monastery where religious activities still take place, and view the pagoda and its surrounding cultural district. Pagoda admission is sold separately and is not included in the base price.
High-speed rail to Beijing In the afternoon, take a high-speed train north. Upon arrival, a private car will meet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel. The specific train number and seat class will be confirmed in the written quote.

Day 11 · Dedicating the Day to Mutianyu

Round-trip private transfers, followed by a walk along the mountain ridge between the watchtowers of the Great Wall.

Drive to Mutianyu Depart the city in the morning with your private car, which will wait for you throughout the day. The return trip will be scheduled to match your walking pace.
Walk Along the Great Wall The guide will explain the enemy watchtowers, passes, and sightlines along the ridges as you walk. The default itinerary involves hiking up and down the mountain; cable car, chairlift, and zip-line tickets must be purchased separately.

Day 12 · A central axis, then Jingshan

Arrange the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, and airport transfer according to your departure flight schedule.

Forbidden City Tour the halls and courtyards along the Central Axis during your reserved time slot; the range of areas accessible that day will be adjusted based on flight times.
Jingshan Park If time permits, head to Jingshan Hill from the Forbidden City's north gate for a panoramic view of the rooftops and the central axis.
Timely Airport Drop-off Your driver will take you to the Beijing airport according to your flight time, and the itinerary concludes here.
Departures

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Hotels

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

Included / Excluded

What's Included

  • Hotels11 nights at your chosen level, four-star, five-star or quality boutique, breakfast included: Shanghai 3 · Chengdu 3 · Xi'an 3 · Beijing 2. Hotels are named in your written confirmation
  • Breakfasts11 hotel breakfasts, one on each of days two through twelve
  • Airport pickup and drop-offShanghai airport pickup on day one, met on arrival, and Beijing airport drop-off on day twelve, both by private vehicle
  • Intercity transportIncludes one domestic flight: Shanghai to Chengdu on Day 4; and two high-speed rail segments: Chengdu to Xi'an on Day 7, and Xi'an to Beijing on Day 10. All three are included in the base price; specific flight/train numbers, cabin class, and seat categories will be detailed in the written quote based on your travel dates.
  • Station and hotel transfersPrivate vehicle between hotel and airport or rail station for all three intercity legs
  • Private vehicleA guided day trip through four cities with a private air-conditioned vehicle and driver, including all-day round-trip access to the Mutianyu Great Wall, plus same-day round trips to Dujiangyan and Qingcheng Mountain from Chengdu
  • GuideLicensed English-speaking local guide on every touring day in each city, including the Bund evening on day two and the Bell and Drum Towers quarter evening on day nine
  • Tickets and experiences, ShanghaiYu Garden and the old city · Shanghai Museum with the timed reservation booked by us on a mainland number · the Bund and the Pudong skyline in the evening, guide accompanied · the Former French Concession and Wukang Road walk · the Huangpu River ferry ticket
  • Tickets and experiences, ChengduThe panda base in the morning · one gaiwan tea seat per guest with refills in People's Park · the Dujiangyan irrigation system · Mount Qingcheng with the arranged conversation with a resident Taoist priest · the Kuanzhai Alley and Taikoo Li walk
  • Tickets and experiences, Xi'anThe Terracotta Warriors with on-site commentary by your guide · wall-top access to the Xi'an City Wall · the pagoda grounds and cultural area at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda · the guided Bell and Drum Towers quarter evening walk
  • Tickets and experiences, BeijingMutianyu Great Wall scenic-area entrance with the full-day private vehicle from central Beijing and back · the Forbidden City with the timed reservation booked by us on a mainland number · Jingshan Park
  • InsuranceTravel accident insurance for every guest

Not Included

  • International flightsFlights into Shanghai and out of Beijing
  • VisasIf your travel documents and itinerary require a Chinese visa, you are responsible for the visa fee and application process; entry eligibility is verified case by case based on your passport, itinerary, and departure date.
  • Lunches and dinnersAll lunches and dinners are on your own account. Your guide recommends and books on request
  • Separately ticketed items inside sitesCable cars · open chairlifts · toboggan rides · shuttle buggies inside a park · climbing a pagoda or tower · special exhibitions · audio-guide hire. None of these is included on this route unless it is named above, which means the way up and down at Mutianyu and climbing the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda are on your own account
  • Bicycle hire on the city wallWall-top access is included; the bicycle itself is not
  • Optional add-onsNo priced optional add-on is offered on this route in this release, and nothing outside the included list is folded into your base plan
  • PersonalGratuities, single or extra-room difference, laundry, communications, personal spending

Special Notes

Attraction bookings, seasonal activities, and intercity transportation will be arranged according to your actual travel dates; the following details will be confirmed in the written quote.

  • Confirm itinerary by date — This itinerary can be booked for your preferred dates. The flight on Day 4, the two high-speed rail segments, site reservations, and seasonal activities are confirmed based on your actual travel dates. Specific schedules, cabin classes, and arrangements will be detailed in your written quote.
  • Going up and down at Mutianyu — Scenic area admission tickets, a private vehicle for the full day, and a guide are included. Suspended chairs, cable car, and slide tickets are sold separately and are not part of the base price; operating hours are subject to weather and scenic area operations. By default, the itinerary is arranged for walking up and down the mountain. If you prefer another mode of transport, please specify this at the time of booking, and the final price will be based on a written quote.
  • Bicycles on the Xi'an City Wall — wall-top access is in your price. Whether bicycles are out for hire on your date is stated in writing per order, and walking a section is the standing alternative, which is how this plan is written.
  • The tai chi session on Mount Qingcheng — Mountain entrance tickets, exchanges with the resident Taoist priest, and the Tai Chi experience are included. Whether the Tai Chi session is held indoors or outdoors depends on the travel dates and weather conditions, and will be specified in the written quotation. The mountain is damp and cold in late autumn and winter, so please bring warm clothing.
  • Departure dates — For popular travel dates such as the National Day holiday, availability depends on attraction bookings and transportation slots. If the trip departs on a Thursday, Day 12 falls on a Monday, when the Forbidden City is typically closed. You can adjust the itinerary for the two days in Beijing according to flight times, and the final schedule will be confirmed at the time of booking.
  • Two timed reservations — The Palace Museum and the Shanghai Museum require timed reservations for entry. We will cross-check their operating calendars against your dates and help secure your booking; the specific visit time slots will be included in your itinerary confirmation.
  • Day twelve is a departure day — the Forbidden City sits in the city center and its reservation slot is set against your flight time, so this day is cut to fit rather than run to a fixed plan. If your flight is early, the palace route shortens to the main axis and Jingshan comes off.
  • Evenings on the Bund — strangers on the waterfront who open with an invitation to practice English or to see a tea ceremony are running a bill scam on visitors. Your guide is with you for that whole evening, which is why it is arranged for your first full night rather than left to you.
  • Intercity transport — This itinerary includes one flight and two high-speed rail segments. Any rescheduling may affect transportation, accommodation, and attraction bookings; the specific schedules, cabin classes or seat grades, and rescheduling terms are subject to the written quote and order confirmation.
  • Visa window — Entry requirements may vary depending on passport nationality, departure date, and length of stay in China. Please provide your travel documents and complete entry/exit plans at the time of booking. We will verify each case against the current official regulations. This page does not substitute for visa confirmation.
  • US passports — Holders of U.S. passports are equally welcome to inquire about and book this itinerary. Applicable entry methods must be confirmed on a case-by-case basis, depending on passport details, arrival/departure transport, and stay dates. Should a Chinese visa be required, associated fees and procedures are the traveler’s responsibility; please allow sufficient processing time.
  • Entering under the transit policy — This is a 12-day itinerary; if you plan to use the visa-free transit policy (available for stays of up to 10 days), please verify your actual duration of stay in China and complete entry/exit itinerary beforehand. If you do not meet the requirements, you may choose an entry method that matches your documentation or adjust the number of days in your itinerary.
  • Confirmation and changes — Each written quote clearly outlines the confirmation deadline, payment milestones, and change and refund policies. Please review these details before making a payment.

Is Twelve Days Your Length?

Fewer than twelve days?

Fewer than twelve days?

The four cities come apart cleanly, and the order is the part worth keeping. Shanghai plus Beijing makes a short version that still runs newest to oldest; dropping Xi'an costs you the buried army; dropping Chengdu costs you the middle of the trip, which is where the pace lives. Tell us your dates and who is coming, and we cut cities rather than cut nights: three nights in one place is the thing this plan is built on.

Good to Know

Group
Private, just your party. From 1 guest. No fixed maximum party size.
Pace
Four cities in 12 days: three nights each in Shanghai, Chengdu and Xi'an, two in Beijing, with one easy day and three half-day travel days
Effort
Full touring days. The two longest on foot are the Great Wall day and the Forbidden City day; the wall's uphill transport is not in your price, so plan on the climb on foot unless your quote says otherwise. The city wall in Xi'an is walked rather than ridden in this plan
Ports
Shanghai in, Beijing out; airport pickup on day one and drop-off on day twelve
Visas
Entry requirements will be verified one by one based on your passport, itinerary, and travel dates. If you need a visa, please allow sufficient processing time.
Language
Licensed English-speaking local guides throughout, city by city
Payment
Minimum 1 guest. A 10% deposit (minimum USD 399) secures your dates, with the balance due 14 days before departure; see the written quote for full terms. “Or similar” refers to accommodation of the same category and comparable location.
Season
Inquiry-based booking by date. For peak dates like the National Day holiday, please verify transportation and attraction availability. When departing on a Thursday for a two-day Beijing itinerary, be sure to avoid the Palace Museum, which is closed on Mondays.
Weather
October is the mildest month of the three in all four cities. November and December are cold and dry in Xi'an and Beijing, damp and cold on Mount Qingcheng, and the outdoor days are the ones to dress for

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.

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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

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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.

Most plans do start there, and this one deliberately does not. Beijing gives you a palace finished in 1420 on day one, before you have any idea what you are looking at; the objects, the roof lines and the axis all arrive at once. Run it the other way and each city is older than the last, so every stop explains the one before it: the skyline, then the city that lives at its own speed, then the buried army and the wall, then the palace and the hill facing it. Practically, it also lands you in the country's easiest city to arrive jet-lagged, and it puts the Great Wall on day eleven rather than the last day, where weather or an early flight could take it away.

On foot, as this plan is written. Mutianyu has an open chairlift, a cable car and a toboggan, and all three are separately ticketed: they are not in your price and we do not promise them, because their November and December operating hours and stop conditions have not been confirmed with us in writing. We would rather tell you that than sell you a ride that is closed on your date. What you do get either way is the scenic-area ticket, the full-day private vehicle from central Beijing and back, your guide for the whole day, and a day that carries nothing else, so the pace on the steps is yours. Your quote states in writing the uphill and downhill arrangement for your departure date.

It is enough for those two and nothing more, which is the trade this plan makes on purpose. Day eleven is the wall, all day, because the drive out is long. Day twelve is the palace on one axis and then the hill facing it, cut to fit your flight. What Beijing does not get here is a third day for the parks, the hutongs and the temples. If you want that day, tell us: the honest way to buy it is to take it off Chengdu, and we will say which day that costs you.

Most guests on this route do not. UK · French · German · Dutch · Belgian · Italian · Spanish · Portuguese · Greek · Nordic · Central European · Irish · Canadian · Australian · New Zealand passports currently enter visa-free for stays days, and before you pay we check your 12 days plus any other days in China against that window. The current policy runs through December 31, 2026, so departures on or before December 20, 2026 finish inside it. US passports are different: the US is not on that list, and 12 days is longer than the 10-day transit policy allows, so US guests hold a Chinese tourist or business visa, with the fee and the appointment their own. This route's US position is still in compliance review and we are not taking US orders until it is finished. If the dates do not fit, we say so instead of selling.

Not yet, and we will not take a deposit to hold a plan whose terms are not finished. the remaining items have to be settled: the class of the flight and the two rail legs, the fourth-quarter answers on the three outdoor items above, whether this route runs during the national holiday week, and with its What you can do now is tell us your dates and who is coming. We will hold your dates in the queue, tell you where each of the four stands, and write to you the day the route opens.

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