China Panorama (26 days)

Beijing – Xi’an – Chengdu – Lijiang – Xianggelila – Kunming – Chongqing – Yangtze Cruise – Yichang – Wuhan – Guilin – Shanghai

This 26-day journey offers an immersive experience through China’s most iconic cities, the exotic landscapes of Yunnan Province, and a luxurious Yangtze River cruise. Inspired by the National Geographic articles that captivated Western explorers a century ago—and believed to have influenced James Hilton’s Lost Horizon — Yunnan continues to amaze visitors with its breathtaking scenery, rich biodiversity, and vibrant ethnic cultures. From the modern pulse of Beijing and Shanghai to the ancient wonders of Xi’an and the natural splendor of Guilin, this itinerary provides a comprehensive introduction to China.

Reaching altitudes of up to 3,500m (11,500 feet), this adventure is exhilarating yet demanding, and travelers with a history of altitude sickness should take necessary precautions.

Important Features

• Expert local guides hand-picked by company owners
• Small group size – maximum 20
• Intercity travels mostly by high-speed train
• No forced shopping stops
• Quality meals at non-tourist restaurants
• Outside cabin on or above bridge deck for Yangtze cruise with complementary package
• Unlimited supply of bottled water during group activities
• Free Wi-Fi in all hotels
• Day outing to Longji terraced rice fields
• Great Wall visit at Mutianyu with cable car

Options Available

• Peking opera show in Beijing
• Tang Dynasty cultural show in Xi’an
• Traditional face changing performance in Chengdu

Tour Itinerary

Meal Code: B = breakfast / L = lunch / D = dinner

Day 1/Thu: Departing for Beijing
Depart from a city of your choice, losing a day upon crossing the International Date Line.

Day 2/Fri: Arrival in Beijing
Meet our driver on arrival for your transfer to the hotel. You’ll have the remainder of the day at leisure. The guide will contact you in the evening.

Day 3/Sat: Beijing (B/L/D)
The capital of China, Beijing is a major cultural, educational and political centre with a population exceeding 20 million. One of China’s great historic cities, it served as the imperial capital for much of the past eight centuries. Beijing is renowned for its magnificent palaces, temples, ancient city gates and other historical landmarks, many of which date back to the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties.

We begin with a visit to the Forbidden City, officially known as the Palace Museum. Built between 1406 and 1420, this vast imperial complex served as the residence and administrative centre of 24 emperors during the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties. Covering 72 hectares, it is one of the world’s largest and best-preserved complexes of ancient wooden buildings and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Next is Tian’anmen Square, measuring approximately 880 metres from north to south and 500 metres from east to west. Tian’anmen Gate stands at its northern end, with the Monument to the People’s Heroes near the centre. The Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China flank the square to the west and east, respectively, while Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum and Qianmen (Front Gate) lie to the south. Since the May Fourth Movement of 1919, Tian’anmen Square and its surroundings have been associated with major political events and demonstrations, including the pro-democracy protests of 1989.

Our afternoon sightseeing takes us to the Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in southeastern Beijing, this vast complex was where Ming and Qing emperors performed elaborate ceremonies and offered sacrifices to Heaven, praying for good harvests and the well-being of the empire. Construction began in 1406 under the Yongle Emperor and was completed in 1420. The complex was subsequently expanded and renovated during the Qing Dynasty. Covering 273 hectares (674 acres), the Temple of Heaven is nearly four times the size of the Forbidden City.

The Hongqiao Pearl Market is located across the street from the Temple of Heaven. Known for its freshwater pearls, jewellery and other merchandise, it attracts both local and international shoppers. If interested, you may ask the guide to drop you off there after sightseeing, but you will need to return to the hotel independently by taxi.

Dinner tonight features Peking roast duck, one of Beijing’s best-known dishes. Traditionally roasted until the skin is crisp, the duck is carved tableside and served with thin pancakes, scallions, cucumber and a savoury sauce.

Day 4/Sun: Beijing (B/L)
After an early breakfast, we set out on a full-day excursion to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, approximately 75 kilometres northeast of central Beijing.

The Great Wall is one of China’s most impressive engineering achievements. Its earliest sections date back to the 7th century BCE, when individual states built defensive walls against rival states and nomadic groups. Following China’s unification in 221 BCE, the First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, ordered existing fortifications to be connected and extended. Successive dynasties continued to build and maintain defensive walls, but the most extensive reconstruction took place during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), when much of the brick-and-stone Wall familiar to visitors today was built.

Stretching across northern China, the Great Wall was intended to defend against incursions from the north, regulate border crossings and facilitate military communications. Despite its formidable appearance, it was never an impenetrable barrier, as demonstrated by the Mongol conquest of China in the 13th century under Genghis Khan and his successors, including Kublai Khan.

The Mutianyu section, originally established in the 6th century and substantially rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty, is known for its well-preserved watchtowers and mountain scenery. Cable car rides are included, allowing visitors to spend more time exploring the Wall itself.

Day 5/Mon: Beijing – Xi’an (B/L)
We begin our sightseeing with a visit to a traditional hutong neighbourhood. Hutongs are narrow alleyways lined with siheyuan, traditional courtyard houses typically enclosed by buildings on four sides. The term hutong dates back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368) and is believed to derive from a Mongolian word meaning “water well,” reflecting the importance of wells as gathering places in early settlements.

Next is the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s finest imperial gardens. Originally known as the Garden of Clear Ripples, much of the complex was destroyed by British and French forces in 1860 during the Second Opium War. Reconstruction began in 1886, and the garden was renamed Yiheyuan (Garden of Nurtured Harmony). Covering approximately 290 hectares, the Summer Palace is dominated by Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, with more than 3,000 bays of traditional buildings spread throughout the grounds.

After lunch, we board a high-speed train to Xi’an (approximately 4 hours 20 minutes). The journey takes us through the North China Plain, passing farmland, villages and rapidly developing cities. China’s extensive high-speed rail network, built largely over the past two decades, has transformed intercity travel, making long-distance journeys faster and more convenient.

Day 6/Tue: Xi’an (B/L)
With a history spanning more than 3,000 years, Xi’an served as the capital of several Chinese dynasties, including the Han (206 BCE–220 CE) and Tang (618–907). It was also the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting China with Central Asia and regions as far west as the Mediterranean.

We spend the morning visiting the Terracotta Army, located approximately 30 kilometres east of Xi’an. Discovered by local farmers in 1974, this extraordinary collection of life-sized terracotta warriors and horses was created to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor (221–210 BCE), in the afterlife. The site is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After lunch, we return to the city for a stroll along the ancient city wall. Originally built in 1370 during the Ming Dynasty, it is one of China’s best-preserved city walls. The wall runs approximately 13.7 kilometres around the old city, enclosing an area of 14 square kilometres. Standing 12 metres high, it measures between 15 and 18 metres thick at its base.

Day 7/Wed: Xi’an – Chengdu (B/L/D)
Morning sightseeing begins at Xi’an Museum. One of the city’s leading cultural institutions, Xi’an Museum houses more than 110,000 historical artefacts, including ancient bronzes, ceramics, Buddhist sculptures and works of art spanning several thousand years of Chinese history. The museum complex also encompasses the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built during the Tang dynasty (618–907), and the historic Jianfu Temple grounds. Together, these attractions offer a fascinating introduction to Xi’an’s rich cultural heritage and its importance as one of China’s great ancient capitals.

We then visit the Great Mosque in the old town centre and the adjacent Muslim Quarter. The mosque was established in the 8th century, although most of the surviving complex dates from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), with further additions during the Qing dynasty (1644–1912). Unlike many mosques in the Middle East, the Great Mosque is predominantly Chinese in architectural style, with traditional courtyards, pavilions and tiled roofs rather than the domes and minarets commonly associated with Islamic architecture elsewhere.

This afternoon, we travel by high-speed train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Situated on the fertile Chengdu Plain, the city is known for its rich history, distinctive cuisine and relaxed lifestyle. The surrounding region has long been called the “Land of Abundance,” owing to its agricultural productivity.

Archaeological discoveries at Sanxingdui and Jinsha reveal that the Chengdu region was home to a sophisticated Bronze Age civilization long before the Qin conquest of the ancient state of Shu in 316 BCE.

Day 8/Thu: Chengdu (B/L)
Morning sightseeing takes us to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, one of China’s leading centres for giant panda conservation and research. Native to the mountainous regions of south-central China, the giant panda is easily recognized by its distinctive black-and-white markings. Although classified as a carnivore, it feeds almost exclusively on bamboo, spending much of its waking time eating. Giant pandas are generally solitary animals, and females usually give birth to one or two cubs after a gestation period of approximately five months. Newborn cubs are blind, nearly hairless and weigh only about 100 to 150 grams.

We spend much of the afternoon at Jinsha Site Museum, built around an important archaeological site discovered accidentally by construction workers in February 2001. Dating primarily from approximately 1200 to 650 BCE, Jinsha was a major centre of the ancient Shu civilization that flourished in the Chengdu region during the Bronze Age.

Excavations have uncovered thousands of artefacts made of gold, bronze, jade, ivory and stone, providing valuable insight into the religious beliefs, artistic achievements and daily life of this ancient society. Among the most celebrated discoveries is the exquisite gold ornament known as the Sun and Immortal Birds, which has become a symbol of China’s cultural heritage.

Jinsha shares many cultural characteristics with the earlier Sanxingdui civilization, whose principal archaeological site lies about 50 kilometres northeast of Chengdu. Archaeologists generally regard Jinsha as a later centre of the ancient Shu civilization, reflecting a shift in political and cultural activity towards the Chengdu Plain.

We conclude our sightseeing at Wangjianglou Park, known for its bamboo groves, traditional gardens and historic riverside tower. The park commemorates Xue Tao (768–831), one of the most celebrated female poets of the Tang dynasty. A stop at a traditional Chengdu teahouse offers a glimpse of the city’s relaxed lifestyle.

Day 9/Fri: Chengdu – Lijiang (B/D)
Free morning to explore on your own.

The late afternoon flight to Lijiang takes an hour and 25 minutes.

Lijiang is home to the Naxi people, whose distinctive Dongba religion, traditions and pictographic writing system form an important part of the region’s cultural heritage. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town is known for its traditional architecture, canals and cobblestone streets.

Day 10/Sat: Lijiang (B/L)
After a walking tour of the Old Town, we visit Yunshanping (Spruce Meadow), an alpine pasture surrounded by virgin forests at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Afterwards, we visit an ancient village on the way back to Lijiang.

Day 11/Sun: Lijiang – Xianggelila (B/L)
After breakfast, we travel to Shangri-La (3,160 metres/10,400 feet), known as Xianggelila in Chinese, a journey of approximately 200 kilometres through scenic river valleys and high mountains dotted with villages of various ethnic groups.

The highlight of the drive is Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest river gorges in the world. Here, the Jinsha River, a primary tributary of the upper Yangtze River, rushes through a narrow passage between towering mountains. We stop at the gorge for sightseeing before continuing to Shangri-La.

Day 12/Mon: Xianggelila (B/L/D)
In his 1933 novel Lost Horizon, British author James Hilton describes Shangri-La as a mystical Himalayan valley where people live in peace and harmony. The fictional setting has long been associated with this region, which was officially renamed Shangri-La in 2001.

We begin our sightseeing with an excursion to Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park, known for its alpine forests, meadows and mountain scenery.

In the afternoon, we visit a Tibetan village, Songzanlin Monastery and a local market. Founded in 1679, Songzanlin is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province. Its imposing architecture has earned it the nickname “Little Potala Palace” because of its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa.

Day 13/Tue: Xianggelila – Kunming (B/D)
This morning we take the high-speed train to Kunming (C120, 10:05–16:04).

Kunming is the capital of Yunnan Province and lies at approximately 1,900 metres above sea level in the middle of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. Its mild climate has earned it the nickname “City of Eternal Spring.” Historically, Kunming was an important trading centre on routes connecting China with Southeast Asia, India and Tibet.

Our afternoon sightseeing includes the historic Western Hill Scenic Area and Huating Temple.

Day 14/Wed: Kunming – Stone Forest – Chongqing (B/L)
Enjoy a half-day excursion to the Stone Forest, located 126 kilometres southeast of Kunming.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this extraordinary karst landscape features towering limestone formations shaped by millions of years of erosion, many resembling trees, animals and human figures.

We ride the high-speed train (G2882, 16:54/21:42) to Chongqing. Dinner is not included, so we recommend buying something to eat before boarding the train.

Situated at the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing rivers, Chongqing is one of China’s largest cities and a major economic centre in western China. Built across steep hills overlooking two great rivers, the city is famous for its dramatic skyline, multi-level streets and distinctive cuisine. Chongqing also played an important role in modern Chinese history, serving as the wartime capital of China during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945).

Day 15/Thu: Chongqing – Dazu – Chongqing (B/L)
This morning, we set out on a full-day excursion to the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extraordinary collection of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian sculptures dating mainly from the 9th to the 13th centuries.

Day 16/Fri: Chongqing – Yangtze Cruise (B/L/D)
Free morning to relax or explore on your own.

Following lunch, we visit China Three Gorges Museum, whose extensive collections trace the history and culture of the upper Yangtze region, including the ancient Ba civilization and the enormous changes brought about by the Three Gorges Dam.

Across People’s Square stands Chongqing People’s Great Hall, an imposing landmark completed in 1954. Inspired by traditional Chinese architecture, the building is one of the city’s best-known landmarks.

We continue to Jiefangbei, Chongqing’s bustling commercial centre, where modern skyscrapers, shopping streets and lively public spaces reflect the city’s rapid development. Time permitting, we also visit nearby Shibati, a historic neighbourhood of steep stone stairways and traditional buildings that offers a glimpse of old Chongqing.

After dinner, we stop at Hongyadong, an 11-storey riverside complex inspired by traditional stilt-house architecture. Illuminated after dark, its tiered buildings against the steep riverbank create one of Chongqing’s most striking night scenes.

We then transfer to the cruise terminal to board our Yangtze River ship.

Day 17/Sat: Yangtze Cruise (B/L/D)
At approximately 6,380 kilometres, the Yangtze is Asia’s longest river and the third longest in the world, after the Nile and Amazon. Rising on the Tibetan Plateau, it flows eastward across China before emptying into the East China Sea near Shanghai. For thousands of years, the river has served as a vital transportation artery and supported the development of Chinese civilization.

Today’s shore excursion takes us to Shibaozhai, one of the most distinctive historical landmarks along the Yangtze. Situated on a rocky hill overlooking the river, the site takes its name from a local legend that the enormous rock was a precious stone bestowed by a goddess.

A Buddhist temple was established on the hill during the Qing dynasty (1644–1912). Its most striking feature is a wooden pagoda built against the cliff in the early 19th century, providing access to the temple above. Originally nine storeys high, the pagoda was extended to 12 storeys in 1956. The entire complex is now protected from the rising waters of the Three Gorges Reservoir by a surrounding embankment.

Day 18/Sun: Yangtze Cruise (B/L/D)
Today’s cruise takes us through some of the most spectacular scenery along the Yangtze River, including Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge, two of the celebrated Three Gorges.

Qutang Gorge, the shortest of the three at approximately eight kilometres, is renowned for its narrow passage and towering cliffs. At its western entrance, the imposing Kuimen Gate has long been regarded as one of the most dramatic sights along the Yangtze.

Stretching approximately 45 kilometres, Wu Gorge is famous for its steep, forested mountains and the legendary Twelve Peaks, including Goddess Peak. The scenery here has inspired Chinese poets and painters for centuries.

We also enjoy a shore excursion into Goddess Stream, a narrow tributary surrounded by steep cliffs and lush vegetation. Travelling aboard a smaller sightseeing boat, we venture into a landscape that is inaccessible to larger cruise ships.

The remainder of the day is spent enjoying the river scenery as our ship continues downstream towards the Three Gorges Dam.

Day 19/Mon: Yichang – Wuhan (B/L/D)
This morning we visit the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric power station by installed capacity. Completed in stages between 1994 and 2012, the massive project spans the Yangtze River near Yichang. Its reservoir extends approximately 600 kilometres upstream, providing flood control, hydroelectric power and improved navigation. The project has also been controversial because of its environmental impact and the displacement of more than a million residents.

We disembark around noon and transfer to the railway station for our two-hour high-speed train journey to Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province.

Due to time constraints, a boxed lunch will be provided for the train journey.

Day 20/Tue: Wuhan – Guilin (B/L/D)
Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province, is a major economic and transportation hub in central China. Situated at the confluence of the Yangtze and Han rivers, the city was formed through the consolidation of three historic towns: Wuchang, Hankou and Hanyang. Wuhan is also known for its numerous lakes and parks, including the expansive East Lake.

This morning we visit Hubei Provincial Museum, one of China’s leading archaeological museums. Its outstanding collections include artefacts excavated from the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng, who died in 433 BCE. The most celebrated discovery is an extraordinary set of 65 bronze chime bells, capable of producing a remarkably wide range of musical notes. If available, we may attend a performance using replicas of these ancient instruments.

After an early lunch, we board a high-speed train for Guilin. The journey takes approximately five hours, passing through the changing landscapes of central and southern China. We arrive in Guilin in the early evening and transfer to our hotel.

A relatively small city by Chinese standards, Guilin has long been celebrated for its extraordinary landscape of limestone hills, winding rivers and lush greenery. Its name literally means “forest of sweet osmanthus,” a reference to the fragrant osmanthus trees that grow abundantly throughout the city.

Day 21/Wed: Guilin (B/L)
Today we take a full-day excursion to the spectacular Longji Rice Terraces, approximately 80 kilometres north of Guilin. Known as the Dragon’s Backbone, Longji is famous for its intricate terraces carved into steep mountainsides over centuries by local farmers, particularly those belonging to the Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities.

Developed mainly between the Yuan (1271–1368) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties, the terraces extend across a mountainous landscape at elevations ranging from approximately 300 to 1,100 metres. The scenery changes dramatically with the seasons: flooded terraces reflect the sky during spring planting, lush green rice covers the hillsides in summer, and the fields turn golden before the autumn harvest.

Our excursion involves hiking along stone paths and steps through the terraced fields and traditional villages, with opportunities to admire the scenery and learn about local rural life.

Optional Tea Farm Visit

Time permitting, an optional late-afternoon visit to the Guilin Tea Science and Research Institute may be arranged for a nominal fee, subject to a minimum of six participants. Established in 1956, the institute conducts research into tea cultivation and production. Visitors can explore its tea plantations and learn about the processing and cultural significance of Chinese tea.

Day 22/Thu: Guilin (B/L)
We begin the day with a cruise down the Li River, one of China’s most celebrated scenic waterways. The 83-kilometre stretch between Guilin and Yangshuo winds through a spectacular landscape of limestone peaks, bamboo groves and picturesque villages that has inspired Chinese poets and painters for centuries.

After approximately five hours on the river, we disembark in Yangshuo following lunch on board and return to Guilin by road.

We conclude our sightseeing with a visit to Fubo Hill, a limestone peak rising approximately 63 metres above its surroundings. Located beside the Li River, the hill offers fine views of the city and surrounding landscape. Those interested can walk back to the hotel along the river, enjoying Guilin’s beautiful scenery at a more leisurely pace.

Day 23/Fri: Guilin – Shanghai (B)
Enjoy a free morning to explore Guilin on your own. Transfer to the airport for the late afternoon flight to Shanghai. Today’s lunch and dinner are not included.

With a population of nearly 25 million, Shanghai is China’s largest city and a major centre of international trade and commerce. Its modern skyline contrasts with historical landmarks that reflect the city’s colourful past.

Day 24/Sat: Shanghai (B/L/D)
We begin our day with a visit to Jade Buddha Temple in an old neighbourhood. We then walk along the famous Bund, a waterfront promenade with a fascinating history.

After lunch, we stroll through the historic People’s Park and adjacent People’s Square in the heart of the city. Originally part of the Shanghai Race Club, established in 1850, the park and square are surrounded by museums, shops and other cultural attractions.

We wrap up the day’s sightseeing with a tour of the exquisite Yu Garden in the old town centre.

Day 25/Sun: Shanghai (B)
Today is a free day.

If you are interested in Chinese art and history, Shanghai Museum East in Pudong would be an excellent place to spend half a day. The museum houses outstanding collections of ancient bronzes, ceramics, jade, paintings and calligraphy. The original Shanghai Museum at People’s Square now focuses mainly on special exhibitions.

The Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum and Nanwaitan Fabric Market, known for its numerous tailor shops, are also recommended.

Optional Suzhou Day Tour

After breakfast we ride the high-speed train (30-40 minutes) to Suzhou.

Ancient Suzhou is best known for its classical gardens, canals and silk industry. With its network of canals and waterways, Suzhou is often referred to as the “Venice of the East.”

Our sightseeing in Suzhou includes historic Tiger Hill, Humble Administrator’s Garden and a short canal cruise. We return to Shanghai by train in the late afternoon.

The all-inclusive price with lunch starts from US$250 per person and requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate.

Day 26/Mon: Shanghai – Home City (B)
The tour ends this morning. A private vehicle with a driver (no guide) is provided for your transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Dates & Prices

Prices are per person based on double occupancy. International air is not included.

* Land Only price excludes international airfare. Please contact us for a fare quote.