Essence of China: Shanghai, Chengdu & Jiuzhaigou (Visa Free)

Board an international flight bound for Shanghai, eager to begin our China vacation. Spend the night aboard as our flight crosses the International Date Line.

We arrive in 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.

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

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.

After breakfast, take a short flight to Chengdu. Upon arrival, meet your local guide at the airport 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, board a smooth high-speed train from Chengdu into the dramatic mountain landscapes of northern Sichuan, gliding effortlessly toward the gateway of Jiuzhaigou. Sit back and take in views of lush valleys and towering alpine peaks along the way. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel to check in, where you can unwind and savor a delicious hotel dinner before enjoying the rest of the evening at your leisure to relax and recharge.

Step into a fairytale world as you spend the day exploring the captivating, UNESCO-listed landscapes of Jiuzhaigou Valley. Named after its nine ancient Tibetan villages, the park is world-renowned for its emerald lakes, cascading waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. Gliding through the valley by shuttle bus, you will discover its most iconic masterworks, from the profound depths of Long Lake and the kaleidoscopic Five-Color Pond to the brilliant turquoise waters of Five-Flower Lake. Stand in awe of the roaring Pearl Shoal Waterfall and the grand Nuorilang Waterfall, then soak in the tranquility of the Shuzheng Lakes and Shuzheng Waterfall as they weave through lush alpine forests. Enjoy lunch along the way as you explore the park. In the evening, unwind at your hotel or join our optional Tibetan Dinner & Folk Performance to enjoy authentic local cuisine, lively music, and warm regional hospitality.

Board a high-speed bullet train for a swift, comfortable journey back from Jiuzhaigou to Chengdu, enjoying final views of Sichuan’s soaring alpine peaks and lush valleys along the way. Upon arrival in Chengdu, transfer to your hotel to check in and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Enjoy the day at your leisure to explore Chengdu at your own pace, or join our optional Sichuan Treasures: Giant Buddha Cruise & Huanglongxi excursion to discover the region’s rich cultural heritage. Board a scenic boat along the Minjiang River to marvel at the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha, a colossal 71-meter stone monument carved directly into the cliffside. Afterward, enjoy a delicious local lunch before continuing to Huanglongxi Ancient Town, a charming water town famed for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, cobbled lanes, and tranquil streams, before returning to Chengdu for the evening.

Today, transfer to Chengdu airport for your short flight to Hong Kong. Our voyage through China ends as we board our international flight back to the US.

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