Shanghai · Hangzhou · Huangshan · Xi’an · Chengdu · Fenghuang · Zhangjiajie · Beijing
China Beyond The Familiar
Go beyond the landmarks. Discover the China between them.
China
China Beyond The Familiar
Go beyond the landmarks. Discover the China between them.
This 16-day journey connects Shanghai, Hangzhou, Huangshan, Xi’an, Chengdu, Fenghuang, Zhangjiajie and Beijing. Follow the proposed route below and tell us your preferred dates, interests and pace.
When
Your preferred datesSubject to availability
Price
Request a quoteTailored to your journey
How long
16 days / 15 nightsProposed programme
This is a proposed itinerary. Dates, accommodation, transport, visits and included services will be confirmed in your personalised quote.
View journey route · Shanghai → Hangzhou → Huangshan → Xi’an → Chengdu → Fenghuang → Zhangjiajie → Beijing
Shanghai
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Days 1–2
Day 1
Arrival & First Impressions
Begin where old China meets the modern world.
- Airport arrival
- The Bund
- Huangpu River
- Evening walk
- Welcome dinner
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Day 2
Old & New Shanghai
Discover the many layers of China's most international city.
- Yu Garden
- Shanghai Old City
- Former French Concession
- Lane neighborhoods
- Lujiazui
- Contemporary architecture
- Evening at leisure
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Hangzhou
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Days 3–4
Day 3
The World of Tea
Shanghai → Hangzhou
Enter a world shaped by water, gardens and tea.
- High-speed train to Hangzhou
- West Lake
- Longjing Tea Village
- Tea plantation
- Traditional tea experience
Getting around: High-Speed Rail / Private Transfer / Walking
Day 4
Living Tradition
See how ancient traditions remain part of modern life.
- Lingyin Temple
- Longjing Tea Village
- Tea-making
- West Lake
- Traditional Hangzhou cuisine
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Huangshan
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Day 5
Day 5
Ancient Villages
Hangzhou → Huangshan
Discover one of China's most distinctive architectural landscapes.
- Journey to Huangshan
- Hongcun Ancient Village
- Huizhou architecture
- Traditional streets
- Local cuisine
Getting around: Private Transfer
Xi’an
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Days 6–8
Day 6
Mountains & Empire
Huangshan → Xi’an
From China's iconic mountain landscape to one of its great ancient capitals.
- Huangshan Scenic Area
- Strange Pines
- Granite peaks
- Sea of Clouds
- Morning mountain experience
- Travel to Xi’an
Getting around: Cable Car / Walking / High-Speed Rail or Private Transfer
Day 7
The First Empire
Enter the story of China's first unified empire.
- Terracotta Warriors
- Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum area
- Ancient City Wall
- Local cuisine
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Day 8
Silk Road Crossroads
Discover Xi’an as a meeting point of cultures and ideas.
- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
- Tang cultural heritage
- Muslim Quarter
- Local market
- Silk Road stories
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Chengdu
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Days 9–11
Day 9
Into Living Culture
Xi’an → Chengdu
Exchange imperial history for Chengdu's relaxed rhythm.
- High-speed train
- People’s Park
- Traditional teahouse
- Local neighborhood
- Sichuan cuisine
Getting around: High-Speed Rail / Walking
Day 10
Pandas & People
Discover one of China's most distinctive urban cultures.
- Giant Panda Base
- People’s Park
- Teahouse
- Local neighborhoods
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Day 11
The Taste of Sichuan
Taste the energy of Chengdu.
- Local market
- Sichuan cooking
- Hotpot
- Sichuan Opera
- Face-changing performance
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Fenghuang
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Day 12
Day 12
Into Ancient China
Chengdu → Fenghuang
Step into a world where traditional architecture and river life remain alive.
- Travel toward Fenghuang
- Fenghuang Ancient Town
- Tuojiang River
- Stilt houses
- Miao culture
- Evening lights
Getting around: High-Speed Rail / Private Transfer / Walking
Zhangjiajie
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Days 13–14
Day 13
From Heritage to Wonder
Fenghuang → Zhangjiajie
Move from cultural heritage into extraordinary natural landscapes.
- Morning Fenghuang
- Travel to Zhangjiajie
- Wulingyuan
- Sunset viewpoint
Getting around: High-Speed Rail / Private Transfer
Day 14
The Mountains of Another World
Discover landscapes beyond imagination.
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Yuanjiajie
- Tianzi Mountain
- Trails
- Cable car / scenic transport
Getting around: Cable Car / Scenic Shuttle / Walking
Beijing
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Days 15–16
Day 15
Above the Clouds
Zhangjiajie → Beijing
Finish the natural chapter before returning to China's historic capital.
- Tianmen Mountain
- Tianmen Cave
- Cable car
- Cliffside viewpoints
- Domestic flight to Beijing
- Hutong dinner
Getting around: Cable Car / Domestic Flight / Private Transfer
Day 16
The Story Continues
End with the realization that China's history is not behind it — it is still part of the present.
- Forbidden City
- Jingshan Park
- Hutong
- Courtyard experience
- Final Chinese dinner
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Good to know
Your stay
The proposed programme is 16 days and 15 nights. Hotels, room categories and the final night-by-night arrangements are to be confirmed.
Your programme
The activities listed above follow the proposed itinerary. Exact timing, hosts, visits, performance schedules and transport arrangements are subject to confirmation.
Your quote
Ask us to confirm the price, accommodation, guiding, admissions, meals and transport included in your quote. International flights, visas and insurance should be discussed during planning.
Planning your departure
Please tell us your onward plans, particularly where the final day includes an evening or farewell programme. We can discuss departure timing or an additional night if needed.
Photography combines the WanderBao image collection with clearly labelled AI test illustrations. Some photographs provide regional or thematic context rather than depicting a confirmed visit.
Let us shape your journey
Tell us your dates, number of travellers and the experiences that interest you.
Start planninginfo@wanderbao.com