AriaTravel
AriaTravel
China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Small group Fixed departures 14 days · 6 stops

China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life

A 14-day small-group journey across China's contrasts: Beijing's imperial landmarks and the Great Wall, Shanghai's modern skyline, West Lake in Hangzhou, Chongqing's vertical city, Chengdu's giant pandas and Guangzhou's Lingnan heritage.

Last updated: October 23, 2026

View departures English-speaking tour · Party size 2–12 guests

Tour code: ARIA-CN-2604G

Route
Beijing → Shanghai → Hangzhou → Chongqing → Chengdu → Guangzhou
Duration
13 Nights, 14 Days
Party size
2–12 guests
Language
English
1

Journey overview

A shared journey · a fixed itinerary

A 14-day small-group journey across China's contrasts: Beijing's imperial landmarks and the Great Wall, Shanghai's modern skyline, West Lake in Hangzhou, Chongqing's vertical city, Chengdu's giant pandas and Guangzhou's Lingnan heritage.

This 14-day journey connects Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chongqing, Chengdu and Guangzhou. Explore Beijing's imperial landmarks, traditional hutongs and the Mutianyu Great Wall. Continue to Shanghai for the Maglev Train, the Bund, Shanghai Tower, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden and Shanghai Museum. Discover West Lake, Lingyin Temple, tea culture and Xixi Wetland in Hangzhou; then explore Chongqing, Chengdu's pandas and Dujiangyan, and Guangzhou's Pearl River and Lingnan heritage before departure.

2

Trip Route & highlights

  1. Days 1–4

    Beijing

    • Tiananmen Square
    • Forbidden City
    • Jingshan Park
    • Shichahai
    • Hutongs
    • Mutianyu Great Wall
    • Bird's Nest
    • Water Cube
    • Liangma River
    • Summer Palace
    • Temple of Heaven
  2. Days 4–5

    Shanghai

    • Maglev Train
    • the Bund
    • Shanghai Tower
    • Nanjing Road
    • Yu Garden
    • Shanghai Museum
  3. Days 6–7

    Hangzhou

    • West Lake
    • Lingyin Temple
    • Longjing Tea Village
    • Qinghefang Ancient Street
    • Xixi Wetland
  4. Days 7–9

    Chongqing

    • Chaotianmen
    • Raffles City Chongqing
    • Hongya Cave
    • Eling Park
    • Liziba Station
    • Jiefangbei
    • Shibati Traditional Scenic Area
    • Ciqikou Ancient Town
  5. Days 10–11

    Chengdu

    • Mount Qingcheng
    • Dujiangyan Irrigation System
    • Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
    • People's Park
    • Chunxi Road
  6. Days 12–14

    Guangzhou

    • Huacheng Square
    • Haixinsha Island
    • Pearl River
    • Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
    • Yongqing Fang
    • Cantonese Opera Art Museum
    • Lychee Bay Park
3

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival in Beijing Beijing

Beijing Central Axis Night View — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Accommodation: Beijing

Welcome to Beijing, the first stop on your journey through China. Meet the local team on arrival and transfer to your hotel. After checking in, take time to rest after your journey or enjoy a gentle walk nearby. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Day 2 Imperial Landmarks and Hutong Life Beijing

Forbidden City — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Peking Duck — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Jingshan Park — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Shichahai Lake — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Beijing

Begin at Tiananmen Square before exploring the Forbidden City, where grand halls and spacious courtyards introduce Beijing's imperial history. Continue to Jingshan Park for views across the palace rooftops. Enjoy a traditional Peking duck lunch, then stroll around Shichahai's lakes and through the nearby hutongs, discovering a quieter side of everyday life in the capital. Return to your hotel after sightseeing.

Day 3 Mutianyu Great Wall and Modern Beijing Beijing

Mutianyu Great Wall — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Birds Nest And Water Cube — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Liangma River — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Beijing

Travel to the Mutianyu Great Wall, where stone ramparts follow the mountain ridges into the distance. Explore this celebrated stretch of wall and take in the changing views from its pathways and watchtowers. Back in Beijing, see the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, whose striking shapes recall the city's Olympic chapter. Round off the day with a walk along the Liangma River, enjoying a gentler pace beside the water.

Day 4 Beijing Heritage and Shanghai Skyline Beijing to Shanghai

Summer Palace — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Temple Of Heaven — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Maglev Train — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
The Bund — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Shanghai Tower — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Nanjing Road — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Shanghai

Visit the Summer Palace and Temple of Heaven, with combination tickets included, before your afternoon flight to Shanghai. Choose a flight arriving at Pudong Airport to enjoy the Maglev Train experience. Your guide will meet you for the ride, with round-trip Maglev tickets included. Continue to the Bund, Shanghai Tower and Nanjing Road to discover the city's historic waterfront and modern skyline, then transfer to your hotel.

Day 5 Shanghai Culture and Train to Hangzhou Shanghai to Hangzhou

Yu Garden — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Shanghai Museum — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Hangzhou

Explore Yu Garden, where pavilions, ponds and rockeries create a traditional Chinese garden setting. (Please note that Yuyuan Garden closes on Mondays, except for public holidays. Should the scheduled visit fall on its closing day, it will be replaced by the City God Temple. No extra refund or compensation will be provided for this itinerary adjustment.) Continue to Shanghai Museum to discover Chinese art and cultural treasures, including bronzes, ceramics and calligraphy. In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Hangzhou. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in for the evening before the next day's sightseeing.

Day 6 West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Feilai Peak and Tea Culture Hangzhou

West Lake — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Lingyin Temple — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Feilai Peak Grottoes — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Longjing Tea Village — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Qinghefang Ancient Street — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Hangzhou

Discover West Lake, taking time to enjoy its waterside scenery and gardens. Continue to Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak to explore Hangzhou's Buddhist heritage amid wooded hills. Visit Longjing Tea Village for an introduction to the city's green tea culture, then finish at Qinghefang Ancient Street, where traditional storefronts and local snacks offer a glimpse of everyday life. Return to your hotel after sightseeing.

Day 7 Wetland Scenery and Chongqing by Night Hangzhou to Chongqing

Xixi National Wetland Park — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Raffles City Chongqing — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Hongyadong — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Chongqing

Spend the morning exploring Xixi Wetland, with admission, boat and shuttle services included. Its waterways and greenery offer a peaceful start before your afternoon flight to Chongqing. In the evening, visit Chaotianmen, Raffles City Chongqing and Hongya Cave, taking in the waterfront and illuminated buildings that introduce the city's layered urban landscape. Transfer to your hotel after the evening sightseeing.

Day 8 Hillside Views and Chongqing Street Life Chongqing

Eling Park — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Liziba Station — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Jiefangbei — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Shibati Traditional Scenic Area — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Chongqing

Start at Eling Park for views across Chongqing's hills and rivers. Continue to Liziba Station to watch the monorail pass through a residential building, then explore the busy Jiefangbei shopping district. At Shibati Traditional Scenic Area, follow winding stairways and lanes past local shops and snack stalls, experiencing the distinctive street life of this hillside city. Return to your hotel after sightseeing.

Day 9 Ciqikou Ancient Town and Train to Chengdu Chongqing to Chengdu

Ciqikou Ancient Town — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Chengdu

Explore Ciqikou Ancient Town in the morning, wandering narrow streets lined with traditional buildings, teahouses and local snack stalls. Take time to browse the shops and enjoy the neighborhood atmosphere before boarding an afternoon high-speed train to Chengdu. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in, with the evening free to relax after the journey.

Day 10 Mount Qingcheng and Dujiangyan Chengdu

Mount Qingcheng — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Dujiangyan Irrigation System — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Chengdu

Explore Mount Qingcheng, where forested slopes, quiet paths and historic Taoist temples introduce the region's spiritual traditions. Continue to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System to discover the ancient engineering that continues to channel water across the surrounding plains. Admission and electric shuttle services are included. After a day combining mountain scenery and cultural heritage, return to your hotel in Chengdu.

Day 11 Giant Pandas and Flight to Guangzhou Chengdu to Guangzhou

Research Base Of Giant Panda Breeding — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Peoples Park — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Chunxi Road — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Guangzhou

Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to observe giant pandas and learn about conservation efforts, with electric shuttle service included. Continue to People's Park for a glimpse of Chengdu's relaxed teahouse culture, then explore the lively streets of Chunxi Road. In the afternoon, fly to Guangzhou, where you will transfer to your hotel and settle in for the evening.

Day 12 Modern Guangzhou and Pearl River Walk Guangzhou

Huacheng Square — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Haixinsha Island — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Canton Tower — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Pearl River — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Guangzhou

Explore Huacheng Square, where broad open spaces are framed by Guangzhou's modern skyline. Continue to Haixinsha Island for river views and a different perspective on the surrounding cityscape. Later, stroll along the Pearl River, watching the waterfront change as evening approaches and buildings light up. Return to your hotel after a relaxed introduction to Guangzhou's contemporary side.

Day 13 Lingnan Heritage and Historic Neighborhoods Guangzhou

Chen Clan Ancestral Hall — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Yongqing Fang — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Cantonese Opera Art Museum — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Liwan Lake Park — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Guangzhou

Discover Guangzhou's cultural character at Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, where decorative details invite a closer look at traditional craftsmanship. Continue to Yongqing Fang and explore its historic neighborhood atmosphere. Visit the Cantonese Opera Art Museum for another perspective on local artistic traditions, then unwind at Lychee Bay Park. The day brings together architecture, performing arts and everyday surroundings for a rich final impression of the city.

Day 14 Departure from Guangzhou Guangzhou

Haixinsha Night View — China Urban Discovery: Heritage, Landscapes & Local Life
Meals: B

Enjoy your remaining time in Guangzhou at leisure, depending on your confirmed departure schedule. Take time to pack, relax or enjoy a final walk nearby. At the arranged time, meet your guide and driver at the hotel for your airport transfer, bringing your journey through China to a close.

4

What’s included

✓ Included

  • Hotel Accommodation: Accommodation in conveniently located 4-star hotels, based on two guests sharing a room, with daily Western-style breakfast. A room with one king-size bed may be requested, subject to availability.
  • English-Speaking Tour Guide: Professional English-speaking guide services throughout the scheduled sightseeing program.
  • Arrival Meet-and-Greet: A representative will welcome you at the airport or railway station, holding a sign with your name for easy identification.
  • Transportation: Comfortable, air-conditioned coach with experienced drivers and ample space for luggage throughout the scheduled itinerary.
  • Attraction Admission Fees: Admission fees for all included attractions and sightseeing activities, as specified in the itinerary.
  • Airport & Railway Station Transfers: Complimentary arrival and departure transfers for flights and trains scheduled between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM (local time).
  • 24/7 Customer Support: Round-the-clock assistance from our support team before, during, and after your trip.
  • Meals: Meals on the days specified in the itinerary. Daily breakfast is included with your hotel accommodation.
  • Insurance: Insurance coverage is included in the tour package. Please refer to the applicable policy for coverage details, limits, and exclusions.
  • Bottled Drinking Water: Two bottles of drinking water per guest, per day.
  • Domestic Transportation: Domestic flights (economy class) and high-speed trains (second class)

✕ Not included

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

Good to know

Inquiry and confirmation

This page accepts inquiries 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

In the event that you need to cancel a confirmed trip, please submit a written cancellation request. The applicable cancellation fee will be calculated from the date we receive your written request.

The cancellation fees will be calculated as follows:

If the cancellation is made between 45 and 30 days before the scheduled departure date, a fee of 10% of the total tour price per person will apply.
If the cancellation is made between 29 and 15 days before the scheduled departure date, a fee of 30% of the total tour price per person will apply.
If the cancellation is made between 14 and 7 days before the scheduled departure date, a fee of 50% of the total tour price per person will apply.
If the cancellation is made 6 days or less before the scheduled departure date, including the departure date, a fee of 100% of the total tour price per person will apply.
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