The 16-day Central China Grand Tour is an immersive journey through the heart of China, blending dynastic legacies, breathtaking scenery, and the pulse of modern city life into one unforgettable adventure. Explore Beijing’s imperial grandeur, Xi'an’s legendary Terracotta Army, Chengdu’s laid-back charm and panda sanctuaries, cruise through the dramatic gorges of the Yangtze River, hike the misty peaks of Huangshan, and experience the energy of Shanghai’s futuristic skyline.
The tour begins in Beijing, where you'll walk across vast Tiananmen Square, delve into the palatial Forbidden City, explore traditional hutong alleyways, and of course, set foot on the iconic Great Wall of China. Continue to Xi'an, home to one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological finds – the Terracotta Warriors – along with its ancient city walls and the bustling Muslim Quarter.
Next, Chengdu welcomes you with adorable pandas at a local research center, peaceful teahouses, and lively squares where locals play mahjong under the trees. Then it’s on to Chongqing, where you'll board your cruise ship for a breathtaking voyage down the Yangtze River, past centuries-old villages and through the misty cliffs of the Three Gorges, culminating in a visit to the monumental Three Gorges Dam.
The final leg of the tour takes you to the mystical Huangshan Mountains, whose jagged granite peaks have inspired poets and painters for centuries. Conclude your journey in Shanghai, where classical Chinese gardens meet soaring skyscrapers and neon-lit boulevards.
Explore the full itinerary for the 16-day Central China Grand Tour and get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure through China’s past, present, and future.
Tour itinerary:
Arrive at Beijing Airport, where our car will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel. As the capital city of China, Beijing is arguably one of the most historical and cultural cities and ancient capitals in the world. In the evening, we will take a tour of Qianmen Street.
Our first stop is the impressive Tiananmen Square, where most national ceremonies are held. From the square, you can walk to the splendid Forbidden City. Upon arrival at the largest imperial palace, travelers are always impressed by the high red walls and the large number of buildings with golden roofs. Then we walk to Coal Hill, formerly a royal garden, where we can enjoy a panoramic view of the Forbidden City. After that, we drive to Shichahai Hutong to visit the traditional residences of Beijing by rickshaw, an old mode of transportation. Then we explore the Houhai area on foot, which is part of Shichahai.
Our day begins with a visit to the fascinating Badaling Great Wall. We take the cable car up and walk down. The wall was constructed starting in the seventh century to protect the Chinese empire from invaders, and it remains an unmissable part of the overall China experience. Afterward, we drive to the Summer Palace, where we also enjoy a boat ride. The palace was once used by the royal family as a summer retreat to escape the heat.
Today we first visit the Temple of Heaven, where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped the Gods of Heaven. Then we go to the Silk Market, where you’ll find nearly everything you might want to buy. After that, we transfer to the station for the bullet train to Xi'an with second-class seats. Upon arrival, our guide and driver in Xi'an will pick you up and drive you to the hotel for a rest.
Today you are driven to the suburbs to marvel at the powerful Qin Terracotta Warriors. Then we return to the city to visit the South Gate of the Old City Wall, the most complete city wall that has survived in China and one of the largest ancient military defensive systems in the world. Afterward, we head to the Muslim Quarter, where there are about ten mosques, the most famous and popular being the Great Mosque.
In the morning, we drive to the train station for a bullet train to Chengdu in second-class seats.
In the afternoon, visit Chengdu People's Park to experience authentic local life. Begin your journey with a cup of tea as your guide introduces proper tea etiquette. Immerse yourself in the local culture by joining a lively square dance session, and take time to observe the locals playing mahjong. Then visit the Old City, including Jinli Street and the Wenshu Temple area, where you can catch a glimpse of the cozy daily life of Chengdu residents.
In the afternoon, visit Chengdu People's Park to experience authentic local life. Begin your journey with a cup of tea as your guide introduces proper tea etiquette. Immerse yourself in the local culture by joining a lively square dance session, and take time to observe the locals playing mahjong. Then visit the Old City, including Jinli Street and the Wenshu Temple area, where you can catch a glimpse of the cozy daily life of Chengdu residents.
In the early morning, we visit the Panda Base during feeding time. The giant panda is not only a national treasure of China but also adored around the world. At the base, you'll see these incredibly charming animals, including baby pandas. Afterward, we drive to Leshan to visit the Big Buddha and take a scenic cruise.
Transfer to the railway station for the fast train to Chongqing.
Today, begin with a visit to the historic town of Qiqikou, an ancient settlement with a history of more than 1,800 years. The town takes its name from the old Qiqikou wharf on the Jialing River, which served as a key transportation hub during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Continue to the remarkable Liziba Station, a unique Chongqing landmark where a train passes directly through a residential building. Then visit Hongya Cave, a scenic area known for its traditional Ba-Shu style architecture. In the evening, transfer to the port and board your Yangtze River cruise – the longest river in China – sailing toward Yichang.
Today, begin with a visit to the historic town of Qiqikou, an ancient settlement with a history of more than 1,800 years. The town takes its name from the old Qiqikou wharf on the Jialing River, which served as a key transportation hub during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Continue to the remarkable Liziba Station, a unique Chongqing landmark where a train passes directly through a residential building. Then visit Hongya Cave, a scenic area known for its traditional Ba-Shu style architecture. In the evening, transfer to the port and board your Yangtze River cruise – the longest river in China – sailing toward Yichang.
After breakfast, take an excursion to Fengdu Ghost City (about 2 hours), known for its ghost culture and its unique blend of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism with diverse Chinese traditions.
In the afternoon, enjoy a variety of onboard activities and lectures.
In the afternoon, enjoy a variety of onboard activities and lectures.
Two of the Three Gorges – Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge – are passed through in the morning, so have your camera ready. As you sit back and relax, you’ll witness a breathtaking blend of natural beauty, impressive ship locks, and feats of modern engineering.
In the afternoon, transfer from your Century ship to a smaller boat for a cruise along the Shennv Stream. These newly opened waterways, framed by lush hills and dramatic cliffs, offer stunning views, including the famed hanging coffins.
In the evening, enjoy entertainment by the ship’s crew. Childcare services and specially designed onboard activities are available for families.
In the afternoon, transfer from your Century ship to a smaller boat for a cruise along the Shennv Stream. These newly opened waterways, framed by lush hills and dramatic cliffs, offer stunning views, including the famed hanging coffins.
In the evening, enjoy entertainment by the ship’s crew. Childcare services and specially designed onboard activities are available for families.
The Three Gorges Dam is the highlight of the day, and a visit to the top offers excellent photo opportunities.
After arriving in Yichang, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and escort you to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Check-in and overnight in Shanghai.
After arriving in Yichang, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and escort you to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Check-in and overnight in Shanghai.
In the morning, transfer to the train station for a bullet train to Tunxi with second-class seats. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will meet you and take you to visit Hongcun Village, renowned as one of China’s Historical and Cultural Villages for its picturesque scenery and distinctive Hui-style architecture. Later, return to Tunxi and visit Tunxi Old Street in the evening.
Today we drive to visit the famous Yellow Mountain, accessed by cable car. There is a saying: "You won’t want to see any other mountains after you’ve visited Yellow Mountain". It is renowned for four signature features – uniquely shaped pine trees, bizarre rock formations, seas of clouds, and fresh mountain springs. The breathtaking scenery has inspired countless painters and photographers. After descending the mountain by cable car, we drive to the railway station for the train to Shanghai.
Today we first visit Yu Garden, including the nearby bazaars. In Yu Garden, you can admire the sophisticated design and elegant layout of pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds, and cloisters. Next, we visit the Shanghai Museum, which specializes in ancient Chinese art, particularly bronze ware, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings. Afterward, we take a walking tour along Nanjing Road and The Bund to enjoy the modern skyline of Shanghai. The day concludes with a visit to the TV Tower, where we take an elevator to the top for a panoramic view of the city.
Today we drive to the beautiful water town of Zhujiajiao, where we’ll enjoy a boat cruise through its scenic canals. Later, we return to the city and make a stop at a silk factory before transferring back to our hotel.
Note:
The rate is valid from 15 April 2025 till 31 December 2026 except for the holidays in China (Labor Day 1-5 May 2025, National Day 1-8 October 2025, Chinese New Year 15-25 February, Labor Day 1-5 May 2026, National Day 1-8 October 2026).
Price includes:
- 12 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast based on double/twin room sharing;
- 3 nights Yangtze River Cruise with FB basis;
- English-speaking guide for each place;
- A/C nice tourism coach (5 seats car for 1-2 pax, 7 seats car for 4 pax);
- Entrance fee for the sites as listed in the program;
- Domestic flights: Yichang/Shanghai;
- Bullet train with second-class seats:
Beijing-Xi'an-Chengdu-Chongqing, Shanghai-Huangshan-Shanghai.
Price doesn't include:
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- Overweight on domestic flights;
- Full board (lunches and dinners);
- Tips to local guides and drivers.
Prices, per person
Prices are for 2025 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
Accommodation
Standard: Golden / Huaxia Godness
Comfort: Golden / Huaxia Godness
Lux: Victoria / Century Boats
Comfort: Golden / Huaxia Godness
Lux: Victoria / Century Boats
Standard: Campanile Hotel Shanghai Railway Station People's Square
Comfort: Holiday Inn Jingan Hotel
Lux: Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre
Comfort: Holiday Inn Jingan Hotel
Lux: Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre
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