Peak season notice: Golden Week falls between October 1st and 7th each year. Please note that Golden Week is a semi-annual 7-day or 8-day national holiday for the people of China. This is a very busy time of the year for domestic tourists, so expect some crowding at major attractions. We recommend booking these dates well in advance as accommodations and transportation availability is extremely limited.
China: Cultural Sites & Epic Cities
7 days, Beijing to Chengdu
Itinerary
Day 1Beijing
Welcome to China! Arrive at anytime. Then join your CEO and group in the evening for a Welcome Meeting and an Orientation Walk of Beijing. Tonight's your First Night Out so get to know your group under the bright Beijing lights.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Orientation Walk
Set out on an orientation walk near the hotel with your CEO to get your bearings. They will show you restaurants, points of interest, supermarkets, ATMs, etc.
Accommodation
Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.
Golden Inns (Beijing South Railway Station) (or similar)
Day 2Beijing
Hop on local transportation and visit some of Beijing's top tourist spots. Take a CEO led tour of the symbolic centre of Chinese power, Tiananmen Square. See the Forbidden City from a birds eye view at Jingshan Park and wander through the picturesque Hutong alleyways.
Forbidden City: Please note that visiting the Forbidden City is not included in the tour. We do not have time to visit on this tour. If you wish to visit, please do so before the trip.
Drum and Bell Tower Visit
Visit the striking Drum Tower for some incredible photo ops. Back in the Han Dynasty the towers were used to echo the time to the city with bells in the morning and drums in the evening. Today the 63-ton bell still stands in one tower and drum performances happen daily in the morning and afternoon.
Tiananmen Square
Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.
Hutong Walk
Take a walking tour through some of Beijing's traditional alleyways and backstreets (known as hutongs) and get a taste of this magnificent metropolis.
Nanluoguxiang
In the centre of Old Beijing, the narrow alley of Nanluoguxiang offers a unique experience in the city. This kilometer long street is lined with cute cafes, bars and traditional craft stores. Try a local snack or do some souvenir shopping.
Jingshan Park Visit
Only a moat separates you from Jingshan Park. This royal garden offers the perfect birds eye view of the Forbidden City.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Forbidden City Visit
Check out the iconic Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing. For 500 years the palace was only accessible to the emperors’ attendants and officials by invitation only. Visit sights like the Clock Exhibition Hall, wander through the Three Great Halls or stand in the shade of the cypress trees in the Imperial Garden.
Temple of Heaven
Explore the stunning Temple of Heaven, which was built during the rule of the Ming dynasty. Learn more about the history and significance of this place, often referred to as the symbol of Beijing.
Lama Temple Visit
25CNY per personTour Lama Temple, or Yonghe Temple as its formally known, to learn more about the history of Buddhism in Beijing. The temple is ornately decorated with impressive frescoes, arches, and intricately carved architecture. Admire some of the statues in the different pavilions and halls, then head to the Wànfú Pavilion to see the Maitreya Buddha.
Accommodation
Golden Inns (Beijing South Railway Station) (or similar)
Day 3Beijing/Xi’an
This morning, travel to the legendary Great Wall of China. Together we'll hike about 5 kilometers of this 6000 km masterpiece. Opt to ride the cable car, chairlift or even ride the toboggan down. After a full day at the Wall, we'll return to Beijing where we'll board an overnight train to Xi'an.
Lunch will be on your own at the Great Wall. There are options at the foot of the wall, but you can also bring your own lunch if you wish to spend more time on the wall.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your shared bus transportation from Mutianyu to Beijing.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your shared bus transportation from Beijing to Mutianyu.
Mutianyu Great Wall Visit
Climb the rolling hills of Huairou County at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from any of the 22 towers. The Great wall is an incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 80km away from the Beijing City Center. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness.
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Cable Car at Great Wall
100-140CNY per personThe cable car ride is about 5 minutes ride up to tower 14, from where you may walk to the highest point of Mutianyu Great Wall at Tower 20. The walk from ticket check to tower 10 is about 30 minutes. The cable car ride is a good option if you are hoping to save energy to challenge the Tower 20. Return ticket is recommended as you may spend more time on the wall.
Toboggan at Great Wall
100-140CNY per personAfter your hike on the Great Wall, opt to take a Toboggan ride back down instead of the cable car!
Day 4Xi’an
Wake up this morning as you pull into the historical city of Xi'An, the entrance to the Silk Road. After an orientation walk, hop on a public bus with your CEO to take a tour of the mysterious Terracotta Warriors. In the evening, return to the city for an evening stroll through the Muslim Quarter.
Orientation Walk
Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk close to the Xi'an hotel to help you get the lay of the land. Learn where you can find local services (like ATMs and laundromats) and, perhaps, see some city highlights. Every CEO does something slightly different for their orientation walk to show visitors what they like best about the city.
Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour
Take a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors where more than 8,000 clay soldiers and hundreds of replica horses and chariots stand in three pits. Learn why the Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife and how they were discovered. Spend a half-day exploring this archaeological wonder.
Muslim Quarter Orientation Walk
Enjoy a walk around Xi'an’s Muslim Quarter with our CEO, and be introduced to favourite streets, artists, chefs or food stalls in the quarter. Each CEO offers a unique perspective. Get a better feel for the district and have plenty of time to roam around on your own, shopping and eating along the way.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride from Xi'an to the Terracotta Warriors Museum.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride from the Terracotta Warriors Museum back to Xi'an.
Accommodation
Bancheng Guesthouse (or similar)
Day 5Xi’an/Chengdu
This morning, enjoy some free time in the city of Xi'an before heading to our next destination. Opt to visit the ancient City Wall or take a cycling tour on top of it. Then head to train station to take the bullet train to Chengdu. Join your CEO for an orientation walk of the city before heading out for your Big Night Out! Grab a beer or plum juice for yourself and enjoy it under the bright lights of Chengdu alongside your crew.
Free Time
Enjoy some free time in Xi'an this morning.
Bullet Train
Catch a high speed train to our next stop.
Orientation Walk
Set out on an orientation walk near the hotel with your CEO to get your bearings. They will show you restaurants, points of interest, supermarkets, ATMs, etc.
Your Big Night Out Moment:
Join your crew for a fun night out! Maybe have a beer or green tea and enjoy being out on the town with your group!
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Cycling Xi'an City Walls
45-45CNY per personRent a bike and cycle the Xi’an city walls. The walls – built for protection in the Tang Dynasty and expanded in the Ming dynasty –are a great way to absorb local history. Hop off where you like and admire the views as you pedal along the 12m (39 ft) wide wall, which takes about 2 hrs to cycle along.
Accommodation
Poshpacker local tea hostel (or similar)
Day 6Chengdu
After your Big Night Out, choose to take this morning slow or get ready to see all that Chengdu has to offer. Opt to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center and learn about this amazing, but endangered, species. In the afternoon, with your group and CEO, visit Chengdu's more popular spots, like Tianfu Square, People's Park and Kuanzhaixiang.
Free Time
A free morning in Chengdu? How about a trip to the Panda Breeding Center!
People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit
Built in 1911, the People's Park was the first public park in Chengdu. It's the largest green area in downtown. The park features an artificial lake, gardens, teahouses, and is a popular place for locals to enjoy the outdoors. Walk to Tianfu Square in the centre of the city, surrounded by museums.
Kuan Zhai Xiang Zi
Wander through Kuan Zhai alley, translating to wide (kuan) and narrow (zhai) lanes. Dip into a charming teahouse, walk through the ancient architecture or try some delicious Sichuan food.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Giant Panda Breeding Center
58CNY per personVisit the popular pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, created to provide an ideal breeding environment for these endangered creatures. Learn about their life cycle and habitat and take memorable photographs of these iconic national treasures. See a number of other rare species, including the little-known red panda. Arrive in the fall for a chance to see tiny newborn pandas.
Accommodation
Poshpacker local tea hostel (or similar)
Day 7Chengdu
Depart at any time.