Shanghai · Hangzhou · Xi’an · Chengdu · Lijiang · Dali · Kunming · Beijing
China, Woven In Culture
Follow the threads of culture, from ancient traditions to contemporary China.
China
China, Woven In Culture
Follow the threads of culture, from ancient traditions to contemporary China.
This 18-day journey connects Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xi’an, Chengdu, Lijiang, Dali, Kunming 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
18 days / 17 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 → Xi’an → Chengdu → Lijiang → Dali → Kunming → Beijing
Shanghai
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Days 1–3
Day 1
Arrival & First Impressions
Begin with Shanghai — where China's history and modern energy meet.
- Airport arrival and private transfer
- Check-in
- The Bund
- Huangpu River views
- Evening walk
- Welcome dinner
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Day 2
Old Shanghai
Discover the layers of Shanghai beyond its skyline.
- Yu Garden
- Shanghai Old City
- Traditional neighborhoods
- Local food exploration
- Former French Concession
- Lane houses and everyday life
- Evening at leisure
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Day 3
China, Now
Meet the creative, ambitious and constantly evolving side of China.
- Lujiazui
- Shanghai skyline
- Contemporary architecture
- Art and design district
- Independent creative spaces
- The Bund at sunset
- Contemporary Chinese dining
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Hangzhou
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Days 4–5
Day 4
The Art of Tea
Shanghai → Hangzhou
Enter a more refined world of gardens, water and tea.
- High-speed train to Hangzhou
- West Lake
- Lakeside walk
- Longjing Tea Village
- Tea plantation
- Traditional tea experience
Getting around: High-Speed Rail / Private Transfer / Walking
Day 5
Living Tradition
Discover how ancient traditions continue to shape everyday life.
- Lingyin Temple
- Longjing Tea Village
- Tea-making experience
- Traditional Hangzhou cuisine
- West Lake
- Evening lakeside exploration
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Xi’an
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Days 6–8
Day 6
Toward the Silk Road
Hangzhou → Xi’an
Travel westward into the heart of China's ancient civilizations.
- High-speed train to Xi’an
- Check-in
- Ancient City Wall
- Old City
- Local food exploration
- Evening walk
Getting around: High-Speed Rail / Walking
Day 7
The First Empire
Encounter the empire that first unified China.
- Terracotta Warriors
- Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum area
- Qin Dynasty history
- Local cuisine
- Ancient City Wall
- Evening cultural exploration
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Day 8
Silk Road Crossroads
Discover Xi’an as the meeting point of cultures, religions, people and ideas.
- Giant Wild Goose Pagoda
- Tang Dynasty cultural heritage
- Historic neighborhoods
- Muslim Quarter
- Local market
- Silk Road stories
- Evening at leisure
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Chengdu
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Days 9–12
Day 9
From Empire to Everyday Life
Xi’an → Chengdu
Exchange imperial grandeur for the relaxed rhythm of Chengdu.
- High-speed train to Chengdu
- Check-in
- People’s Park
- Traditional teahouse
- Local neighborhoods
- Sichuan cuisine
Getting around: High-Speed Rail / Walking
Day 10
China’s Gentle Giant
Meet China's most beloved animal and discover Chengdu's famously relaxed lifestyle.
- Giant Panda Base
- Panda observation
- Local lunch
- People’s Park
- Traditional teahouse
- Evening at leisure
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Day 11
The Taste of Sichuan
Experience Chengdu through its flavors, rituals and unmistakable character.
- Traditional market
- Sichuan ingredients
- Local food culture
- Sichuan cooking experience
- Sichuan hotpot
- Sichuan Opera
- Face-changing performance
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Day 12
Beyond the Tourist Trail
See Chengdu through the people who live and create here.
- Local community
- Traditional craft
- Artisan studio
- Tea culture
- Independent neighborhood exploration
- Meet local makers
Getting around: Walking / Private Transfer
Lijiang
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Days 13–14
Day 13
Into Southwest China
Chengdu → Lijiang
Enter a completely different cultural landscape in China's southwest.
- Domestic flight to Lijiang
- Lijiang Old Town
- Naxi culture
- Traditional architecture
- Local streets
- Evening exploration
Getting around: Domestic Flight / Private Transfer / Walking
Day 14
Mountain & Naxi Culture
Discover the connection between mountain landscapes and local culture.
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
- Blue Moon Valley
- Mountain scenery
- Naxi cultural experience
- Shuhe Ancient Town
- Evening at leisure
Getting around: Private Transfer / Cable Car / Walking
Dali
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Days 15–16
Day 15
Along the Ancient Tea Roads
Lijiang → Dali
Follow the old cultural routes through Yunnan.
- Private transfer to Dali
- Dali Ancient Town
- Cangshan Mountain views
- Erhai Lake
- Bai cultural heritage
- Sunset exploration
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Day 16
Life Around Erhai
Discover a slower rhythm of life shaped by mountains, water and community.
- Erhai Lake
- Bai village
- Traditional architecture
- Local crafts
- Local cuisine
- Tea experience
- Sunset by the lake
Getting around: Private Transfer / Bicycle / Walking
Beijing
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Days 17–18
Day 17
From the Southwest to the Capital
Dali → Kunming → Beijing
Cross China in a single day — from southwest traditions to the nation's capital.
- Morning transfer to Kunming
- Flower market / local market
- Domestic flight to Beijing
- Check-in
- Hutong exploration
- Farewell dinner
Getting around: Private Transfer / Domestic Flight / Walking
Day 18
China, Past & Present
End the journey in Beijing, where centuries of history continue to shape modern China.
- Tiananmen Square
- Forbidden City
- Jingshan Park
- Hutong exploration
- Courtyard experience
- Final Chinese dinner
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Good to know
Your stay
The proposed programme is 18 days and 17 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