China loops · 12 days / 11 nights
12-Day China: Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu & Chongqing
The imperial north, the terracotta army, pandas, and the vertical city on the Yangtze — four cities that between them explain most of Chinese history.
Our shortest loop that still feels like a whole country. Beijing for the empire, Xi’an for the beginning of it, Chengdu for the food, Chongqing for the future.
Day by dayExactly what happens, in order — nothing added for the brochure.
Old Beijing Hutongs & Imperial Timekeeping
Begin your Beijing journey with a Hutong walking tour through the city's historic alleyways, where traditional courtyard homes and local life offer a glimpse into old Beijing. Continue to the Drum & Bell Towers, the former timekeeping center of Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, standing as iconic landmarks on the city's central axis. Wander along Yandai Xie Street, Beijing's oldes (diagonal street), named for its pipe-like shape and historic tobacco shops. End the day at Houhai Lake, a scenic lake area formed during the Yuan Dynasty, once a bustling commercial hub known as "Beijing's ancient seaport," now a lively spot with bars, restaurants, and views of traditional architecture.
Great Wall Fortress & Royal Temples
Explore the Shuiguan Great Wall, a unique eastern section of the Badaling Great Wall built during the Ming Dynasty. Its "V"-shaped distribution along a steep valley and watchtowers that also serve as water gates give it the nickname "Iron Wing Fortress." Then, visit the Lama Temple, Beijing's largest and best-preserved Tibetan Buddhist monastery, originally the residence of Emperor Yongzheng before he ascended the throne. Conclude at the Directorate of Imperial Academy & Confucius' Temple, the supreme educational institution and imperial academy of the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, built in the "left temple, right school" layout.
Imperial Axis & Ancient Front Gate
Start at Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest city center square, surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Great Hall of the People. Enter the Forbidden City, the magnificent imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, also known as the Purple Forbidden City, and the world's largest and best-preserved wooden architectural complex. Climb Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City from its highest point. End the day at Qianmen Avenue, a historic commercial street on Beijing's central axis, lined with time-honored brands and offering a taste of old Beijing.
Imperial Axis & Ancient Front Gate
Visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shihuang Mausoleum, the "Eighth Wonder of the World," an underground army of thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers guarding the tomb of China's first emperor. Explore Huaqing Pool, a royal hot spring resort favored by Tang Dynasty emperors, famous for the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and his consort Yang Guifei. In the evening, enjoy The Song of Everlasting Sorrow performance, a grand outdoor historical dance drama staged at Huaqing Pool, retelling the tragic love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei against the backdrop of the Tang Dynasty.
Xi'an's Ancient Flavors & Tang Splendor
Start the day at the Local Morning Market (often referring to the vibrant Muslim Quarter/Huimin Street), a bustling food street with a history of over a thousand years, offering a wide array of authentic Xi'an snacks. Then, delve into history at the Shaanxi History Museum, a grand national museum known as the "Bright Pearl of the Ancient Capital," housing over 1.7 million artifacts. Visit the iconic Great Wild Goose Pagoda, a seven-story square brick pagoda built by the monk Xuanzang to store Buddhist scriptures brought from India. End the day at the Great Tang All Day Mall (likely referring to Great Tang All Day Mall), a large-scale Tang-style pedestrian street at the foot of the pagoda, famous for its magnificent night lights and cultural performances.
Leshan Grand Buddha & Chengdu Leisure
Embark on a Tour Along the River to view the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone-carved Buddha in the world, a 71-meter-tall seated Maitreya Buddha carved into a cliff face at the confluence of three rivers. Then, visit the nearby Oriental Buddha Scenic Area, a 4A-rated scenic area featuring over 3,000 Buddha statues in various styles, including a 170-meter-long reclining Buddha. Enjoy Free Activities in Chengdu in the evening, perhaps exploring the city's famous food scene or relaxing at a local tea house.
Pandas, Poets, and Sichuan Spice
Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Base, a world-renowned research and breeding facility for giant pandas, where you can see these adorable creatures in a naturalistic environment. Then, explore Du Fu's Thatched Cottage, the former residence of the great Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu during his stay in Chengdu, now a museum and a tranquil garden. Stroll through Broad and Narrow Alley, a preserved Qing Dynasty street complex that showcases traditional Sichuan architecture and culture. Conclude the day with a delicious Sichuan Cuisine Dinner, savoring the bold and spicy flavors the region is famous for.
Transition to Chongqing & Historic Stairs
Take the high-speed train to Chongqing. Upon arrival, explore the Mountain City Trail – a scenic footpath winding through Chongqing’s hilly terrain, offering panoramic views of the city’s layered skyline. Descend to Eighteen Stairs (Shibati), a centuries-old stone staircase and residential area that preserves the authentic, elevated urban fabric of old Chongqing. Conclude at Longmenhao Old Street, a revitalized waterfront district with century-old dockside buildings, now filled with trendy cafes, art galleries, and stunning night views across the Yangtze River. Check into your hotel in downtown Chongqing.
Karst Wonders of Wulong
Journey to Wulong Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its spectacular karst formations. Visit the Three Natural Bridges – three colossal limestone archways (Tianlong, Qinglong, and Heilong) carved by water over millennia, with the highest reaching over 300 meters. Then, explore the Longshuixia Fissure – a narrow, deep gorge with cascading waterfalls and a boardwalk that snakes between sheer cliffs, often called "Earth's crevice." Stay overnight at a hotel near Wulong.
Fairy Mountain & Neon Cityscape
Start with Fairy Mountain National Forest Park, a high-altitude pasture and grassland at 2,000+ meters, often shrouded in mist, offering a refreshing escape with horseback riding and alpine views. Return to the city and visit Hongyadong – a dazzling stilt-house complex built on a cliffside, inspired by the animated film Spirited Away, famous for its golden night illumination and riverside location. End at Liberation Monument, the symbolic center of Chongqing’s commercial district, surrounded by bustling shopping streets and neon lights.
Light Rail Views & Ancient Town
Witness the famous Liziba Light Rail Station, where the monorail train passes right through a residential building – a quirky symbol of Chongqing’s three-dimensional transport. Visit Eling Park, a hilltop garden offering a bird’s-eye view of the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, with historical pavilions and lush greenery. Then, wander through Ciqikou Ancient Town, a millennium-old riverside town with well-preserved Ming-Qing architecture, narrow alleys lined with shops selling local snacks and traditional crafts. Return to your Chongqing hotel for the night.
Final Departure
Enjoy a leisurely morning or last-minute souvenir shopping. Your driver will transfer you to the airport according to your flight schedule. Safe travels and we hope you carry wonderful memories of China!
What is in the priceAnd what is not. We would rather you knew now.
✓Included
- Admission fees for every sight listed in the itinerary
- Private vehicle with a skilled driver for all transfers and sightseeing
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Driver and guide accommodation and meal allowance
- High-speed train tickets, second class
- English-speaking guides
- Service charge and government taxes
- Luggage transfers between airports, stations and hotels
- Accommodation as listed above, with breakfast daily
- The Sichuan dinner mentioned in the itinerary
- China travel insurance
−Not included
- International flights to and from China
- Meals not listed above
- Chinese visa fees
- Excess baggage charged by airlines
- Tips to guides and drivers (suggested USD 20 per group per guide, USD 15 per driver)
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Personal travel accident insurance
- Optional programs and personal expenses
Prices depend on dates, party size and the hotels you choose, so we quote per trip rather than publish a number that would be wrong. Send us your dates and we will come back with one figure — in writing, with the hotels named.
PracticalThe things people ask before booking.
Tell us the dates. We will send this route back priced, with the hotels named.
Everything here is a starting point — we cut days, add nights, swap hotels and change the order of cities all the time. Rebecca answers in English, usually within a few hours.
