Start your Beijing adventure on Day 1 with a smooth transfer to the 4-star 5L Hotel. You will enjoy a 3-night stay in an Apartment Queen Room with a daily breakfast included. On Day 2, you will visit the strategic Great Wall of Juyong Pass, a 2,000-year-old mountain shield; the Forbidden City, a massive imperial palace that housed 24 emperors; and Tian’anmen Square, the world’s largest public square and a symbol of national pride. Day 3 is your free day. We recommend exploring the iconic landmarks, such as the Garden of Preserving Harmony at the Summer Palace or wandering the atmospheric Hutongs to try local Jianbing. Also, make sure to check out the Temple of Heaven’s divine architecture. After your well-rounded stay in Beijing, you will board your high-speed bullet train to Xi'an on Day 4

5L Hotel Beijing

Located in the heart of Beijing’s CBD, 5L Hotel Beijing connects you directly to the China International Trade Centre. It has 292 fully-equipped rooms, offering either skyline or terrace garden views. Business travellers can use 14 function halls, including a 400-square metre space for up to 300 guests. Enjoy the world-class fitness centre, bowling alley, or authentic Chaoshan porridge at Yueyuan restaurant before exploring the nearby underground shopping complex. The hotel is within the walking distance to the Metro Line 1 and 10 stations. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) is 30 minutes by car.

After approximately 4.5 hours on the bullet train, you will reach Xi’an, one of the four great ancient capitals of China. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to the 4-star Holiday Inn Chanba for a 2-night stay in a Twin Standard Room with daily breakfast. You will begin your tour of Xi’an exploring the Muslim Quarter, a historic Hui community dating back to the Tang Dynasty, famous for its unique mosques and traditional street food. Next, visit the Ancient City Walls, the most complete and massive military defensive system remaining in China. Day 5 will allow you to marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring 8,000 underground statues from 2,200 years ago. You will complete your day with a visit to a lacquer art workshop and shopping along the Ancient Style Street. On the morning of Day 6, you will transfer to the Xi’an North Railway Station for your bullet train to Chengdu.

Holiday Inn Xi'an Chanba by IHG

Holiday Inn Xi’an Chanba provides modern comfort to its guests. Located in the Baqiao District, the hotel has 181 rooms, an indoor pool, a free fitness centre, and a chic "Hi Bowl" restaurant. It is an ideal base for families and business travelers, located near the Silk Road International Convention Centre and Sasseur Outlets, with the legendary Terracotta Army just a 30-minute drive away. While the Wuzhuang Metro Station is within walking distance (690 metres), Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY) is 38 km (30–45 min drive) from the hotel.

On Day 6, after a 3 to 4.5-hour bullet train ride, you will arrive in Chengdu and transfer to the 4-star Holiday Inn Express Huanhuaxi for a 3-night stay in a King Standard Room with breakfast included. After breakfast on Day 7, you will begin by exploring the Panda Research Base to see pandas in their natural state. You will also see Du Fu Thatched Cottage, the "Poet Sage's" historic home, and the scenic Huanhua Stream Park. Day 8 offers a full-day trip to Mount Emei, where you will take a cable car to the 3,077 m Golden Summit to see the majestic Samantabhadra statue, Huazang Temple, and cloud and mountain views. On Day 9, you will transfer to the railway station for your train to Chongqing.

Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Huanhuaxi by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Huanhuaxi is a smart choice for families and business travelers, offering 248 modern rooms, a gym, and self-service laundry. Enjoy a free on-site breakfast and Wi-Fi before exploring the nearby Jinsha Site Museum, Wuhou Temple, or Longhu shopping malls. With 4 standard meeting rooms and access to internet, print, fax, copy and IT services, it serves as a perfect professional hub. The hotel is just 19.8 km (a 28-minute drive) from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU) and 300 metres from Longzhuayan Metro Station.

Upon arriving in Chongqing, meet your guide and ride the Yangtze River Cableway, a 1,166-meter aerial corridor offering bird’s-eye views of the mountain city. Next, witness the "8D magic" at Liziba Light Rail Station, where trains run directly through a residential building. Wander through Hongyadong, a cluster of traditional stilted buildings known as the "real-life Spirited Away." At night, these buildings glow beautifully against the Jialing River. As you stroll among the traditional Bayu stilted buildings, sample local Bayu-style snacks before transferring to the pier to embark on your cruise.

On the evening of Day 9, you will step aboard your three-night Yangtze River cruise from Chongqing to Yichang, staying in a Standard Cabin on a full-board basis. Over the next two days, you will sail through the majestic Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and Xiling Gorge, with visits to Fengdu Ghost City and the scenic Shennong Stream. Experience the world-record Three Gorges Dam and its massive five-step ship lock. Onboard, enjoy Tai Chi, cultural lectures and vibrant nightly crew shows before disembarking in Yichang, completing an unforgettable journey through China’s scenic heartland.

Yangtze River Cruise

Yangtze River Cruise is a luxury floating hotel with well-appointed cabins. You have four main room types to choose from: Standard Cabins with twin beds, Junior Suites if you would like a bit more floor space, Deluxe Suites with separate sitting areas, and Presidential Suites that come with their own private decks. Onboard, you can enjoy Tai Chi, cultural lectures, and spa treatments, while nights come alive with Captain’s parties and cabaret shows. Facilities often include a gym, library, and even a cinema. The cruise usually departs from Chongqing’s Chaotianmen Dock (28 km from Jiangbei Airport), offering a fantastic way to explore China’s heartland.

On Day 12, you will catch a flight from Yichang to Shanghai. Once you arrive, a transfer will take you to the 4-star Park Inn by Radisson Shanghai Downtown, where you can settle into your Comfort Double Room and catch up on some rest. After a good breakfast on Day 13, you will spend the full day diving into the best of Shanghai. The morning starts at the Jade Buddha Temple to see those two famous, translucent white jade statues, followed by a stroll through the peaceful courtyards and pools of Yuyuan Garden. You will stop to admire the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower from the outside before heading to Nanjing Road, known as the “First Commercial Road in China,” for some world-class shopping. To wrap up the day, you will head to the Bund to soak in the incredible waterfront views as the city lights up. Finally, on Day 14, you will be transferred to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) for your flight back to London.

Park Inn by Radisson Shanghai

The 4-star Park Inn by Radisson Shanghai is a modern retreat in the Jing'an District, perfectly placed just a 5-minute walk from Shanghai Railway Station. With over 200 soundproofed rooms, you will enjoy a quiet stay near the city's heart. It is located about 16–20 km from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and offers easy access to the Jade Buddha Temple. You can dine at Angel Cafe or Yueyuan, use the 24-hour fitness centre, or host events in their versatile meeting facilities.