12 Days: Off the Beaten Track
Trip overview
Discover China's finest cultural heritage sites and breathtaking natural landscapes. Begin this unforgettable journey in Beijing, a city steeped in time-honored history and profound culture. Hike along the magnificent Jiankou section of the Great Wall and take in the sweeping views of surrounding mountain ranges.
Next, travel to Xi'an, famed for its well-preserved ancient city walls and striking Bell Tower. Don't miss the world-renowned Terracotta Army nearby, home to over 6,000 uniquely sculpted figurines featuring exquisite craftsmanship and intricate details. For wildlife enthusiasts, Chengdu is the ideal stop to see adorable giant pandas at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Center. Your trip concludes in Yunnan, a land of natural charm and mystique. It boasts grand mountains, winding rivers, rich natural resources and vibrant ethnic cultures. As home to 26 ethnic groups, Yunnan shines as an exceptionally diverse and colorful province.
Services
Included:
- Entrance fees to scenic spots listed in itinerary
- Meals specified in itinerary
- Assistance on arrival/departure & airport/hotel/station/ferry transfers as specified in itinerary
- Flights/trains specified in itinerary, with flight, airport tax and fuel fees included
- Sightseeing & activities as listed in itinerary
- Accommodation with daily breakfast
- Private transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots in each city or area in private, air-conditioned vehicle as listed in itinerary
- One bottle of drinking water per person per day
- Service charges
Excluded:
- Flights/sightseeing/meals/other items not listed in itinerary
- Visa application & visa fee
- Gratuities or tips
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g. room service, internet charges, laundry, drinks, telephone calls, optional activities)
- Excess baggage charge
- Optional activities
Optional:
- On request
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1: Beijing — Welcome to China!
- Day 2: Beijing — Visit the Magical Summer Palace and the Glorious Forbidden City
- Day 3: Beijing — Hike the Majestic Great Wall
- Day 4: Beijing - Xi'an — Visit the Magical Temple of Heaven
- Day 5: Xi'an - Chengdu — Admire the Qin Terracotta Army in Xi'an
- Day 6: Chengdu — Get Close with Pandas at the Chengdu Research Center of Panda Breeding
- Day 7: Chengdu - Dali — Discover Quaint Dali
- Day 8: Dali - Shaxi - Lijiang — Gaze at the Surreal Shibao Shan and Visit Shaxi Village
- Day 9: Lijiang — Discover the Stunning Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
- Day 10: Lijiang — Cycle to Beautiful Lashihai Lake and Go Horseback Riding
- Day 11: Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Lijiang — Hike the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge
- Day 12: Lijiang — Relax in Lijiang Before saying Goodbye!
Destinations on this trip
Day 1: Welcome to China!
Welcome to time-honored China! Our driver will greet you at Beijing International Airport and transfer you to your hotel in central Beijing. Take the rest of the day to unwind and refresh after your long flight.
Day 2: Visit the Enchanting Summer Palace & Majestic Forbidden City
Explore the timeless charm of Beijing today! First, head to the Summer Palace. This grand imperial garden features exquisite traditional Chinese architecture and art. Constructed in the Qing Dynasty, it served exclusively as a royal retreat. Here you may admire the essence of classical Chinese landscape design. In the afternoon, visit Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square. Then proceed to the Forbidden City — a magnificent imperial complex situated right at the heart of Beijing. Walk along the ancient paths once traveled by emperors, nobles and palace attendants. Also officially named the Palace Museum, the Forbidden City was the imperial residence for nearly 500 years, from the 15th century to the early 20th century. It stood as both the physical and symbolic center of ancient imperial power.
Day 3: Hike the Majestic Great Wall
After a light breakfast, your private driver will take you to the Jiankou section of the Great Wall. Then hike east toward the serene and picturesque Mutianyu Great Wall.
Day 4: Visit the Enchanting Temple of Heaven
After breakfast early in the morning, watch local residents take part in traditional morning activities. Next, explore the Temple of Heaven. This sacred complex served as the place where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties held rituals to worship heaven and pray for bumper harvests. It was completed in 1420, the 18th year of the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty. After the tour, you will be transferred to Beijing West Railway Station to board the high-speed train bound for Xi'an. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel to rest.
Day 5: Admire the Qin Terracotta Army in Xi'an
After breakfast, travel to visit the spectacular Terracotta Army, one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries. Upon returning to downtown Xi'an, explore the Ancient City Wall, one of China's oldest and best-preserved city ramparts. You can choose to cycle or take a sightseeing car to tour along the wall. Continue your tour with a visit to the Great Mosque and the lively Muslim Quarter. In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to Xi'an North Railway Station to board the high-speed train heading for Chengdu.
Day 6: Get Up Close to Giant Pandas & Leshan Giant Buddha
In the morning, head to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to get up close to these lovely giant pandas. The base is designed to recreate their natural habitat, providing an ideal environment for panda rearing and breeding. Spend the morning wandering around various panda enclosures and observing the pandas' daily routines, such as munching on bamboo during their active hours. In the afternoon, travel to the spectacular Leshan Giant Buddha. Carved into a cliff face, this monumental statue was initiated in 713 AD by a monk named Haitong to calm the turbulent river waters. Legend has it that massive amounts of stone rubble from the carving fell into the river, and the water flow was indeed pacified as a result. After dinner, enjoy a brilliant Sichuan Opera show. The performance features traditional folk acts accompanied by local musical instruments, including shadow puppetry, candle performances, fire-spitting and face-changing.
Day 7: Discover Quaint Dali
Catch an early morning flight to Dali. Upon arrival, your guide will take you to explore the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple in northwestern Dali. Nestled at the foot of Cangshan Mountain and overlooking Erhai Lake, this time-honored architectural complex boasts a history of over 1,800 years. Its main structures were built during the reign of the Hongwu Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. This precious heritage has endured many violent earthquakes over the centuries. Afterwards, embark on a pleasant boat cruise across Erhai Lake. Next, visit a local tie-dye workshop to experience this traditional handcraft and watch artisans create handmade fabrics. You will learn about the long history of local ethnic groups and gain a deeper insight into their unique culture, which has long been an important part of Chinese civilization.
Day 8: Gaze at the Surreal Shibaoshan & Visit Shaxi Ancient Village
Begin your day with a drive to Shibaoshan, or Stone Treasure Mountain. It is famous for its distinctive red rock formations, a classic Danxia landform, as well as age-old Buddhist grottoes. Hike downhill to Shaxi Ancient Village, a historic settlement lying at the foot of Shibaoshan. This place once thrived as a key trading post on the Southern Silk Road, also known as the Tea and Horse Caravan Road, which linked China, Tibet and Southeast Asia. Scattered across the mountains are ancient ruins, delicate frescoes and rock carvings. They fully reflect the unique fusion of diverse cultures from across the region.
Day 9: Discover the Stunning Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
You will be picked up at your hotel and transferred to Ganhaizi Meadow. Board the sightseeing bus for a scenic ride along Baishuihe River, then take the chairlift up to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Hike through the primeval forest on Spruce Meadow, and continue your tour to Blue Moon Valley. After lunch, enjoy the outdoor show Impression Lijiang, which is staged at Ganhaizi Meadow. This cultural performance showcases the unique traditions and lifestyles of the local Naxi, Yi and Bai ethnic groups. Later, drive to visit Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Culture Museum. We will then head back to your hotel.
Day 10: Cycle to Beautiful Lashihai Lake & Enjoy Horseback Riding
Today, begin your cycling journey from Lijiang Old Town. Cycle to Baisha Old Town and stop to explore the famous Baisha Murals. Continue your ride to Lashihai Lake, where you can enjoy horseback riding along the lakeside. Covering an area of 5,330 hectares, Lashihai Lake is the largest lake in Lijiang. We will drive back to Lijiang in the late afternoon.
Day 11: Hike the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge
After breakfast, take a private coach to Tiger Leaping Gorge, a grand canyon along the Yangtze River. Nestled between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, the gorge is traversed by the Jinsha River. After lunch, explore the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge. In the afternoon, drive to Shigu Town for an exciting whitewater rafting experience. Finally, we will drive back to Lijiang Old Town.
Day 12: Relax in Lijiang & Farewell
Spend your final morning relaxing and wandering around Lijiang Old Town. As a well-preserved ancient city rich in ethnic culture, Lijiang serves as the core of Lijiang Naxi Autonomous County in Yunnan Province. Later, our guide and driver will pick you up at the scheduled time and transfer you to the airport for your return flight. Wish you a pleasant journey and we look forward to your next visit!
Good to know
- International flights are not included unless stated in your quote.
- Visa requirements depend on your nationality; we can advise.
- Moderate walking; some steps at heritage sites.
- Itinerary may adjust slightly for weather or local holidays.
