17-Day Beijing Xi’an Lhasa Chengdu Chongqing Yangtze Yichang Shanghai Tour

Beijing-Xi'an-Lhasa-Chengdu-Chongqing-Yangtze
-Yichang-Shanghai 17 Days Tour

Great Wall, Terracotta Army, Potala Palace, Pandas, Hongyadong,
Yangtze River Cruise, Three Gorges, The Bund

Home » 17-day tour of Beijing – Xi’an – Lhasa – Chengdu – Chongqing – Yangtze River Cruise – Yichang – Shanghai

Beijing-Xi'an-Lhasa-Chengdu-Chongqing-Yangtze-Yichang-Shanghai 17 Days Tour

China is a vast country with a rich and diverse culture and breathtaking natural scenery. On this 17-day journey, you will explore many of China’s finest attractions and experience all the highlights at once! The itinerary starts in Beijing and ends in Shanghai, visiting 8 destinations including Xi’an, Tibet, Chengdu, Chongqing, as well as the Yangtze River Gorges and the Three Gorges Dam.

We have carefully selected all the must-see tourist destinations in China for you to deeply explore the soul of this ancient and mysterious country. Immerse yourself in natural beauty, marvel at the rich culture, experience the awe-inspiring long history, and embark on a journey of true discovery on the roof of the world, experiencing the mysterious Tibetan Buddhist culture. Step into the Panda Kingdom – the true home of the giant panda, and get up close with these beloved national treasures and their cubs. A five-star Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing to Yichang will take you through Central China, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Three Gorges, adding a relaxing and enjoyable experience to your long Chinese holiday, an unmissable experience in China. Follow Maple Leaf China Tour to explore all the wonders of China!

Through this visit, you can experience the "must-see and must-do"

Highlight 1: Ascend to the Roof of the World and pay devout homage to the Potala Palace. This magnificent complex, consisting of the Red Palace and the White Palace, stands majestically on Red Hill. In front of the Jokhang Temple, you can witness the devout worship of local Tibetan Buddhists.

Highlight 2: Venture out of Lhasa city to visit two of the three great monasteries of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism - Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery. Within these two magnificent Buddhist architectural complexes, feel the strong religious atmosphere and witness the famous debating sessions among monks on Buddhist doctrines.

Highlight 3: Stroll through the Forbidden City and explore the Summer Palace. Amidst the red walls, yellow tiles, pavilions, and towers, listen to the court secrets and garden legends of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Highlight 4: Climb the less crowded, scenically beautiful, and well-preserved wild Great Wall to enjoy panoramic views of the magnificent mountains and rivers.

Highlight 5: Step into a history classroom and marvel at 8,000 life-sized Terracotta Warriors.

Highlight 6: Welcome to Chengdu, the hometown of giant pandas, where you can see adorable giant pandas and newborn panda cubs with your own eyes; experience the slow life in Chengdu's parks and teahouses, and taste authentic Sichuan cuisine.

Highlight 7: Board a five-star luxury cruise ship and embark on a relaxing Yangtze River journey. Starting from Chongqing, sail downstream to Yichang, enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Three Gorges, and witness the world-famous Three Gorges Dam with your own eyes.

Highlight 8: Stroll along the Bund promenade, gaze at the magnificent skyline formed by Pudong's skyscrapers, and experience the century-old charm and modern prosperity on both sides of the Huangpu River.

Itinerary Overview

Beijing (4 days)
Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Summer Palace, Bird's Nest and Water Cube
Xi'an (2 days)
Terracotta Army, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Shaanxi History Museum
Lhasa (3 days)
Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery
Chengdu (2 days)
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, Wenshu Monastery, People's Park, Jinli Ancient Street
Chongqing (1 day)
Three Gorges Museum, Hongyadong, Eling Park, Chongqing Chaotianmen Port
Yangtze River Cruise (3 days)
Yangtze Gorges (including Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge), Three Gorges Dam, Shibaozhai, Shennv Stream
Shanghai (2 days)
Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, The Bund, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Tower

Daily Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Beijing | Private Transfer and Hotel Check-in

Hello! Welcome to Beijing, the capital of China! Upon your arrival at Beijing Airport or train station, your guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit to escort you to your selected hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is free for you to rest and adjust to the time difference, or explore the area around your hotel at your leisure.

【Arrival Guide】
Beijing has convenient air and high-speed rail transportation. There are two airports in the city – Beijing Daxing International Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport, serving numerous international and domestic routes. You can fly to Beijing from most domestic cities (such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xi’an, Guilin, Hangzhou, Kunming, Wuhan, Xiamen, Guiyang, Chongqing, Lanzhou, etc.). Alternatively, you can choose to take the high-speed train to Beijing: approximately 4-5 hours from Xi’an, 4.5-6 hours from Shanghai, 2.5-3 hours from Zhengzhou, 4-5 hours from Wuhan, 5-5.5 hours from Harbin, etc.

【Free Time】
After checking into your hotel, if you wish to explore the surroundings, feel free to ask your guide for exclusive tips. Whether it’s heading to Wangfujing Street for authentic snacks, experiencing the charm of old Beijing’s hutongs in Shichahai, or watching the flag-lowering ceremony at Tiananmen Square, your guide can tailor the most suitable itinerary based on your interests and time.

Day 2 Beijing City Tour | Visit Tiananmen Square, Stroll through the Forbidden City, Wander through Old Beijing Hutongs

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Tiananmen Square – the world’s largest urban public square and a symbol of China. Over the past decades, it has witnessed many significant historical events in China. Crossing the square, you will experience the grandeur and magnificence of the breathtaking Forbidden City (Palace Museum). As the world’s largest and best-preserved ancient imperial palace complex, it was home to 24 emperors of China. This imperial garden, with its 8,728 rooms, is not only an architectural masterpiece of Chinese civilization but also a “city within a city,” akin to the Vatican in Rome. Entering through the Meridian Gate, proceed slowly along the central axis, and you will visit various exquisite palaces. With your guide’s explanation, you can not only admire the brilliant ancient architectural art and countless treasures but also listen to the stories of emperors hidden within the red walls and yellow tiles. Afterward, move to Jingshan Park, just a 15-minute walk away, and ascend to the Wanchun Pavilion for a panoramic view of modern Beijing and the continuous golden rooftops of the Forbidden City.

In the afternoon, let’s wander through the old Beijing hutongs and experience authentic Beijing life in a leisurely exploration. Ride a special rickshaw through the winding alleys, with characteristic shops on both sides telling the story of the ancient city’s street life.

Evening recommendation for optional experience: You can go to Quanjude to taste the world-famous Peking Duck.

Tiananmen, Beijing

Forbidden City, Beijing

Day 3 Beijing Great Wall Tour | Mutianyu Great Wall, Bird's Nest and Water Cube

This morning, you will head to the Mutianyu Great Wall in the northwest of Beijing (73 kilometers from the city, about 1.5-2 hours by car). The Great Wall has a history of over 2,000 years, spanning multiple provinces in northern China with a total length of over 3,000 miles, making it one of the world’s most astonishing ancient engineering marvels. Mutianyu Great Wall connects Jiankou Great Wall to the west and Gubeikou Great Wall to the east. It is the best-preserved and most fully restored section of the Great Wall, not only with fewer tourists but also famous for its 23 Ming Dynasty watchtowers and magnificent scenery. You will take a cable car directly to the 14th watchtower to start an unforgettable Great Wall hiking experience, focusing on the western section. Surrounded by pine and cypress trees on the mountains, the winding Great Wall stands majestically on the vast land, offering you the most stunning natural scenery. Challenge yourself by climbing to the 20th watchtower to fulfill your Great Wall dream. Please cherish this rare opportunity and take plenty of photos!

After bidding farewell to this soul-stirring historical wonder, we return to the urban area of Beijing, passing by the Olympic landmarks – the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center). These two Olympic venues have witnessed China’s dual Olympic glory from the 2008 Summer Olympics to the 2022 Winter Olympics. Stop for exterior photos to capture Olympic memories. After the tour, a private car will take you back to your hotel, and tonight you will surely fall asleep with memories of the Great Wall.

Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing

Bird’s Nest, Beijing

Day 4 Beijing to Xi'an High-Speed Train | Summer Palace

After breakfast, drive to the “Imperial Garden Museum” – the Summer Palace. This was once a summer resort for the imperial family. The landscapes of mountains, waters, temples, gardens, pavilions, corridors, lakes, stone bridges, and city gates within the park are treasures of garden art. You can stroll leisurely, savor the magnificent charm of imperial architecture, gaze at the mountain and lake scenery, and experience a pastoral mood like a traditional Chinese landscape painting.

After the tour, you will be transferred to the train station by private car to take the high-speed train to Xi’an (approximately 4.5-5.5 hours). Welcome to Xi’an – a historic city that has witnessed the rise and fall of thirteen dynasties! Upon arrival at Xi’an Railway Station, your guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit and will then escort you to your hotel.

Summer Palace, Beijing

Day 5 Xi'an City Tour | Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive about 40 kilometers (about 1 hour) to visit one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries – the Terracotta Army Museum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. This magnificent underground army was ordered to be built by the First Emperor Qin Shi Huang to guard his afterlife. Currently, about 8,000 life-sized terracotta figures have been unearthed. First, visit Pit 1, the largest pit, which displays over 6,000 warrior figures and horses. The orderly rows of terracotta figures stand silently for thousands of years, showcasing the majesty of guarding the emperor’s tomb and the exquisite artistry of Qin Dynasty craftsmen. Then, move to Pit 2, which houses over 1,000 Terracotta Warriors. You will witness the formation of archer squads composed of kneeling and standing archers, marvel at the grandeur of the chariot formations, and observe the heroic posture of the armed soldiers. (Special note: If you are interested, you can also experience making miniature Terracotta Warriors yourself.)

After lunch, return to the city center to visit the most complete ancient city wall architecture – the Xi’an City Wall. This military defense system integrates moats, watchtowers, and corner towers. It is not only the largest and oldest ancient city defense project in China but also an excellent viewing platform to overlook the new look of the ancient city. You can stroll leisurely on the city wall, appreciate the beauty of the inner and outer walls, and overlook the prosperity of modern Xi’an. (Optional experience: If you want to experience cycling on the city wall, please inform your dedicated travel consultant in advance.)

In the evening, step into the bustling Muslim Quarter, and feel the vibrant pulse of urban life on the bluestone pavement. This ancient alley, which brings together Halal cuisine and diverse cultures, is not only a paradise for foodies but also an excellent place to touch the pulse of the ancient city.

Terracotta Army, Xi’an

Ancient City Wall, Xi’an

Day 6 Xi'an City Tour | Shaanxi History Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, and Ancient City Wall

This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to visit the **Shaanxi History Museum**. This museum is known as the “Pearl of the Ancient Capital, Treasure of China” and houses 130,000 historical relics, showcasing a microcosm of China’s thousands of years of history and the essence of ancient brilliant culture. During your visit, you can learn about the precious cultural relics such as Western Zhou bronzes, Qin Dynasty Terracotta Warriors, and gold and silver wares and murals unearthed from Tang Dynasty tombs. Afterward, you will visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty building located within Ci’en Temple, which is a landmark of Xi’an.

After lunch, you will leisurely visit the **Ancient City Wall** (also known as the Xi’an City Wall). The city wall is an ancient defensive structure and one of the largest and best-preserved ancient city walls in China. You can stroll leisurely on the city wall, admire the inner and outer walls, watchtowers, and moats, and overlook the panoramic view of modern Xi’an.

Shaanxi History Museum, Xi’an

Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi’an

Day 7 Fly from Xi'an to Lhasa

After breakfast, you will have some free time to explore Xi’an city on your own. Afterward, your guide will take you to the airport to catch a flight to Lhasa (flight duration about 3.5 hours).

Tashi Delek! Welcome to Lhasa, the capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region! Upon your arrival at Lhasa Airport, our guide and driver will greet you with a sign at the exit and then safely transfer you to your hotel in the city center. It is recommended that you rest well at the hotel today to gradually adapt to the high-altitude environment of 3650 meters and conserve your energy for the exciting itinerary tomorrow.

Warm Reminder:

To effectively prevent altitude sickness, it is recommended that you slow down your pace, keep warm, and drink water in small amounts frequently. Please do not shower within 1-2 days after arrival, maintain a relaxed mindset, and ensure sufficient sleep.
Please be sure to prepare for altitude adaptation according to your physical condition and doctor’s advice.
If you feel unwell or need assistance, please inform your guide or hotel staff promptly. Local service staff are experienced and always happy to help.

Potala Palace, Tibet

Day 8 Lhasa Tour | Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery

Today, you will delve deep into Lhasa and experience the glorious architecture, long culture, and brilliant history embodied in two World Cultural Heritage sites. Afterward, you can stroll through the famous Barkhor Street and experience the daily life of Tibetan compatriots with the local people.

In the morning, you will enter the Potala Palace (1649-1959), the traditional residence and winter palace of successive Dalai Lamas. You need to climb 365 steps from the main entrance to reach its highest point, the Red Palace, at an altitude of 3700 meters on the roof of the world. Walking through the Red Palace, admire the main halls, reliquary stupas, and chapels of successive Dalai Lamas. You will be deeply impressed and moved by its extraordinary murals, magnificent treasures, exquisite carvings, splendid decorations, and the mysterious legends behind the artifacts. Inside the palace, you will encounter many Tibetan pilgrims who have traveled thousands of miles to make this their lifelong pilgrimage destination and pray devoutly here. You can also ask your guide to share more stories about King Songtsen Gampo, the 33rd king of the Tubo Dynasty, who first built the Potala Palace in the 7th century to welcome Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty.

Please note: We will adjust the tour order flexibly according to your Potala Palace reservation time. All visitors must tour with the group and complete the visit within one hour. Photography is prohibited inside the palace.

After visiting the Potala Palace, the backdrop of the 50 yuan RMB note, you will proceed to the Jokhang Temple, a World Cultural Heritage site with a history of 1300 years and the spiritual center of Tibetan Buddhism. Legend has it that the Jokhang Temple was built to enshrine the two wives of Songtsen Gampo, Princess Wencheng of the Tang Dynasty and Princess Bhrikuti of Nepal. “Jokhang” means “House of Buddha,” and the temple houses the most precious treasure in the Buddhist world – the 12-year-old statue of Sakyamuni. For this reason, Buddhist believers regard it as the most sacred ultimate pilgrimage site. Witnessing believers prostrating before the temple day and night, time seems to stand still here.

Afterward, you can move to the bustling Barkhor Street next to the Jokhang Temple. This place was once a sacred path for Buddhist pilgrims to circumambulate, and it has now developed into a prosperous local market. You can drink a cup of fragrant butter tea here, change into traditional Tibetan clothing for photos, or select local Tibetan, Nepalese, and Indian handicrafts and souvenirs.

Potala Palace, Tibet

Jokhang Temple, Tibet

Day 9 Lhasa Cultural Tour | Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery

Today, you will experience a cultural tour of Lhasa, visiting two important academies of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism, two of the “three great monasteries” – Drepung Monastery and Sera Monastery.

In the morning, drive about 35 minutes (12 kilometers) to Drepung Monastery. This was once the largest monastery of the Gelug school (Yellow Hat sect) of Tibetan Buddhism and the residence of successive Dalai Lamas before they moved to the Potala Palace in the 17th century. Today, Drepung Monastery is most famous for the Shoton Festival held every August. During the festival, believers offer yogurt to monks who have completed 100 days of meditation, and you can witness the spectacular scene of giant Buddhist thangkas being unfurled during the Buddha-showing ceremony. In addition to the unique architectural complex and magnificent halls, you can also witness the monks’ debating activities, which are carried out with exaggerated gestures, clapping, and stomping, vividly demonstrating the lively and profound study tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. After the visit, you will participate in a Tibetan cultural study activity of about two hours, including an introduction to Tibetan culture, Tibetan incense making, and woodblock printing techniques.

In the afternoon, drive about 40 minutes (14 kilometers) to Sera Monastery. As you enter this monastery, you will find that the white stone paths and walkways here have a touch of Mediterranean charm. The most attractive highlight of Sera Monastery is the debating session held from 3 PM to 5 PM (except Sundays). Monks engage in discussions through a unique debating format: the questioner stands and asks, while the seated respondent (or group) must respond. The standing person’s actions, such as clapping and stomping, are not provocations but have special meanings, such as awakening wisdom and dispelling laziness. Afterward, drive back to the hotel.

Drepung Monastery, Tibet

Sera Monastery, Tibet

Day 10 Fly from Lhasa to Chengdu

Today you will have free time to explore Lhasa city, after which your guide and driver will take you to the airport to catch a flight to Chengdu (flight duration about 2 hours).

Welcome to Chengdu! Upon arrival, your guide will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel in Chengdu city. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and experience this leisure city known as the “Hometown of Pandas” and “Spicy Food Capital.” It is especially recommended to experience authentic Sichuan hot pot and Sichuan opera face-changing performance in the evening.

Hometown of Pandas

Chengdu Hot Pot

Day 11 Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Jinli Ancient Street

After breakfast, we will drive 17 kilometers to the **Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding**, fulfilling your panda dream. Also known as the Chengdu Panda Base, it is home to over 100 giant pandas, making it the place with the largest captive population of giant pandas in the world. You will be able to see giant pandas of different ages, watch them play, eat, climb, and sleep… endless fun. If you visit in autumn, you may have the chance to see pink newborn panda cubs in the Sun Nursery and Moon Nursery. In addition to giant pandas, you can also see adorable red pandas walking around you in the “Red Panda Activity Area.” Afterward, follow your guide to learn more about pandas in the Panda Museum. (Warm reminder: Pandas prefer cool weather, so it is recommended to arrive as early as possible in the morning, as pandas are more active in the morning.)

Afterward, visit **Wenshu Monastery**, Chengdu’s best-preserved Buddhist temple, and experience its peaceful and serene atmosphere. Then, visit **People’s Park** and personally experience the leisurely pace of life and the daily entertainment of Chengdu residents. Order a cup of fragrant Gaiwan tea at the century-old Heming Teahouse, chat with friends, and watch locals play mahjong and gossip. Afterward, return to the city center and stroll leisurely along **Jinli Ancient Street**. This ancient street has a history of over 1,800 years and vividly showcases the profound heritage of ancient Shu culture. Stroll leisurely on the traditional stone pavement, with a dazzling array of authentic snacks, exquisite handicrafts, and interesting folk art performances on both sides.

Chengdu Panda Base, Chengdu

Jinli Ancient Street, Chengdu

Day 12 Take the high-speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing, then board the ship at Chaotianmen Port.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and then take you to the train station to take the high-speed train to Chongqing (about 1-1.5 hours). Welcome to Chongqing, known as the “Mountain City”! Upon arrival, your local guide will greet you at the exit with a sign and take you on a tour of the mountain city.

The first stop is the Three Gorges Museum, which houses over 280,000 precious cultural relics, vividly showcasing the magnificent epic of Yangtze River civilization and the geological mysteries of the formation of the Three Gorges. Here you can review the vicissitudes of Chongqing from a thousand-year-old port to its modern opening up. After the visit, take a photo in front of the landmark People’s Hall outside the museum.

After lunch, we have arranged a special trip on Metro Line 2 from Huanghuayuan Station to Liziba Station to experience the magical charm of “vertical transportation.” When the train passes through a residential building of 11 stories, this unique “light rail through buildings” wonder of the mountain city will surely amaze you. Afterward, ascend to Eling Park for a panoramic view of the “Little Hong Kong” – the dazzling mountain city, where stacked skyscrapers intersect with the winding Jialing River and Yangtze River, outlining a magnificent urban skyline.

In the evening, visit Hongyadong, this 11-story stilted building complex built on the mountainside is a living fossil of Bayu architecture. As dusk falls and the warm orange lights are lit one by one, the layered traditional buildings resemble the bathhouse in the real-life “Spirited Away.” Ascend the stairs to the 11th-floor Urban Balcony to simultaneously view the peculiar sight of vehicles driving on the mountaintop and the dazzling neon night view on both sides of the Jialing River. After the tour, a private car will take you to Chaotianmen Port, where you will board the ship at 21:00 to start your unforgettable five-star Yangtze River cruise.

Chaotianmen Port, Chongqing

Hongyadong, Chongqing

Day 13 Yangtze River Cruise | Shore Excursion to Fengdu Ghost City

Today, your cruise ship will sail leisurely along the Yangtze River. You can wake up naturally in the morning and enjoy the charming river scenery – perhaps shrouded in mist, or bathed in gentle sunlight. After enjoying the buffet breakfast, your wonderful day begins. The cruise ship has prepared a variety of activities for you. You can choose to disembark and visit traditional Chinese cultural attractions, or stay on the ship to relax and learn some Chinese culture.

This morning, you will disembark with a local English-speaking guide to visit the Fengdu Ghost City. This ghost city consists of numerous temples, ancestral halls, and Taoist temples, where you can learn many legendary stories about the underworld, various ghosts, and Chinese demons. Alternatively, you can choose to visit Shibaozhai in Zhong County (one of the eight wonders of architecture in the world) for an additional fee. Climb this 12-story red wooden pagoda to enjoy panoramic views of the Yangtze River.

Note: The above itinerary is for reference only. Specific attractions and shore excursion items may vary slightly depending on the cruise line. We will assist you in choosing the most suitable cruise based on your preferences.

Fengdu Ghost City

Yangtze River Scenery

Day 14 Yangtze River Cruise | Three Gorges and Shennv Stream

Today, you will have a full day to enjoy the beautiful Yangtze River Three Gorges. First, you will sail through Qutang Gorge, known for its majestic and precipitous cliffs, and marvel at the incredible Kuimen. Next, you will pass through the deep and beautiful Wu Gorge, enjoying picturesque scenery, and then through Xiling Gorge, famous for its treacherous shoals and rapid currents. Follow the guide’s live commentary and enjoy the breathtaking scenery from the ship.

This afternoon, you will disembark at Shennong Stream in Wushan County for a relaxing short excursion. Transfer to a small boat and drift downstream to get a close-up view of the steep peaks and the hanging coffins on the cliffs. If you are interested, you can join the local Tujia guides for singing and dancing performances. Tonight, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Dinner with all your shipmates for a pleasant evening.

Qutang Gorge

Life on the Yangtze River Cruise

Day 15 Yangtze Gorges Cruise to Yichang, disembark and fly to Shanghai

After breakfast, you will check out and then disembark at Maoping Port. Today’s highlight is a visit to the Three Gorges Dam, China’s largest hydropower project. You will have the opportunity to admire this magnificent dam and its lock system up close. The main body of the dam is majestic and spectacular, with a height of 181 meters, spanning 2,335 meters across the Yangtze River, and a width of 115 meters. (Optional experience: You can choose to take the world’s largest ship lift, the Three Gorges Ship Lift, to experience the grandeur of the dam from an ultra-close distance, which will bring a new and exciting experience to tourists.)

After the dam visit, you will take a tour bus arranged by the cruise company to the Yichang Three Gorges Tourist Center, arriving between 12:30 and 13:30. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the airport for a flight to Shanghai (approximately 2 hours flight time). Upon arrival in Shanghai, your guide will meet you at the airport and take you directly to downtown Shanghai.

Three Gorges Dam

Day 16 Shanghai City Tour | Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, and The Bund

This morning, embark on a soul-stirring artistic journey to the Shanghai Museum, where you will experience top-tier collections and gain deep insights into China’s profound history. The Shanghai Museum’s exterior resembles an ancient bronze cooking vessel, a ‘ding’, with a round top and a square base, symbolizing ‘the roundness of heaven and the squareness of earth’. The museum houses 120,000 artifacts spanning five millennia, showcasing the treasures of Chinese art in their entirety. Immerse yourself in the bronze and ceramic galleries, admiring exquisite bronzeware and ingenious porcelain treasures. Don’t miss the two signature treasures: the bronze masterpiece Da Ke Ding, over three thousand years old, and the Marquis Su of Jin bells (ancient percussion instruments).

Next, move to the Yu Garden, a classical garden gem hidden in the bustling metropolis. Stroll leisurely through the garden, admiring the typical Jiangnan garden architecture and savoring the exquisite wood carvings, stone carvings, and brick carvings, a feast for the eyes. The Yu Garden Bazaar outside the garden is full of fun, where you can taste authentic local snacks and purchase exquisite traditional handicrafts and artworks.

Then, wander along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, lined with numerous famous shops, restaurants, cafes, and souvenir stores, with tall buildings standing side by side. Continue forward to the Bund, the top must-visit attraction in Shanghai. Known as the ‘Exhibition of International Architecture’, the Bund features 52 buildings in various styles. Across the river, the skyline and skyscrapers of Lujiazui in Pudong are all within sight. The last stop of today’s itinerary is to ascend the Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest and the world’s second-tallest building, at a height of 632 meters. Take the elevator directly to the 118th floor, the observation deck at 546 meters, to enjoy a panoramic view of modern Shanghai and the dazzling cityscape.

The Bund, Shanghai

Yu Garden, Shanghai

Day 17 Departure from Shanghai | Hotel Check-out and Airport Transfer

Your 17-day journey through China is drawing to a close. You will then have free time in Shanghai to explore the city’s charm at your own pace. Afterwards, our guide will take you to the airport or train station to catch your flight or high-speed train to your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Fenglin China Travel for your journey through China. We are committed to providing you with quality service and look forward to meeting you again on your next trip to China or Asia!

Airport Transfer

Safe return home after your China tour.

Price: Inclusions & Exclusions

What’s Included?

Experienced Driver & Air-Conditioned Vehicle
Professional Licensed English-Speaking Guide
Hotel Accommodation with Breakfast
Domestic Flights (Economy Class) or High-Speed Trains (Second Class) as listed in the itinerary
Entrance Fees, Activities, and Meals as listed in the itinerary
Accident Insurance
We provide comprehensive services from itinerary planning and operational reception to the end of the journey

What’s Not Included?

International Airfare
Visa Fees for Entry
Personal Expenses
Single Room Supplement
Recommended Optional Activities
First Day and Return Transfer Service
Tips for Driver and Guide

Important Itinerary Notes for Booking a Private China Tour

How do I book a private China tour?

Booking a private China tour is very simple. Select the tour group you are interested in and click “Free Consultation”. Please tell us your requirements and preferences when submitting the form. You do not need to pay immediately during this process. After sending your request, our professional travel experts will reply within 0.5 to 24 hours. You will only make a deposit after all information is confirmed. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the travel expert directly.

Extend Your China Tour

The itinerary above is a sample that most travelers choose. The tour can be customized according to your preferences, interests, and budget. Also, if you want to extend this trip, just tell us your preferred destinations and activities. Our professional travel experts will completely redesign the itinerary for you and your group at the best price. Tell us your ideas now >>

Transportation

Private tours mean you will travel in a private vehicle to tourist attractions in a city. The private cars we choose are spacious, comfortable, and air-conditioned. And the drivers we use are experienced. As for travel between two destinations, we use domestic flights (economy class seats) or high-speed trains (second-class seats, usually less than 6 hours). Local guides and drivers will pick you up at the airport and train station and escort you to the hotel.

Meals

“B” stands for Breakfast. You will get it at the hotel tomorrow morning.

“L” stands for Lunch. The restaurants we arrange for you are designated tourist restaurants approved by the local tourism administration. All these places are in good sanitary condition. Your guide will assist you in ordering.

“D” stands for Dinner. All dinners are not included in the itinerary. You have the opportunity to taste authentic Chinese cuisine and local snacks.

If you have special dietary needs (vegetarian, halal, kosher, Indian, or gluten-free), please inform us before booking. We will do our best to accommodate you.

China Tour Accommodation and Hotel Conditions

Photo Album of This Itinerary

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