From
USD 4,800
|
Duration
14 Days
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Signature Tour

Classic China
Travel

"From the Great Wall to the Shanghai skyline — a journey through 5,000 years of civilisation."

14
Days
5
Cities
USD 4,800
Starting From
View Itinerary ↓
China Route Map
Journey Overview

Beijing to Shanghai

This 14-day journey spans China's most iconic destinations — from the imperial grandeur of Beijing and the ancient wonders of Xi'an, to the leisurely charm of Chengdu, the otherworldly peaks of Zhangjiajie, and the dazzling skyline of Shanghai. This is the ultimate China experience for first-time visitors.

  • 🏯Forbidden City & Great Wall — Two of the world's greatest wonders, experienced privately
  • 🗿Terracotta Warriors — The 8,000-strong army that guarded an emperor for 2,200 years
  • 🐼Giant Pandas — Meet China's national treasure at the Chengdu breeding base
  • ⛰️Zhangjiajie (Avatar Mountains) — The otherworldly peaks that inspired Pandora
  • 🌃Shanghai Bund — China's most dazzling skyline, past and future side by side

Why This Tour

"This is the itinerary we recommend to every first-time visitor to China. It covers all the must-see destinations in a logical, comfortable flow — starting in the north, travelling south and east. Every transfer is by high-speed rail or flight, so you travel comfortably between each incredible destination."

Day-by-Day Itinerary

The Journey Unfolds

Each day is crafted to reveal a new chapter of China's story — from imperial grandeur to the towering peaks of the south.

01
Day 1
Beijing • Arrival

Welcome to Beijing

Your journey through China begins in the imperial capital.

  • 🛬International flight arrival at Beijing Capital Airport — private chauffeur welcome with name board
  • 🚗Private transfer to your hotel in central Beijing (approx. 45 min)
  • 🏨Check in and settle in — the rest of the day is yours to rest and adjust
02
Day 2
Beijing

The Heart of Imperial Beijing

600 years of imperial power in a single day.

  • 🏛️Tiananmen Square — the world's largest public square, flanked by monumental buildings
  • 🏯Forbidden City — a private guided walk through the world's largest palace complex (980 buildings, 500 years of Ming & Qing dynasties)
  • 🌄Jingshan Park — climb to the top for the best panoramic view of the Forbidden City and Beijing's skyline
  • 🏘️Nanluoguxiang & Shichahai — explore Beijing's best-preserved hutong neighbourhoods; Yandai Xiejie for snacks and souvenirs
03
Day 3
Beijing

The Great Wall & The Temple of Heaven

Two UNESCO icons, one unforgettable day.

  • 🧱Mutianyu Great Wall — a beautifully restored section with sweeping mountain views; cable car up, optional toboggan ride down
  • ⛩️Temple of Heaven — where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests; watch locals practice tai chi, dance, and play traditional instruments in the surrounding park
04
Day 4
Beijing → Xi'an

Summer Palace & High-Speed to Xi'an

From imperial gardens to the ancient capital.

  • 🏛️Summer Palace — a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design; explore Kunming Lake, the Long Corridor, and the Marble Boat
  • 🚄High-speed train Beijing → Xi'an (approx. 4.5 hours) — watch the landscape shift from the northern plains to the Loess Plateau
  • 🌆Evening stroll near the South Gate — Xi'an's ancient city walls are beautifully illuminated at night
05
Day 5
Xi'an

Warriors & Hot Springs

The army that guarded an emperor for 2,200 years.

  • 🗿Terracotta Warriors Museum — one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries: thousands of life-sized soldiers, each with a unique face
  • ♨️Huaqing Palace — the historic hot spring resort where Tang emperors bathed; also site of the Xi'an Incident (1936) that changed modern Chinese history
06
Day 6
Xi'an

The Ancient Capital

Walk the walls, taste the flavours, and witness the glory of the Tang Dynasty.

  • 🧱Xi'an Ancient City Wall — cycle or walk along the best-preserved city wall in China (14 km circumference)
  • 🍜Sajinqiao Food Street — Xi'an's best food market: hand-pulled noodles, lamb skewers, and the famous roujiamo (Chinese "burger")
  • 🛕Giant Wild Goose Pagoda & Da Ci'en Temple — Tang Dynasty Buddhist pagoda with panoramic views
  • 🎭Tang Paradise — a magnificent Tang Dynasty-themed cultural park with evening light shows and performances
07
Day 7
Xi'an → Chengdu

High-Speed to the Land of Panda

From the ancient capital to Sichuan's leisurely paradise.

  • 🚄High-speed train Xi'an → Chengdu (approx. 3.5 hours) — through the Qinling Mountains tunnel network, one of China's greatest engineering feats
  • 🏨Check in and free evening to explore Chengdu's vibrant city centre
  • 🌃Evening options: Chunxi Road shopping district, Taikoo Li boutique area, Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys), or indulge in authentic Sichuan hotpot
08
Day 8
Chengdu

Pandas, Poets & Heroes

Chengdu's greatest treasures — furry, literary, and legendary.

  • 🐼Giant Panda Breeding Research Base — see giant pandas up close in a natural habitat setting; best time is morning when they're most active
  • 🏡Du Fu Thatched Cottage — the former residence of China's most beloved poet, now a serene classical garden
  • 🗿Wuhou Shrine — dedicated to Zhuge Liang and the heroes of the Three Kingdoms period; a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty architecture
09
Day 9
Chengdu → Zhangjiajie

Into the Avatar Mountains

From Sichuan's teahouses to Hunan's towering peaks.

  • 🚄High-speed train Chengdu East → Zhangjiajie West (via Huaihua, approx. 5-6 hours) — the landscape transforms from Sichuan's red basin to the dramatic sandstone peaks of Hunan
  • 🚡Tianmen Mountain National Park — cable car ride (the longest in the world at 7.5 km) ascending to the mountain top
  • 🪟Glass Skywalk — walk along a glass-bottomed path clinging to the cliff face 1,430m above the ground
  • 🏔️Guigu Plank Road — a cliffside walkway with breathtaking views
  • ⛩️Tianmen Cave — a massive natural arch carved into the mountain, reached by climbing 999 steps
10
Day 10
Zhangjiajie

Wulingyuan — The Real Avatar Mountains

The otherworldly peaks that inspired the floating mountains of Pandora.

  • 🏞️Wulingyuan Scenic Area (UNESCO World Heritage) — the breathtaking quartz-sandstone pillar forest
  • 🛗Bailong Elevator — the world's tallest outdoor elevator (326m), rising out of the mist
  • ⛰️Yuanjiajie — the "Avatar Hallelujah Mountains"; the stunning pillar forest that inspired James Cameron
  • 🌄Tianzi Mountain — panoramic views of thousands of peaks stretching to the horizon
  • 💧Golden Whip Stream — a gentle 7km stream-side walk through the valley floor
11
Day 11
Zhangjiajie → Shanghai

Flying to the Future

From ancient peaks to China's most futuristic city.

  • ✈️Flight from Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport to Shanghai (approx. 2 hours)
  • 🚗Private transfer to your hotel in central Shanghai (the Bund or Lujiazui area)
  • 🌃Evening free to explore Nanjing Road or the Bund waterfront at night
12
Day 12
Shanghai

Bund & Beyond

Shanghai at its most dazzling — past, present, and future.

  • 🗼Oriental Pearl Tower & Lujiazui — ascend the iconic TV tower for incredible views of Shanghai's futuristic skyline
  • 🌉The Bund & Waibaidu Bridge — Shanghai's famous waterfront promenade, lined with colonial-era buildings on one side and skyscrapers on the other
  • 🏡Sinan Road Historic District — a leafy neighbourhood of beautiful 1920s garden villas and lane houses
13
Day 13
Shanghai

Old Shanghai & New Luxury

Temples, gardens, and the charm of old Shanghai.

  • 🛍️Huaihai Road — one of Shanghai's premier shopping streets, lined with plane trees and boutiques
  • 🛕Jing'an Temple — a serene Buddhist temple dating back to the 3rd century, rising amid the skyscrapers
  • 🌿Yu Garden — a classical Ming Dynasty garden with exquisite pavilions, rockeries, and ponds
  • 🏮City God Temple & Shanghai Old Street — bustling market streets with traditional snacks, tea houses, and souvenir shops
14
Day 14
Shanghai • Departure

Until We Meet Again

The journey across China ends, but the memories remain.

  • ☕Leisurely breakfast at the hotel
  • 🎁Free time for last-minute shopping or exploring before your flight
  • 🚗Private transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your departure flight
  • 🎒"Zàijiàn" (再见) — until we meet again. Your Eastory journey continues with us whenever you're ready to return.
What's Included

Everything You Need

Transparent pricing, no hidden costs. Here's exactly what your tour includes.

✅ Included

  • 🏨14 nights handpicked accommodation across 5 cities
  • 🚗Private driver & vehicle throughout the entire journey
  • 🌏English-speaking local guide in every city
  • 🚄High-speed rail (class selected per your preference): Beijing → Xi'an, Xi'an → Chengdu, Chengdu → Zhangjiajie
  • 🎫All entrance fees to listed attractions and monuments
  • 🍽️Daily hotel breakfast
  • 📱24/7 on-call support throughout your journey
  • 🧳Luggage handling at all hotels and transfers

❌ Not Included

  • ✈️International flights to/from China
  • 🛂China visa fees
  • 🛡️Travel insurance (recommended)
  • 🍜Lunches and dinners (unless specified)
  • 🎁Personal expenses & souvenirs
Where You'll Stay

Curated Stays Across China

Every hotel is handpicked for location, character, and the quality of its hospitality. From imperial-style luxury in Beijing to boutique charm in Chengdu and modern elegance in Shanghai. We tailor your accommodation to your preferences — all you need to do is tell us what you love.

Handpicked Accommodation
Handpicked Accommodation

Tailored to Your Taste

Rather than locking you into specific hotels, we select accommodation based on your personal preferences. Whether you prefer heritage boutique hotels, international five-star chains, or authentic local guesthouses — we curate the perfect stay in every city along your route.

  • ✦ 14 nights handpicked accommodation across 5 cities
  • ✦ Options from 5-star luxury to boutique charm
  • ✦ Central locations — walk to major sights
  • ✦ Flexible upgrades available on request
Your Private Transport

Travel in Comfort & Style

Throughout your Classic China Travel, a private vehicle with your personal driver is at your disposal for all city transfers and sightseeing — no shared buses, no waiting, no hassle.

Private Vehicle
Premium Private Transport

Your Chauffeur, Your Schedule

Every transfer on this itinerary is by private, air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced local driver. From airport pickups to city sightseeing — you travel on your terms, with stops whenever inspiration strikes.

  • ✦ Private chauffeur from arrival to departure — door-to-door service
  • ✦ Flexible itinerary — stop for photos, detours, or spontaneous discoveries
  • ✦ All fuel, tolls, and parking included — no hidden costs

Ready to explore Classic China?

This itinerary is a starting point. Every Eastory tour can be tailored to your preferences — change the pace, swap cities, add experiences. Speak with our travel specialists to design your perfect journey.

Enquire About This Tour Customise This Itinerary
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