Your private guide and driver will greet you at your Beijing hotel lobby, then whisk you away in a comfortable private vehicle for the 1.5-hour drive to Mutianyu Great Wall. Along the journey, your guide will regale you with vivid tales of the wall’s military history and legendary stories—feel free to ask questions anytime! On arrival, take a cable car or ski lift up to the wall, where you’ll be stunned by the sweeping mountain vistas. Wander freely between watchtowers, hike at your own pace, and stay as long as you like to soak in this iconic UNESCO site.

Historical Fact: Originally built in the 6th century during the Northern Qi Dynasty and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty, Mutianyu Great Wall is one of the best-preserved sections, famed for its crenellations and beacon towers that once guarded northern China’s borders.

Refuel with a hearty lunch at a cozy village restaurant, where you’ll dine alongside friendly local villagers and savor authentic Northeastern Chinese cuisine. On the drive back to downtown Beijing, you’ll pass by the 2008 Beijing Olympic Park, catching a spectacular glimpse of the Bird’s Nest National Stadium and the Water Cube—two architectural marvels that hosted the Summer Games.

Historical Fact: The Bird’s Nest and Water Cube were constructed for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, becoming global symbols of China’s modern design prowess and sporting heritage.

Next, head to the historic Bell and Drum Towers. Climb up the Drum Tower to watch a thunderous traditional drum performance, then gaze out at the maze of ancient hutongs stretching below. Hop aboard a classic rickshaw for a leisurely ride through the narrow lanes, where you’ll peek into local courtyard homes and get a firsthand taste of old Beijing’s daily life.

Historical Fact: First built in the 13th century during the Yuan Dynasty, the Bell and Drum Towers served as Beijing’s official timekeeping center for over 700 years, announcing dawn and dusk to the city’s residents.

Kick off a mouthwatering 2-hour food tour, winding from the scenic Shichahai Lake area through Yandai Xie Street, Gulou East Street, and the bustling Nanluoguxiang Hutong. Your expert guide will share fascinating stories about the neighborhood’s past, explain Chinese culinary traditions, and introduce you to regional dishes and shop specialties. If you’re an adventurous foodie, just say “I’m a real foodie” to unlock a surprise local delicacy!

You’ll visit 20+ food stops—markets, bakeries, street stalls, and family-run restaurants—and sample iconic treats like Jianbing (crispy Chinese crepe), Beijing-style yogurt, juicy soup dumplings, spicy skewers, Muslim lamb kebabs, crispy Guokui flatbread, stinky tofu, Tanghulu candied hawthorns, and even a sip of Baijiu (Chinese liquor). Along the way, you’ll meet shop owners, explore hidden historical spots rarely seen by tourists, and collect unique souvenirs.

Historical Fact: Nanluoguxiang dates back over 700 years to the Yuan Dynasty, making it one of Beijing’s oldest surviving hutong neighborhoods and a living museum of traditional urban life.

After the tour, your driver will take you back to your Beijing hotel.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Meet your guide at your hotel and head to Tian’anmen Square—the world’s largest public square, where you’ll stand in the shadow of iconic landmarks like the Tian’anmen Rostrum and the Monument to the People’s Heroes.

Historical Fact: First built in the 15th century during the Ming Dynasty, Tian’anmen Square has been a central stage for China’s major historical events, from imperial ceremonies to modern national celebrations.

Walk through the southern gate into the magnificent Forbidden City, a sprawling 101-hectare complex of golden-roofed palaces, courtyards, and gardens. For over 500 years, this UNESCO site served as the imperial home to 24 Ming and Qing emperors, who ruled from behind its red walls.

Historical Fact: Constructed between 1406 and 1420 during the Ming Dynasty, the Forbidden City is the world’s largest and best-preserved ancient wooden palace complex, symbolizing the supreme power of China’s imperial dynasties.

After lunch, journey to the Summer Palace—a UNESCO-listed royal garden renowned for its stunning blend of lakes, bridges, and classical architecture, often called “the crown of Chinese gardens.”

Historical Fact: Originally built in the 12th century and expanded in the Qing Dynasty, the Summer Palace was a royal retreat for emperors and empresses, with its design reflecting traditional Chinese ideals of harmony between nature and architecture.

After the tour, return to your Beijing hotel.

Meals Included: Lunch

Enjoy a flavorful lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda. This towering Buddhist structure is a symbol of Xi’an, with a rich history tied to the famous monk Xuanzang.

Historical Fact: Built in 652 during the Tang Dynasty, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda was constructed to house Buddhist scriptures and relics brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang after his 17-year pilgrimage.

Cap off the day with two unforgettable experiences: a dazzling Tang Dynasty song-and-dance show, where performers in elaborate traditional costumes bring the golden age of the Tang Dynasty to life; and a sumptuous dumpling banquet, featuring dozens of dumpling shapes and flavors unique to Xi’an.

Historical Fact: The Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) was a golden age of Chinese culture, art, and trade, and Xi’an served as its capital, welcoming merchants and envoys from across the Silk Road.

Return to your Xi’an hotel after the banquet.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Your guide will pick you up at your Xi’an hotel and drive you to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors Museum, hailed as the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Along the way, your guide will share the dramatic story of how this ancient army was discovered. Explore the three main pits, marveling at the thousands of life-sized clay soldiers—each with a unique face—standing in battle formation.

Historical Fact: Discovered in 1974 by local farmers drilling a well, the Terracotta Warriors were buried with China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, in the 3rd century BC to protect him in the afterlife.

After lunch, head to the Xi’an City Wall—a 600-year-old fortification that is the most complete ancient city wall in China. Climb to the top and enjoy panoramic views of the city, with its mix of ancient temples and modern skyscrapers. You can even rent a bike to cycle along the wall if you wish!

Historical Fact: First built in the 14th century during the Ming Dynasty, Xi’an City Wall was expanded from the original Tang Dynasty wall, serving as a critical defense system for the city for centuries.

In the afternoon, explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter, the cultural heart of Xi’an’s Muslim community. Wander through bustling markets filled with the aroma of spices and street food, browse souvenir stalls selling handicrafts, and try local snacks (at your own cost) like Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and Yangrou Paomo (lamb soup with bread).

Historical Fact: The Muslim Quarter has thrived for over 1,300 years, dating back to the Tang Dynasty when Muslim merchants and travelers settled in Xi’an along the Silk Road.

Return to your Xi’an hotel after the tour.

Meals Included: Lunch

After a short rest at your hotel, meet your guide and chef for a fun-filled Sichuan cooking class. First, visit a local market to pick fresh ingredients—your guide will teach you about Chinese culinary ingredients and flavors along the way. Then, head to a beautiful garden restaurant, roll up your sleeves, and learn to cook classic Sichuan dishes step by step with the chef’s guidance. End the class by feasting on the delicious food you’ve prepared, sharing stories with your fellow cooks.

Historical Fact: Sichuan cuisine has a history of over 2,000 years, with its bold flavors and use of chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns shaped by the region’s fertile land and humid climate.

Return to your Chengdu hotel after the class.

Meals Included: Dinner

Meet your guide at your hotel and take a 2-hour private car ride to the Leshan Giant Buddha—a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by lush mountains and rivers. Relax on the drive and enjoy the scenic countryside views.

Historical Fact: Carved into a cliff face from 713 to 803 during the Tang Dynasty, the 71-meter-tall Leshan Giant Buddha is the world’s largest stone-carved Buddha statue, built to calm the turbulent waters at the confluence of three rivers.

Start your visit at Lingyun Temple, located directly behind the Buddha’s head. Marvel at the Buddha’s intricate coiled hair (made of 1,020 twisted buns), then step inside the temple to admire its delicate sculptures and wall paintings. Climb to the viewing platform for a breathtaking view of the three rivers merging below. Follow your guide down the cliff path (a 30-minute walk) to the Buddha’s feet, where you’ll be awestruck by its massive size—perfect for unforgettable photos.

Historical Fact: Founded in the 4th century during the Eastern Jin Dynasty, Lingyun Temple is one of Sichuan’s oldest Buddhist temples and played a key role in the construction of the Leshan Giant Buddha.

Next, explore Wuyou Temple on the Buddha’s right side, home to a rich collection of terracotta sculptures and ancient calligraphy. Learn about the temple’s Buddhist heritage with your guide. To cap off the visit, take a scenic river cruise for a stunning panoramic view of the Leshan Giant Buddha from the water.

Historical Fact: Built in the Tang Dynasty, Wuyou Temple is famous for its quiet, mountainous setting and its connection to Buddhist scholars who once studied there.

After a tasty local lunch, embark on an afternoon of tea culture exploration! Tea is as essential to Chinese culture as coffee or wine is to Western culture. Drive 40 minutes to a hidden ancient town—so secluded it’s barely on the map—where life still feels like it did in the 1950s. Wander through the town with your guide, visiting traditional workshops (blacksmith’s shop, bamboo craft studio, old-fashioned barbershop), and step into a 100-year-old courtyard house to chat with the local owner (with your guide translating). Relax in an old teahouse and sip local tea.

Then, head to the nearby tea mountain. Follow local tea farmers to learn how to identify and pick the best tea sprouts, then visit a tea-making family to discover how different types of tea are processed. Sit down for a tea-tasting session—if you want to buy tea, you’ll get great local prices (at your own cost).

Return to your Chengdu hotel in the evening.

Meals Included: Lunch

Meet your guide bright and early for a visit to either the Chengdu Panda Base or Dujiangyan Giant Panda Center. Spend a leisurely morning watching pandas at every life stage—from tiny, cuddly cubs to playful juveniles and relaxed adults. Learn about panda breeding and conservation efforts, and visit the research lab, panda museum, playground, animal hospital, and the base’s serene lake. Snap photos of these adorable endangered creatures in their naturalistic habitats.

Historical Fact: Founded in 1987, the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base is a world-leading center for panda conservation, dedicated to protecting the species and reintroducing captive-bred pandas into the wild.

Next, dive into Sichuan’s vibrant performing arts with a unique backstage tour of a local opera house (popular with Chengdu residents). Watch actors and actresses apply their colorful makeup, learn about traditional opera instruments, and even try singing a few lines of Sichuan opera with the performers.

Historical Fact: Sichuan Opera has a history of over 300 years, famous for its lively music, acrobatics, and iconic face-changing (bianlian) act, which originated in the Qing Dynasty.

Your final stop is Songxianqiao Curio Art City, a treasure trove of Chengdu’s traditional arts and crafts. This sprawling market is home to over 500 studios, where local artists sell paintings, stone carvings, woodwork, and more. You’ll also find master craftspeople—silk embroiderers, bamboo weavers, and traditional furniture designers—showcasing their skills. Unlike tourist markets, this is a favorite spot for locals, so you’ll find unique, authentic souvenirs. Your guide will teach you how to haggle for the best prices!

Historical Fact: Songxianqiao Curio Art City has been a hub for Chengdu’s art and antique trade since the 1980s, rooted in the city’s 2,400-year history of craftsmanship and culture.

On the drive back to your hotel, you can stop at Chengdu Renmin Park for a taste of local life. Join retired locals for square dancing, singing, or even learn to play Mahjong.

Historical Fact: Established in 1911, Chengdu Renmin Park is one of the city’s oldest public parks, originally built to commemorate the 1911 Revolution and now a beloved gathering spot for residents.

At the end of the tour, your driver will take you back to your hotel, or drop you off at the airport/train station (just share your travel details with your guide in advance).

Meals Included: Lunch