Itinerary Details

Itinerary Quick Look

We’re happy to tailor this 13-day private tour to match your interests. Please note that the time frame is for reference only and may vary due to traffic conditions on the day of your tour.

DAY 1: Beijing Arrival

Your private guide will be waiting in the arrival hall to welcome you. A cozy private vehicle with a skilled driver will take you straight to your hotel. The guide will assist you with the check-in process.

DAY 2: Beijing | The Forbidden City-Hutongs

Stroll through Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest city square, and step into the grandeur of the Forbidden City, the largest imperial palace complex on the globe. With your private guide, embark on a mini-adventure to explore hidden gems within this former residence of emperors, uncovering quiet corners far from the bustling crowds of tour groups.

Discover the charm of Beijing's hutongs, a maze of historic alleyways adorned with traditional courtyard homes. Enjoy a one-hour rickshaw ride through these narrow lanes while learning about the unique features and cultural significance of these vanishing architectural treasures.

DAY 3: Beijing | Summer Palace-The Great Wall

Take a leisurely walk through the serene Summer Palace, a 300-year-old royal garden filled with timeless charm. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride across the tranquil lake and wander through the long corridors adorned with intricate ceiling paintings.

Next, head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, renowned on TripAdvisor as the top-rated section for its breathtaking scenery and beautifully preserved architecture.

DAY 4: Beijing to Xian | Temple of Heaven

Begin your morning with a refreshing visit to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for bountiful harvests. Immerse yourself in local culture by engaging with residents and experiencing their vibrant, health-focused routines. 

Savor a classic Beijing roast duck lunch (at your own expense), marveling at the chef's skillful carving techniques. Relish the crispy duck skin and learn the traditional way to enjoy this iconic dish.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Xi'an. Upon arrival, your Xi'an guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

DAY 5: Xian | The Terracotta Army-Ancient City Wall-Muslim Quarter

Xi'an is a city steeped in history. The Terracotta Army, each statue uniquely crafted, has stood sentinel over Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb since 210 BC. Take a moment to connect with these ancient warriors and uncover their stories that span more than two millennia.

Continue your journey at the 600-year-old ancient city wall. Stroll or cycle along its impressive ramparts while enjoying sweeping views of the cityscape. Conclude your day by diving into the lively ambiance of the Muslim Quarter, where you can savor the rich flavors of traditional Muslim cuisine and explore its vibrant street culture.

DAY 6: Xian to Chengdu | Little Wild Goose Pagoda

Delve deeper into Xi’an’s ancient history with a visit to the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, a treasure trove of Buddhist artifacts and an enduring symbol of the city’s cultural heritage. From its upper levels, take in stunning panoramic views of Xi’an.

Next, visit a local family to learn the art of making jiaozi (Chinese dumplings). This hands-on activity provides a meaningful connection to Chinese traditions. Savor a delightful lunch featuring your freshly prepared dumplings.

Wrap up your day with a comfortable high-speed train ride to Chengdu, a journey of approximately four hours.

DAY 7: Chengdu | Giant Panda Base-Jinli Old Street

Situated just 6 miles north of Chengdu, the Panda Breeding and Research Center is an unmissable destination for visitors to China. This exceptional center is home to charming giant pandas, along with red pandas and other endangered species.

Visit Jinli Old Street, a lively and historic lane that captures the essence of Chengdu's rich culture. Stroll through its traditional Qing Dynasty-style buildings, browse unique crafts, and sample iconic Sichuan snacks like spicy dumplings and sweet sesame balls. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere, watch captivating Sichuan opera performances, and admire the street's enchanting lanterns, especially in the evening.

DAY 8: Chengdu to Chongqing | Authentic Chengdu Life

Begin your day at Chengdu People's Park, a hub of vibrant local life. Start with a refreshing cup of tea as your guide shares insights into traditional tea etiquette. Immerse yourself in the local culture by participating in a lively square dance or simply watching the dynamic energy of the dancers. Take a moment to observe residents engrossed in games of mahjong, a quintessential part of Chengdu's social scene.

Next, Visit Chengdu People's Square and take part in the serene tradition of feeding pigeons, a symbolic act of peace and harmony.

Take the bullet train to Chongqing after the tour and then check-in for a Yangtze River cruise that departs at 9 pm.

DAY 9: Yangtze Cruise | Fengdu Ghost City

Start your day with an optional tai chi session, a calming morning exercise offered daily.

In the morning, embark on a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, where you'll explore fascinating structures designed with traditional Chinese geomancy. Admire the statues and artwork that vividly depict Chinese interpretations of the afterlife.

Spend your afternoon engaging in cultural activities onboard the ship, and in the evening, consider attending the optional night show, War Fires of the Three Kingdoms, a captivating performance after dinner.

DAY 10: Yangtze Cruise | Gorgeous Gorges

For those interested in Chinese calligraphy and history, the optional excursion to White Emperor City is a must. Explore the scenic views featured on the 10-yuan banknote, admire ancient calligraphy inscriptions, and visit the historic fortress that stands as a testament to China’s past.

Cruise through the breathtaking Qutang Gorge and the impressive Wu Gorge at midday, soaking in the dramatic landscapes.

In the afternoon, embark on a shore excursion to Shennv Stream, where you'll board a boat to explore this serene tributary of the Yangtze River, flowing through narrow, lush gorges with crystal-clear waters.

End your day with the Crew Cabaret and Talent Show onboard the ship after dinner, a fun and lively performance to enjoy.

DAY 11: Yichang | the Three Gorges Dam-Yichang to Shanghai by Bullet Train

Disembark in the morning and begin your shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam. From the observation platform right next to the dam, you'll take in stunning views of the Yangtze River and witness one of China's most impressive engineering feats.

After the tour, you'll be transferred to the Yichang tourist center, where your private guide and driver will meet you. They will ensure you're taken to the railway station in time for your bullet train journey to Shanghai.

Note: Shore excursions are arranged by Century Cruises and may vary depending on the specific cruise you select.

DAY 12: Shanghai | The Bund-Yuyuan Garden-Shanghai Tower 

Go beyond snapping a few selfies on the Bund and step back into the 1920s, the golden era of this iconic waterfront. Join our In-Depth Bund Culture Discovery Tour to explore the historic buildings along the Bund and hear the fascinating stories behind them.

Next explore the 500-year-old Yuyuan Garden, a classic Chinese garden filled with beautiful pavilions, ponds, and lush greenery. Admire the traditional Qing-Dynasty architecture of the Old Town Bazaar, and enjoy a stroll across the lucky ‘Nine Zigzag’ Bridge. Take in the serene ambiance of ancient pavilions and scenic landscapes.

Enjoy lunch at your leisure (at your own expense) before heading up to the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China. As the second-highest skyscraper in the world after Dubai, it offers breathtaking panoramic views of Shanghai and a glimpse into the future of China’s urban landscape.

There’s no need to buy tickets for Shanghai Tower in advance, as sometimes there are too many people lining up on the day. If you’d like to visit, you can buy tickets on the spot (your tour guide will help you). If you decide not to visit Shanghai Tower, the Jinmao Tower can be a good alternative.

DAY 13: Shanghai Departure

Your private car, driver, and guide will ensure a smooth journey to the airport, accompanying you all the way to the security gate for added convenience. Sit back and relax as we take care of your travel needs until you board your flight.