Timeless China 2027

15 days - From $3600

15 DAYS

FROM $3600

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Timeless China 2027

FromPrices From $3600
15 Days / 13 Nights

Experience the rich diversity of China on this 15-day journey through its most iconic cities and landscapes. Walk the Great Wall and explore Beijing’s imperial sites before flying to Xi’an to witness the legendary Terracotta Warriors. In Chengdu, meet giant pandas and stroll historic alleys before embarking on a scenic Yangtze River cruise through the majestic Three Gorges. Conclude your adventure in dynamic Shanghai, where ancient temples stand beside futuristic skyscrapers. This immersive itinerary blends ancient history, natural beauty, and modern marvels into one unforgettable tour.

Beijing (3 nights)
Xian (2 nights)
Chengdu (2 nights)
Yangtze River (3 nights)
Shanghai (3 nights)

Escorted

Moderate

Itinerary at a glance

DAY 1

USA—Beijing

DAY 2

Arrive in Beijing

DAY 3

Beijing

DAY 4

Beijing

DAY 5

Beijing - Xian by flight

DAY 6

Xian

DAY 7

Xian - Chengdu by highspeed train

DAY 8

Chengdu

DAY 9

Chengdu - Chongqing by highspeed train - Yangtze River Cruise

DAY 10

Yangtze River cruise

DAY 11

Yangtze River Cruise

DAY 12

Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai high speed train

DAY 13

Shanghai

DAY 14

Shanghai

DAY 15

Shanghai – USA

Full Itinerary

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DAY
1

USA—Beijing: Fly to China

DAY
2

Arrive in Beijing: Arrival & Leisure Time in Beijing

DAY
3

Beijing: Full Day City Tour

Begin your day with an in-depth tour of Beijing, a city with 3,000 years of history and the former seat of Ming and Qing dynasties. Explore Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public plaza, before entering the Forbidden City, the vast imperial palace of 24 emperors, enclosed by towering walls and filled with over 8,000 historic rooms. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Summer Palace, where pavilions, bridges, and pagodas dot the shores of Kunming Lake in a perfect example of classical Chinese landscape design. End your day with photo stops at Beijing’s modern icons—the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube—built for the 2008 Olympic Games. This evening, savor an authentic Peking duck dinner to cap off the day.

Included

Accommodation

New Otani Hotel or Similar (Standard Room)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

DAY
4

Beijing: Great Wall & Temple Tour

After breakfast, journey to the iconic Great Wall Mutianyu, known in ancient times as the “Long Wall of Ten Thousand Li.” Stretching over 5,500 miles, this monumental structure was built more than 2,000 years ago to protect China from northern invasions. Walk along its storied battlements and take in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Later, visit the Temple of Heaven, a 15th-century architectural masterpiece where emperors once prayed for good harvests through ceremonial rites.

Included

Accommodation

New Otani Hotel or Similar (Standard Room)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch

DAY
5

Beijing - Xian by flight: Fly to Xian + City Wall

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Xi’an, the ancient capital at the eastern end of the Silk Road. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel before heading out to explore Xi’an’s remarkably well-preserved City Wall, originally built during the Ming Dynasty. Walk along the ramparts for panoramic views of the city and a sense of its storied past.

Included

Accommodation

Hilton Xian or Similar (Standard Room)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Dinner

DAY
6

Xian: Full Day Xian Tour

Xi’an, once the imperial capital and eastern gateway of the Silk Road, is a city steeped in over 3,000 years of history. Today, visit its most iconic attraction—the Terracotta Warriors—an awe-inspiring army of 6,000 life-size soldiers and horses buried with Emperor Qin Shi Huang in 200 BC to protect him in the afterlife. After exploring the site, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the elegant Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a landmark of Tang Dynasty architecture. This evening, take in a colorful Tang Dynasty dinner show celebrating Xi’an’s rich cultural heritage.

Included

Accommodation

Hilton Xian or Similar (Standard Room)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner and show

DAY
7

Xian - Chengdu by highspeed train: Train to Chengdu + Local Dinner

After breakfast, transfer to the station for your high-speed train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Upon arrival, meet your guide and head to your hotel for check-in. Later, stroll through the charming Jingli Ancient Street and the atmospheric Wide and Narrow Alleys, both lined with traditional architecture, tea houses, and shops. This evening, savor a dinner of Chengdu’s famous local specialties.

Included

Accommodation

Hyatt Centric The Ring Chengdu or Similar (Standard Room)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Dinner

DAY
8

Chengdu: Panda Visit + Face-Changing Sichuan Opera

This morning, visit the renowned Giant Panda Research Base, one of the world’s largest panda conservation centers, where you’ll observe these beloved animals up close in a naturalistic habitat. After lunch at a local restaurant, experience Chengdu’s laid-back culture with a traditional tea tasting at the scenic People’s Park. Experience the Magic of Face-Changing at Shufeng Yayun Sichuan Opera after dinner at the local restaurant.

Included

Accommodation

Hyatt Centric The Ring Chengdu or Similar (Standard Room)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

DAY
9

Chengdu - Chongqing by highspeed train - Yangtze River Cruise

After breakfast, take the high-speed train to Chongqing, one of China’s largest and most dynamic cities. Upon arrival, visit the famous Liziba Station, where the city's monorail passes directly through a residential building, creating one of Chongqing's most iconic sights. Continue to Hongya Cave, a spectacular riverside complex inspired by traditional Bayu architecture and illuminated with dazzling lights. Then visit Chongqing Zoo to see the beloved giant pandas. Afterwards, transfer to the pier and board your Yangtze River cruise. Settle into your cabin and enjoy a delightful welcome dinner on board as your memorable river journey begins.

Included

Accommodation

Victoria Cruises (Isabella) or Similar (Superior Cabin)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

DAY
10

Yangtze River cruise

After breakfast, disembark for a shore excursion to Mountain Shuanggui near Fengdu, known for its serene temples and scenic vistas. Depending on river conditions, your excursion may instead take you to Shibaozhai, home to a remarkable 12-story wooden pagoda built into the hillside.

Included

Accommodation

Victoria Cruises (Isabella) or Similar (Superior Cabin)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

DAY
11

Yangtze River Cruise

Cruise into the legendary Three Gorges today, beginning with the dramatic cliffs of Qutang Gorge and the tranquil, mist-veiled slopes of Wu Gorge. Admire the steep mountains and forested peaks that line the riverbanks. Transfer to a smaller boat for a peaceful ride along the scenic Goddess Stream, or Shennong Stream depending on water levels. Later, enter Xiling Gorge—the longest and deepest of the Three Gorges.

Included

Accommodation

Victoria Cruises (Isabella) or Similar (Superior Cabin)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

DAY
12

Yangtze River Cruise - Yichang - Shanghai high speed train: Yichang Tour + Shanghai high speed train

Disembark the cruise this morning and visit the monumental Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric power project. Afterward, enjoy a brief tour of Yichang, and board the high speed train to Shanghai, China’s dynamic coastal metropolis.

Included

Accommodation

The Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai or Similar (Standard Room)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

DAY
13

Shanghai: City Tour: Bund & Nanjing Road

Once a bustling treaty port in the 19th century and long known as the "Pearl of the Orient," Shanghai has evolved into a dazzling fusion of East and West, old and new. Begin your exploration at the Bund, where grand neoclassical buildings from the colonial era line the Huangpu River, facing the futuristic skyline of Pudong. Stroll down Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, before continuing to the historic City God Temple Bazaar and the fashionable Xintiandi district, where restored Shikumen architecture meets chic boutiques and cafes. In the evening, enjoy a flavorful Shanghai-style farewell dinner.

Included

Accommodation

The Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai or Similar (Standard Room)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel, Lunch, Dinner

DAY
14

Shanghai: Leisure Day or Optional Suzhou Tour

Today is free for you to explore dynamic Shanghai at your own pace—browse its stylish boutiques, sample local cuisine, or stroll through vibrant neighborhoods. For a deeper cultural experience, join our optional full-day excursion to Suzhou, a historic city famed for its silk heritage and scenic waterways. Known as the "Venice of the East," Suzhou charms visitors with its stone bridges, classical gardens, and winding canals. Highlights include a cruise along the ancient Grand Canal and a visit to the serene Master of the Nets Garden, a masterpiece of Ming-era design. Return to Shanghai in the late afternoon.

Included

Accommodation

The Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai or Similar (Standard Room)

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Meals

Breakfast at hotel

Optional Tours & Extras

Suzhou One Day tour with lunch (min 10 pax)

$86 per person

DAY
15

Shanghai – USA: Depart from Shanghai

Inclusions

Tour Guide

Specialist English-speaking local guides in each city

Services of an expert tour manager throughout China

Air

Beijing to Xian flight economy class

Tour Highlights

Beijing: Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and Great Wall
Xian: Terracotta Warriors Museum, City Wall, Wild Goose Pagoda
Chengdu: Panda Breeding Base
Shanghai: The Bund, Nanjing Road
Special entertainment: Xian - Tang Dynasty Dinner Show, Chengdu- Face changing and Sichuan Opera show

Transfer

Yichang - Shanghai high speed train experience

Xian to Chengdu high speed train experience

Deluxe air-conditioned motor-coach touring

Tour Inclusions

Comprehensive sightseeing tours including entrance fees as per itinerary

All hotel taxes, duties and surcharges, airport taxes

A professional Ritz Tours tour manager escorts the group throughout China for groups of more than 10 guests

Specialist English-speaking local guides

Important Notes

Locally hosted for groups for 6-9 guests

Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 10 guests

Meals

13 hotel or cruise buffet breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Upgrade to Private Tour

Private tour for 10+ Passengers: No Additional cost. Please Contact US for booking

Where you could stay

Beijing

New Otani Hotel or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hotel New Otani Chang Fu Gong, a five-star international hotel with a distinctive exterior, is located in the heart of Beijing, China. A long history of exceptional service assured by the New Otani Hotel Management of Japan, your Beijing experience begins at the moment you enter the oriental garden designed courtyard adjacent to the lobby.

Xian

Hilton Xian or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Find us within the ancient city walls of Xi'an, directly opposite the popular Dongxin Street Night Market. Wulukou metro station is 900 meters from our hotel, and historic sites such as the Bell Tower and Big Wild Goose Pagoda are within seven kilometers. We have landscaped roof gardens, an indoor pool, and a spa.

Chengdu

Hyatt Centric The Ring Chengdu or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hyatt Centric The Ring Chengdu is your gateway to discovering Chengdu’s iconic sights and hidden gems. Immerse yourself in the city’s contrasts — from the buzz of The Ring Chengdu right on your doorstep to the traditional alleyways of Taikoo Li, just a short metro ride way. Venture with ease to landmarks like Tianfu Square and People’s Park, visit the nearby Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, or simply wander the lively local streets, rich in culture, food, and everyday life. This is where your Chengdu journey begins

Yangtze River

Victoria Cruises (Isabella) or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Established in New York City in 1993, Victoria Cruise Lines has been the leader in luxury cruising on China’s majestic Yangtze River. Celebrating 30 Years. Over two million satisfied passengers have sailed with us. We have become the Yangtze’s preeminent cruise line because of the quality of our fleet, our outstanding service, and innovative itineraries. Victoria Cruises is an allied member of the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), an associate member of the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA), and a member of the New York Chapter of the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA). For 2026 departures, guests will enjoy the new Isabella superior cabins.

Shanghai

The Portman Ritz-Carlton Shanghai or Similar

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The award-winning Portman Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai is a landmark located in a retail, dining and entertainment complex on the famous West Nanjing Road. Situated in the heart of the commercial, shopping and entertainment district of the city, our luxury hotel features unparalleled service, exquisite dining experiences and spacious accommodations.

Optional Tours

view tour

Suzhou One Day tour with lunch (min 10 pax)

Suzhou is nicknamed the "Venice of the East''. Strategically situated on the ancient trade route, this lovely city has been a center of silk production for centuries and offers picturesque canals, stone bridges and ornamental gardens. Witness its highlights on our tour, which includes a boat ride on the Grand Canal and visit the UNESCO

DAY 14: Shanghai $86 PP