Duration

9 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Classic

About This Trip

Discover China’s rich culture, bustling cities, and stunning landscapes in just eight days. In Beijing, visit the Forbidden City to admire the grandiose palace architecture and delight in the flavors of traditional pastries. Climb up the Great Wall for a stunning view of this great engineering feat. Go on a Chongqing walking tour to immerse yourself in the local way of life. Capture the best views of the Yangtze during a day cruise. Wrap up a wonderful journey in Shanghai, a busy metropolis with a fascinating fusion of cultures.

Itinerary Summary

DAYPLACEHIGHLIGHTS
1 – 3BeijingForbidden City, the Great Wall, Temple of Heaven, Hutong Alleyways, Traditional Beijing-style Tea Break
4ChongqingShancheng Walkway, Liziba
5FengjieWhite Emperor City
6YichangYangtze River Cruise
7 – 9ShanghaiThe Bund, Yu Garden, Zhujiajiao Water Town, Evening Foodie Tour
Quick Question

Itinerary

Welcome to Beijing!

When you land in this amazing city, your private guide will greet you with a big smile and escort you to the hotel for check-in. Settle down in your comfortable room and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to recover from jet lag!

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Dedicate this morning to two icons of the city, Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage, the grandiose Forbidden City is Chinese imperial architecture at its height, featuring opulent palaces and halls where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties and their families used to live. Learn about the meanings behind the design of the architecture and be fascinated by behind-the-scenes stories of the emperors’ lives.

Afterward, explore the hutongs, a network of crisscrossing alleyways flanked by traditional courtyard residences. Gain insight into this unique lifestyle, and delight in the sweet flavors of cute-looking traditional pastries and cakes paired with a cup of tea or coffee!

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

The first stop of today’s explorations is the Temple of Heaven. Once served as the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties attended sacrificial ceremonies to pray for a bountiful harvest, the elegant architectures are now surrounded by spacious parklands often used by locals for morning exercise.

Then comes the highlight of the day, the Great Wall! An awe-inspiring defense system comprising walls, watchtowers, troop barracks, and more, the Great Wall is regarded as one of ancient China’s greatest engineering feats. You’ll visit the Mutianyu Section, where a cable car will take you to the top of the wall. Indulge in sweeping views of the Great Wall winding into the distance and opt for a soft hike to discover more corners of this monumental structure that played an important role in China’s history.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Travel to Chongqing by plane today! The flight takes around two and a half hours and your local guide will be waiting for you when you land.

A sprawling city built on mountainsides, Chongqing features a unique cityscape where a walk brings lovely surprises. Explore the winding Shancheng Walkway by foot, get to know the local lifestyle, and hear about the fascinating stories tucked around the corners of these decades-old neighborhoods. Later, head to an observation deck near Liziba Station to see the spectacle where a train runs right through the center of a building!

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Board the bus taking you to Fengjie District today. En route, visit Changshou District’s Puti Town for a closer look at the local culture and enjoy a delicious lunch of specialty dishes such as the spicy roast fish and the savory rice noodles (own account).

Moving on, you’ll reach Fengjie in about four hours. Strolling through the White Emperor City (Baidi Fortress and Temple Complex), you’ll be captivated by the fascinating stories of Liu Bei, emperor of the Shu Han State, entrusting his son and heir to the Counselor-in-chief, Zhuge Liang. The complex also boasts a gorgeous view of Kui Gate, the gateway to the Three Gorges.

After the tour, you’ll head to the hotel for check-in. Have the rest of the day at leisure to recharge your energy for the discoveries waiting for you tomorrow!

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Admire the best views of the Yangtze River by cruise ship today! Taking the Centurama Verse ship, you’ll depart Fengjie for Yichang. With Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge showing their breathtaking beauty, this section is widely regarded as the highlight of the Yangtze. If you happen to travel on a rainy day, the views become more atmospheric, with the gorges shrouded in a light veil of mist.

During this day cruise, you can enjoy various amenities provided onboard, including the cinema and fabulous performances in different themes. Arrive in Yichang at around 4 p.m., meet your local guide and driver at the pier, and head to the hotel for check-in.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Head to Yichang Airport by private car. Your China trip takes you to Shanghai, China’s largest city and economic capital. Your local guide will be waiting for you at the airport and a comfortable ride in a private car takes you to downtown Shanghai for sightseeing.

Stroll along the Bund, a waterfront promenade offering gorgeous views of the futuristic skyscrapers on the opposite bank. It stands as a witness to Shanghai’s drastic changes in the past century. You’ll also visit the Yu Garden, a classical Chinese landscape garden originally built during the Ming Dynasty by an official, and the Yuyuan Market bursting with colors and sounds.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Journey to Zhujiajiao, an ancient town located on the outskirts of Shanghai. Once a busy trade hub nestled on the banks of the canal, the town’s special way of life can still be seen today from its well-preserved stone bridges and traditional architecture. During a relaxing stroll along the banks, you’ll learn more about the town’s lifestyle by making stops at various attractions such as Hexin Garden (own account), Fangsheng Bridge, and more.

This evening, gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s culinary traditions by partaking in a join-in foodie tour. Visit neighborhood-gem eateries loved by the locals, try a delicious range of local dishes from the juicy soup dumplings to the savory braised pork belly and the crunchy pan-fried bun, and fall under the spell of the Former French Concession at night.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Your exciting China discovery comes to an end today.

At the appointed time, you’ll head to the airport by private car. Say goodbye to your local guide and driver and board your flight home.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Why Choose Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd.

12-Year TripAdvisor Award

Travellers’ Choice winner every year since 2013

No Commission Shopping

Zero shopping stops, zero pressure, zero hidden agendas

100% Private

Every tour is exclusively yours — no strangers, no shared buses

Expert Local Guides

Licensed, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge

Real reviews from real travellers

  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eI highly recommend Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd. The team is very easy to work with, has excellent ideas and the guides are knowledgeable and easy to be with. Very solid itineraries and execution — flexible, high quality, and great value for money.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    James T.
    Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe visited both Xi’an and Shanghai under Jiuhong’s arrangement and received the same first-class service in both cities. The guides were knowledgeable, flexible, and happy to discuss all aspects of modern China — giving insights difficult to obtain elsewhere. Strongly recommended.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Greenfly
    Couples · Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe had a wonderful action-packed day. Fei Fei was amazing — her knowledge was very impressive and she was a real pleasure to be with. This was certainly the highlight of our stay in this beautiful city. Thanks so much.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Ludovic V.
    Couples · London, UK · Verified · TripAdvisor

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