Beijing · Xi’an · Chengdu · Lijiang · Shanghai · Hangzhou · Shenzhen
China: Past, Present & Next
Travel through the China that was, the China that is, and the China becoming.
China
China: Past, Present & Next
Travel through the China that was, the China that is, and the China becoming.
This 19-day journey connects Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Lijiang, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Shenzhen. 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
19 days / 18 nightsProposed programme
This is a proposed itinerary. Dates, accommodation, transport, visits and included services will be confirmed in your personalised quote.
View journey route · Beijing → Xi’an → Chengdu → Lijiang → Shanghai → Hangzhou → Shenzhen
Beijing
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Days 1–3
Day 1
Arrival in China
Begin in the heart of China's historic capital.
- Airport arrival
- Private transfer
- Check-in
- Hutong exploration
- Traditional courtyard neighborhood
- Welcome dinner
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Day 2
Imperial China
Discover the political and cultural center of imperial China.
- Tiananmen Square
- Forbidden City
- Jingshan Park
- Imperial architecture
- Evening hutong exploration
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Day 3
The Great Wall
Encounter one of the world's most extraordinary expressions of human ambition and landscape.
- Mutianyu Great Wall
- Mountain walk
- Scenic viewpoints
- Local countryside lunch
- Return to Beijing
- Evening at leisure
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Xi’an
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Days 4–5
Day 4
From Capital to Empire
Beijing → Xi’an
Travel from the modern capital into the birthplace of China's first unified empire.
- High-speed train to Xi’an
- Ancient City Wall
- Old City
- Local food
- Evening exploration
Getting around: High-Speed Rail / Walking
Day 5
The First China
Step into the origins of imperial China.
- Terracotta Warriors
- Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum area
- Qin Dynasty heritage
- Local cuisine
- Evening cultural exploration
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Chengdu
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Days 6–9
Day 6
From Ancient Power to Living Culture
Xi’an → Chengdu
See how Chinese culture moves effortlessly from history into everyday life.
- High-speed train to Chengdu
- People’s Park
- Traditional teahouse
- Local neighborhood
- Sichuan cuisine
Getting around: High-Speed Rail / Walking
Day 7
Pandas & People
Discover Chengdu's unique combination of nature, culture and relaxed urban life.
- Giant Panda Base
- Panda observation
- People’s Park
- Traditional teahouse
- Local food
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Day 8
The Taste of Sichuan
Taste the personality of one of China's most distinctive culinary cultures.
- Local market
- Sichuan ingredients
- Cooking experience
- Sichuan hotpot
- Sichuan Opera
- Face-changing performance
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Day 9
Inside Contemporary Chengdu
Meet a younger China — creative, entrepreneurial and constantly evolving.
- Local community
- Traditional craft
- Creative district
- Artisan studio
- Meet local creators
- Contemporary lifestyle
- Evening at leisure
Getting around: Walking / Private Transfer
Lijiang
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Days 10–11
Day 10
From City to Mountain
Chengdu → Lijiang
Move from China's urban west into the cultural landscapes of Yunnan.
- Domestic flight to Lijiang
- Lijiang Old Town
- Naxi culture
- Traditional architecture
- Evening exploration
Getting around: Domestic Flight / Private Transfer / Walking
Day 11
Mountain Kingdom
Discover the relationship between landscape, heritage and identity.
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
- Blue Moon Valley
- Mountain scenery
- Naxi cultural experience
- Shuhe Ancient Town
Getting around: Private Transfer / Cable Car / Walking
Shanghai
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Days 12–14
Day 12
Across China
Lijiang → Shanghai
Travel from China's traditional southwest to its global commercial capital.
- Morning at leisure
- Domestic flight to Shanghai
- Check-in
- The Bund
- Huangpu River
- Evening skyline
Getting around: Domestic Flight / Private Transfer / Walking
Day 13
The City That Never Stands Still
Discover the layers beneath Shanghai's modern façade.
- Shanghai Old City
- Yu Garden
- Traditional neighborhoods
- Former French Concession
- Lane houses
- Local food
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Day 14
China, Now
Experience the confidence and creativity of contemporary China.
- Lujiazui
- Contemporary architecture
- Shanghai skyline
- Art and design district
- 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 15–16
Day 15
Tea, Water & Refinement
Shanghai → Hangzhou
Discover one of China's most elegant cultural landscapes.
- High-speed train to Hangzhou
- West Lake
- Lingyin Temple
- Longjing Tea Village
- Tea plantation
- Traditional tea experience
Getting around: High-Speed Rail / Private Transfer / Walking
Day 16
Innovation & Tradition
See how ancient traditions coexist with one of China's most dynamic technology ecosystems.
- Longjing Tea Village
- Traditional tea culture
- West Lake
- Contemporary Hangzhou
- Technology / innovation exploration
- Local cuisine
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Shenzhen
Explore the proposed experiences for this stage of your journey.
Days 17–19
Day 17
Into the Future
Hangzhou → Shenzhen
Arrive in a city that barely existed a few decades ago and now stands at the center of China's next chapter.
- Domestic flight to Shenzhen
- Check-in
- Futian CBD
- Shenzhen skyline
- Contemporary urban development
- Evening exploration
Getting around: Domestic Flight / Private Transfer / Walking
Day 18
China, Next
Look at the China being built now — technology, entrepreneurship, design and rapid urban transformation.
- Shenzhen innovation districts
- Technology companies / innovation ecosystem
- Contemporary architecture
- Shenzhen Bay
- Urban development
- Meet local entrepreneurs or technology professionals
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Day 19
From Past to Next
Finish not with the past, but with the future — leaving travelers with a China that is still unfolding.
- Morning exploration
- Contemporary Chinese lifestyle
- Local market / creative district
- Final reflection through the city's contrasts
- Farewell lunch
- Departure
Getting around: Private Transfer / Walking
Good to know
Your stay
The proposed programme is 19 days and 18 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