17 Days Modern China Exploration: Shanghai, Chongqing, Guangzhou & Beyond

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Shanghai Arrival
   Relax on Your Own

   Welcome to Shanghai, the most prosperous city in Chinese Mainland! After arrival, your private driver will escort you to the hotel for check-in. You can familiarize yourself with this 'magic city' on your own in the remaining time. If you are interested, China Xian Tour can provide you with some optional activities to enrich your experience today, such as Huangpu River night cruise and Shanghai ERA acrobatic performance.

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   4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
2. Day 2: Shanghai City Exploration
   Discover Shanghai Tower, the Bund architecture, classical beauty of Garden

   Meet your tour guide in the hotel lobby after which head to the 118th floor of Shanghai Tower which stands as the highest building in China to experience a panoramic view of Shanghai. The 126th floor provides you the opportunity to observe the 1000 ton wind damper which scientists use to study how super tall buildings withstand typhoons.

   Walk along the North Bund and admire some landmark buildings such as Garden Bridge of Shanghai. Continue to stroll along the Bund and get a close look at colonial era architecture.

   

   The final stop today is Yuyuan Garden, which was built 450 years ago. It is a great place to experience the art of classical gardens in the Jiangnan region. You can see pavilions, rockeries, ponds, covered bridges and flowers that bloom in different seasons - magnolia and crabapple in spring, lotus in summer and fragrant osmanthus in autumn. The nearby Yuyuan Market offers local specialty snacks and small lovely souvenirs. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

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   4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
3. Day 3: Shanghai to Hangzhou by High-speed Train
   Taste Shanghai street food and explore Haipai culture

   This morning, you will join a city walk to taste some local Shanghai snacks. First, head to Huanghe Road to sample soup dumplings, a classic "fast food" known for its thin skin, large filling, and abundant broth. The guide will demonstrate how to eat properly, as they can easily burn your mouth! A five-minute walk takes you to the International Hotel to try butterfly cakes, named for their butterfly-like shape.

   Next, visit the First Food Store on Nanjing Road to discover numerous time-honored brands. Walk for 10 minutes to a restaurant popular among locals where you can enjoy Xinjiang-style lamb and beef skewers grilled using red willow or iron skewers over charcoal, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior. For lunch, eat the Ben Bang noodles, a representative dish of Shanghai cuisine. It's definitely worth a try!

   

   In the afternoon, visit three landmark sites of Shanghai's Haipai culture. Xintiandi is built on the foundation of old Shanghai shikumen architecture, blending modern commercial and leisure functions. Wukang Road epitomizes Shanghai's century-long modern history, where you can admire century-old buildings and the shadows of parasol trees, lined with cafes, bookstores and small boutiques along the way. Tianzifang is a creative district transformed from old alleys - you can visit handicraft workshops, art galleries, vintage shops and snack stalls.

   After that, take the high-speed train to Hangzhou. In 1.5 hours, the local driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel.

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   4-Star Hotel in Hangzhou
4. Day 4: Hangzhou Discovery
   Cruise scenic West Lake and experience traditional Chinese medicine

   Taking a boat ride on West Lake is a must do in Hangzhou. West Lake is one of the most beautiful landscapes in China, hence it appears on the back of RMB 1 banknote. The boat sways with sparkling waves, occasionally with birds flying past and creating ripples in circles. The willows on the shore dance in the wind, and the distant green mountains are as dark green as jade, as if it were a faint ink painting.

   

   After disembarking, head to a traditional Chinese Medicine Museum to learn about the history of Chinese medicine and try to understand some basic Chinese medicines and their effects, such as mugwort, goji berries, dried tangerine peel and honeysuckle. At the Traditional Chinese Medicine Technology Hall, an AI-driven system will help generate a health report based on your facial and tongue features.

   Then learn to make moxa sticks by hand. In traditional Chinese medicine, moxa sticks can drive away cold and are suitable for joint pain, cervical spondylosis, etc. Relax in robotic moxibustion - experience the fusion of ancient traditions and modern high technology.

   

   After that, pay a visit to the Meijiawu Tea Village with a history of more than 600 years, where you will witness the vast green tea plantation, watch the tea making process and you could optionally try some freshly made Longjing Tea.

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   4-Star Hotel in Hangzhou
5. Day 5: Hangzhou to Beijing by High-speed Train
   Explore hutong life and the historic Lama Temple

   After breakfast, take the high-speed train to the capital city of China, Beijing. Rest well in the hotel.

   In the afternoon, your guide will take you to see how authentic old Beijingers lived during their daily routines. The hutongs will be explored together with the architectural elements of quadrangle courtyards and a family visit to experience traditional hutong life.

   

   Optional activities in Hutong: If you want, you can experience cultural experiences such as paper cuttings, making dumplings (you need to inform your travel consultant or guide in advance).

   The most significant Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing, Lama Temple, which served as Emperor Yongzheng's residence before his coronation, will be visited with deatiled explanation afterwards. The main hall displays its royal emblem through its yellow glazed tiles. There are a large number of precious cultural relics in the temple, such as "Three Wonders of Wood Carving" and exquisite Thangkas and murals. After that, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel.

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
6. Day 6: Beijing Imperial Exploration
   Visit imperial wonders at the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven.

   After breakfast, meet your tour guide in the hotel and go to visit Tian'anmen Square, the largest city square in the world. And after exploring the square, explore the Forbidden City, a world heritage site. It is the largest and most well preserved wooden palace complex in the world, where twenty-four emperors once lived.

   Along the central axis, you can see the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Hall of Central Harmony, the Palace of Heavenly Purity, the Palace Palace of Earthly Tranquility, etc. and learn about ancient Chinese royal etiquette and living patterns. Your guide will remind you to pay attention to the roof figures, stone carving and other components, reflecting the strict level and exquisite workmanship. The whole tour lasts about 2.5-3 hours, covering most of the essence. After the visit, return to the hotel.

   

   In the afternoon, head to the place where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped the heavens at the Temple of Heaven. Its architecture and layout strictly follow the cosmology of "round sky and square earth". It can be regarded as the pinnacle of ancient Chinese buildings dedicated to worshipping the heavens. The core of your tour is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a circular hall with triple blue tiles and a gilded roof. What's amazing is its intricate internal structure, without a single iron nail. Strolling around the nearby park, you can discover the unique morning exercise style of the locals.

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
7. Day 7: Beijing's Great Wall
   Hike the Badaling Great Wall and admire imperial gardens at the Summer Palace

   After breakfast, drive for 1.5 hours to reach Badaling Great Wall. It is the earliest section of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Great Wall to be open to tourists and the most representative part. The wall rises and falls along the mountain, stretching endlessly. Here is a very complete defense system - you can clearly see the watchtowers, battlements, gun perforations and moat gates and other military facilities. Choose to climb the entire distance on foot or take the enclosed cable car to the North No.7 Tower. Don't miss the opportunity to take a photo at the "Hero Slope"!

   After reaching the top, order a hamburger or a drink delivered by a drone. This is a very special experience during your trip to China. (Optional: Your guide can assist you on the spot)

   

   Notes:

   • Under extreme weather conditions such as strong winds, rainfall and heavy snow, drone delivery services will be temporarily suspended.
   • Badaling is the only section of the Great Wall where you can experience drone delivery services. However, it gets very crowded during the summer vacation (July - August). In that case, it is recommended that you replace it with Mutianyu Great Wall.

   The Summer Palace - a Chinese landscape design masterpiece and a UNESCO World Heritage site - will be visited on the way back to city center. Follow your guide to discover beautiful gardens, pavilions and temples while listening to a detailed explanation. Your guide will present the historical background of this imperial retreat which served as a royal residence for emperors who wanted to escape the palace's active life. If interested, you can have fun with a boat ride on the Kunming Lake (pay on site by yourself).

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
8. Day 8: Beijing to Xi'an by High-speed Train
   Explore the Ancient City Wall & lively Muslim Quarter, learn write Chinese calligraphy

   After breakfast, be transferred to take a high-speed train to Xi’an. Upon arrival, the guide and the driver will pick you up and send you to downtown area for lunch and hotel check-in.

   In the afternoon, walk up the Ancient City Wall. The wall which surrounds Xian's central area functions as a historical defense structure that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. The city wall which extends for 13.7 kilometers as one of the most intact historical city walls that exist throughout the nation. The walls provide you with the option to walk or ride a ride which you can rent at your own cost to see the entire city and its historical sites.

   

   Next take photos at the most central landmark in Xi'an, the Bell and Drum Tower Square. It only takes 5 minutes to walk to Muslim Quarter, where the Gaojia Courtyard, one of the most intact ancient residences of the Ming and Qing dynasties in Xi'an, is hidden. Here, you will have the chance to write Chinese calligraphy - under the guidance of a teacher, learn how to use a brush and practice simple Chinese characters.

   After leaving Gaojia Courtyard, directly immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Muslim Street. The highlight of this long-standing food street lies in the dense variety of Shaanxi-style snacks such as Roujiamo, Mutton/Beef and Bread Pieces in Soup and steamed dumplings with soup. After the tour, you will be sent back to the hotel to rest.

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   4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
9. Day 9: Xi’an to Chengdu by High-speed Train
   Discover the Terracotta Warriors and experience an XR game

   This morning, drive about 1 hour to a UNESCO World Heritage Site - the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses. It is one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century. Enter this large museum and observe the life-sized clay warriors who were buried with China's first emperor. Your tour guide will provide you with the historical background and excavation work of this amazing location.

   The most interesting part of today's trip is that you will experience an XR game which can take you on a magical journey through time and space to the Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty (221-207 BC). This is an option and you guide can help you with the ticket.

   

   In the afternoon, take the high-speed train to Chengdu and a local driver will pick you up and send you to your downtown hotel. Enjoy your free time in the late afternoon. At night, you can walk around the Chunxi Road on your own for lively nightlife at a local busy bar.

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   4-Star Hotel in Chengdu
10. Day 10: Chengdu Community Exploration
    Experience Chengdu community life, Sichuan snacks, face-changing opera

    The Chengdu tour guide will take you into the local courtyard community center where a free senior dining hall introduces you to the slow paced retirement life. Visit an embroidery workshop and appreciate some exquisite works. Shu embroidery is one of the four major embroidery styles in China, which uses silk thread to embroider patterns on silk or other fabrics. Afterwards, go to a teahouse to experience the leisurely daily life of the locals - tea tasting and chatting.

    Embark on a food walking tour on Kuanzhai Alley. Try some of the most authentic Sichuan snacks such as Bo Bo Chicken, Zhangfei Beef and Egg Baked Cake.

    

    After lunch, go to East Suburb Memory Park, which combines history and contemporary trends. This is the latest popular "industrial style" landmark. You will see red brick factories, tall chimneys and old train carriages preserved, creating a strong sense of nostalgia.

    Finally, follow your guide into the backstage of a theater to watch the actors perform facial painting and makeup and enjoy a stunning face changing performance.

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    4-Star Hotel in Chengdu
11. Day 11: Chengdu to Chongqing by High-speed Train
    Meet giant pandas and watch them playing, eating

    After breakfast, head to the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center, which simulates the wild habitat environment of giant pandas and is the best place to observe them up close. You are suggested to wake up early to visit especially before 9:30 am when giant pandas are most active and engage in activities such as eating, climbing trees and playing, which are full of fun.

    The tour guide will take you to the Sun Delivery Room, Moon Delivery Room, and Infant Panda Villa to learn about individuals of various ages from newborn cubs to adult pandas. There are also lesser pandas living in the base, red in color, hence also called red panda.

    

    After lunch, take the high-speed train to the 8D magical city of Chongqing, which is famous worldwide for its multi-dimensional and complex terrain.

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    4-Star Hotel in Chongqing
12. Day 12: Chongqing Highlights
    Discover Chongqing’s 8D cityscape, light rail through buildings, enjoy riverside hot pot

    Today, you will experience the lifestyle of Chongqing at a slow pace. The tour guide will first take you to the Huangjueping Art District. The streets are dotted with large-scale graffiti walls, created by students and artists from Sichuan Fine Arts Institute. They have transformed old residential buildings, streets and shops into an open art gallery.

    Check out the popular light rail through building scene on Ins at Liziba Station. It is a classic example of Chongqing's "magical transportation". Next take the cable car to overlook the Yangtze River from the sky, which is a unique angle. Then experience up close why Chongqing is called the "8D" City on the Kuixing Tower.

    

    As night falls, enjoy a riverside hot pot dinner while also being able to admire the dazzling night view of the 11-storey illuminated Hongya Cave. The Qishangmen Bridge is also within your sight. If you happen to come here on a Saturday, you can witness a wonderful drone light show.

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    4-Star Hotel in Chongqing
13. Day 13: Chongqing to Guangzhou by Flight
    Explore the bustling Thirteen Hangs fashion wholesale market

    After breakfast, take a flight to Guangzhou, the largest trading center in China. Upon arrival, the local guide will take you to visit a large clothing wholesale market in the Thirteen Hang.

    This area was once the region for Qing Dynasty's foreign trade and has now transformed into a globally renowned fast fashion wholesale market. The clothing sold here is mainly women's wear, covering a wide variety of categories, with the latest styles and frequent updates. You will experience the unique commercial ecosystem of "thick crowds, merchants and buyers conducting quick transactions", full of vitality and competitiveness.

    After the visit, you will be escorted to your hotel for check-in procedures.

    

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    4-Star Hotel in Guangzhou
14. Day 14: Guangzhou Textile District
    Discover Asia’s largest textile district and observe fast fashion production

    Today, you will have the opportunity to visit a huge textile district. It is said that this is the largest textile fabric and accessory distribution center in Asia connecting the entire chain from raw materials, design to production and wholesale.

    Follow your guide to visit the fabric market, where there are countless choices from high-end imported fabrics to affordable ones. Surrounding the market are a large number of clothing design studios, providing rapid services from material selection to pattern making and small-batch production. You can directly experience the operation behind "fast fashion".

    You will also go deep into a clothing manufacturing factory to observe how the fabric is transformed into exquisite clothes. Finally, you will visit some wholesale stores where you can witness the final stage of ready-made clothing wholesale and glimpse the efficient model of "factory after the store".

    

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    4-Star Hotel in Guangzhou
15. Day 15: Guangzhou to Shenzhen
    Enjoy Cantonese dim sum and explore Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and Shamian Island

    In the morning, enjoy authentic Cantonese dim sum in a tea house with a history of over a hundred years. This is not just about tasting the food; it was also about getting to know the local social and leisure lifestyle. Sitting and chatting while eating, savor your leisure time.

    Then, visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, the largest, most elaborately decorated and best-preserved Qing Dynasty ancestral temple building in Guangdong. Your tour guide will show you the highest quality architectural decorations which use Lingnan design elements that include wood and stone and brick carvings as well as pottery sculptures. The collection contains multiple artistic themes and looks extremely lifelike. The entire courtyard is grand and imposing and walk through it and feel the solemnity of ancient clan culture.

    

    Last, head to Shamian Island, a historic oval-shaped island that was once the British and French concessions from the 19th century to the mid-20th century. The island is dotted with European-style buildings of various styles such as Neoclassical and Gothic. The environment here is peaceful and shady, contrasting sharply with the modern city across the river. After the tour, drive to a hotel in Shenzhen to check in.

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    4-Star Hotel in Shenzhen
16. Day 16: Shenzhen Reform Discovery
    Explore Shenzhen’s reform history, city skyline views, and vibrant Huaqiangbei electronics market

    After having breakfast at the hotel, drive to visit a fishing village which witnessed China's economic reform in 1978. Many fishermen became wealthy after that. This is a great place to trace the roots of Shenzhen's history. Then, visit the Reform and Opening-up Museum to learn about Shenzhen's rise as a "window" and "experimental field" of China's reform and opening-up.

    Ascend to Lotus Mountain to enjoy the city views. It is actually a park. Named after its seven interconnected peaks resembling a blooming lotus flower. Head over to see the largest subway station in Asia, known as "Shenzhen Eye". Looking up at it, it feels like you've traveled through a space tunnel, filled with a sense of technology!

    

    Finally, go to the Huaqiangbei Electronics Market, the largest and most comprehensive center for electronic components and consumer electronics in the world, known as "China's First Electronic Street". Here, you can see all kinds of electronic-related products such as complete devices and modules including mobile phones, drones, robots and smart wearables.

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    4-Star Hotel in Shenzhen
17. Day 17: Departure from Shenzhen

    Your 17-day China high-tech journey ends after your breakfast. Your private driver will pick you up and transfer you to the airport or railway station for departure. Hope you have an unforgettable experience with China Xian Tour!

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