13 Days China Package Tour – Food and Fun!

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Chengdu
   First Impression of Chengdu - Hot pot and Changing Face Show

   Welcome to Chengdu for the 13-day private China tour. Our driver and guide will hold a name board and greet you at the airport. After check-in at your hotel and a short rest, we will get your stomach well-treated with the famous Sichuan hot pot. After that, you will come to appreciate the classic Sichuan Opera - Changing Faces. Finally, you will be dropped off at your downtown hotel.

   Special Note: You are suggested to arrange your flight to land before 3 pm.

   Meal: Dinner

   Accommodation: Local 3* Hotel

   

2. Day 2: Chengdu Food & Panda Tour
   See Cute Pandas Up Close in Their Daily Lives

   Sichuan Cuisine is listed as one of the “Chinese Eight Cuisine” and is popular on each inch of Chinese land. Today’s China tour in Chengdu starts with a Sichuan Cuisine Class with a professional cook. You will learn how to make the famous Mapo Bean Curd (Mapo Tofu) and Kung Pao Chicken from the cook who will show you the details of each step.

   You will have the dishes you cooked for lunch.

   In the afternoon, you will go to the No. 1 highlight of Chengdu: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Panda is the national treasure of China as we know and also adorable so much on the planet that many people feel happy even just seeing them eating and playing. Here is the chance for you to see the real pandas on the spot. Chengdu Panda Base is the largest panda base in the world where you can see more than 50 pandas. You will spend about 2 hours here to enjoy a happy time with cute pandas. Finally, you will be escorted back to your hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Local 3* Hotel

   

3. Day 3: Chengdu to Leshan Tour
   Climb up to the Tallest Stone Buddha in the World

   Today, you will have a Chengdu to Leshan tour for a visit to the amazing Leshan Giant Buddha. Drive around 2 hours from Chengdu city, and you can enjoy the urban scenery on the way.

   Regarded as the tallest stone Buddha in the world, the Leshan Giant Buddha was carved out of a cliff face 1300 years ago. When you look up at it from its toes, it’s hard to imagine how ancient Chinese people built this massive statue. Climb up the stairs to the top of the mountain to enjoy the wonderful scenery. The stairs may seem intimidating, but the hiking is well worth the time and effort.

   Taking a cruise is optional. If you would like to take a cruise instead of climbing up the mountain, or if you want to try both these 2 ways, just ask your tour guide for assistance.

   

   In the afternoon, we will drive back to Chengdu and have a rest at Chengdu Renmin Park where you can enjoy tea which is a necessary activity for a Chengdu local. Besides, you can also enjoy some items that a real local loves to do like ear cleaning (Optional and cost on your own). Don’t worry that your ear will be hurt, they are sophisticated and professional. Finally, come back to your hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Local 3* Hotel

4. Day 4: Chengdu to Xian Tour by Bullet Train
   Experience Riding a Bike on the City Wall

   Our driver will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and drive to Chengdu train station for the bullet train to Xian. When you arrive at Xian train station, our Xian local guide will greet you by holding a welcome sign and then go for lunch first.

   After lunch, your China tour in Xian takes you to the Ancient City Wall which usually leads to people's first impression of Xian: old with a long history. It is the most completely preserved and the largest city wall in China. You can ride a bike on the city wall (optional).

   Next, transfer you to the famous Muslim Quarter. It’s a paradise for the food-goer as you can find all the authentic local and even Chinese northwest area food here. Strolling on the stone-paved street, your eyes will be well feasted, and mouth watered with all kinds of snacks alongside. Xian food is different compared with Sichuan, like the characteristics of local people. Just enjoy your Xian time from here! Finally, you will be escorted to a local hotel to check in. Get a good rest tonight!

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Local 3* Hotel

   

5. Day 5: Xian Terracotta Army Tour
   Marvel at the Life-size Clay Warriors & Learn to Make Dumplings

   It’s the highlight of Xian part today! Morning pickup is after your breakfast. Then you will go to visit the 8th World Wonder Terracotta Warriors. On the way to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, you will stop at a terracotta figurine factory to specializes in the reproduction of clay warriors. Watch the artisans craft the miniature statues and take the opportunity to try carving a figurine by yourself.

   Then arrive at the famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, known as “the Eighth Wonder of the World”. The museum shows a surprisingly high level of sculpture which makes it the most significant archaeological discovery in the 20th century. The museum includes Pit 1 (the largest), Pit 2, and Pit 3, the exhibition hall of the chariots and horses as well.

   

   In the afternoon, go back downtown to visit a local family, and chat with them to get a better idea about local life and culture. You will learn to cook local dishes and make dumplings with the host. Of course, you will have dinner with them together. It’s really cool when the dumplings you made in person get on the table to be shared with other people. You will be dropped off at your hotel finally.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Local 3* Hotel

   

6. Day 6: Xian to Beijing Tour by Overnight Train
   Learn the Story of Xian Wild Goose Pagodas

   Still, meet your guide in the morning at your hotel lobby and then take the subway to visit Big Wild Goose Pagoda, initially built to preserve the Buddhist sutras and statues brought back from ancient India by Monk Xuanzang in the Tang Dynasty. It stands in a temple named Daci’en Temple. You will appreciate the precious palm-leaf scriptures, calligraphy works, exquisite murals, and great poems from that period, and listen to the interesting stories from your guide.

   If you would like to explore the famous site more, you can choose the climbing Pagoda (optional) to see what the inside of the thousand-year-old pagoda looks like and get an amazing bird view of the surrounding area.

   

   In the afternoon, if you would like to have a half day to rest considering you have already experienced 5 full days’ traveling, the guide will take you back to your hotel; if you still want to see more of this city, our guide will lead you to visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda which was also built together with Big Wild Goose Pagoda, store the Buddhist sculptures brought from India by Xuanzang. The driver will pick you up around 6 pm to transfer you to the train station to catch the overnight train to Beijing.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight Night Train

   

7. Day 7: Beijing Essence Tour
   Visit the Landmarks of Beijing and Taste the Peking Duck

   Upon your arrival, our guide and driver will greet you at the train station. You can ask the guide to help find a restaurant to solve your breakfast or just buy some takeaway food (cost on your own).

   Then your China tour package in Beijing starts at the first highlight today: Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palaces group with 500 years of history in the world. There are various routes to visit the Forbidden City. Your tour guide will select the best visiting route for you based on the day's itinerary, and you will learn some basic facts, including when it was built, why it was built, and how many rooms it has.

   

   In the afternoon, Beijing tour continues to the Temple of Heaven. It’s a sacred place in the old times as Ming and Qing emperors would pray for the fortune of the nation here. Today, besides the thick history and culture of it, you can get much enjoyment from its architectural beauty. The last site to be visited today is the renowned Summer Palace, the royal garden of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

   In the evening, please just get your stomach ready for the famous Peking Roast Duck which is a dish that no one should miss if he/she comes to Beijing. Finally, you will be sent to a local hotel for check-in.

   Meal: Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: Local 3* Hotel

   

8. Day 8: China Great Wall of Beijing
   Enjoy Hiking on the Mutianyu Great Wall with the Cable Car Option

   In the morning, your tour guide will meet you after your breakfast. Firstly, you will go for the Mausoleum of the 13th emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Ming Tomb is not only a place to let you know the history of the Ming dynasty but also a place to show you the mysterious Fengshui culture which only exists in China.

   Upon arrival, you will have a simple lunch first and then enjoy hiking on the Mutianyu Great Wall. A cable car is a good option if you would like to save energy and time to trek on the most beautiful part of the Great Wall. Mutianyu Great Wall was built in the early Ming Dynasty in 1368 and stretches for 5400 meters. There are ninety percent of the Mutianyu covered by vegetation. You can capture different unique scenery in each season.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Local 3* Hotel

   

9. Day 9: Beijing to Shanghai Tour by Bullet Train
   Glimpse the Background Information of the Hutongs

   Today you will get a wonderful ending to the Beijing tour at Hutong Alley and take a bullet train to Shanghai in the afternoon. Take a rickshaw to explore the typical architecture of old Beijing, while learning more about the background information of the Hutongs.

   After lunch, get on the car to Beijing train station for the bullet train to Shanghai. A local private driver in Shanghai will hold a name board to pick you up and then transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Local 3* Hotel

   

10. Day 10: Shanghai Highlights Tour
    Witness the History and Prosperity of This Metropolis

    Meet your Shanghai guide at your hotel lobby in the morning and then take the subway to explore the Yuyuan Garden. It is a classical and famous ancient Chinese private official garden style in Shanghai boasting elegant pavilions, villas, lotus ponds, and bridges. Nearby the Garden, you could stroll at the Yuyuan Market to have a look at those local snacks and crafts.

    The next stop is the Shanghai Museum, which introduces the history of this world-renowned metropolis, where you will get a better idea of Shanghai City.

    

    In the afternoon, be guided to ascend the Oriental Peral TV Tower, the best-known landmark of Shanghai, to have a bird's view of Shanghai and just immerse yourself in its mixed modern and natural beauty. Then you will have a leisure walk at the Bund, listen to the guide’s explanation, and appreciate the beautiful Huangpu River and architecture combined with both Western and Chinese elements. Finally, take the subway back to your hotel.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: Local 3* Hotel

    

11. Day 11: Shanghai to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Tour
    Relax in Zhujiajiao Town and Enjoy Night Food & Show Tour

    Today you will take a tour in the afternoon and evening while the morning is left for your disposal.

    At 12:00, meet your guide and diver from your hotel and then head to Zhujiajiao Water Town. It’s a totally different experience waiting for you here: Zhujiajiao is a typical Chinese Watertown with elaborate bridges and architecture, a peaceful lifestyle, and picturesque views. A boat cruise here is an optional activity based on your own interest.

    

    After visiting here, come back to Shanghai downtown to get a lovely Night Food & Show tour. You will enjoy the most famous Shanghai food "Tangbao" (soup dumplings). To avoid the hot Tangbao burning your mouth, you can have a tiny small bite first, then suck the soup and enjoy the Tangbao. In the night, prepare your eyes for the amazing Chinese acrobatic show. Finally, you will be dropped off at your hotel.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: Local 3* Hotel

    

12. Day 12: Shanghai Free Day

    It’s a free day with arrangements on your own! Your travel consultant or tour guide will help you if you need it.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: Local 3* Hotel

    

13. Day 13: Shanghai Departure

    After breakfast, our driver will pick you up from your hotel to transfer you to the airport for your departure airline.  Your 13-day Chengdu Xian Beijing Shanghai tour ends here. Look forward to seeing you next time.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A