Start and End in Beijing • Curated Off‑the‑Beaten‑Path Route

✨ Flexible Itinerary Tailored Just For You

We have crafted this complete 30‑day journey, but we understand every traveler’s schedule and interests are different. We can easily add or reduce the number of days to perfectly suit your timeline — all you need to do is let us know which destinations or experiences capture your interest most.

You will notice each city section includes a reference number for easy identification. When you send us your request, simply mention the cities or reference numbers you would like to include, and we will customize this route to create your ideal adventure.

📍 China is a land of endless variety — where imperial history meets modern life, misty mountains rise above winding rivers, and every region has its own traditions, flavours and stories. This complete 30‑day route takes you from the great capital cities to the most spectacular natural scenery, arranged for smooth connections and the shortest travel times, so you spend less time moving and more time exploring. You can follow the full plan, or pick and choose the places that call to you to build your own custom trip.

Beijing [Ref 1]

Days 1–4

Our journey begins in Beijing, the heart of China’s past and present. Here, centuries of imperial rule have left their mark everywhere you look. You can wander the quiet lanes of the Shichahai lakes and traditional hutong courtyards, where life still moves at a gentle pace. Stand atop the unrestored sections of the Jinshanling Great Wall, feeling the weight of history beneath your feet. Find peace in the vast grounds of the Temple of Heaven and the ancient White Cloud Temple, then discover the elegance of the Summer Palace, the spiritual atmosphere of Lama Temple, and the wisdom of Confucius Temple.

Travel onward:

• To Shanghai | Flight ~2 hours 10 minutes | High‑speed train ~4 hours 30 minutes | Private car ~15 hours

  
  

Shanghai [Ref 2]

Day 5

Heading east, we arrive in Shanghai — a city of striking contrasts. The tree‑lined avenues and elegant villas of the French Concession invite slow, relaxed walks, while the creative spaces of the M50 Art District show you China’s modern artistic side. Rise early to visit Zhujiajiao Water Town before the crowds arrive; here, stone arch bridges cross calm canals, and wooden houses lean over the water just as they have for hundreds of years.

Travel onward:

• To Suzhou | High‑speed train ~25 minutes | Private car ~1 hour 20 minutes

  
  

[Ref 3] Suzhou

Day 6

Just a short ride away lies Suzhou, known as the “Venice of the East” and the home of classical Chinese garden design. Step into the intimate beauty of the Master of the Nets Garden, where every rock, tree and pond is placed to create a perfect scene. Wander through the layered landscapes of the Lingering Garden, walk along the historic stone lanes of Pingjiang Road, and climb Tiger Hill to see the famous leaning pagoda that has stood tall for over a thousand years.

Travel onward:

• To Hangzhou | High‑speed train ~1 hour 20 minutes | Private car ~2 hours 15 minutes

  
  

Hangzhou [Ref 4]

Days 7–8

Next we reach Hangzhou, a city famous for its legendary West Lake. Away from the busiest paths, the shoreline unfolds like a living painting — willow branches brushing the water, pavilions peeking through mist, and lotus flowers blooming in summer. Follow the shaded trails of the Yunqi Bamboo Forest, visit the terraced plantations of Meijiawu Village where the world‑renowned Longjing tea is grown, and find quiet reflection at Lingyin Temple and the historic Liuhe Pagoda overlooking the river.

Travel onward:

• To Xi’an | Flight ~2 hours 10 minutes | High‑speed train ~5 hours 45 minutes | Private car ~14 hours

  
  

Xi’an [Ref 5]

Days 9–10

Travelling west brings us to Xi’an, the ancient starting point of the Silk Road. This city was once the capital of powerful dynasties, and its history is visible everywhere. Cycle along the top of the well‑preserved City Wall, one of the largest and best‑kept in the world. Stand in awe before the silent army of the Terracotta Warriors, each face uniquely carved. Go even further back in time at Banpo Neolithic Village, and wander the bustling lanes of the Muslim Quarter, where the air is filled with the scent of spices, grilled meat and freshly baked bread.

Travel onward:

• To Shaolin / Dengfeng | High‑speed train ~2 hours 30 minutes | Private car ~3 hours

• To Chengdu | Flight ~1 hour 30 minutes | High‑speed train ~3 hours 30 minutes | Private car ~8 hours 30 minutes

  
  

Shaolin / Dengfeng [Ref 15]

Days 11–12

Nestled at the foot of sacred Songshan Mountain, Dengfeng is home to the world‑famous Shaolin Temple — the birthplace of Zen Buddhism and Chinese Kung Fu. Walk through its ancient courtyards, past towering cypress trees and halls filled with history. Watch young disciples demonstrate incredible strength and skill in martial arts performances, then visit the Pagoda Forest, where thousands of stone stupas mark the resting places of generations of monks. Nearby, Songyang Academy stands as one of China’s oldest centres of learning, and hiking trails offer sweeping views across the mountain peaks.

Travel onward:

• To Chengdu | Flight ~1 hour 50 minutes | High‑speed train ~5 hours | Private car ~9 hours

  
  

Chengdu [Ref 6]

Days 13–15

Further into central China lies Chengdu, a city celebrated for its relaxed rhythm and rich culture. Here, you can spend time watching giant pandas play and feed in the quieter sections of the Research Base. Uncover the mysteries of the ancient Shu Kingdom at the Jinsha Site Museum, where golden artefacts tell stories of a civilization lost to time. Sit in a traditional tea house in People’s Park, watching locals play chess, practise calligraphy and chat the afternoon away. A trip to nearby Pingluo Ancient Town and a meal of fiery Sichuan hotpot complete the experience.

Travel onward:

• To Chongqing | High‑speed train ~1 hour 30 minutes | Private car ~2 hours

• To Zhangjiajie | Flight ~1 hour 20 minutes | High‑speed train ~5 hours 45 minutes | Private car ~8 hours

  
  

[Ref 13] Chongqing

Days 16–17

Built on steep hills where the Yangtze and Jialing rivers meet, Chongqing is known as the “Mountain City.” It rises in layers, with roads and buildings climbing up the slopes, and the rivers flowing far below. Ride the cable car that glides across the water, offering panoramic views of the skyline. Wander the stone‑paved lanes of Ciqikou Ancient Town, where old shops sell snacks, tea and handicrafts. A short drive takes you to the Dazu Rock Carvings — a UNESCO World Heritage Site where thousands of detailed Buddhist statues have been carved into cliff faces over more than a thousand years. As night falls, the city lights reflect across the water, and a meal of rich, spicy Chongqing hotpot warms you from the inside out.

Travel onward:

• To Zhangjiajie | Flight ~1 hour 10 minutes | High‑speed train ~4 hours 30 minutes | Private car ~6 hours 30 minutes

  
  

Zhangjiajie [Ref 7]

Days 18–20

Entering Hunan province, the landscape transforms into something almost otherworldly. Zhangjiajie is famous for its thousands of towering sandstone pillars that rise like giant fingers through drifting mist. Hike the trails of Yuanjiajie for the most iconic views, walk beside the clear, flowing waters of Golden Whip Stream, and climb Tianmen Mountain to stand before the huge natural arch known as Tianmen Cave. Further into the mountains, Yangjiajie remains quieter and more untouched, and visits to local Tujia villages let you learn about the customs and way of life of the mountain people.

Travel onward:

• To Guilin | Flight ~1 hour 10 minutes | High‑speed train ~5 hours | Private car ~6 hours 30 minutes

  
  

Guilin [Ref 8]

Day 21

Further south, the famous karst hills of Guilin come into view — rounded peaks covered in greenery, rising straight from flat plains and rivers. The best views are often away from the main tourist spots: walk around the quieter side of Elephant Trunk Hill, climb Fubo Hill for a wide panorama over the city and water, and explore the colourful, illuminated chambers of Ludi Cave. Stroll through nearby farming villages, where rice fields stretch out and daily life follows the rhythm of the seasons.

Travel onward:

• To Yangshuo | Private car ~1 hour 15 minutes

Yangshuo [Ref 9]

Days 22–24

Just a short drive away, Yangshuo sits at the heart of Guangxi’s stunning countryside. This is the landscape you have seen in paintings and photographs — the Li River winding between peaks that look like they were shaped by the hand of an artist. Take a private boat cruise along the river, climb Xianggong Mountain at sunrise for one of the most breathtaking views in China, or rent a bicycle and ride along the banks of the Yulong River, past bamboo groves, water buffalo and small villages. High in the hills, the Longji Rice Terraces spread like giant staircases across the slopes, and visits to Yao villages introduce you to the culture and traditions of these mountain communities.

Travel onward:

• To Lijiang | Flight ~2 hours 10 minutes | Private car ~12 hours

  
  

Lijiang [Ref 10]

Days 25–27

Flying west into the highlands of Yunnan, you arrive in Lijiang, where the air feels fresher and the pace of life slows down. Wander the cobblestone lanes of the Old Town, where clear streams run beside wooden houses and stone bridges have stood for centuries. At Black Dragon Pool, the still water creates a perfect reflection of the snow‑capped peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Visit the quieter and more authentic Baisha Ancient Town, and hike the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge — one of the deepest canyons in the world, where the Jinsha River roars far below.

Travel onward:

• To Dali | High‑speed train ~1 hour 30 minutes | Private car ~2 hours 30 minutes

• Direct return to Beijing | Flight ~3 hours 30 minutes

  
  

Dali [Ref 14]

Days 28–29

Following the path of the ancient Tea Horse Road, you reach Dali, resting peacefully on the shores of Erhai Lake. This is a place of calm and natural beauty. Walk through the old city gates and along the ancient walls, hike the forested trails of Cangshan Mountain, and cycle the western shore of the lake, where views stretch across the water to the peaks beyond. In Xizhou Ancient Town, traditional Bai architecture is beautifully preserved, and you can taste local snacks and see how courtyard homes are built. In Zhoucheng Village, learn the centuries‑old art of tie‑dye, a craft passed down through generations. Further along the route, Shaxi Ancient Town remains one of China’s best‑preserved market towns, untouched by mass tourism and full of old‑world charm.

Travel onward:

• To Beijing | Flight ~3 hours 10 minutes

  
  

Beijing [Ref 12]

Day 30

The journey comes full circle as you return to Beijing for your final day. Here, you can take time to revisit your favourite places or explore new corners — the quiet gardens and long corridors of the Summer Palace, the peaceful courtyards of Lama Temple, and the historical grounds of the Old Summer Palace. It is the perfect place to look back on the thousands of kilometres travelled, the landscapes seen, and the stories collected along the way before your departure.

Departure: All domestic and international flights available

Build Your Own Journey

This is our complete 30‑day route, arranged for the shortest travel times and logical flow. You can choose any combination of these destinations, extend your stay in any city, or adjust the order to match your interests and schedule. When you are ready, simply quote the reference numbers of the places you would like to visit, and we will create your perfect custom itinerary.