Overview
This 18-day China discovery tour offers a unique journey through both ancient heritage and modern innovation.
Travel across China’s most dynamic regions, from the historic capitals of Beijing and Xi’an to the futuristic skylines of Shanghai and Shenzhen, the cultural lifestyle of Chengdu and Chongqing, and the scenic beauty of Hangzhou.
Along the way, experience China’s rapid transformation through high-speed trains, cutting-edge technology, vibrant urban culture, and traditional history. This journey reveals how ancient traditions and modern life coexist in one of the world’s most fascinating countries.
Tour Highlights
Explore Shanghai’s modern skyline and historic Bund
Cruise the famous West Lake in Hangzhou
Discover the imperial heritage of Beijing’s Forbidden City
Walk along the legendary Great Wall of China
Visit the world-famous Giant Panda Base in Chengdu
Experience Chongqing’s dramatic mountain city skyline
Explore Guangzhou’s historic Canton trade culture
Discover Shenzhen’s high-tech innovation and startup scene
Travel efficiently by high-speed train and domestic flights
Experience both ancient traditions and modern Chinese life
Itinerary Quick Look
| Day | City | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shanghai | Arrival and private airport transfer |
| 2 | Shanghai | Shanghai Tower, Bund, Yu Garden |
| 3 | Shanghai → Hangzhou | Xuhui cultural district, high-speed train |
| 4 | Hangzhou | West Lake cruise, traditional medicine culture, tech innovation |
| 5 | Hangzhou → Beijing | High-speed train, Hutong exploration |
| 6 | Beijing | Forbidden City and imperial central axis |
| 7 | Beijing | Temple of Heaven and Great Wall |
| 8 | Beijing → Tianjin | Smart port visit and historic district |
| 9 | Beijing → Chengdu | Flight and leisure time |
| 10 | Chengdu | Sichuan lifestyle and cultural experiences |
| 11 | Chengdu → Chongqing | Panda Base and high-speed train |
| 12 | Chongqing | Mountain city skyline and Yangtze views |
| 13 | Chongqing → Guangzhou | Flight and trade heritage |
| 14 | Guangzhou | Textile markets and manufacturing culture |
| 15 | Guangzhou → Shenzhen | Dim sum culture and ancestral hall |
| 16 | Shenzhen | Reform history and innovation districts |
| 17 | Shenzhen | Drone technology and smart mobility |
| 18 | Shenzhen | Departure transfer |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Shanghai
Welcome to Shanghai. Your private guide will meet you at the airport arrival hall and transfer you to your hotel in a comfortable private vehicle.
The rest of the day is free for you to relax and recover from your international flight.
Day 2 – Shanghai Skyline & Historic Bund
Start the day with panoramic views from Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China.
Walk along the historic Bund, where colonial-era buildings face the futuristic skyline of Pudong across the Huangpu River.
Later, explore Yu Garden, a beautifully preserved classical Chinese garden surrounded by traditional architecture.
Day 3 – Shanghai Culture & High-Speed Train to Hangzhou
Explore Shanghai’s Xuhui District, a vibrant area where historic heritage blends with modern culture.
Visit landmarks related to Xu Guangqi, an influential scientist and scholar of the Ming Dynasty.
In the afternoon, travel to Hangzhou by high-speed train.
Day 4 – Hangzhou: Tradition Meets Technology
Take a scenic boat ride across the famous West Lake, one of China’s most iconic landscapes.
Visit the historic Huqingyu Tang Chinese Medicine Museum to discover the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine.
Later, explore a modern technology exhibition center to see how innovation and digital technology are shaping the future.
Day 5 – High-Speed Train to Beijing & Hutong Culture
Travel by high-speed train to Beijing, China’s historic capital.
In the afternoon, explore the traditional hutong alleys, where old courtyard houses reveal the daily life and culture of local residents.
Day 6 – Forbidden City & Imperial Beijing
Visit the magnificent Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace complex in the world.
Your guide will lead you beyond the main halls to uncover hidden courtyards and fascinating stories from the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Day 7 – Temple of Heaven & Great Wall
Start your day at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests.
Later, travel to the Great Wall of China, one of the world’s greatest architectural achievements, and enjoy time walking along the historic watchtowers.
Day 8 – Tianjin Smart Port & Historic Streets
Take a day trip to Tianjin, where modern industry meets historic architecture.
Visit the world’s first zero-carbon smart port, powered by renewable energy.
Then explore the Five Great Avenues historic district, known for its international architecture.
Day 9 – Flight to Chengdu
Fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and one of China’s most relaxed cities.
Enjoy free time to explore the local food scene or relax.
Day 10 – Chengdu Lifestyle & Cultural Experiences
Explore traditional community life in Chengdu, including tea houses and local artisan workshops.
Later, experience Sichuan Opera, famous for its dramatic face-changing performance.
Day 11 – Panda Base & Train to Chongqing
Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base to see China’s most beloved animal.
In the afternoon, travel by high-speed train to Chongqing, a dramatic mountain city along the Yangtze River.
Day 12 – Chongqing Mountain City
Explore Chongqing’s unique urban landscape, including the famous Liziba monorail station, where trains pass directly through residential buildings.
Ride the Yangtze River cable car and enjoy the city’s spectacular skyline views.
Day 13 – Flight to Guangzhou
Fly to Guangzhou, a historic trading port and the birthplace of Cantonese culture.
Visit the Thirteen Hongs Museum to learn about China’s early international trade.
Day 14 – Guangzhou Textile Industry
Explore Guangzhou’s enormous textile and fashion markets, where global fashion supply chains come to life.
Learn how fabrics, design studios, and factories work together in one of the world’s largest manufacturing hubs.
Day 15 – Dim Sum Culture & Train to Shenzhen
Enjoy traditional Cantonese dim sum at a historic tea house.
Visit the beautifully decorated Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, a masterpiece of Lingnan architecture.
In the afternoon, travel to Shenzhen by high-speed train.
Day 16 – Shenzhen Reform & Innovation
Visit Shenzhen’s Reform and Opening-Up Museum to learn how the city transformed into a global technology hub.
Explore the famous Huaqiangbei Electronics Market, often called the world’s largest electronics marketplace.
Day 17 – Drone Technology & Smart Mobility
Visit DJI headquarters, the global leader in drone technology.
Experience cutting-edge innovations including autonomous driving and drone delivery, offering a glimpse into China’s high-tech future.
Day 18 – Departure from Shenzhen
Your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.
After 18 unforgettable days, you will leave China with a deeper understanding of its history, culture, and remarkable modern transformation.
Why Choose This Tour
Discover the Real Modern China
Experience how tradition and technology coexist in everyday life.
Efficient Travel Across China
High-speed trains and flights make long-distance travel smooth and comfortable.
Private Guided Experience
Enjoy personalized service with expert local guides in each destination.
A Complete China Journey
From imperial capitals to tech hubs, explore multiple regions in one unforgettable trip.
Who This Tour Is Perfect For
Travelers curious about modern China and innovation
Visitors interested in history, culture, and technology
Long-haul travelers wanting a comprehensive China journey
Couples, families, and private groups