China Mosaic: Beijing, Xian, Chengdu & Shanghai (Visa Free)

Board your international flight to Beijing, China’s vibrant capital where centuries of imperial history meet modern ambition. Sit back, relax, and prepare for the unforgettable journey ahead.

Arrive in Beijing, China’s historic and cultural capital. Meet your local guide upon arrival and transfer to your centrally located five-star hotel. Make the most of your 3 night Beijing stay with our optional upgrade to a Club Room with benefits.

*Airport transfers are not included for land-only travelers.

Today, we begin our exploration of Beijing with a journey through 3,000 years of imperial grandeur. Visit Tiananmen Square, once the main gate to the Imperial Palace, now stands as a symbol of modern China's political history. Step into the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial palace that housed 24 emperors over five centuries. Enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch along the way. Take a stroll along Qianmen Street, a historic avenue once linking the Imperial Palace with the outer city. Restored for the 2008 Olympics, it now captures the charm of early 20th-century Beijing. Photo stops at the city’s Olympic landmarks — the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and the Water Cube (National Aquatics Center). Enjoy the evening at leisure or join our optional Peking Roast Duck dinner, featuring Beijing’s signature dish roasted over fruitwood and served with classic condiments and delicate pancakes—a flavorful finale to your day in the capital.

*Please bring your passport for the Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square tour. Entry is only permitted if it matches the reservation information on file, and tickets are nonrefundable if entry is denied. Please note: the schedule is subject to change. Morning and afternoon activities may be adjusted depending on the reservation timings.

After breakfast at the hotel, travel to must-see Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This massive defensive barrier was built to protect the Chinese heartland from northern invasions. Stretching an astonishing 5,000 miles across nine provinces, the Great Wall is a feat of ancient engineering. Construction began under Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, around 200 B.C., and was completed during the Ming Dynasty in 1640. Afterwards, visit the Sacred Way —a peaceful, tree-lined avenue guarded by grand stone statues that once marked the imperial path to the Ming Tombs. Enjoy lunch along the way, featuring local Chinese cuisine. 

*Cable car rides at the Great Wall are not included.

Today, we continue our journey by flying to Xi’an, the capital of Shaanxi Province and one of China’s oldest cities. With over 3,100 years of history, Xi’an is one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China and was known as “Chang’an” before the Ming Dynasty. It also marks the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and is famously home to the Terra Cotta Warriors. Upon arrival in Xi’an, enjoy the evening free or join the optional Landmarks of Xian tour with dinner, featuring Xi’an’s local flavors. Visit Asia’s largest musical fountain, admire the historic Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved ancient building and 7th-century landmark of Buddhist significance, and stroll through the Tang Ever Bright City, a beautiful Tang Dynasty-inspired complex.

Once the capital of several dynasties and the eastern gateway of the Silk Road, Xian holds over 3,000 years of history. Its greatest treasure—the Terracotta Army—was unearthed in 1974 by local farmers. This vast army of over 6,000 life-sized soldiers and horses was buried to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang, China’s first unifier, in the afterlife.
With insights from expert guides, uncover the history of this underground army and the legacy of China’s first emperor. After exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site, enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Stop at Bell and Drum Tower Square for a photo opportunity, followed by a visit to the vibrant Muslim Quarter to experience the local culture and flavors. Tonight, join the optional tour to experience the Tang Dynasty Show, a captivating song and dance performance celebrating the cultural brilliance and prosperity of the Tang Dynasty (618–907).

After breakfast, transfer to the train station and board your train to Chengdu. Upon arrival, meet your local guide at the station and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, enjoy free time to explore Chengdu at your own pace. Stroll through the lively streets, sample local delicacies, relax at a traditional tea house, or discover more of the city’s vibrant nightlife. Elevate your time in the city by opting for an executive room upgrade at the Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel or similar, with club floor access and benefits.

Begin with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to observe these gentle icons of China in a near-natural habitat. Spend time watching the pandas in their peaceful surroundings before continuing your exploration of Chengdu’s local culture. After lunch, stroll through the historic Wide and Narrow Alleys, known for their traditional architecture, charming streets, and vibrant atmosphere. This evening, enjoy free time to explore Chengdu at your own pace or choose the optional Sichuan Opera experience, featuring a mesmerizing face-changing performance in VIP seats, followed by a fun costume experience.

After breakfast, depart for the airport to board our flight to Shanghai, China’s largest city. Located where the Yangtze River empties into the East China Sea, and sometimes referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’, this exciting city mixes 21st-century skyscrapers with elegant 1930s architecture, old world tea houses and traditional pagodas and pavilions. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening free at leisure. Enhance your stay with our optional luxurious upgrade to the Executive Room at the Swissotel Grand Shanghai or Similar, where unparalleled service and elegant accommodations await you in the heart of the city.

Spend the morning discovering Shanghai’s unique mix of tradition and modernity. Stroll along The Bund, known for its colonial architecture and stunning views of the city’s futuristic skyline. Explore Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, lined with luxury boutiques, malls, and local shops. Continue to the City God Temple Area, a vibrant neighborhood filled with traditional architecture, bustling markets, and authentic street food. Visit Xintiandi, a trendy pedestrian zone blending historic Shikumen buildings with modern cafés, shops, and restaurants. In the evening, enjoy free time or enhance your experience with the optional tour featuring the Oriental Pearl Tower for panoramic city views, followed by a Huangpu River Cruise to see the skyline sparkle at night. End the evening with a delicious Shanghai-style dinner, a perfect finale to your day.

Spend the day at leisure or join an optional excursion to the charming water town of Suzhou, often referred to as the “Venice of the Orient.” Located in the heart of the Yangtze Delta in southern Jiangsu Province, Suzhou is famed for its picturesque canals, classical gardens, and ancient charm. Beautiful stone bridges, graceful pagodas, and traditional architecture line the waterways that cover nearly 42% of the city. Visit the elegant Master of the Nets Garden, one of Suzhou’s finest classical gardens. Enjoy a peaceful canal boat ride through the city’s waterways, and explore the charming ancient water town streets lined with traditional shops and architecture. Enjoy lunch featuring local cuisine along the way. A day filled with the perfect blend of cultural heritage, natural beauty, and authentic local flavor.

Today, transfer to Shanghai airport for your short flight to Hong Kong. All good things must come to an end. Board a return flight back home and bid farewell to China.

*Airport transfers are not included for land-only travelers.
*For travelers extending their stay in Beijing and/or Shanghai beyond the 240-hour visa exemption, the Shanghai - Hong Kong flight will not apply, and your itinerary will be adjusted accordingly.