28-Day Panorama China Tour

Landing in Beijing, you would be met by your private guide and driver who would transfer you to your hotel.

Your guide would assist you with your luggage and help you to check in at your hotel for a worry-free start to your stay.

You would start your tour by walking through the largest world-famous square, Tian'anmen Square, and then arrive at the Forbidden City.

With countless houses, chambers, and halls, the Forbidden City was not only a royal residence but a treasure trove for many cultural relics. Your knowledgeable private tour guide would bring the history to life for you.

After having lunch in a local Beijing roast duck restaurant, you would head to a nearby Hutong neighborhood. You will walk through the narrow alleys, as well as visit a local family to discover the traditional lifestyle and how these unique residential houses and culture are protected.

Temple of Heaven was used by emperors for annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests and blessings for the country. You can learn about the rituals conducted by emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties here. People engage in various activities, such as morning exercises, dancing, singing, tai chi, brush calligraphy, and playing chess.

Hike the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall this afternoon. The Mutianyu Great Wall is known for its well-preserved condition and scenic views. Take a cable car up to the wall and enjoy a leisurely walk along its ramparts. Marvel at the panoramic landscapes from the wall.

Spend a leisurely morning in the Summer Palace like a local. Join locals practicing Tai Chi by the tranquil Kunming Lake, and walk through this beautifully painted long corridor. Take a short boat ride on Kunming Lake to take in the serene landscape from a different perspective.

Experience "the speed of China" on the bullet train from Beijing to Xian. The maximum speed of the train could reach 350 km/h (217 mph).

Today, you will explore a journey through the Tang Dynasty, a vibrant period in Chinese history.

Start your journey with a meticulously designed Hanfu makeup look, from hairstyle to clothing; every detail is carefully presented.

Marvel at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This historic pagoda was built during the Tang Dynasty and offers a glimpse into the architectural style and religious practices of the time.

You can walk on the Ancient City Walls for a panoramic view of the city. Xi'an's city walls are a remarkable structure that showcase the grandeur and planning of the Tang Dynasty.

Enjoy the Chinese opera performance at Muslim Quarter. After have a cup of tea at the theatre, you can continue to explore the bustling streets, taste delicious street food, and visit historic mosques to witness the cultural diversity of the city.

Explore the three pits of the Terracotta Warriors with your expert guide. Get up close with the first restored Terracotta Warriors in a nearby museum, and deepen your connection to history by handling authentic Qin Dynasty relics.

Finally, participate in a hands-on mini Terracotta Warrior restoration experience, led by a professional restorer, and take your creation home as a unique souvenir.

Fly to Zhangjiajie in the late afternoon.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is known for its towering sandstone pillars, lush forests, and stunning natural beauty.

Take the cable to Tianzi Mountain to enjoy the views of towering quartz sandstone pillars, lush forests, and rich biodiversity.

Yuanjiajie is famous and popular for its Hallelujah Mountain, named after Avatar's floating rocks. Afternoon is the best time to photograph the Yuanjiajie area.

Down the mountain via Bailong sightseeing elevator, which is the highest and fastest sightseeing elevator in the world and provides a spectacular view of the Sandstone Peak Forest.

Explore the breathtaking Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon in the morning. Take a walk along the canyon's trails to immerse yourself in the picturesque surroundings.

Visit the famous Glass Bridge, one of the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridges. Feel the adrenaline rush as you walk across the glass floor and admire the breathtaking views underneath your feet.

After the Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge, head to Baofeng Lake to unwind and enjoy the serene beauty of this scenic area. Take a relaxing boat ride on the crystal-clear waters of Baofeng Lake while surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery.

Delve further into the eastern section of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Stroll leisurely along the scenic trail bordering the Golden Whip Stream to relish its peaceful atmosphere.

Head to Tianmen Mountain after lunch. Take the world's longest cable car ride to reach the mountaintop. Explore the various attractions on Tianmen Mountain, such as the Tianmen Cave, glass skywalks, and the picturesque Tianmen Temple.

Get up early to catch the train to Guilin. Your personal tour guide and driver will wait for you at the train station.

Enjoy your free time this afternoon.

The Longji Rice Terraces are one of the most impressive manmade wonders in China. Today, we are heading to Ping'an Zhuang Village, which is less crowded and famous for the stunning panoramic views of the rice terraces.

Visit a minority family once you walk down from the mountain, and learn how to make bamboo-tube rice and oil tea from the host. Chat with the family to learn about mountain ethnic people's life.

It takes about 4 hours to cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. During the cruise, marvel at the breathtaking karst limestone peaks that rise majestically from the banks of the river. Keep your camera handy to capture iconic landmarks like Mural Hill, Nine-Horse Mural Hill, and Yellow Cloth Shoal.

Take a lesson of Song Dynasty Whisked Tea Ceremony this afternoon. Originating from China's rich tea culture, this ceremony involves the preparation and presentation of whisked tea, typically using powdered tea leaves, such as matcha or powdered green tea.

Experiencing the daily lifestyle of the local farmers will allow you to see another side of China. Drive south of Yangshuo to explore the peaceful villages. You might meet someone on his way to the fields with a water buffalo or someone working in the paddy. Try the local transportation, a ferry and motorbike taxi, and buy fruit in the market like locals.

Take the high-speed train to Kunming after lunch.

Start early today, it needs 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Kunming to the Ancient Stone Forest (Naigu Shilin). Explore the stunning limestone formations and enjoy the unique landscape.

Return to Kunming and head to Green Lake Park. Take a leisurely walk around the lake, enjoy local performances, and relax in the natural setting. You will see the red-beaked seagulls if visiting in winter.

Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at the Yuantong Temple. Explore the beautiful architecture, serene gardens, and the main hall.

Catch an early train to Dali.

Drive to Erhai Lake once you reach Dali. Cruising around the lake and its islands is an excellent way to explore the area and visit a working fishing village.

Xizhou village is right beside Erhai Lake. Explore the houses of the Bai people in Xizhou after the cruise. You will see typical Bai traditions and dresses there. Head to a delightful cafe to sip coffee while enjoying lovely views of the wheat fields.

Dali Ancient Town comes alive in the late afternoon. Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets, indulge in local delicacies at street food stalls or traditional restaurants.

Your personal driver will drive you from Dali to Lijiang which takes about 3 hours.

Take some pictures at the Black Dragon Pool Park after lunch. The park features the famous Moon Embracing Pavilion, which is reflected in the crystal-clear waters of the pool.

Spend your afternoon at Lijiang ancient town. Begin by climbing Lion Hill for a panoramic view of the town. Admire the vibrant wooden structures, detailed carvings, and meandering canals winding through its narrow passages. The old town is quite busy in the afternoon and evening, with an active atmosphere created by the lights and crowds

Explore the scenic views and enjoy the fresh mountain air at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Taking the cable car up Shanzidou Peak, you will ascend 1,100 m (3,600 ft) to Glacier Park at an altitude of 4,680 m (15,350 ft).

Learn to make Naxi pancakes as the main dish for your lunch in a restaurant run by a local Naxi family.

Visit a Naxi Shaman family in Baisha village. Learn some Dongba characters and enjoy a piece of Naxi music. You will be impressed by the Naxi people's passion for their lifestyle, homeland, and love.

Hike the Tiger Leaping Gorge on the way drive from Lijiang to Shangri-la. The trail is well-marked and offers various levels of difficulty, you will try a casual hike route this time.

Songzanlin Lamasery was built in the style of Potala Palace in Lhasa and represents the Tibetan culture, housing buddhist statues and many precious cultural treasures.

After appreciating the monastery, you will walk to the back of it and experience a Tibetan ceremony of blessing. You may see some Tibetan Buddhists walking around the monastery, chanting, and counting their prayer beads. When you get to the pagoda with prayer flags, your guide will guide you in how to do the ceremony of Weisang.

Soak in the serene atmosphere of Pudacuo National Park. Take a peaceful walk along the Bita Lake and enjoy a relaxing cruise on Shudu lake.

Fly to Chengdu this evening.

Panda Breeding and Research Center houses over 80 pandas. Observe the adorable pandas up close, learn about their behavior, and enjoy watching them play and eat bamboo.

Have lunch in a popular Sichuan Hotpot restaurant. Sichuan hotpot is the most typical cuisine in Chengdu.

Get an exclusive backstage pass to Sichuan opera, witnessing the vibrant preparation of actors and actresses before indulging in an authentic Sichuan Opera performance.

Unwind at a local tea house in People's Park, a peaceful sanctuary for the city's residents. Sip tea, a traditional custom for Chengdu locals, amidst the city's bustling downtown scene.

It takes about 2 hours to drive from Chengdu to Leshan. Take a cruise to enjoy a full view of the Leshan Giant Buddha and the beautiful scenery of the Minjiang River. Then walk in the Giant Buddha park to observe the Buddha closely.

Have some local snacks as lunch. The local food in Leshan enjoys the reputation of the top Sichuan cuisine. Instead of siting down to order a formal lunch, you will have a leisurely walk to do some food hunting on the street.

Arrive in Chongqing after a 2-hour train ride.

Established in the Song dynasty, Ciqikou Ancient Town is known for its well-preserved architecture and traditional culture. Explore the ancient streets and old temples, sample delicious street food in the town.

Hongyadong is famous for its terraced buildings. As dusk descends, the area transforms into a luminous spectacle, with the brilliant lights casting a magical reflection on the Jialing River, akin to a scene from a fairy tale.

The Three Gorges Museum features exhibits on the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, the geological history of the area, traditional local customs, and artifacts related to the region's rich heritage.

Yangtze River Cableway provides a bird's-eye view of the stunning landscapes on both sides of the Yangtze River and a glimpse into the unique vertical cityscape of Chongqing.

Witness the spectacle of the light rail passing "through the buildings" in this "mountain city".

Board the cruise in the evening. Enjoy your buffet dinner on the ship.

Enjoy tai chi morning exercise if you would like to (available every day).

Take a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City in the morning. There are many buildings built according to traditional Chinese geomancy and statues and artwork reflecting Chinese people's imaginations of the netherworld.

Enjoy the cultural activities on the ship in the afternoon and a night show — War Fires of the Three Kingdoms (optional) after dinner.

If you are interested in Chinese calligraphy and history, the optional excursion to White Emperor City is a nice choice. See 10-yuan banknote scenery, calligraphy inscriptions dating back centuries, and a famous fortress.

Cruise through the spectacular Qutang Gorge and the magnificent Wu Gorge at noon.

Enjoy a shore excursion to Shennv Stream in the afternoon, where you will take a boat to discover this tributary of the Yangtze River, with its clear water that runs southwards through deep and narrow gorges.

Disembark in the morning, and then join the shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam. Getting access to the platform right by the dam, you will enjoy the magnificent scenery of the Yangtze River and the supper project of China.

You will be transferred to the tourist center in Yichang city after the tour. Your private guide and driver will wait for you there and will transfer you to the railway station on time for your bullet train journey to Shanghai.

Note: The shore excursions in the itinerary are arranged by Century Cruises. They could vary depending on the cruise you choose.

Exploring the serene beauty of Yuyuan Garden. Stroll through classical Chinese architecture, serene ponds, and gorgeous landscapes.

Visit Shanghai old alleys to experience the real life of the Shanghainese and discover the traditional culture of this city.

A walking tour in the former French concession will take you to important historical buildings and countless French colonial style buildings.

Ascend the tallest building in China — Shanghai Tower. From this building, which is the highest outside of Dubai, you will not only enjoy a panoramic view of Shanghai but will also see the future of China.

See the city's illuminated skyline at the Bund in the evening.

Your private car, driver, and guide will transport you to the airport and take you all the way to the security gate for your convenience.