11 Days Relaxing China Tour (Best for Seasoned Travelers)

Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, the capital of China! Upon your arrival at the airport/train station in Beijing, our team will meet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Beijing.

The rest of the day is free on your own so you can recover from jet lag or take a leisurely stroll through the neighborhood to get your first taste of Beijing City. If you need recommendations for local dining or nearby attractions, feel free to ask your guide for personalized tips.

Relaxing China Tour Service Notes

• Station/Airport Assistance:

To ensure a comfortable start, wheelchair assistance is available at airports and stations. As on-site resources are limited and subject to availability, advance reservation (at least 48 hours) is highly recommended. Please let us know early so we can secure this service and ensure a seamless arrival experience.

• Full-time Users:

If you require a wheelchair throughout the tour, we recommend bringing your own for maximum comfort. Please provide the dimensions and a photo of your wheelchair in advance. This allows us to arrange a suitable vehicle with ample space and verify that hotel room and bathroom entrances meet your specific accessibility needs.

Today you will spend the whole day exploring China’s famous landmarks in Beijing, from epic imperial grandeur to ancient gardens.

After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at your hotel and then head to Tian’anmen Square, which is the world’s largest public square and also the symbol of China. It has witnessed many big events in China over the past decades and from here you can take good pictures of Tiananmen Gate showing on CCTV News every day.

Walk across the square and you will visit the might and splendor of the awe-inspiring Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex and one-time home to 24 emperors of China. Listed as a world heritage site, Forbidden City has about 500 years’ history, and served as the political and ritual center of China during the Ming (1368-1644) and the Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. With over 8,728 rooms, the Forbidden City is not only China’s largest and best-preserved collection of ancient buildings, but also a city within the city, like the Vatican in Rome. Enter through Meridian Gate and visit along the central axis to ensure you won’t miss any highlighted palaces. You can admire its brilliant architecture and numerous ancient art treasures while listening to your guide and learning more about the emperors’ stories hidden inside the Imperial Palace.

In this afternoon, drive to the “Museum of Royal Garden” - Summer Palace, which used to be the resort for royal families to flee summer heat. The grounds, temples, gardens, pavilions, lakes, bridges, gate-towers, and corridors are a marvel of landscaping. Enjoy the leisure electric car plus cruise tour and take your time to appreciate the imperial architectures, hilltop views, and beautiful lakes, which offer a pastoral escape into the landscapes of traditional Chinese painting.

After the garden exploration, head back to your hotel in Beijing downtown for relaxing.

Optional Copper Hot Pot Dinner:

Take a seat for Copper Hot Pot, a special, non-spicy hot pot with 700 years of history in Beijing. A ring of fresh, savory broth surrounds the tall copper pot. After dipping the mutton, you coat it in a salty, nutty sesame sauce. The textures are delightful. Some cuts are melt-in-your-mouth tender, others firm or crisp. Gather around the pot and let the laughter flow!

This morning after breakfast you will head to Temple of Heaven. Located in Beijing’s Tiantan Park, the Temple of Heaven is much bigger than the Forbidden City and smaller than the Summer Palace. As a World Heritage, the Temple of Heaven (Taoist temple) is also known for its rigorous symbolic layout, peculiar structure, and magnificent decoration. The Temple of Heaven used to be a place to offer sacrifice to Heaven by 22 Chinese emperors twice a year for good harvests. You can learn more about the grand praying ceremony there, as well as observe the amazing designs such as the Echo Wall and the Triple Sound Stones. Nowadays, it is also a park for local people to do morning exercise and you are welcome to join them.

In the afternoon, you will head northwest of Beijing (about 1.5-2 hours’ drive, 73km) to Mutianyu Great Wall. The Great Wall boasts a history over 2,000 years and stretches more than 3,000 miles across several provinces of northern China, making it one of the most impressive ancient masterpieces on the planet. Mutianyu Great Wall is connected with the Jiankou Great Wall in the west and the Gubeikou Great Wall in the east. Mutianyu is the longest and best fully-restored Great Wall with fewer tourists and is also famed for its 23 Ming-era watchtowers and stunning views.

To ensure a comfortable Great Wall Tour, we have arranged a round-trip cable car ride (up + down). Upon arrival, a gradual incline leads from the parking area to the cable car station. The cable car whisks you directly up to the No. 14 Watchtower. This high-vantage point allows you to bypass the thousands of steep steps and immediately enjoy the most iconic, postcard-perfect views of the serpentine wall. From Watchtower No. 14, the path toward Watchtower No. 15 and beyond is relatively flat and well-paved, making it ideal for a leisurely stroll. You can immerse yourself in the imperial atmosphere without the strain of heavy climbing. For those with sufficient energy, you may choose to venture further toward Watchtower No. 20, the highest point of this section, to capture even more unique perspectives.

After the once-in-lifetime Great Wall experience, head back to your hotel in downtown Beijing for relaxing. Have a good night!

Optional Beijing Duck Dinner:

If you’d like, have classic Peking Duck dinner at a famous local restaurant. You’ll savor crispy duck skin, tender meat, and enjoy fun of wrapping it with scallions, cucumber, and sweet sauce in a thin pancake. Truly delicious!

Today you will spend your half day morning to explore the soul of old Beijing- the Hutongs. While these historic lanes are spread across the Dongcheng and Xicheng districts, we have specifically chosen Xicheng District for your exploration. The widest, the narrowest, and the oldest Hutongs are all found in Xicheng, including the famous Yandaixiejie (Tobacco Pipe Lean Street).

To navigate these city capillaries comfortably, you will board a traditional rickshaw. We have carefully selected local rickshaw pullers who are experts in maneuvering through these narrow paths where cars cannot reach. Sit back and enjoy a breezy, nostalgic ride as you listen to the stories of the ancient walls and shaded courtyards.

Later, you will be lead to a private courtyard for an intimate Family Visit. Engage in a heartfelt conversation with a local family about their daily life and traditions. You will then join them for a hands-on dumpling-making session. This warm cultural exchange ends with a delicious lunch featuring the dumplings you’ve helped prepare.

After the tour, you will be escorted to the train station for a high-speed train to Xian (about 4.5-5.5 hours). Welcome to Xian, the capital of 13 ancient China dynasties! Upon your arrival at the train station, AOT team will greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the hotel in Xian.

In the morning, journey to the Terracotta Warriors, the silent guardians of Emperor Qin Shihuang. This 1-hour drive leads to a stunning collection of 8,000 terracotta figures, each with distinctive facial features. Walk through Pits 1, 2, and 3 to see ancient battle formations that remained hidden until 1974. With your knowledgeable guide, you’ll uncover the stories behind these life-sized soldiers and chariots. We have selected the best vantage points and accessible paths to ensure you see the grand battle formations without unnecessary stairs.

In the afternoon, relax on the 600-year-old Xi’an City Wall, China’s only complete ancient fortification. This Ming Dynasty landmark separates the old city from the modern metropolis. For a purely leisure experience, you can take a gentle stroll atop the 600-year-old bricks. 

Then, explore the local life around the bustling and lively Muslim Quarter (Muslim Street), over 1,000 years old. It is a perfect place to experience the authentic atmosphere of Xi’an while sampling a wide variety of mouthwatering street food and Islamic culture.

Optional Cultural Experience (Shaanxi Shadow Play or Marionette Play):

Around Muslim Quarter, you have intangible show options such as Shaanxi Shadow Play or Marionette Play (both are UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritages). Puppets are like the “Lego performances” of ancient times.

This morning, drive to visit Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (UNESCO), an iconic symbol of the Tang Dynasty. Built over 1,300 years ago, this seven-story square pagoda sits within the peaceful Da Ci’en Temple. It was originally constructed to store Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuan Zang, whose legendary journey later inspired the classic novel, Journey to the West.

Upon arrival, be welcomed with the unique Hanfu costume experience — a profound way to connect with China’s glorious past. Hanfu is the traditional attire of the Han people, worn for millennia. Select your favorite outfit and then stroll around Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Don’t forget to have a family portrait with the pagoda as your backdrop.

Next, you will be escorted to the train station for a high speed train to Chongqing (about 5 hours). Welcome to Chongqing, the Mountain City of China! Upon your arrival in Chongqing, your guide will meet you at the exit of the train station and escort you to Chongqing Chaotianmen Port to board your luxury Yangtze cruise.

Chaotianmen Dock is known for its hilly terrain and many steps at the piers. But don’t worry! To ensure your comfort, professional porter service is included. In Chongqing, these porters are locally known as Bangbang and are a legendary part of the city’s culture. They will help you with your luggage. Then, you can stroll directly to the check-in desk and board the ship at your own pace, without the burden of carrying suitcases across the pier.

You will have free time after the cruise ship check-in. Your memorable relaxing cruise journey starts at 21:00!

Today, enjoy a peaceful day sailing the Yangtze River. Wake up to misty river views and a buffet breakfast before choosing your adventure. Join a shore excursion to explore traditional cultural sites, or stay onboard to relax and immerse yourself in Chinese heritage through curated activities.

This afternoon’s excursion features a guided tour of Fengdu Ghost City. Led by an English-speaking professional, you will explore an extensive site of temples and monasteries dedicated to the myths and legends of the Chinese underworld.

Or, you may opt for an excursion to the Shibaozhai Pagoda (Optional) at an additional cost. Situated in Zhongxian County, this 12-story wooden masterpiece is globally renowned. While ascending the narrow internal stairs to the summit can be physically demanding, the view from the base and the surrounding pavilion is equally spectacular. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll around the island to admire the pagoda's vibrant red structure clinging to the sheer cliffside—a sight that is arguably even more impressive from a close-up ground perspective than from the top.

The itinerary above is a general guide. Specific attractions and shore excursions may vary depending on the cruise line. We’ll help you select the perfect cruise that best matches your personal preferences.

After breakfast, you will spend a full day to view the beautiful Three Gorges.

First, experience the majestic Three Gorges, starting with the towering cliffs and legendary Kui Gate of Qutang Gorge. Next, drift through the serene, misty beauty of Wuxia Gorge, followed by the rugged shoals and famous turbulent waters of Xiling Gorge. Throughout the voyage, your guide will provide live commentary to enrich your experience, ensuring you don’t miss any of the breathtaking scenery as it unfolds from the comfort of the ship.

This afternoon, enjoy a leisurely excursion to Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream) in Wushan. You’ll board a smaller boat to navigate the primitive waters, offering an intimate look at sheer mountains and mysterious hanging coffins perched high on the cliffs. For a cultural touch, feel free to join the local Tujia guides for a lively traditional singing and dancing performance.

Tonight, join your fellow travelers for the Captain’s Farewell Party and enjoy a wonderful final dinner together.

This itinerary is for reference only; specific excursions may change depending on the cruise provider. We will assist you in finding the perfect cruise based on your individual preferences.

After breakfast and check-out, disembark at Maoping Port to visit the Three Gorges Dam, China’s largest hydropower project. Marvel at this immense 181-meter-high structure, spanning 2,335 meters across the Yangtze. You’ll have a unique opportunity to view the massive dam body and its intricate lock system firsthand before concluding your journey.

Optional Ship Lift Experience:

You can opt to pass through the Three Gorges Dam ship lift—the largest in the world—to experience the massive structure up close.

After visiting the dam, a cruise shuttle will transfer you to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal around 12:30-13:00. From there, you’ll be escorted to the airport for your onward journey to Shanghai! To ensure a completely stress-free transition, professional porter service is also included while disembarking, meaning our team will handle all your heavy luggage from the cruise terminal to the airport, allowing you to move through the terminal hands-free and enjoy a seamless, relaxing journey to your next destination.

Welcome to Shanghai! Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your hotel in Shanghai downtown. Have a good rest!

Today you will spend the whole day feeling the perfect blend of the West and East in this “Paris of the East” by visiting brilliant museums, traditional Chinese-style gardens, modern skyscrapers, and exotic architecture.

First, head to Shanghai Museum, one of the four major museums in China, for an awe-inspiring visit to view the finest collection of art and learn about profound Chinese history. Built in the shape of an ancient bronze cooking vessel called a ding, Shanghai Museum has a round top and a square base, symbolizing “round sky, square earth”. It contains 120,000 cultural relics which showcase incredible artifacts of Chinese art throughout 5000 years’ history. Immerse yourselves in the Exhibition Hall of Bronze and Ceramic to appreciate the elaborate bronzes and exquisite artifacts. You won’t miss the chance to enjoy the Top 10 treasures in the Shanghai Museum, such as such as the Dake Ding (大克鼎a bronze food vessel over 3,000 years old), the Chime Bells of Jinhousu (晋侯苏钟ancient musical instrument,1046 BC - 771 BC).

Next, move to Yu Garden, the most celebrated classical Chinese garden hidden in the bustling downtown area of Shanghai, where you can appreciate the beauty of a Jiangnan water town ! Yu Garden was a private garden of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) with a history of over 460 years, was built in 1559 by Pan Yunduan (潘允端) for his father to enjoy his retired life. You will see the winding paths and changing scenery, the plants and ponds, the brick carvings, stone carvings, clay sculptures, and wood carvings in the garden, all designed with great craftsmanship. On the way to Yu Garden, you will pass by the iconic Jiuqu Bridge (九曲桥Nine-Bend Bridge/Zigzag Causeway) and the Huxin Pavilion (湖心亭Mid-lake Pavilion, built in the Qing Dynasty, 1616-1912). According to Chinese Fengshui, the zigzag causeway is designed to thwart spirits, who can only journey in straight lines. As you enter Yu Garden, you can explore various beautifully crafted dragons hidden in the buildings, count them, and learn more about the Chinese dragon totem from your guide.

Later, explore Yuyuan Bazaar (Chenghuangmiao Market) outside Yu Garden which is a vibrant Shanghai Old Street where you can try Shanghai’s local snacks such as Xiaolongbao (Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant小笼包), Pan-Fried Pork Buns (Fried Dumplings生煎包), Soup Dumplings (灌汤包), and Won-ton Soup (上海馄饨). You can also buy some traditional Chinese handicrafts and artworks for souvenirs here.

After lunch, you will reach Jinling East Road close to the Bund to board a public ferry to cross the Huangpu River, transferring you from Old Shanghai Town to Lujiazui Financial District in Shanghai Pudong New Area. Then, you will take a walk to the highest building in Shanghai - the Shanghai Tower. It features a dramatic 120-degree twist from its base to its peak. Take the world’s fastest lifts (traveling at 64km/h) to the “Top of Shanghai Observatory” located on the 118th floor, 546 meters above ground level. Here, you’ll have the unparalleled opportunity to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of modern Shanghai and also look down upon the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (a cultural landmark of Shanghai), Jin Mao Tower (a traditional Chinese pagoda-like structure with a modern style) and the Shanghai World Financial Center (the third tallest building in China and the fifth tallest in the world). From Shanghai Tower, you can also get a bird’s eye view of the Bund and the Nanjing Road you had just visited before from another side of the Huangpu River.

Optional Huangpu River Night Cruise (45 Minutes):

Experience the quintessential Shanghai evening by cruising along Huangpu River. This 45-minute journey offers a front-row seat to the city’s stunning architectural evolution. On the west bank (Puxi), you’ll drift past The Bund, a majestic gallery of Gothic, Romanesque, and Baroque buildings that whisper the history of Old Shanghai. Directly across on the east bank (Pudong), the skyline transforms into a futuristic forest of neon and steel, dominated by the Shanghai Tower, World Financial Center, and the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower.

Relaxing China Tour Notes

On Mondays, both the Shanghai Museum and Yuyuan Garden are closed. Visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall (located near the Shanghai Museum, closed on Wednesdays) or the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre (approximately 5km away from the Shanghai Museum) instead.

The last day of your relaxing China tour is for your exporation Shanghai City God Temple and the famous The Bund area.

First, be driven to Shanghai City God Temple. Shanghai City God Temple (ChenghuangmiaoTemple城隍庙) located near Yu Garden. Chenghuangmiao (City God Temple), dating back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-589), is a Taoist temple dedicated to the City God (Cheng Huang God). "Cheng城" refers to the city walls, while "Huang隍" refers to the dried-up moats. The City God is the protective deity of the city and is often a renowned hero or figure from local history. In ancient China, nearly all authentic cities had city walls and moats as military facilities to ensure urban safety. The Chenghuangmiao (城隍庙) in Shanghai was initially dedicated to General Huo Guang (霍光the brother of General Huo Qubing霍去病, a famous General well-known by Chinese people) from the Han Dynasty (202BC-220). During the Ming Dynasty (1403-1424), it was reconstructed as the City God Temple, and Huo Guang became the guardian deity of Shanghai. Within this temple, which has a history of over 600 years, the City God Qin Yubo (秦裕伯an imperial scholar of the Yuan Dynasty, 1271-1368) is also worshiped. He manages the affairs of both the mortal and spiritual realms and is assisted by two judges (黑白无常) who oversee human deeds, with the "white-faced" judge recording good deeds and the "black-faced" judge recording bad deeds. When people pass away, the City God settles their accounts. Those with more good deeds than bad deeds enter heaven, while those with more bad deeds than good deeds go to hell.

Strolling inside Chenghuangmiao, you will see a large abacus (算盘) that is quite intriguing. It bears the Chinese characters "not calculated by humans" (不由人算). Remember to ask your tour guide to explain the profound Chinese philosophy behind it. If you wish to meet your Mr. Right, make sure to visit the Temple of the Matchmaker (Yuelao Temple月老殿) and pay respects to the God of Love and Marriage (Chinese Cupid月老). Legend has it that the Yuelao (月老Matchmaker) ties an invisible red thread around the feet of destined couples, uniting them in love. If you desire wealth, visit the Temple of Wealth (财神殿) and pay homage to the God of Wealth (财神), Marshal Zhao Gongming (赵公明), who oversees fair trade and the distribution of wealth in the mortal realm. As a coastal city, Shanghai City God Temple also enshrines the Goddess Mazu (天后妈祖), who protects seafaring vessels. During festive occasions, Shanghai residents often visit the City God Temple for worship, making it an indispensable place for traditional ceremonies. With the increasing number of visitors, the surrounding commercial shops around the temple have also multiplied, forming an antique-style architectural complex centered around Yuyuan Bazaar, which has become the bustling pedestrian street in downtown Shanghai.

Next, be driven to the west gate of Nanjing Road and then take a walk from Nanjing Road to the Bund, which is less than a 2 km walk.

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is one of the iconic attractions of Shanghai, known as the “Number One Commercial Street in China”. It serves as a window to Shanghai’s openness to the world and a paradise for shoppers from both domestic and international locations. Nanjing Road is the perfect place to experience century-old Chinese time-honored shops. Walking from Nanjing Road East to the Bund, you will have the feeling of traveling back to the 1930s and 1940s.

As the Top 1 Place to Visit on the Shanghai Bucket List, the Bund is the best spot to view the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (a symbol of Shanghai) and the three skyscrapers of Lujiazui. Located on the bank of the Huangpu River and renowned as “An Exhibition of International Buildings”, the Bund is a collection of 52 buildings representing various international architectural styles. Since 1844 (Qing Dynasty), foreign banks, trading companies, clubs, and newspapers have gathered here, showcasing the former glory of the “Wall Street of the Far East” (远东华尔街).

Then, it is time to end your 11 Days 10 Night Relaxing China Tour. Your guide will escort you to the airport/train station for your flight or high speed train to your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip around China and Asia. Safe journey!