One of the best ways to explore China is with our 10-day Central China Discovery Tour. This well-rounded itinerary features iconic landmarks, ancient cities, modern metropolises, and, of course, giant pandas. You’ll witness how China once lived a thousand years ago - and where it’s headed in the 21st century.
The journey begins in Beijing, the capital, where emperors ruled the Middle Kingdom for centuries and, for the past 75 years, the Communist Party has shaped modern China. Walk across Tiananmen Square, visit the majestic Forbidden City, climb the Great Wall, and unwind in the shaded gardens of the Summer Palace. Next, travel to Xi’an to see the legendary Terracotta Army and explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter. Continue to Chengdu to meet the beloved pandas and visit the towering Buddha of Leshan. The tour concludes in Shanghai, home to the iconic Bund and the water town of Zhujiajiao - often called the “Chinese Venice” for its canals and bridges.
The 10-day Central China Discovery Tour is the perfect introduction to the country, offering a rich variety of cultural and historical landmarks. Read the full itinerary and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in China.
Tour itinerary:
Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport, where you will be met by our driver and transferred to your hotel. As the capital of China, Beijing is one of the most historically and culturally significant cities in the world. In the evening, take a walk along Qianmen Street, a popular pedestrian area known for its traditional architecture and lively atmosphere.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
Begin the day at Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of China and site of many national ceremonies. From there, walk to the magnificent Forbidden City - the largest imperial palace complex in the world. Visitors are always struck by its towering red walls and countless buildings topped with golden roofs. Continue to Jingshan Park (Coal Hill), formerly a royal garden, and enjoy panoramic views of the Forbidden City from its hilltop pavilion. In the afternoon, drive to the Shichahai Hutong area and explore the traditional courtyard residences of old Beijing by rickshaw - a historic mode of transportation. End the day with a walk through the Houhai Lakes area, part of the same district.
Note: The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays; alternative sites may be visited instead.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
Note: The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays; alternative sites may be visited instead.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
In the morning, visit the Badaling section of the Great Wall, one of the best-preserved and most visited parts of this UNESCO site. Take the cable car up and walk down, enjoying sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Originally constructed as early as the 7th century, the wall was built to protect the Chinese empire from northern invaders and remains a must-see on any trip to China.
In the afternoon, drive to the Summer Palace, the former imperial retreat used during the hot summer months. Walk through its landscaped gardens and pavilions, and take a boat ride on Kunming Lake to complete your visit.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
In the afternoon, drive to the Summer Palace, the former imperial retreat used during the hot summer months. Walk through its landscaped gardens and pavilions, and take a boat ride on Kunming Lake to complete your visit.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties once worshipped the Gods of Heaven. This architectural masterpiece is surrounded by a large park where locals practice tai chi and other traditional activities.
Continue to the Silk Market, known for its wide selection of goods - from clothing and accessories to souvenirs. Later, transfer to the train station and board a high-speed train to Xi’an (2nd class seats, 1,134 km, 4h 20m). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3–4 hours
Continue to the Silk Market, known for its wide selection of goods - from clothing and accessories to souvenirs. Later, transfer to the train station and board a high-speed train to Xi’an (2nd class seats, 1,134 km, 4h 20m). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3–4 hours
In the morning, drive to the outskirts of Xi’an to visit the Terracotta Army Museum, one of China’s most iconic archaeological sites. Marvel at the thousands of life-sized clay soldiers built to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Return to the city and visit the South Gate of the Ancient City Wall - the most complete city wall that has survived in China and one of the largest ancient military defense systems in the world. In the afternoon, explore the Muslim Quarter, known for its lively markets, traditional food stalls, and historic mosques. Among them, the Great Mosque is the most famous and widely visited.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 6-7 hours
In the morning, drive to the train station for a bullet train to Chengdu (2nd class seats).
In the afternoon, visit Chengdu People's Park to experience authentic local life. Start with a cup of tea as your guide introduces proper tea etiquette. Join a lively square dance alongside locals, and watch as people gather for games of mahjong. Then explore the Old City, including Jinli Street and the Wenshu Temple area, where you’ll get a feel for the relaxed rhythm of everyday life.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
In the afternoon, visit Chengdu People's Park to experience authentic local life. Start with a cup of tea as your guide introduces proper tea etiquette. Join a lively square dance alongside locals, and watch as people gather for games of mahjong. Then explore the Old City, including Jinli Street and the Wenshu Temple area, where you’ll get a feel for the relaxed rhythm of everyday life.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4-5 hours
In the early morning, visit the Panda Base during feeding time. The giant panda is not only a national treasure of China but also beloved around the world. At the base, you'll see these adorable animals up close, including playful baby pandas.
Then drive to Leshan to visit the Giant Buddha and enjoy a short cruise.
Return to Chengdu in the late afternoon and take an evening flight to Shanghai (1,707 km, 3h). Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
Then drive to Leshan to visit the Giant Buddha and enjoy a short cruise.
Return to Chengdu in the late afternoon and take an evening flight to Shanghai (1,707 km, 3h). Upon arrival, meet your driver and transfer to your hotel for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
Today you first visit Yu Garden, including the nearby bazaars. In Yuyuan, you can admire the sophisticated design and fine layout of pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds, and cloisters. Then you visit Shanghai Museum, which specializes in ancient artworks of China, especially bronze ware, chinaware, calligraphy, and paintings. After that, you will take a walking tour of Nanjing Road and The Bund to enjoy the modern view of Shanghai. Then you take the elevator up to the TV Tower for a panoramic overlook of the city. Transfer back to your hotel and rest.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
Today, drive to the beautiful water town of Zhujiajiao, where you'll enjoy a scenic boat cruise. Visit Zhujiajiao Old Town, including Fangsheng Bridge, Yuanjin Buddhist Temple, Kezhi Garden, and North Street.
Later, return to the city and stop by a silk spinning mill to learn how silk is created - from mulberry-munching silkworms to the final thread and fabric.
Continue to the Tianzifang area, which was once a traditional residential neighborhood and is now a trendy leisure district filled with unique cafés and boutiques.
Finally, stop at a silk factory before transferring back to the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
Later, return to the city and stop by a silk spinning mill to learn how silk is created - from mulberry-munching silkworms to the final thread and fabric.
Continue to the Tianzifang area, which was once a traditional residential neighborhood and is now a trendy leisure district filled with unique cafés and boutiques.
Finally, stop at a silk factory before transferring back to the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7-8 hours
Free time in the morning. Transfer to the airport and take your departure flight back home. End of the 10-day Central China Discovery Tour.
Price includes:
- All transfers: 1-2 pax by Sedan type car, 3-7 pax on minivan/van, 8-16 pax by 20 seat bus;
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
- English-speaking local guide;
- Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
- High-speed train Beijing-Xi'an-Chengdu (second class);
- Economy class domestic flights Chengdu-Shanghai;
- Government taxes and fees.
Price doesn't include:
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- China visa fees;
- Overweight on domestic flights;
- Full board (lunches and dinners);
- Personal travel insurance;
- Tips to local guides and drivers.
Note: The rate is valid from 15 April 2025 to 31 December 2026, except during public holidays in China (Labor Day: 1–5 May 2025, National Day: 1–8 October 2025, Chinese New Year: 15–25 February 2026, Labor Day: 1–5 May 2026, National Day: 1–8 October 2026).
Prices, per person
Prices are for 2025 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
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