15-Day China Grand Tour: Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie & Shanghai

Nihao! Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival at the airport or station, our local staff will greet you and provide a private escort to your downtown hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax, recover from jet lag, or begin exploring the local neighborhood at your own pace. Enjoy your first evening in China's historic capital! Arrival Ideas: Beijing is easily accessible via Daxing (PKX) and Capital (PEK) airports, serving major global and domestic hubs like Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Xi'an. Alternatively, China’s extensive high-speed rail network offers fast connections to the capital. Travel times from Xi'an or Shanghai range between 4 to 6 hours. Other domestic transfer options: Zhengzhou (2.5-3 hours), Wuhan (4-5 hours), Harbin (5-5.5 hours), etc.

Summer Palace Spend a full day discovering the ancient heart of Beijing, visiting iconic landmarks that showcase China’s imperial grandeur and magnificent royal gardens. After breakfast, your guide will escort you to Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square and a potent symbol of China. Having witnessed decades of substantial history, this landmark offers the perfect vantage point for photographing Tiananmen Gate, the iconic backdrop famously featured every single day on CCTV News. Then, cross the square to enter the Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex and home to 24 emperors. This UNESCO World Heritage site served as China’s political heart for 500 years. Follow the central axis to admire ancient treasures and imperial architecture.

Water Cube Today, drive northwest to the Mutianyu Great Wall, a 2,000-year-old masterpiece. Renowned for its 23 Ming-era watchtowers and fewer crowds, this fully restored section offers dramatic scenery. Take a cable car to the 14th tower, then hike the scenic western route. Challenge yourself by climbing to the 20th watchtower for panoramic views of the majestic, winding wall—the perfect moment to fulfill your Great Wall dream. After this well-planned experience, return to downtown Beijing for a photo stop at the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube. These architectural marvels, originally designed for the 2008 Summer Olympics, also served as premier venues for the 2022 Winter Games. Return to your hotel and have a good rest tonight.

Quarter Following breakfast, your group will be escorted to the station for a high-speed train to Xi’an (4.5–5.5 hours). Welcome to the ancient capital of 13 Chinese dynasties! Upon arrival, your driver will greet you at the exit and provide a private transfer to your Xi’an hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a magnificent Tang Dynasty symbol within the tranquil Da Ci’en Temple. This iconic seven-story structure was built in AD 652 to house Buddhist sutras brought from India by the monk Xuan Zang. His legendary travels famously inspired the Chinese literary classic, Journey to the West. Explore this architectural masterpiece, a premier example of Tang-style design. Later, explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter, a 500-meter stretch that serves as the heart of Xi’an’s Hui community.

Tower) After breakfast, drive 40km to the Terracotta Army Museum, a world-class archaeological wonder. Built by Emperor Qin Shihuang, this subterranean army features nearly 8,000 life-size figures. Explore the massive Pit 1, containing 6,000 soldiers and horses, then visit Pit 2 to examine complex battle formations, including archers and chariots. Marvel at the incredible artistry and ancient military precision that guarded the Emperor’s afterlife. After lunch, visit the Ancient City Wall, one of China’s oldest and best-preserved fortifications. Take a leisurely stroll along this massive structure to admire its watchtowers and moat. From the top, you’ll enjoy striking panoramic views that highlight the unique contrast between ancient architecture and the bustling modern skyline of Xi’an.

Hotel Check-in Today, you will take a high-speed train to Chengdu (approximately 3–4 hours). Upon arrival, our local staff will meet you at the station exit for a private transfer to your downtown hotel. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this relaxed city, world-famous for its Giant Pandas and spicy, local Sichuan cuisine.

Old Street (or Plan B: City Tour in Peak Season) Today, fulfill your panda dream at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the world’s largest captive panda facility. Observe pandas of all ages playing and eating, and look for newborn cubs in the nurseries. Encounter adorable red pandas in their playground before uncovering secrets at the Panda Museum. Note: We recommend an early arrival, as these bears are most active during the cooler morning hours. In the afternoon, take an hour’s drive to the Sanxingdui Site Museum, a world-class archaeological treasure. Discover the 3,000-year-old Ancient Shu Kingdom through its most famous relics, including the massive Bronze Sacred Tree and the iconic Vertical-eyed Mask.

Building, Jiefangbei, Hot Pot Dinner, Hongya Cave, Qiansimen Bridge Today, take a morning high-speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing, a short ride of about 1 to 2 hours. Welcome to Chongqing, famously known as China's Mountain City! Then, meet your guide and head to Liziba Metro Station, home to the famous "train through a building" phenomenon. This incredible engineering marvel has made Line 2 a must-see landmark. We’ll stop at the dedicated viewing platform so you can watch the monorail glide through the apartments. Next, head to Kuixing Building, the heart of Chongqing’s famous "8D cyberpunk" vibe and a sacred spot for Qing Dynasty scholars. You’ll step onto what feels like a normal ground-level plaza, only to realize you’re actually 22 stories up! Later, visit Jiefangbei, a 27.

& Elevator Included), Glass Observation Deck Today, take a 2.5-hour drive to Wulong Karst National Geological Park, a UNESCO site famous for its massive Three Natural Bridges. This cinematic landscape, featured in Transformers, offers incredible scenery. Start your visit at the glass observation deck for a dizzying 280-meter-high view, then take the sightseeing elevator deep into the gorge. As you hike the trail, you’ll encounter: 1. Tianlong Bridge (Heavenly Dragon): You’ll first meet the "Heavenly Dragon," a giant limestone gateway that is easily the most majestic sight in the park. 2. Tianfu Official Post: Tucked away in the gorge is this beautiful historic courtyard. It’s a step back in time to when ancient officials used it as a scenic rest stop. 3. Qinglong Bridge (Azure Dragon): Get your camera ready for the "Azure Dragon.

Hotel Check-in This morning, take a 2-3 hour high-speed train to Zhangjiajie, the world-famous "Avatar Mountain" destination. Our local staff will meet you upon arrival for a comfort transfer to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy free time to relax or start exploring this incredible city on your own.

Start your day at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. You’ll have plenty of time to experience the magic of Wulingyuan, a spectacular landscape filled with over 3,000 towering sandstone pillars that feel like another world. First, ride the famous Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor lift, straight up to Yuanjiajie. You’ll step into the surreal world of Avatar, where you can photograph the massive Hallelujah Mountains. Walk the scenic precipice trail to discover natural marvels like the First Bridge Under Heaven. Next, visit Tianzi Mountain (Tianzi Mountain), the "King of Peaks," named after a historic Tujia ethnic leader. This 1,262-meter UNESCO site is famous for its sea of clouds and as a filming location for Journey to the West.

After breakfast, you will be transferred from Wulingyuan to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon (1.5 h, 56 km). The Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is famous for its fresh air, waterfalls, and the record-breaking Glass Bridge. Stretching between two cliffs, this glass-bottomed walkway offers sweeping views 300 meters above the forest floor. You can test your courage with the world's highest bungee jump (Optional) or simply enjoy the feeling of floating above the mist. It’s a must-visit spot for incredible photos and a true shot of adrenaline. After "trembling" on the glass bridge, head to Baofeng Lake to unwind. Take a shuttle to the pier for a wooden boat cruise on crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by green trees and striking cliffs, this alpine lake is the perfect spot to relax.

Shanghai Airport Pick-up & Hotel Check-in Following breakfast, your guide will escort you to the magnificent Tianmen Mountain. Experience a sweeping ascent on the world’s longest cable car, brave the famous glass skywalk, and visit the iconic Heaven’s Door. You’ll also overlook the spectacular Avenue toward Heaven, a marvel of engineering featuring 99 turns. First, ride the world’s longest cable car (7,455m, 30mins) from the city to the peak of Tianmen Mountain. Admire the dramatic Heaven’s Door and the twisting Avenue toward Heaven from above. Next, visit the serene Tianmen Temple, a beautiful Qing Dynasty Buddhist site tucked away in the mountain’s lush forest. Now, test your courage on the Glass Skywalk, suspended 1,430 meters above a deep valley for a surreal "walking in the sky" experience. Continue along the 1.

Bazaar, Nanjing Road & The Bund Today, you’ll see exactly why this vibrant city earned its famous nickname, the "Paris of the East." First, head to Pudong to see the famous Lujiazui skyline. You’ll climb the Shanghai Tower, the second-tallest building in the world, in a record-breaking elevator hitting 64 km/h. From the 118th-floor observatory, enjoy a dramatic bird’s-eye view of the city. Look down at the Jin Mao Tower and witness Shanghai’s dramatic 360-degree horizon. Later, visit Shanghai Museum, a "bronze ding" shaped landmark symbolizing the ancient "round sky, square earth" philosophy. Home to 120,000 cultural relics, it spans 5,000 years of Chinese art. Explore the Bronze and Ceramics Hall to witness masterworks like the 3,000-year-old Da Ke Ding and the melodic Bianzhong of Marquis Su.

As your 15 Days China Group Tour ends, enjoy free time in Shanghai until your scheduled transfer. We will escort you to the airport or railway station for your departing flight. If you want to visit other places in Asia after your tour, we can help you plan more travel. Please tell us your ideas, and we will arrange your trip extension instead of sending you home right away. Thank you for choosing VERO TRIP for your China adventure! We’ve loved being part of your journey and are always here whenever you’re ready for your next Asian exploration. What’s Included & What’s Excluded  The above price is based on a group tour for 2 people sharing one Standard Room with Two Single Beds in 3-star hotels.  Price varies depending on travel date, group size, hotel class, program in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.