China Uncovered: A Tapestry of Flavors & Traditions

  • China (Shanghai,Suzhou,Hangzhou,Guilin,Yangshuo,Chengdu,Xi'an,Beijing)
Minimum Guests
2 Person
Activate Day
16 Nights/ 17 Days

Embark on a captivating journey through China’s most iconic cities and discover its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes. Begin in Shanghai (3N), a bustling metropolis blending modernity with tradition. Explore its stunning skyline, the historic Bund, and lively Nanjing Road. Next, visit Suzhou (1N), renowned for its classical gardens and picturesque canals, perfect for those who appreciate serenity and beauty. In Hangzhou (2N), indulge in the tranquility of West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Venture to Guilin (2N) and Yangshuo (1N) to marvel at the dramatic karst landscapes, a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. In Chengdu (2N), experience the city’s laid-back charm, and visit the famous Chengdu Research Base to see the adorable giant pandas. Then, immerse yourself in the ancient wonders of Xi'an (2N), home to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army and ancient city walls. Finally, conclude your journey in Beijing (3N), where you’ll explore the majestic Great Wall, the Forbidden City, and the vibrant Temple of Heaven.

This itinerary offers a perfect mix of historical, cultural, and natural highlights, ideal for adventure seekers and cultural enthusiasts alike.

Tour Timeline

If you need to increase or reduce the number of travellers, please contact us for customised arrangements.

  • Enjoy a private pickup from your airport, with a guide accompanying you and providing support throughout the transfer.
Recommended activities

  • Sunrise On The Bund Hotels & Resorts Shanghai   (Default) Link2

  • None
  • Private Van
  • Enjoy a comfortable intercity transfer in a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide accompanying and assisting you throughout the journey.
  • Yu Gardens

    Explore Yu Gardens, a classic Ming Dynasty garden built as a retirement gift for Pan Yunduan’s father. Stroll past koi ponds, jade rocks, and ornate pavilions while soaking in traditional Chinese landscaping. A peaceful Shanghai cultural experience perfect for photography and history lovers.

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  • The Old Town

    Wander Shanghai’s Old Town with cobbled streets and traditional shops selling herbal medicine, tea, handicrafts, and local snacks. Immerse yourself in historical Shanghai while enjoying a charming cultural experience—perfect for shopping and photography.

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  • The Shanghai Museum

    Explore the Shanghai Museum at People’s Square, home to a vast collection of ancient Chinese art across five floors. Designed to resemble a traditional Ding vessel, it’s an essential cultural stop for visitors seeking history, art, and Shanghai heritage.

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  • People's Square

    People's Square, located at the core of downtown Shanghai, serves as the city’s political, cultural, and transportation hub, often hailed as "the heart of Shanghai." Surrounded by iconic landmarks—including the Shanghai Municipal Government Building, Shanghai Museum (housed in a classic round-shaped structure inspired by ancient bronze cauldrons), Shanghai Grand Theatre, and Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center—it blends administrative functions with cultural richness. The square itself is a spacious, landscaped public area adorned with lawns, fountains, and sculptures, offering a peaceful retreat amid the urban bustle. It is also a major transportation interchange, with access to multiple subway lines, making it easily reachable for visitors. As a symbol of Shanghai’s modernity and dynamism, People's Square attracts both locals and tourists, who come to admire its architecture, enjoy leisure time, or explore the nearby cultural institutions.

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  • The Bund

    Stroll along the Bund to admire Shanghai’s colonial architecture, from 1850s trade houses to glamorous 1920s Art Deco buildings. This waterfront promenade showcases the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, contrasting with the futuristic Pudong skyline—an iconic Shanghai attraction for photography and history lovers.

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  • Shanghai-Style Welcome Dinner

    Shanghai Welcome Dinner: A culinary celebration blending tradition and innovation, showcasing the city’s iconic flavors. Savor delicate local specialties—from savory xiaolongbao (steamed  dumplings) and crispy shengjian mantou (pan-fried buns) to fresh seafood and braised pork belly—paired with premium local beverages. Crafted to offer a warm introduction to Shanghai’s gastronomic heritage, this meal balances authentic tastes with elegant presentation, reflecting the city’s blend of classic charm and modern vibrancy. A perfect start to your Shanghai journey, inviting you to taste the essence of this dynamic metropolis.

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  • Huangpu River Night Cruise

    Take a night cruise along the Huangpu River. Admire the contrast of historic Bund architecture against futuristic Pudong skyscrapers, beautifully lit at night. A scenic and romantic Shanghai sightseeing experience with photo opportunities.

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  • Sunrise On The Bund Hotels & Resorts Shanghai   (Default) Link2

  • Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
  • Private Van
  • We organise ground transport linked to your cruise schedule, with an English-speaking guide accompanying and assisting you throughout the journey.
  • Pudong New Area

    Cross the Huangpu River to explore Pudong, Shanghai’s modern skyline district. Marvel at futuristic skyscrapers including the World Financial Centre, Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai Tower observation deck—the second tallest in the world. A perfect blend of modern architecture and city energy for sightseeing in Shanghai.

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  • Shanghai Tower 118

    Visit Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building and the world’s second tallest. Ride high-speed elevators to the 118th-floor observation deck for panoramic views of Shanghai’s skyline. With 127 floors and five podium levels, this landmark is a modern engineering marvel and a prime attraction for sightseeing enthusiasts.

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  • Afternoon at leisure

    Enjoy your afternoon.

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  • Sunrise On The Bund Hotels & Resorts Shanghai   (Default) Link2

  • Breakfast , Lunch
  • Public Transportation
  • transfered to Suzhou from Shanghai (Shanghai to Suzhou)
  • Grand Canal

    The Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the world's longest man-made waterway, stretches over 1,700 kilometers. Connecting Beijing to Hangzhou, it links five major river systems. Constructed in sections as early as the 5th century BC, it was primarily completed during the Sui Dynasty (581-618 AD). For centuries, it was a vital transportation artery, crucial for the imperial government's grain supply and domestic trade. This monumental engineering feat unified northern and southern China, fostering economic and cultural exchange. While its transport role has declined, it remains a symbol of ancient Chinese ingenuity and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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  • Humble Administrator's Garden

    A masterpiece of classical Chinese gardens, the Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Spanning 78 mu (≈5.2 hectares), it blends natural landscapes with man-made pavilions, corridors, lotus ponds, and rock formations. Renowned for its "borrowed scenery" design and seasonal charm, it embodies the Chinese philosophy of harmonizing humans with nature, making it a must-visit cultural gem in Jiangsu Province.

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  • Wyndham Garden Suzhou  (Default) Link1

  • Breakfast , Lunch
  • Private Van
  • Enjoy your private vehicle with an English-speaking guide accompanying and assisting you throughout the journey.
  • Wuzhen Water Town

    Explore Wuzhen, an authentic Chinese water town near Shanghai. Wander canals, stone bridges, and ancient houses. Observe traditional life, enjoy local cuisine, and step back into centuries of history—a charming, less commercialized cultural experience.

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  • Breakfast , Lunch
  • Private Van
  • Enjoy your private vehicle with an English-speaking guide accompanying and assisting you throughout the journey.
  • Leifeng Pagoda

    Explore Leifeng Pagoda on Sunset Hill, originally built in 975 AD and rebuilt in 2002. Admire its five stories and eight-sided architecture, along with panoramic views over West Lake—a historic landmark blending legend, architecture, and stunning scenery.

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  • Lingyin Temple

    Wander Lingyin Temple, the Temple of Inspired Seclusion. Admire ancient halls, statues, and serene gardens. A major Buddhist cultural site, it showcases Hangzhou’s spiritual history amidst peaceful natural surroundings.

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  • Breakfast , Lunch
  • Private Van
  • Meijiawu Tea Village & Yunqi Bamboo Forest

    Visit Meijiawu Tea Village and Yunqi Bamboo Forest. Learn Longjing tea production, enjoy traditional tea ceremonies, and wander bamboo-lined paths. An immersive cultural experience in Hangzhou’s hills, blending nature, history, and Chinese tea culture.

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  • Enjoy your flight from Hangzhou to Guilin. (Hangzhou to Guilin)

  • Breakfast , Lunch
  • Private Van
  • Take a relaxed 4-hour cruiser to Yangshuo (Guilin to Yangshuo)
  • Yangshuo countryside tour
    Explore Yangshuo’s scenic countryside on a leisurely stroll through charming villages. Witness locals farming, enjoy lush rice paddies, and discover traditional rural life. Later, relax on cobblestone streets and absorb the stunning natural scenery—a perfect blend of culture and nature for curious travelers.
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  • Lijiang Scenery Resort (Yangshuo West Street, Li River Scenic Area)   (Default) Link2

  • Breakfast , Lunch
  • Private Van
  • Tai Chi Lesson
    Join a Tai Chi lesson and experience this traditional Chinese martial art. Learn slow, flowing movements that promote balance, relaxation, and wellness. Practicing Tai Chi in a serene garden or riverside setting offers a peaceful glimpse into local culture and ancient wellness traditions.
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  • Ronghu lake

    Ronghu Lake is a key part of Guilin's Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area, boasting beautiful scenery and free admission. Start at the Ancient South Gate, touching the bricks and stones of the Southern Song Dynasty city wall and admiring the plaque inscribed by Guo Moruo as well as the thousand-year-old banyan tree. Then walk across Beidou Bridge, the longest white jade bridge in Guangxi, climb to the central island, and feel the poetic charm of Huang Tingjian mooring his boat by Furong Pavilion. Next, go to the Ancient Banyan Double Bridges to enjoy the distant view by the lake, then visit the Bai Mansion on the north bank of Ronghu Lake to experience the depth of history. Finally, head to the Ronghu Branch of Guilin Library by the lake, read by the window, and enjoy a peaceful time.

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  • Drive around 1 hour back to Guilin (Yangshuo to Guilin)

  • Breakfast , Lunch
  • Private Van
  • Reed Flute Cave

    Walk through the magical Reed Flute Cave, a limestone wonder illuminated by colorful lights. Admire stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and natural formations shaped over thousands of years. This top Guilin attraction combines geology, artistry, and legend—offering a surreal and unforgettable experience.

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  • Enjoy your flight from Guilin to Chengdu. (Guilin to Chengdu)

  • Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza   (Default) Link1 , Link2

  • Breakfast , Lunch
  • Private Van
  • Enjoy a comfortable intercity transfer in a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide accompanying and assisting you throughout the journey. (Chengdu to Leshan)
  • Leshan Giant Buddha cruise

    Travel two and a half hours south of Chengdu to Leshan, home to the Grand Buddha, the world’s largest stone-carved statue. Standing 71 meters tall, this 8th-century marvel is etched into a river cliff. Take a short boat ride for a full view of the monument’s scale before returning to Chengdu. A must-see for history enthusiasts and cultural travelers visiting Sichuan.

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  • Wide and Narrow Alley

    Stroll through Chengdu’s Wide and Narrow Alley, a hub of folk culture. Explore ancient teahouses, puppet shows, and local crafts. Narrow Alley offers bamboo-lined streets showing Chengdu’s slow-paced lifestyle. Both alleys provide an immersive cultural experience, ideal for photography and understanding local traditions.

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  • Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza   (Default) Link1 , Link2

  • Breakfast , Lunch
  • Private Van
  • Chengdu Panda Reserve

    Tour Chengdu Panda Reserve, home to roughly 60 pandas in naturalistic enclosures. Learn about breeding programs, conservation efforts, and visit the museum. Stroll shaded paths and observe playful pandas—a memorable and educational experience for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

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  • Transfer from Chengdu to Xi'an by a train. (Chengdu to Xi'an)

  • Four Points By sheraton Xi'An Bell Tower  (Default) Link2

  • Breakfast , Lunch
  • Private Van
  • The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is located approximately a 1-hour drive outside of Xian.
  • Terracotta Warriors

    Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, Qin Shi Huang’s army entombed to protect him in the afterlife. Each life-sized warrior has unique facial features and uniforms. Visit the nearby art ceramics and lacquer factory for souvenirs—a world-renowned archaeological treasure.

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  • Ancient City Wall (Xi’an)

    Walk along Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall, built in 1370 with 12-meter-high walls and 98 watchtowers. Take in sweeping city views, explore well-preserved ramparts, and appreciate the defensive ingenuity of this historic fortification—a must-do cultural experience in Xi’an.

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  • Tang Song Dance And Dumpling Banquet

    Delight in a Shui Jiao dumpling dinner while watching a Tang Dynasty dancing show. Experience traditional cuisine paired with historic entertainment—a unique cultural and culinary Xi’an experience.

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  • Four Points By sheraton Xi'An Bell Tower  (Default) Link2

  • Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
  • Private Van
  • Little Wild Goose Pagoda

    Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda, surviving a massive Tang Dynasty earthquake. Explore ancient gardens and pagoda architecture, and enjoy a serene oasis amid bustling Xi’an—a site rich in Buddhist history and culture.

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  • Xian Museum

    Visit the Xian Museum, a three-story cultural landmark housing over 130,000 relics from Xi’an’s long history. Explore ancient pottery, bronze, calligraphy, and textiles reflecting technological and artistic achievements from various dynasties. Exhibitions provide deep insights into Xi’an’s role as a political, economic, and cultural hub. The museum’s displays are carefully curated to showcase historical context, making it ideal for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

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  • Transfer from Xi'an to Beijing by a bullet train. (Xi'an to Beijing)
  • Pickup from train station to your hotel.

  • Mercure Beijing Downtown  (Default)

  • Breakfast , Lunch
  • Private Van
  • Enjoy a comfortable private vehicle with an English-speaking guide accompanying and assisting you throughout the journey.
  • Tiananmen Square

    Visit Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares. Home to the Monument to the People’s Heroes and Mao Zedong’s Mausoleum, it represents modern China’s heart and history. Capture the spirit of Beijing at this iconic landmark surrounded by monumental architecture.

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  • Forbidden City

    Discover the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with nearly 1,000 buildings, grand halls, and defensive walls. Built in the 15th century, it showcases imperial architecture, traditional Chinese craftsmanship, and fascinating history—a must-visit Beijing landmark and heritage site.

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  • Hutong

    Explore Beijing’s historic hutongs, narrow lanes that reflect ancient Chinese Feng Shui and community life. Stroll past traditional Siheyuan courtyards, watch locals playing mah-jong, and soak in the old-world charm. Perfect for cultural exploration and photography in Beijing’s living history districts.

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  • Temple of Heaven

    Explore the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming architecture symbolizing the harmony between heaven and earth. Once used by emperors to pray for good harvests, today it’s a peaceful retreat filled with locals practising tai chi. A must-see Beijing attraction and World Heritage Site.

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  • Mercure Beijing Downtown  (Default)

  • Breakfast , Lunch
  • Private Van
  • Enjoy a comfortable private vehicle with an English-speaking guide accompanying and assisting you throughout the journey.
  • Huanghua City Tickets For The Great Wall

    Explore the scenic Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall, uniquely surrounded by water. Take a short boat ride across the shimmering lake before stepping onto the wall’s stone steps. Perfect for Great Wall photography and history lovers—this lesser-known site offers a peaceful and picturesque Beijing day trip.

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  • Ming Tombs and the Sacred Way

    Visit the Ming Tombs, final resting place of 13 Ming emperors, and stroll along the Sacred Way guarded by majestic stone statues. This UNESCO-listed site offers a profound journey through imperial history and traditional feng shui design—one of Beijing’s most impressive heritage attractions.

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  • Peking Duck Dinner

    Savor Beijing’s world-famous Peking Duck. Crispy skin, tender meat, and traditional preparation make this dish a national culinary symbol and an unforgettable gastronomic experience.

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  • Mercure Beijing Downtown  (Default)

  • Breakfast , Lunch , Dinner
  • Private Van
  • Enjoy a private drop-off from your hotel, with a guide accompanying you and assisting throughout the transfer to your departure point.

  • Breakfast
  • Private Van

Accommodation

We draw from a wide range of hotels on our holidays, each one is chosen to suit the tour you are travelling on meaning your accommodation can range from a smart business hotel in one city to a family run guesthouse in a smaller town. Here are some examples of the type of hotel you can expect to find on this tour.

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  • Shanghai,China
Sunrise On The Bund Hotels & Resorts Shanghai
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  • Suzhou,China
Wyndham Garden Suzhou
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  • Hangzhou,China
Mercure Hangzhou West Lake
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  • Guilin,China
Lijiang Waterfall Hotel
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  • Yangshuo,China
Lijiang Scenery Resort (Yangshuo West Street, Li River Scenic Area)
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  • Chengdu,China
Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza
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  • Xi'an,China
Four Points By sheraton Xi'An Bell Tower
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  • Beijing,China
Mercure Beijing Downtown

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OFFER
Private Tours
17 DAYS
From AU$8,010PP
  • Shanghai(3N) - Suzhou(1N) - Hangzhou(2N) - Guilin(1N) - Yangshuo(1N) - Guilin(1N) - Chengdu(2N) - Xi'an(2N) - Beijing(3N) - Beijing