AriaTravel
AriaTravel
China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Small group Fixed departures 11 days · 5 stops

China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu

An 11-day exploration of China’s great cities, from Beijing’s imperial heritage to Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chongqing and Chengdu.

View departures English-speaking tour · Party size 2–12 guests
Route
Beijing → Shanghai → Hangzhou → Chongqing → Chengdu
Duration
10 Nights, 11 Days
Party size
2–12 guests
Language
English
1

Journey overview

A shared journey · a fixed itinerary

An 11-day exploration of China’s great cities, from Beijing’s imperial heritage to Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chongqing and Chengdu.

This 11-day journey connects Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu. China's capital brings together imperial landmarks, neighborhood life and the mountain scenery of the Great Wall. Shanghai contrasts historic riverfront architecture with one of Asia's most recognizable contemporary skylines. Hangzhou combines the poetic scenery of West Lake with Buddhist heritage, tea culture and wetland ecosystems. Chongqing's steep terrain, layered streets and illuminated riverfront create one of China's most distinctive urban experiences. Chengdu pairs ancient water engineering with Taoist landscapes and an easygoing teahouse culture. The programme is designed for international travelers seeking a balanced introduction to culture, landscapes and contemporary local life.

2

Trip Route & highlights

  1. Days 1–4

    Beijing

    • Jingshan Park
    • Lama Temple
    • Shichahai Lake
    • Bird's Nest and Water Cube
    • Mutianyu Great Wall (with round‑trip cable car)
    • Liangma River
  2. Day 5

    Shanghai

    • Yu Garden
    • Nanjing Road
    • Shanghai Tower
  3. Days 6–7

    Hangzhou

    • West Lake
    • Lingyin Temple
    • Qinghefang Ancient Street
  4. Days 8–9

    Chongqing

    • Eling Park
    • Liziba Station
    • Hongyadong
  5. Days 10–11

    Chengdu

    • People's Park
    • Dujiangyan Irrigation System
3

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Beijing Beijing

Beijing Central Axis Night View — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Accommodation: Beijing

Meet the local team on arrival and transfer to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest or explore nearby at your own pace.

Day 2 Imperial Beijing Beijing

Forbidden City — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Jingshan Park — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Lama Temple — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Shichahai Lake — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Beijing

Visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, then continue to Jingshan Park for a panoramic view over the palace complex. Later, visit the Lama Temple and walk around Shichahai and the nearby hutongs.

Day 3 Mutianyu Great Wall Beijing

Birds Nest And Water Cube — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Liangma River — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Mutianyu Great Wall — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Beijing

Travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall (with round‑trip cable car) and enjoy time on the wall. On returning to the city, stop at the Bird's Nest and Water Cube for exterior views, followed by an evening walk along the Liangma River.

Day 4 Beijing highlights and transfer to Shanghai Beijing to Shanghai

Summer Palace — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Shanghai

Visit the Summer Palace and stroll through its landscaped grounds. Afterwards, transfer to the airport or railway station for the onward journey. The exact transport service is subject to final booking.

Continue to Shanghai by the confirmed rail or air service. On arrival, meet the local team and transfer to the hotel. Exact timings and transport mode are subject to operational confirmation.

Day 5 Shanghai highlights and transfer to Hangzhou Shanghai to Hangzhou

Nanjing Road — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Shanghai Tower — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
The Bund — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Yu Garden — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Hangzhou

Start your day in Yu Garden, continue to Shanghai Tower. Later, walk along Nanjing Road. End the day with a slow walk on The Bund. After the visit, you will be transferred to train station for your trip to Hangzhou. On arrival, your local team will meet you and take you to your hotel.

Day 6 West Lake and Lingyin Temple Hangzhou

Feilai Peak Grottoes — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Lingyin Temple — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Longjing Tea Village — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Qinghefang Ancient Street — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
West Lake — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Hangzhou

Begin your day at West Lake, then visit Lingyin Temple, one of China's oldest Buddhist temples, and nearby Feilai Peak with ancient stone carvings. Continue to Longjing Tea Village, surrounded by tea terraces and misty hills, known for West Lake Longjing tea. End the day at Qinghefang Ancient Street, where old buildings, local snacks, and traditional shops reflect the city's history.

Day 7 Hangzhou highlights and transfer to Chongqing Hangzhou to Chongqing

China National Silk Museum — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Xixi National Wetland Park — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Chongqing

Start at Xixi National Wetland Park, visit the China National Silk Museum, the largest silk-themed museum in China. Explore the history of the Silk Road, discover traditional silk-making techniques, and learn about the important role silk played in cultural exchanges between China and the world.

After the visit, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chongqing. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and take you to your hotel.

Day 8 Chongqing city experience Chongqing

Eling Park — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Hongyadong — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Jiefangbei — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Liziba Station — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Chongqing

Visit Eling Park and Liziba Station, then continue to Jiefangbei. In the evening, you may try Chongqing hotpot, ask your guide for recommendation. End the day at Hongyadong, a riverside area with traditional-style buildings and night views.

Day 9 Chongqing highlights and transfer to Chengdu Chongqing to Chengdu

Ciqikou Ancient Town — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Shibati Traditional Scenic Area — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Chengdu

After breakfast, visit Ciqikou Ancient Town, a historic riverside neighborhood known for its traditional streets, old-style buildings, and local snacks.

Continue to Shibati Traditional Scenic Area, a restored hillside district that showcases Chongqing's unique mountain-city culture through historic architecture, local shops, and everyday life.

After the visit, transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Chengdu. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and take you to your hotel.

Day 10 Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Chengdu

Dujiangyan Irrigation System — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Mount Qingcheng — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Chengdu

Travel to Mount Qingcheng and continue to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. The mountain section will be adjusted to fitness, weather and operating conditions.

Day 11 Chengdu Departure Chengdu

Research Base Of Giant Panda Breeding — China's Great Cities: Beijing to Chengdu
Meals: B

It is time to end your Chengdu journey. Enjoy your final moments at your own pace. When ready, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and take you to the airport for departure.

4

What’s included

✓ Included

  • Hotel Accommodation: Based on twin share with western style breakfast. Properties are conveniently located close to the city centre, rated 4-star. A room with one king-size bed can also be arranged upon request.
  • Guide Service: excellent English-speaking tour guide service
  • Meet-and-greet service with a name sign at the airport or train station.
  • Vehicle Service: Air-conditioned coach with experienced drivers, ensuring ample luggage space for your comfort. (1) Free airport & train station pick-up for arrivals from 08:00 to 22:00. (2) Free airport & train station drop-off for departures from 09:00 to 23:00.
  • Domestic Transportation: Internal Air/high-speed train (Economy Class)
  • Entrance fees as per itinerary
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off
  • 24/7 On-Call Support
  • Daily lunches as indicated in the itinerary
  • Insurance

✕ Not included

  • International Airfare
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Personal expenses
  • Entry Visa
  • Optional Activities
  • Payment and refund processing fees
  • Single Room Supplement
5

Good to know

Enquiry and confirmation

This page accepts enquiries only. Our sales team checks availability, explains any displayed price and confirms the next steps personally.

Changes to attractions

If any scheduled attraction is closed or unavailable during the trip, we will arrange a suitable alternative attraction whenever possible.

Cancellation policy

Cancellation fees are calculated from the date Aria Travel receives the written cancellation request.

If the cancellation is made between 45 and 30 days before the scheduled departure date 10% of tour price
If the cancellation is made between 29 and 15 days before the scheduled departure date 30% of tour price
If the cancellation is made between 14 and 7 days before the scheduled departure date 50% of tour price
If the cancellation is made 6 days or less before the scheduled departure date, including the departure date 100% of tour price
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