Chongqing Tour: 12-day 11-night · Private Tour · Beijing + Xi'an + Chongqing + Shanghai

Begin your China adventure in Beijing, the country's historic capital, with a full day dedicated to imperial landmarks and traditional Chinese culture. Accompanied by a full-time English-speaking tour guide and traveling by private vehicle, you will explore the former imperial palace, enjoy panoramic views of the city, and discover the historical atmosphere of central Beijing.

Tiananmen Square

Start with Tiananmen Square, one of Beijing's most recognizable landmarks and an important site in modern Chinese history. The vast public square is surrounded by significant historical buildings and offers an introduction to the scale and character of China's capital. Take time to appreciate the monumental surroundings and capture photographs of this famous city center.

Entry arrangements for Tiananmen Square may require advance reservations and valid identification. Access is subject to current visitor regulations.

The Palace Museum (Forbidden City)

Continue to the Palace Museum, the former imperial palace that served as the residence and political center of Chinese emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Behind its imposing gates lies an extensive complex of ceremonial halls, courtyards, palace buildings, and traditional architectural details that reflect the power and sophistication of imperial China.

Walk through the palace grounds and discover the distinctive red walls, golden roofs, grand ceremonial halls, and carefully arranged courtyards. Your guide will help bring the history of the imperial court to life, explaining the palace's layout, its cultural symbolism, and the traditions that shaped life within the Forbidden City.

Palace Museum admission is included, subject to successful real-name reservation. Tickets must be booked in advance, with reservations arranged seven days ahead according to the product information. If the booking is unsuccessful, the stated arrangement is a refund together with the Jingshan Park ticket and guide service. Confirm the exact compensation terms with the tour provider before departure.

Jingshan Park

After visiting the Palace Museum, continue to Jingshan Park, located just north of the Forbidden City. The park is known for its elevated viewpoint, traditional pavilions, and beautiful views over Beijing's historic central district.

Climb to the summit at Wanchun Pavilion for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City's golden rooftops and the surrounding urban landscape. This viewpoint offers an excellent opportunity to appreciate the scale and symmetry of the former imperial palace from above and provides a memorable conclusion to your first day of sightseeing.

Included services: Private vehicle, full-time English-speaking tour guide, and Jingshan Park admission. Palace Museum admission is included subject to successful reservation. Tiananmen Square does not require a separate ticket according to the itinerary, but visitor reservations may still apply.

Pick-up and drop-off: Complimentary all-day private car service is available within Beijing's Second Ring Road, at Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Daxing International Airport, and at designated railway stations, including Beijing Railway Station. Confirm the complete list of covered stations and the exact service boundaries before booking. Drop-off is at your chosen hotel.

Meals: All meals are at your own expense. Your guide can recommend restaurants, with an estimated meal budget of CNY 150–250 per person.

Explore three different sides of Beijing, from the peaceful atmosphere of a Buddhist temple to traditional hutong neighborhoods and the elegant gardens of a former imperial retreat. With a full-time English-speaking guide, you will gain a deeper understanding of the city's religious traditions, everyday culture, and landscape design.

Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)

Begin the day at Lama Temple, also known as Yonghe Temple, one of Beijing's best-known Tibetan Buddhist monasteries. The complex features traditional Chinese architectural elements, richly decorated halls, religious sculptures, and a tranquil atmosphere that contrasts with the busy streets outside.

Explore the temple courtyards and main halls while learning about its history and religious significance. Intricate decorations, incense-filled spaces, and Buddhist imagery provide insight into the spiritual traditions that continue to shape cultural life in Beijing. Allow approximately two hours for the visit.

Admission: Included.

Shichahai Scenic Area and Traditional Hutong Tour

Continue to Shichahai, a historic district centered around a series of lakes and surrounded by traditional alleyways known as hutongs. This area offers a glimpse of old Beijing, where courtyard residences, narrow lanes, and waterside paths preserve elements of the city's traditional urban character.

Enjoy a guided walk through the hutongs and discover the contrast between the quiet residential lanes and the livelier streets around the lakes. Along the way, observe traditional courtyard entrances, local shops, and everyday neighborhood life. The lakeside scenery also offers opportunities for photographs and a more relaxed experience of Beijing beyond its major imperial attractions.

Allow approximately one hour for the planned visit. The precise walking route may vary according to local conditions and the day's schedule.

Admission: No separate ticket is listed for Shichahai or the hutong walk.

Summer Palace

In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, a celebrated imperial garden known for its combination of lakes, hills, pavilions, bridges, and traditional Chinese landscaping. Once used as a retreat by the imperial family, the complex was designed to create a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature.

Explore the accessible garden paths and enjoy views of Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. The landscape features elegant pavilions, historic halls, and decorative walkways, including the famous Long Corridor, which is known for its painted beams and traditional motifs.

With approximately one and a half hours allocated for the visit, the itinerary focuses on the garden's main highlights rather than an exhaustive exploration of the extensive grounds.

Admission: Included.

Included services: Private vehicle, full-time English-speaking tour guide, Lama Temple admission, and Summer Palace admission.

Meals: All meals are at your own expense. Your guide can recommend restaurants, with an estimated meal budget of CNY 100–200 per person.

Drop-off: Return to your chosen hotel after sightseeing.

Experience one of China's most iconic historical landmarks before returning to Beijing to see two major venues associated with the 2008 Olympic Games. This day combines mountain scenery and ancient fortifications with the striking architecture of modern Beijing.

Mutianyu Great Wall

Travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a popular destination known for its restored stone ramparts, watchtowers, and mountain scenery. The wall follows the ridgelines through the surrounding hills, creating dramatic views and a memorable introduction to one of China's most important historical structures.

Spend approximately three hours exploring the scenic area. Walk along accessible sections of the wall, examine the watchtowers, and appreciate the engineering involved in building defensive fortifications across difficult terrain. Your guide can explain the Great Wall's historical role and the importance of its mountain passes.

Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the paths include steps, uneven surfaces, and slopes. Weather and visitor conditions may affect the amount of time available on the wall.

Admission: Included.

Bird's Nest National Stadium

Return to Beijing and visit the Olympic Green area to see the exterior of the National Stadium, widely known as the Bird's Nest. Built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, the stadium is famous for its distinctive interwoven steel structure, which gives the building its recognizable nest-like appearance.

View the stadium from the surrounding public areas and take photographs of its bold architectural design. This exterior visit offers a convenient way to experience one of modern Beijing's most recognizable landmarks without requiring an extended indoor tour.

National Aquatics Center (Water Cube)

Continue to the National Aquatics Center, popularly known as the Water Cube. Its geometric exterior, inspired by the structure of water bubbles, creates a striking contrast with the Bird's Nest nearby.

Enjoy an exterior viewing stop and photographs of the building. Approximately 30 minutes is allocated for the Bird's Nest and Water Cube visits combined, so access to the interiors is not included unless separately confirmed.

Included services: Private vehicle, full-time English-speaking tour guide, and Mutianyu Great Wall admission. The Bird's Nest and Water Cube visits are exterior sightseeing stops.

Meals: All meals are at your own expense. Your guide can recommend restaurants, with an estimated meal budget of CNY 150–200 per person.

Drop-off: Return to your chosen hotel after the day's activities.

Continue your journey from Beijing to Xi'an, one of China's most important ancient capitals. The planned sightseeing includes the Temple of Heaven in Beijing and several cultural landmarks in Xi'an. Because the Temple of Heaven visit, intercity train journey, and afternoon museum visits involve significant travel time, the final order and feasibility of the day's activities must be confirmed with the tour operator before booking.

Temple of Heaven

If the schedule permits, visit the Temple of Heaven before departing Beijing. This imperial ceremonial complex is known for its distinctive architecture and historical role in rituals conducted by emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Admire the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the surrounding ceremonial grounds, which reflect traditional Chinese ideas about the relationship between heaven and earth. Approximately two hours are allocated for the visit in the supplied itinerary.

Admission: Included.

Travel from Beijing to Xi'an

After the Beijing sightseeing arrangements, transfer to the railway station for your train journey to Xi'an. The journey connects China's modern capital with a city renowned for its long history as the capital of several dynasties.

Train departure time, travel duration, station transfers, and ticket arrangements should be confirmed in advance. The exact sightseeing schedule in Xi'an will depend on your arrival time and the opening hours of the attractions.

Shaanxi History Museum

Depending on your arrival time and confirmed reservations, visit the Shaanxi History Museum, an important cultural institution showcasing the history of Shaanxi Province and the development of ancient Chinese civilization.

The museum's collections cover different historical periods and include objects associated with early dynasties, the Silk Road, and Xi'an's role as the capital of ancient China. Exhibits may include bronze objects, ceramics, sculptures, and other archaeological discoveries that help explain the region's cultural importance.

The supplied itinerary allocates approximately three hours for this visit. Advance reservations are required, and entry is subject to availability. If a reservation cannot be secured, the operator should confirm an alternative sightseeing arrangement and any applicable changes to the itinerary.

Admission: The original itinerary indicates that no museum ticket is included. Confirm current admission arrangements and whether any reservation or service fees apply.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda

Continue to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, one of Xi'an's best-known Buddhist landmarks. Originally built during the Tang dynasty, the pagoda is closely associated with the preservation and translation of Buddhist scriptures brought to China from India.

Admire the historic brick structure and explore the surrounding scenic area, where Buddhist heritage and Tang dynasty history remain central to the site's identity. Allow approximately two hours for the planned visit, subject to arrival time and local arrangements.

Admission: Included according to the original itinerary. Confirm which ticket areas are covered.

Sui-Tang Chang'an City National Heritage Park

If time permits, visit the Sui-Tang Chang'an City National Heritage Park, an archaeological and cultural area associated with the layout of ancient Chang'an, the capital during the Sui and Tang dynasties. The site offers a different perspective on Xi'an's history, focusing on the scale and organization of the ancient capital rather than a single surviving monument.

Approximately one hour is listed for this stop. The visit may need to be shortened or rescheduled depending on the train arrival time and museum reservation.

Admission: No separate ticket is listed in the supplied itinerary.

Included services: English-speaking guide and private car service as specified in the confirmed package. Confirm whether the guide and vehicle accompany you for the entire Beijing-to-Xi'an transfer or whether separate local arrangements apply.

Meals: All meals are at your own expense. Your guide can recommend restaurants, with an estimated meal budget of CNY 150–200 per person.

Accommodation: Drop-off at your chosen hotel in Xi'an.

Discover Xi'an's historic city center before visiting one of China's most famous archaeological sites. This day brings together ancient urban defenses, traditional streets, religious heritage, and the extraordinary legacy of the first emperor of a unified China.

Xi'an City Wall

Begin with the Xi'an City Wall, one of the most recognizable historic features of the city. The existing fortifications reflect the city's importance during later imperial periods and preserve a strong sense of its traditional urban layout.

Walk along the designated accessible sections and admire the massive brick walls, gates, watchtowers, and broad defensive structures. From the wall, you can view the contrast between historic fortifications and the modern city beyond them. Cycling or other activities may be available locally at additional cost, subject to operating conditions and your schedule.

Huajue Lane and the Great Mosque

Continue to Huajue Lane, a historic neighborhood known for its traditional streets, local businesses, and connection to Xi'an's Muslim community. The area reflects the city's long history as a crossroads of trade, culture, and religious exchange.

Visit the Great Mosque of Xi'an, a distinctive religious complex that combines Islamic traditions with traditional Chinese architectural design. Its courtyards, timber structures, decorative gates, and landscaped spaces create an atmosphere different from the city's Buddhist and imperial landmarks.

Explore the surrounding neighborhood at a comfortable pace and observe the local food culture and street life. Please dress respectfully and follow posted rules regarding access, religious activities, and photography.

Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum

In the afternoon, travel to the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, home to the world-famous Terracotta Army. The archaeological site is associated with Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor to unify China, and offers a remarkable insight into the scale and ambition of his imperial mausoleum complex.

Explore the exhibition halls where thousands of life-size terracotta warriors and horses were discovered in underground pits. The figures vary in appearance and position, reflecting the craftsmanship and organization of the army created to accompany the emperor in the afterlife.

The museum is a highlight of any visit to Xi'an, bringing together archaeology, ancient military history, and the story of China's early imperial unification. Allow sufficient time to explore the main exhibition areas, subject to the day's schedule and visitor conditions.

Advance booking is required. If tickets cannot be secured, the original itinerary lists Hanyangling Museum as an alternative, with a refund arrangement. Confirm the replacement attraction, ticket difference, and refund terms with the tour operator before travel.

Meals: All meals are at your own expense. Your guide can recommend a local breakfast and restaurants during the day. Dinner arrangements depend on the final sightseeing schedule.

Drop-off: Return to your chosen hotel in Xi'an.

Enjoy a more relaxed day exploring Xi'an's historic city center, where ancient landmarks, traditional commercial streets, and regional food culture come together. The itinerary provides time to appreciate the city's atmosphere and discover its everyday life beyond the major archaeological sites.

Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square

Begin at Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square, one of Xi'an's most recognizable central areas. The Bell Tower stands near the historic heart of the city, while the nearby Drum Tower forms part of the architectural heritage associated with traditional timekeeping and urban life.

Admire the traditional roofs, painted details, and historic structures from the surrounding public areas. The morning atmosphere offers opportunities for photographs as the city begins its daily activities.

Whether you enter either tower depends on the confirmed ticket arrangements and available time. Interior admission should not be assumed to be included unless specified in the booking details.

Muslim Quarter and Huimin Street

Spend the afternoon exploring the Muslim Quarter, a lively district known for its food stalls, small shops, traditional streets, and strong local identity. Huimin Street and the surrounding lanes are popular places to sample Shaanxi cuisine and observe the everyday rhythm of Xi'an.

Discover regional specialties such as hand-pulled noodles, roujiamo, and a variety of local snacks, depending on your dietary preferences. Your guide can suggest places to eat and explain the ingredients and local traditions behind different dishes.

The area can become crowded, especially during popular meal times. Keep personal belongings secure, allow time to browse the streets, and choose food vendors according to your preferences and dietary requirements.

Included services: Full-time English-speaking tour guide and sightseeing as specified in the booking. Confirm whether Bell Tower and Drum Tower interior admission is included.

Meals: All meals are at your own expense. Your guide can recommend local dishes and restaurants.

Drop-off: Return to your chosen hotel in Xi'an.

Leave Xi'an and continue to Chongqing, a major city in southwestern China known for its mountainous terrain, dramatic riverside scenery, distinctive urban architecture, and spicy regional cuisine.

Flight to Chongqing

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your morning flight to Chongqing. Flight times, airport transfer arrangements, baggage allowances, and ticket inclusions should be confirmed before departure.

Upon arrival, meet your driver according to the confirmed arrangements and transfer to your chosen hotel. Chongqing's steep streets, layered roadways, and skyline rising above the Yangtze and Jialing rivers give the city a distinctive character unlike that of Beijing or Xi'an.

Explore Chongqing at Leisure

Depending on your arrival time and energy level, enjoy some free time to settle into your hotel or explore the surrounding neighborhood. You may ask your guide for recommendations on local restaurants and Chongqing specialties, including hot pot and other regional dishes. Any independent activities or meals are at your own expense unless otherwise stated.

Included services: Dedicated private car service as specified for the transfer arrangements. Confirm whether airport pick-up and the local guide service are included on arrival.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner arrangements depend on your confirmed package and flight schedule. Meals are not explicitly listed as included.

Accommodation: Hotel in Chongqing, arranged according to your booking.

Experience the Yangtze River, one of China's most important waterways, and enjoy a different perspective on the landscapes and settlements that have developed along its banks. The original itinerary describes a cruise of approximately six hours, offering time to observe the changing scenery from the water.

Board the Yangtze River Cruise

After breakfast, transfer to the confirmed departure point and board the cruise vessel according to the operator's schedule. As the boat moves along the river, watch the urban riverfront gradually give way to broader waterways, green hills, and changing riverside landscapes, depending on the selected route.

The Yangtze has played a major role in China's trade, transport, and regional development for centuries. Traveling along the river provides an opportunity to appreciate its scale and importance while enjoying a more leisurely pace than the previous city sightseeing days.

Enjoy the River Views

During the cruise, spend time on the observation deck or in the vessel's designated viewing areas, subject to weather and onboard arrangements. Take photographs of the riverbanks and surrounding scenery, and enjoy the changing views as the journey progresses.

The exact route, boarding location, cruise duration, onboard services, and whether the experience is a sightseeing excursion or part of a longer cruise itinerary must be confirmed with the operator. The six-hour duration stated in the original itinerary should not be treated as a confirmed schedule until these details are verified.

After the cruise, return to your hotel or the designated drop-off point according to the confirmed arrangements.

Included services: Yangtze River cruise and English-speaking guide service, subject to the confirmed package details.

Meals: All meals are at your own expense unless the cruise booking specifically includes meals.

Accommodation: Hotel in Chongqing, subject to your booking.

Continue your exploration of the Yangtze River and the landscapes associated with one of China's most important waterways. The supplied itinerary refers to another river cruise and the Three Gorges Dam Project, but the exact route and travel arrangements need to be clarified because the dam is not a short excursion from central Chongqing.

Yangtze River Cruise

After breakfast, follow the confirmed schedule for your river excursion. The original itinerary lists approximately three hours for this part of the day. Depending on the actual departure point and route, you may enjoy views of riverside settlements, green hills, bridges, and the broad waterway that has long connected communities across central China.

River scenery varies significantly according to the section being visited. Confirm the departure pier, destination, duration, and return arrangements before travel so that the day's activities can be planned realistically.

Three Gorges Dam Project

If the confirmed itinerary includes travel to the Three Gorges Dam Project, visit the designated viewing areas to learn about one of the world's largest hydroelectric engineering projects. The dam is associated with electricity generation, flood control, and river navigation, and it has had a major impact on the surrounding region.

At the site, visitors can learn about the project's scale, engineering features, and role in the development of the Yangtze River basin. Access arrangements, visitor restrictions, and the time required to reach the site depend on the confirmed transport plan.

Important scheduling note: The Three Gorges Dam is located near Yichang, a substantial distance from Chongqing. A visit generally requires a suitable intercity travel or cruise arrangement and cannot be assumed to fit into a brief afternoon stop after a short cruise departing from central Chongqing. Confirm whether the intended itinerary involves an overnight Yangtze cruise, a transfer to Yichang, or a different local attraction before publishing this day as a fixed itinerary.

Included services: River excursion and guide escort with explanations, subject to the final confirmed route and package inclusions.

Meals: Meals are at your own expense unless otherwise specified in the confirmed cruise or tour package.

Accommodation: Confirm whether the overnight stay is in Chongqing or on a cruise vessel, depending on the actual itinerary.

Travel to Shanghai, a dynamic metropolis known for its waterfront skyline, historic international architecture, and distinctive blend of traditional neighborhoods and contemporary urban life. After arriving, explore several of the city's best-known areas and discover the contrast between its historic riverfront and creative backstreets.

Flight from Chongqing to Shanghai

After breakfast, transfer for your morning flight from Chongqing to Shanghai. On arrival, meet your driver or local representative according to the confirmed arrangements and transfer to the city for sightseeing.

Flight details, airport transfers, luggage arrangements, and the amount of sightseeing time available should be confirmed in advance. Traffic in Shanghai can be heavy, so the final schedule may need to be adjusted according to arrival time.

The Bund

Begin your Shanghai sightseeing at the Bund, the city's celebrated waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River. The area is known for its historic buildings, many of which reflect architectural styles associated with Shanghai's development as an international commercial center in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Walk along the promenade and admire the contrast between the historic waterfront architecture and the modern skyline across the river in Pudong. The combination of heritage buildings, river views, and contemporary skyscrapers makes the Bund one of Shanghai's most recognizable locations for photographs.

Huangpu River Waterfront

Continue enjoying the scenery along the Huangpu River, which divides central Shanghai from the Pudong financial district. From the riverside, observe the city's changing skyline and the steady movement of vessels along this important waterway.

The original itinerary lists a Huangpu River experience but does not specify a boat cruise. A river cruise should therefore be treated as an optional activity unless a ticket and departure time are explicitly included in your booking.

Tianzifang

End the day's sightseeing at Tianzifang, a creative neighborhood developed within a network of narrow lanes and traditional-style buildings. The area is known for its small boutiques, design shops, cafés, studios, and preserved neighborhood atmosphere.

Wander through the lanes, browse local crafts and independent shops, and observe how historic residential streets have been adapted for contemporary creative businesses. Compared with the grand architecture of the Bund, Tianzifang offers a more intimate view of Shanghai's neighborhood culture.

Included services: Dedicated private car service and full-time English-speaking guide service as specified in the confirmed package.

Meals: All meals are at your own expense unless otherwise confirmed.

Drop-off: Transfer to your chosen hotel in Shanghai.

Discover Shanghai's cultural heritage through its museum collections and traditional garden architecture. This day combines an introduction to China's artistic and historical traditions with a visit to one of the city's best-known classical gardens.

Shanghai Museum

Begin at the Shanghai Museum, an important cultural institution with collections spanning many periods of Chinese history. Depending on the exhibitions and galleries open during your visit, you may encounter ancient bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, sculpture, and other objects that illustrate the development of Chinese art and craftsmanship.

Explore the displays at a comfortable pace and learn how objects from different eras reflect changing artistic styles, technologies, beliefs, and cultural exchanges. Museum admission arrangements, reservation requirements, and available galleries may vary by venue and date, so confirm the specific museum location and entry policy before your visit.

Yu Garden

In the afternoon, visit Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden known for its carefully arranged pavilions, rockeries, ponds, bridges, and winding pathways. Originally created during the Ming dynasty, the garden reflects traditional principles of landscape design, using walls, framed views, and changes in elevation to create a sense of discovery as visitors move through the grounds.

Explore the garden's courtyards and scenic corners, admire traditional architectural details, and enjoy the contrast between the tranquil garden environment and the busy commercial streets outside. The surrounding Yuyuan area is also known for traditional-style buildings, shops, and local snacks, although purchases and meals are at your own expense.

Allow time for visitor queues and crowd levels, particularly during weekends and public holidays. The final route may depend on the garden's opening hours and current access arrangements.

Included services: English-speaking guide escort and sightseeing as specified in the confirmed package. Confirm whether museum admission and Yu Garden tickets are included.

Meals: All meals are at your own expense unless otherwise specified.

Drop-off: Return to your chosen hotel in Shanghai.

Enjoy your final morning in Shanghai before concluding your China journey. After breakfast and hotel check-out, prepare for your onward flight or train journey. If your departure time allows, you may enjoy a little free time near your hotel before the scheduled transfer.

Private Departure Transfer

A complimentary all-day private car transfer is available to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and the major railway stations covered by the tour's service arrangements.

Please confirm your departure terminal or railway station, preferred pick-up time, and luggage requirements in advance. If your destination is outside the complimentary service area, you may need to arrange your own transportation or pay an additional fee, depending on the provider's policy.

Allow sufficient time for traffic, airport check-in, security procedures, or railway station entry. Your tour concludes once you have been dropped off at the agreed destination.

Included services: Complimentary private car drop-off to the designated Shanghai airport or covered railway station, subject to the confirmed service area.

Meals: Meals are at your own expense unless otherwise specified in your hotel booking.

Tour conclusion: End of your 12-day China journey. We wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.