18-Day New China Discovery: Hangzhou, Chongqing, Shenzhen, and More...
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18-Day New China Discovery: Hangzhou, Chongqing, Shenzhen, and More...

Where Ancient Meets Ultra-Modern

High-speed rail, 5G, drones — these may be the "New China" labels you've heard most often. But when you actually set foot here, you'll discover that the charm of New China goes far beyond them.

Over these 18 days, you'll journey deep into the "four pillars" of China's economy — its four major metropolitan regions.

  • Shanghai-Hangzhou: A leading global city group that drives finance, trade, and digital innovation.
  • Beijing-Tianjin: China's political heart and tech innovator, serving as the country's gateway to the world.
  • Chengdu-Chongqing: Western China's growth engine and a bridge linking inland areas to global markets.
  • Guangzhou-Shenzhen: A powerhouse of advanced manufacturing and home to China's most dynamic tech businesses.

There, you can feel the pulse of modern cities and see how technology is quietly reshaping everyday life; you can sense the blend of old traditions and new lifestyles, understand a nation's growth story, and see where its "future opportunities" truly come from.

Suggested 18-Day Itinerary

Our 18-day itinerary is designed to give you a comprehensive view of "New China. If you have less time, you can shorten it to about 10 days by selecting just one city in each metropolitan area.

Day Highlights
1-4
Shanghai & Hangzhou
Modern Metropolis and Cutting-Edge Technology
Check out historic and stylish landmarks, both old and new, and try China's advanced tech: Driverless vehicles, humanoid robots, VR games.
5-8
Beijing & Tianjin
Economic Synergy Between an Ancient Capital and a Modern Port City
See China's UNESCO World Heritage sites — the Forbidden City, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven… — and also visit the world's first smart zero-carbon port.
9-12
Chengdu & Chongqing
Blend of Traditional and Modern Living
Experience the most relaxed community lifestyle, taste the most famous Chinese cuisine, and discover China's most cyberpunk-style metropolis.
13-18
Guangzhou & Shenzhen
Development Stories and Future Opportunities
Unlock the secrets of the world's most efficient industrial chain; Experience the High-tech shaping China's future: new energy, Autonomous driving, and drones

New China Tour Map

new china tour map

Tour 'Wow' Points

Explore China's Most Futuristic Cities

Fashion and history, tradition and modernity, skyscrapers and green spaces. You'll see a city that sets the example of making them all work together in harmony.

chongqing
Modern Cities

Marvel at How High-Tech Fits Into Daily Life

Ride driverless buses, receive food delivered by drone, pay with no cash… High-tech isn't locked away in labs or only for certain groups — it's part of everyday routines here.

self-driving car
High-Tech

Experience the Future of TCM Firsthand: Ancient Healing Powered by AI

Breathe in the century-old herbal scents of Huqingyu Hall Chinese Medicine Museum, where traditional healing comes alive through modern technology.

Hangzhou-Chinese-Medicine
Hangzhou-Chinese-Medicine

Explore China's Modern Port City & Innovation Hub

Discover the world's first smart zero-carbon port, where giant cranes operate automatically. This thriving modern port city showcases China's leadership in logistics, clean energy, and smart infrastructure—where cutting-edge technology meets efficient global trade.

smart zero-carbon port
Tianjin Eye

Witness China's Most Efficient Business Miracle

In the "Millennium Merchant City" uncover one of the world's most efficient textile supply chains. In a single day, watch a garment go from fabric to finished product to customer order.

business guide
clothing workshop

Travel Back in Time to the World of the Terracotta Army in an XR Game

Explore a vividly blended Qin Dynasty world where you can freely roam the palace, decipher bamboo slips, take part in Great Wall defense drills, and even offer strategic advice to Emperor Qin Shi Huang.

Shanghai VR Theme Park

Feel the Grand Layout of the Capital City with an E-bike Ride

Explore Beijing's newly listed World Heritage Site — the Beijing Central Axis. Discover why, among the urban central axes of cities around the world, only Beijing's has become a World Heritage Site.

Beijing Central Axis
Beijing E-Bike

Step Into Everyday Chinese Life

Visit a local neighborhood, share a cup of tea, listen to a folk tune; feel the relaxed pace of life while learning firsthand about China's approach to community management and public services.

living-community
tea house in Chengdu

Experience the Renewed Vitality Emanating from the City's Historical Traces

Step into the café housed within a historic hutong building favored by a former British Prime Minister; explore the trendy districts transformed from old factories; and discover how Chinese urban spaces are reinventing old settings into new venues

Dong Jiao Memory District
Hong En Temple

Taste the Real China

No trip to China is complete without its food. Whether it's Peking duck, hot pot, or authentic Cantonese dim sum, you'll enjoy the genuine flavors made by people who have perfected them over generations.

hotpot
Chinese Food

Discover the Secrets Behind Sichuan Face-Changing Opera

Enjoy an exciting Sichuan opera performance, then go behind the scenes with the local troupe to see how ordinary people keep this traditional art alive with passion and pride.

face-changing opera
make-up

Suggested Itinerary

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

Day 1 Arrive in Shanghai

Welcome to Shanghai! To ensure your arrival is stress-free, your private tour guide will meet you in the arrivals hall and transfer you to your hotel in a private car. Your luggage and hotel check-in will be taken care of.

Day 2 Shanghai | Sky-High Views & Old-Meets-New Adventures
Breakfast & Lunch

Head to the Shanghai Tower (118th floor) for breathtaking skyline views, then check out the massive tuned mass damper (126th floor)– a giant "shock absorber" that keeps this 632m tower steady.

Stroll along North Bund, spotting iconic spots like the Postal Museum, Waibaidu Bridge, and the futuristic "Little Egg" concert hall. See how 19th-century buildings chat with 21st-century architecture on the bank of the Huangpu River.

Continue to walk along the Bund to admire colonial-era buildings facing off against Pudong's neon-lit skyscrapers.

Wrap up with an XR game experience that teleports you to the Terracotta Army's Qin Dynasty-no time machine needed.

End the day in Yu Garden, a classical Ming Dynasty garden with lanterns, ponds, and rockeries – pure old-China charm.

Day 3 Shanghai to Hangzhou | The Root of Shanghai Spirit
Breakfast & Lunch

Explore Xuhui District and learn about Xu Guangqi, a renowned historical figure from Shanghai. Visit the Xu Guangqi Memorial Hall, Xu Guangqi Academy, Xujiahui Park, and Xujiahui Catholic Church. In this urban neighborhood where history, culture, and modern entertainment blend together, follow the historical thread from a pioneer of science to a modern cultural hub, and experience the open, inclusive, and diverse spirit that defines Shanghai's culture.

In the afternoon, take a high‑speed train to Hangzhou.

Day 4 Hangzhou | Tradition & Science
Breakfast & Lunch

In the morning, hop on a boat ride on West Lake, the most iconic "postcard view" in China, with willow trees and misty waters.

Breathe in the century-old herbal scents of Huqingyu Hall Chinese Medicine Museum, where TCM history and wisdom come alive. In the TCM Technology Hall, an AI-powered diagnosis reads your face, tongue and pulse to create a personalized health report. Shape your own moxa stick by hand, feel the warmth of this ancient healing art, then relax into precise robotic moxibustion—where tradition meets modern technology to care for your well-being.

Step into the Wensan Future Technology Center, where tomorrow comes alive. Explore breakthroughs from Hangzhou's tech giants—Alibaba, Unitree Robotics, Deepseek, BrainCo, and more—through dazzling displays and hands-on experiences. It's a high-energy playground of innovation, imagination, and the digital age.

Day 5 Beijing | History and Fashion in Hutong
Breakfast & Lunch

Take a bullet train to Beijing in the morning.

In the afternoon, wander through Beijing's hutongs (old alleys). Pop into a local family's home to see how Beijingers live in the old days. Peek into hidden art installations inside ancient temples where history meets modern creativity.

Day 6 Beijing | Imperial Wonders
Breakfast & Lunch

In the morning, enjoy an e-bike ride to cruise Beijing's central axis-the ancient blueprint of China's imperial capital.

Visit the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City (Palace Museum), the world's largest ancient wooden palace complex that home to emperors for 500 years. Besides admiring the splendid palaces on the central axis, your guide will take you off the touristy route to explore some spots that are related to some famous figures from the two dynasties. The stories about them will make the Forbidden City come alive for you.

Day 7 Beijing | Great Wall & High-Tech Snacks
Breakfast & Lunch

Start your journey at the Temple of Heaven, a dignified complex of religious buildings, symbolizing the relationship between Earth and Heaven. There you will see local people doing morning exercise in their unique ways.

Take a cable car to the Great Wall. At the top, order a drone-delivered burger or drinks, because even ancient wonders get modern upgrades.

Note:
1.The drone delivery service will be temporarily suspended during strong winds, rain, or other extreme weather conditions to ensure safety. In such cases, you will still have a chance to experience this in Shenzhen. 
2.Badaling Great Wall is the only section where you can experience drone delivery. However, this section tends to be​ very crowded during the summer vacation (July and August), so we suggest skipping​ this experience and trying it in Shenzhen instead.

Day 8 Beijing to Tianjin | Smart Ports & Colonial Charm
Breakfast & Lunch

Enjoy a day tour to Tianjin. Visit the world's first smart zero-carbon port, where giant cranes move containers automatically, powered entirely by wind and solar energy.

Stroll through Wudadao Historic District, where Gothic mansions and 1920s shops mix with local snacks-a taste of old Tianjin's international flair.

Day 9 Beijing to Chengdu
Breakfast

Take a flight from Beijing to Chengdu in the morning. Enjoy your free time in the afternoon.

Day 10 Chengdu | City Fun and Community Vibes
Breakfast & Lunch

Explore a traditional Sichuan courtyard community. See a free elderly cafeteria, a Sichuan embroidery workshop, a tea house, and a community center-this is how locals balance tradition and modern care.

Enjoy a food hunt on a foodie street loved by the locals. Try the most authentic Sichuan cuisine, which is a popular style of cooking in China.

Hit East Suburb Memory Park, a hip arts district where young creatives thrive.

Sneak backstage at a Sichuan opera theater to watch actors apply their famous face-changing makeup, then catch a mind-blowing performance.

Day 11 Chengdu to Chongqing |Panda Experience
Breakfast & Lunch

Visit the Panda Breeding and Research Center, about 10 kilometers (six miles) north of central Chengdu. It is best to go early in the morning to see the pandas feeding when they are most active during the day.

Take a bullet train to Chongqing, China's "mountain city" with crazy elevations, in the afternoon.

Day 12 Chongqing | 8D Magical City
Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Have a relaxing walk to experience Chongqing's lifestyle. Take some interesting pictures in front of old walls painted with classical and modern artwork. Young people might be attracted to shops selling products with distinctive designs that embody local cultural creativity.

Get up close to the iconic Liziba Station, glide across the Yangtze River on the cableway, and experience the city's mind-bending 8D layout at Kuixing Tower.

As night falls, enjoy an authentic riverside hotpot dinner with glowing views of Hongya Cave and Qiansimen Bridge, then stroll the waterfront to capture the city's most viral night scenes, from shimmering skyline reflections to cinematic views dubbed "Chongqing's own La La Land. On Saturdays, the evening may end with the dazzling Charming Chongqingdrone light show.

Day 13 Chongqing to Guangzhou | Trade History
Breakfast & Lunch

Fly to Guangzhou, China's "Millennium Merchant City." Visit the Thirteen Hongs Museum to learn how this port fueled global trade for centuries.

Day 14 Guangzhou | Textile Power
Breakfast & Lunch

Play "fashion tycoon" in Guangzhou's massive textile district. Tour fabric markets, design studios, factories, and wholesale shops – see how 10,000 T-shirts go from idea to store shelves in record time.

Day 15 Guangzhou to Shenzhen | Dim Sum & Family Temple
Breakfast & Lunch

Sip authentic Cantonese dim sum in a 100-year-old tea house, then visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall– a stunning temple showing how family values shape local life.

In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Shenzhen, China's "Silicon Valley."

Day 16 Shenzhen | Reform & Startup Spirit
Breakfast & Lunch

Visit Fisherman's Village, where fishermen became millionaires after China's 1978 economic reforms. Explore the Reform & Opening-Up Museum and hike up Lianhua Mountain for city views.

Check out Shenzhen's coolest subway station ("Shenzhen Eye"), then dive into Huaqiangbei Electronics Market– where tinkerers build drones, robots, and gadgets in tiny stalls.

Day 17 Shenzhen | Drones, Self-Driving & Future Visions
Breakfast & Lunch

Tour the DJI HQ ("Sky City")– the world's top drone maker.

Then enjoy a self-driving ride to the flagship shop of DJI. See how their gadgets help farmers, rescuers, and filmmakers.

Watch a drone delivery demo in a park (yes, they bring your food by air). Then explore MixC World mall for giant art-tech installations,blending creativity and science.

Day 18 Shenzhen Departure | Home with New Stories
Breakfast

Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

After 18 days of skyscrapers, pandas, ancient temples, robot interaction, and drone meals, you'll leave with a totally fresh view of China – not just a tech giant, but a country where history, innovation, and daily life dance together in unexpected ways.

Hotel Selection

—the Icing on the Cake

Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.

Hotel room in Beijing
Shanghai Waitan Puhua Hotel
Hotel in Hangzhou

Tour Price

FromUS$ 6,999 p/p Based on a private tour including 4-star hotels for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

Price includes:

  • Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
  • English speaking local guide
  • Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
  • 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Tour code: cht-new-112

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