This 14‑Day Luxury China Tour offers a comfortable and enriching journey through China’s iconic cities and cultural landmarks. Ideal for families and travelers seeking a well-paced, premium experience, this itinerary combines the historic charm of Beijing and Xi’an, the panda-filled parks of Chengdu, the riverside scenes of Chongqing, and the modern energy of Shanghai — all while enjoying 5-star accommodations and seamless travel arrangements.
Editor's Comment
This journey brings you the best of China: palaces, pandas, ancient towns, glowing skylines, and food that stays in your memory long after the trip ends. And between the busy days, you’ll recharge in 5-star hotels—because comfort matters when every day is packed with new adventures.
Beijing
Beijing feels like walking through a living history book. The Forbidden City is massive—golden roofs stretching as far as you can see. The Temple of Heaven is different; early in the morning you’ll find locals doing tai chi under ancient cypress trees, and it feels like you’re part of their routine. The Great Wall at Mutianyu is the kind of place you never forget—stone steps winding over green hills. Later, hopping on a rickshaw through the hutongs shows you a softer side of the city: kids playing in the alleys, neighbors cooking with doors wide open, the smell of dumplings in the air.
Xi’an
The Terracotta Army is like nothing else—thousands of clay soldiers standing silently, each one different. It’s eerie and amazing at the same time. Riding a bike on the old city wall is another highlight—you see ancient gates on one side and busy modern streets on the other. At night, the city turns festive with dumpling feasts and Tang-style music and dance.
Chengdu
Chengdu makes you slow down. Watching giant pandas roll around and chew bamboo is pure joy—you can’t stop smiling. The old streets are filled with teahouses, red lanterns, and Sichuan snacks that will set your mouth on fire. In the evening, the Sichuan opera’s face-changing performance is quick, playful, and unforgettable. A short trip away, the Leshan Giant Buddha towers calmly over the river—you feel tiny just standing at its feet.
Chongqing
Chongqing is full of surprises. At Liziba Station, a train literally runs through an apartment building—it’s wild to see. At night, Hongya Cave lights up the hills with glowing balconies and shops that feel like something out of a fantasy film. The whole city is built on steep mountains, so every street feels like it has its own viewpoint.
Shanghai
Shanghai is a city of contrasts. Standing on the Bund, you see old European-style buildings behind you and a futuristic skyline across the river. In Yuyuan Garden, koi fish swim under stone bridges while pavilions hide in quiet corners. Then, in seconds, Shanghai Tower rockets you 546 meters into the sky with views that go on forever. A boat ride in Zhujiajiao Water Town slows everything down—you pass stone bridges, wooden houses, and laundry hanging above the canals.
Highlights of the 14‑Day China Tour
- Enjoy 14 days of immersive travel through Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, and Shanghai
- Stay in well-reviewed 5-star hotels offering comfort after each day’s adventure
- Experience Tai Chi at the Temple of Heaven and paint your own Peking Opera mask
- Walk on the Great Wall, explore the Forbidden City, and see the Terracotta Warriors
- Get close to pandas at Chengdu’s Panda Breeding Base
- Explore Leshan Giant Buddha, Sanxingdui Museum, and historic ancient towns
- Enjoy hands-on food experiences: Peking Duck feast, wonton-making with locals, hotpot dinners
- Cruise the Huangpu River at night and watch the dazzling ERA Acrobatic Show
- A luxury China tour crafted for families, couples, and first-time travelers
Itinerary
Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! Upon your arrival at the airport in Beijing, the tour guide and driver will meet and greet you at the exit by holding a welcome board with your name. And then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Beijing. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.
Temple of Heaven（天坛 tiān tán）: An Imperial Legacy & Tai Chi Experience
Kick off your day at the Temple of Heaven, a 600-year-old ceremonial site where Ming (1368-1644 AD)and Qing (1644-1912 AD) emperors held grand rituals to pray for good harvests and divine blessings.
Don’t miss the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a 38-meter-tall circular structure built without nails. Test the Echo Wall, where whispers travel magically across 65 meters.
Join a Tai Chi session in the park, practicing this ancient martial art with locals for a calm and energizing experience.
The Forbidden City（紫禁城 zǐ jìn chéng）: The Homes of Emperors
Step into the Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved palace complex in the world. Built in the early 1400s, it spans over 180 acres with more than 8,700 rooms, serving as home to 24 emperors for nearly 500 years. For comparison, the Forbidden City is over four times larger than Buckingham Palace (39 acres) and vastly exceeds the White House, which sits on just 18 acres.
This imperial city is a living museum of Chinese art, culture, and history. Highlights include the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where the emperor held his throne, and the Imperial Garden, a quiet and beautiful retreat.
Peking Opera Mask Painting Experience
Discover the art of Peking Opera mask painting, a tradition rich in history and symbolism. Learn the meaning behind the bold colors and intricate designs, then paint your own mask under expert guidance.
Take home a unique souvenir and gain insight into China’s vibrant opera culture in a fun, hands-on way!
Peking Duck Feast: A Must-Try Beijing Experience
A trip to Beijing isn’t complete without trying Peking Duck, the city’s signature dish. Watch as the chef expertly carves crispy, golden duck into thin slices, served with pancakes, scallions, and hoisin sauce.
Enjoy the perfect balance of rich flavors and crispy texture, a dish once reserved for royalty but now loved by all. A must-try for food lovers!
Mutianyu Great Wall（慕田峪长城 mù tián yù cháng chéng）:A Scenic and Fun-Filled Adventure
No trip to Beijing is complete without visiting the Great Wall of China, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Built over 2,000 years ago, the wall stretches over 13,000 miles and was constructed without modern machinery, making it an incredible feat of ancient engineering.
Today, explore the Mutianyu section, a scenic and less crowded part of the Great Wall, ideal for families, seniors. Easily accessible from Beijing, it offers cable cars, chairlifts, and a thrilling toboggan ride, you can choose how you explore—walk at your own pace or enjoy a fun, effortless ascent and descent.
Bird’s Nest （鸟巢 niǎo cháo）& Water Cube （水立方 shuǐ lì fāng）: Beijing’s Olympic Landmarks
Visit Beijing’s iconic Olympic venues, the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center). These world-famous structures hosted the 2008 Beijing Olympics and remain symbols of modern architecture and athletic excellence.
Hotpot & Full-Body Spa: The Perfect Way to Unwind
Enjoy a delicious hotpot meal, where you cook fresh meats, seafood, and vegetables in a simmering broth. Customize your flavors with a variety of dipping sauces and enjoy this interactive dining experience loved by locals.
After the feast, relax with a full-body massage at a spa. Let go of fatigue as skilled therapists ease your muscles, the perfect way to refresh after a day of exploring.
798 Art Zone（798 艺术区）: Beijing’s Creative Hub of Modern Art
Once a factory complex, 798 Art Zone is now Beijing’s center for modern art and culture. Stroll through industrial-style streets filled with galleries, street art and quirky sculptures, offering a fresh, artistic side of the city.
Explore Beijing’s Hutong by Rickshaw
Step into Beijing’s historic hutongs, a maze of narrow alleys lined with traditional courtyard homes. These centuries-old streets offer a glimpse into local life and culture.
Hop on a rickshaw ride for a fun and relaxing way to explore, winding through hidden lanes while your guide shares stories of old Beijing. A must-do experience to see the city’s past come to life!
Qianmen Street（前门大街 qián mén dà jiē）: A Historic Walk Through Old Beijing
Step back in time as you stroll down Qianmen Street, a lively pedestrian street with over 600 years of history. Once the main commercial hub of imperial Beijing, it’s now lined with traditional shops, time-honored restaurants, and local snack stalls.
Ride the old-fashioned tram, browse for silk, tea, and souvenirs, or try famous eats like roast duck and sesame cakes. A perfect place to soak in Beijing’s old-world charm!
After breakfast, transfer to the train station for your high-speed train (bullet train)to Xi’an, a city steeped in history and culture. Sit back and enjoy the smooth journey as you cover over 1,200 kilometers in just about 5 hours (300km/h).
Big Wild Goose Pagoda（大雁塔 dà yàn tǎ）: A Landmark of Ancient Buddhism
Visit the majestic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) architecture that has stood for over 1,300 years. This 60-meter-tall, seven-tiered marvel was constructed to store Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the legendary monk Xuanzang. It remains a spiritual and cultural landmark, symbolizing the flourishing of Buddhism in China during the Tang Dynasty.
The Empress of the Great Tang Show & Dumpling Banquet：A Night of Culture and Flavor
Experience an unforgettable evening at the Tang Dynasty, a grand theater-restaurant designed in the opulent Tang Dynasty (618–907AD) style. Spanning over 2,000 square meters and accommodating 600 guests, its lavish decor and immersive atmosphere make it China’s very own “Las Vegas-style” performance venue.Begin with a dumpling banquet, featuring a variety of intricately shaped dumplings, each symbolizing a different meaning in Chinese tradition. Then, enjoy The Empress of the Great Tang, a large-scale Tang Palace music and dance performance that brings to life the legendary rise of China’s only female emperor, Wu Zetian. Through stunning choreography, elaborate costumes, and captivating storytelling, witness her journey from palace maiden to ruler of the empire. A feast for both the eyes and the taste buds!
Xi’an City Wall（西安城墙 xī ān chéng qiáng）: Ride Along an Ancient Wonder
Step onto Xi’an City Wall, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China, originally built in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty(1368-1644AD). Spanning an impressive 7.5 miles (12 kilometers) and standing 39 feet (12 meters) tall, this grand structure isn’t just a wall——it’s a massive platform, wide enough at 49 feet (15 meters) for biking and even hosting parades, making it a true marvel of ancient military engineering!
Rent a bike and ride along the wide wall, enjoying panoramic views of the old city on one side and the bustling modern streets on the other. With watchtowers, gates, and battlements along the way, this ride blends history with adventure!
Terracotta Army（兵马俑 bīng mǎ yǒng）: The Eternal Army-Guardians of an Ancient Empire/The Underground Army of China’s First Emperor
Uncover one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of all time—the Terracotta Army, a jaw-dropping underground army guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang (221-210BC). Crafted more than 2,200 years ago, this massive army features over 8,000 life-sized warriors, horses, and chariots—each uniquely detailed, with no two faces alike. This ancient masterpiece offers a glimpse into the power and legacy of the emperor who unified China—a once-in-a-lifetime experience you’ll never forget.
Mini Terracotta Warrior Experience: Craft Your Own Ancient Soldier
Step into history with a hands-on clay sculpting experience! Learn the ancient techniques used to create the famous Terracotta Warriors, then shape and carve your own mini warrior under expert guidance.
Feel the connection to China’s past as you mold the clay, just like artisans did over 2,000 years ago. Take home your handmade figurine—a unique souvenir from Xi’an!
Optional Experience: Grand Tang Dynasty Everbright City Night Market
Step into the Grand Tang Dynasty Everbright City, where Tang-style architecture and sculptures of historical figures bring the past to life. Every few steps, street performers in traditional Tang Dynasty attire appear—musicians playing ancient instruments, dancers performing elegant routines, and warriors demonstrating martial arts. Strolling through this lively market feels like traveling back to a bustling Tang Dynasty night.
After breakfast, transfer to the train station for your high-speed train (bullet train) to Chengdu, the homeland of giant pandas and a paradise for food lovers. Sit back and relax as you travel over 700 kilometers in just about 4 hours at speeds of up to 300 km/h.
Jinli (锦里 jǐn lǐ): Chengdu’s Oldest Shopping Street
With a history dating back 1,800 years, Jinli Street was once a major commercial hub in ancient Sichuan. Today, it’s a lively destination filled with traditional shops, teahouses, and street food stalls, all set against Qing Dynasty-style wooden buildings and glowing red lanterns.
As night falls, the street comes alive with folk performances, from Sichuan opera face-changing to long-spout tea pouring. Sit in a teahouse, enjoy a cup of local tea, and soak in the old-world charm of Chengdu.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding: Meet China’s National Treasure
Visit the Chengdu Panda Base, home to over 100 giant pandas in a naturalistic environment. Watch them eat, play, and nap, and learn about panda conservation efforts.Arrive in the morning for the best chance to see active pandas munching on bamboo. The adorable baby pandas in the nursery are a highlight you won’t want to miss!
Sanxingdui (三星堆 sān xīng duī): A Window into a Lost Civilization
Step into the Sanxingdui Museum, where 3,000-year-old relics defy history and resemble something from another world. The massive bronze masks with wide, protruding eyes, sharp features, and eerie expressions look more like alien artifacts than ancient creations.
One of the most striking discoveries at Sanxingdui is the Bronze Sacred Tree, thought to connect heaven and earth. This towering artifact showcases advanced bronze-casting techniques, with such intricate detail and complexity that even modern technology struggles to replicate it.
Leshan Giant Buddha (乐山大佛 lè shān dà fó): The World’s Largest Stone Buddha
Stand before the Leshan Giant Buddha, a 71-meter (233-foot) tall statue carved into a cliff overlooking three rivers. Built 1,200 years ago, it was was built to calm the waters and protect passing boats.
Take a boat to see its full grandeur from the water or hike up for an up-close look at intricate carvings and a chance to touch the ancient stone.
Huanglongxi (黄龙溪huáng lóng xī): The No.1 Ancient Town in Sichuan
With a history of over 1,700 years, Huanglongxi Ancient Town is known as “The No.1 Town of Tianfu (Sichuan)”. Its stone-paved streets, stilted wooden houses and centuries-old banyan trees showcase Huanglongxi’s rich past, while the riverside setting adds to its charm.
The highlight? Water play! On hot days, visitors grab squirt guns and splash around in the shallow river—a local tradition that makes Huanglongxi famous. Don’t leave without trying its specialties: the Yigen Mian (One Continuous Noodle) and crispy Dragon Beard Candy, local favorites for generations!
Liziba (李子坝 lǐ zǐ bà): A Train Passing Through a Residential Building
Experience Chongqing’s most unique sight at Liziba, where a monorail train passes straight through the sixth floor of a residential building! This incredible design was created to save space in the city’s mountainous landscape.
Hongya Cave (洪崖洞 hóng yá dòng) : A Must-See in Chongqing’s Mountain City
Discover Hongya Cave, a stunning 11-story complex built on a cliffside using traditional Bayu stilted architecture. By night, as thousands of lights illuminate the wooden structures, the scene transforms into a real-life Spirited Away moment.
Nearby, ride the Huangguan Escalator, one of the world’s longest escalators, stretching 112 meters at a steep 30-degree angle. It’s not just a convenient shortcut—it’s a fun and unique way to experience Chongqing’s hilly terrain!
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China’s bustling financial hub.
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the Bund （外滩 wài tān）: Shanghai’s Iconic Waterfront
Kick off the day at the Bund, a 1.5-kilometer waterfront promenade where 52 historic buildings reflect Shanghai’s colonial past. Snap photos of the futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River.
Yu Garden（豫园 yù yuán）: A Hidden Garden in the Heart of Shanghai
Step into the tranquility of Yuyuan Garden, a 400-year-old Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) masterpiece with ponds, rockeries, and intricately carved pavilions.
Handmade Wonton Experience : Make and Enjoy Wontons with a Local Family
Step into a local home for a hands-on wonton-making experience. Learn to mix the filling, fold the wrappers, and perfect your technique with guidance from your host. As you cook, hear stories about family traditions and Chinese culture. Finally, sit down and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked wonton feast—a true taste of local life!
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Shanghai Tower （上海中心大厦 shàng hǎi zhōng xīn dà shà）: China’s Tallest Building
Rise above the city as you visit Shanghai Tower,the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world, standing at 632 meters (2,073 feet). Designed as a spiraling structure resembling a dragon rising from the earth, its twisting form reduces wind resistance while symbolizing Shanghai’s rapid growth.
Hop aboard the world’s fastest elevator, racing upwards at 65 km/h, reaching the 118th-floor observation deck at 546 meters (1,791 feet) in just seconds. From the top, take in breathtaking 360-degree views of Shanghai’s skyline, from the winding Huangpu River to the iconic Bund and beyond.
Shanghai Museum （上海博物馆 shàng hǎi bó wù guǎn）: A Treasure Trove of Chinese History
With its sleek geometric design and bold modern structure, Shanghai Museum East Campus is an architectural masterpiece that houses China’s finest cultural treasures. Inside, explore six curated galleries featuring porcelain, jade, bronze, sculpture, painting and calligraphy.The Porcelain Gallery is a must-see, displaying exquisite blue and white porcelain that showcase China’s artistry across dynasties.
With a professional guide leading the way, you’ll have a truly enriching experience beyond just sightseeing.
Optional Experience: Night Cruise on the Huangpu River
Enhance your Shanghai experience with a Huangpu River night cruise. See the city light up in full color as you relax on deck and take in the dazzling reflections on the river. This optional tour offers a unique perspective of Shanghai at night—join if you’d like to see the city from a whole new angle!
Zhujiajiao （朱家角 zhū jiā jiǎo）: A Hidden Jiangnan Water Town in Shanghai
Tucked away in Shanghai’s modern metropolis lies Zhujiajiao, a 1,700-year-old Jiangnan water town with stone bridges, winding alleys, and tranquil canals.The highlight of your visit? A hand-rowed boat ride through Zhujiajiao’s picturesque waterways. Sit back as a boatman skillfully navigates the canals, passing under arched bridges and alongside centuries-old homes.
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Local Flower and Bird Market （花鸟市场 huā niǎo shì chǎng）: A Vibrant Escape into Nature
The joy of visiting the Flower and Bird Market is simple yet profound—a break from the city’s concrete jungle.With just a small amount of money—or even none at all—you can spend hours admiring flowers, watching fish, and playing with birds.
Lush greenery and colorful aquariums line the walkways, drawing visitors of all ages. Children, especially, are captivated by the small animals—chirping crickets, playful rabbits, turtles, frogs, hedgehogs, and even lizards.
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Optional Experience: ERA Acrobatic Show——A Thrilling Spectacle in Shanghai
Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping night at ERA – Intersection of Time 2, Shanghai’s most spectacular acrobatic show! Besides featuring jaw-dropping stunts, this performance is enhanced by high-tech lighting, sound, and visual effects, delivering a stunning immersive experience for audiences. Hold your breath as seven motorcycles race at high speed inside a massive steel globe, defying gravity with heart-pounding precision.
Your guide will transfer you to the airport, marking the end of your memorable journey. Safe travels and see you next time!
What's Included & Excluded in Our luxury China Tour
What’s Included
- Breakfast & Lunch
- 5- star hotel accommodations
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
- Entrance fees to tourist sites
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic airfares or train fares
- China Visa fee
- Travel and medical insurance
- Gratuities to guides and drivers
Overall Trip Rating:
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By The Robinson Family June 25, 2025 First Time in ChinaThis was our first time in China and we’re so happy we booked with Big Panda Tours. The itinerary covered everything we dreamed of—from walking the Great Wall to seeing pandas in Chengdu! Our guide, Lily, was super knowledgeable and patient with our kids. Thank you for the unforgettable memories!
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By Samantha Ruiz June 21, 2025 Chengdu Was a Highlight—Wish We Had More Time!Overall an amazing tour, though I wish we had more time in Chengdu. Also, huge thanks to our guide, Coco—super sweet and gave us great food tips!
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By Niko Andersson May 15, 2025 Sanxingdui blew our mindsSanxingdui blew our minds… those alien-looking masks?! Crazy cool
![A bronze mask from Sanxingdui, Sichuan, China, reflecting ancient rituals and beliefs.]()
![A jade disk unearthed from Sanxingdui, Sichuan, China, showcasing ancient craftsmanship.]()
![A lifelike statue from Sanxingdui, Sichuan, China, depicting a joyful figure.]()
![An introduction to the ancient seals found at Sanxingdui, Sichuan, China.]()
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By Grace Liu May 11, 2025 Didn’t Want to Leave the Pandas!The panda was soooo cute! I didn't want to leave the base. Best part of the whole trip for me. 🐼❤️
![Panda resting on a tree, China.]()
![Panda climbing a tree, China.]()
![Adorable panda eating bamboo, China.]()
![Adorable panda eating bamboo, China.]()
![Panda lying and playing, China.]()
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By Elena and Marco Bernardi May 7, 2025 Overall is a perfect tripThere was a small mix-up with our train tickets from Chengdu to Chongqing (we were accidentally booked into separate seats), but our tour guide reacted quickly and managed to fix it before departure. Honestly surprised by how much we got for the price. Accommodations were luxury, all tickets included, and guide helped us avoid the crowds.
