Chongqing – Chengdu – Xi'an – Beijing

Your English-speaking guide and driver will meet you at Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG) with a private vehicle. Transfer to your hotel in the city center and enjoy time to settle in.

In the evening, explore Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, Chongqing's most iconic shopping and entertainment district. Later, head to Hongya Cave (洪崖洞) to witness its legendary night view — traditional stilted buildings illuminated against the cliffside, with the Jialing River sparkling below. This is one of China's most photographed landmarks.

• Private airport transfer from CKG
• Hotel check-in assistance
• Jiefangbei evening stroll
• Hongya Cave night view walk

Start the day with the world-famous Liziba Metro Station — where Line 2 passes directly through a residential building, creating the surreal "monorail through a building" phenomenon. Watch the trains glide through the structure from the viewing platform.

Then visit Eling Park (鹅岭二厂文创园), a converted 1960s printing factory turned creative arts hub. Wander through vintage warehouses, street art murals, and trendy cafes with panoramic views over the city and the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. Continue to the Huguang Guild Hall, a magnificent 300-year-old hall showcasing traditional Chinese architecture, opera performances, and regional culture.

• Liziba "monorail through building" viewing
• Eling Park cultural district (2 hours)
• Huguang Guild Hall architecture tour
• Traditional hot pot dinner recommendation

Take the iconic Yangtze River Cable Car for a breathtaking aerial crossing of the Yangtze — a uniquely Chongqing experience. Soar above the river and bustling waterfront for spectacular city views.

Then explore Ciqikou Old Town (磁器口古镇), a 1,000-year-old ancient town with cobblestone streets, traditional tea houses, and local snacks. Sample Chen's fried dough twists, one of Chongqing's most famous snacks. Return to Hongya Cave in daylight to appreciate its layered architecture rising 11 stories against the cliff, exploring the caves, temples, and viewing platforms.

• Yangtze River Cable Car crossing
• Ciqikou Old Town walking tour (2 hours)
• Street food tasting at Ciqikou
• Hongya Cave daytime exploration

Visit the China Three Gorges Museum to understand the history of the Yangtze River, the construction of the Three Gorges Dam, and the cultural heritage of the region. The museum features impressive artifacts, multimedia exhibits, and panoramic models.

Return to Eling Park for the classic view of the city's dual-river confluence from the hilltop pavilion. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely Two Rivers Night Cruise — sail past the glittering skyline, illuminated bridges, and the magical facades of buildings climbing the hillsides.

• China Three Gorges Museum (2 hours)
• Eling Park panoramic viewpoint
• Two Rivers night cruise (90 minutes)
• Local dinner recommendations

After breakfast, depart Chongqing for the scenic 2-hour drive to the Dazu Rock Carvings (大足石刻). This UNESCO World Heritage Site features over 10,000 Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian sculptures dating back to the 9th century — considered the pinnacle of Chinese rock art.

Your guide will lead you through the most spectacular sections, including the thousand-handed Guanyin Bodhisattva and the reclining Buddha Nirvana scene. After lunch, continue to Chengdu (approximately 2.5 hours), check into your hotel, and enjoy an authentic Sichuan hot pot dinner.

• Private vehicle Chongqing → Dazu → Chengdu
• Dazu Rock Carvings full tour (3 hours)
• UNESCO heritage site admission
• Welcome Sichuan hot pot dinner

Start early to visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding — the world's largest panda conservation center. Watch giant pandas and red pandas in naturalistic enclosures, see cubs in the nursery, and learn about China's conservation efforts. Morning is the best time to see pandas being active and eating bamboo.

In the afternoon, visit Wuhou Temple, Chengdu's oldest and most prestigious temple, dedicated to the legendary Three Kingdoms strategist Zhuge Liang. Stroll along Jinli Ancient Street, one of the oldest commercial streets in China, and explore Kuanzhai Alley (宽窄巷子), a preserved old Chengdu neighborhood with teahouses, boutiques, and street performances.

• Panda Base early morning visit (3 hours)
• Wuhou Temple and Jinli Street
• Kuanzhai Alley exploration
• Traditional teahouse experience

After breakfast, transfer to Chengdu East Railway Station for your high-speed train to Xi'an. The bullet train journey (approximately 3 hours) passes through the magnificent Qinling Mountains — a scenic route cutting through one of China's most beautiful mountain landscapes.

Arrive in Xi'an and check into your hotel. In the evening, dive into the legendary Muslim Quarter (回民街) — a bustling night market street with hundreds of food stalls selling roujamo (Chinese burger), yangrou paomo (lamb stew with flatbread), grilled lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, and more. Your guide will recommend the best local spots and help you navigate this culinary wonderland.

• High-speed rail Chengdu → Xi'an (3 hours)
• Private station transfer
• Muslim Quarter food tour with guide
• Welcome dinner at local restaurant

Begin with the world-renowned Terracotta Army Museum (兵马俑), one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Over 8,000 life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots are arranged in battle formation, guarding the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Your expert guide will share the fascinating history and stories behind these ancient warriors.

In the afternoon, rent a bicycle and ride along the top of Xi'an's Ancient City Wall — the most complete medieval city wall in the world, stretching 14 kilometers. Enjoy panoramic views of the old city and modern Xi'an. End the day at the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty Buddhist pagoda and Xi'an's most iconic landmark.

• Terracotta Warriors full tour (3 hours)
• Bicycle rental on City Wall (1.5 hours)
• Wild Goose Pagoda visit
• Traditional dumpling banquet dinner

Visit the Shaanxi History Museum, one of China's most important museums housing over 370,000 artifacts spanning 100,000 years of Chinese civilization. The museum's permanent exhibition showcases ancient dynasties, Tang Dynasty frescoes, and rare cultural relics including bronze vessels, jade objects, and Tang dynasty gold and silver ware.

In the afternoon, explore the Bell Tower and Drum Tower — the symbolic heart of old Xi'an. Continue with a deeper exploration of the Muslim Quarter, visiting the historic Great Mosque, exploring the maze-like alleyways, and sampling more local delicacies like biangbiang noodles, cold noodles, and persimmon cakes.

• Shaanxi History Museum (2.5 hours)
• Bell Tower and Drum Tower visit
• Great Mosque exploration
• Extended Muslim Quarter food tour

After breakfast, transfer to Xi'an North Railway Station for your high-speed train to Beijing. The 4.5-hour journey on China's high-speed rail network covers approximately 1,000 kilometers through the heartland of China, passing through diverse landscapes from the Loess Plateau to the North China Plain.

Arrive in Beijing and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, take a leisurely walk through the charming hutong neighborhoods near your hotel — discover traditional courtyard homes, small temples, and local life in these historic alleyways. Your guide can recommend excellent Peking duck restaurants for tonight's dinner.

• High-speed rail Xi'an → Beijing (4.5 hours)
• Private station transfer
• Hutong neighborhood walk
• Peking Duck dinner recommendation

On your final morning, visit the magnificent Temple of Heaven — where emperors prayed for good harvests. Watch local residents practicing tai chi, dancing, and calligraphy in the surrounding park, then explore the grand Circular Mound Altar and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests.

After the tour, enjoy a final lunch before your guide and driver provide a private transfer to Beijing Capital Airport (PEK) or Daxing Airport (PKX) for your departure flight. Alternatively, extend your stay in Beijing to explore more imperial treasures.

• Temple of Heaven morning visit (2 hours)
• Park activities observation
• Private airport transfer
• Extended Beijing tours available