A Journey Through China: Cities, Culture & Nature
Shanghai → Suzhou → Hangzhou → Beijing → Chengdu / Northern Sichuan
One of the broadest of the nine suggested routes, connecting Shanghai, Jiangnan water towns and Hangzhou tea culture with Beijing’s landmarks, Sichuan’s pandas and natural landscapes.
Suggested duration: 15–18 days. Discuss the route around your dates, preferred pace and interests.
Explore the places along this route. We can adjust the order, visits and pace to suit your trip.
Recommended for: Visitors planning a longer first trip, families, friends and keen explorers.
Route highlights: A longer journey through modern cities, traditional water towns, imperial history, pandas and mountain scenery.
Suggested Itinerary & Route
Shanghai → Suzhou → Hangzhou → Beijing → Chengdu / Northern Sichuan.
01ShanghaiModern city experiences
02SuzhouWater towns & classical gardens
03HangzhouWest Lake & tea culture
04BeijingImperial history & the Great Wall
05ChengduChengdu & northern Sichuan
What Makes This Journey Special
Shanghai
A modern city on the river
Shanghai New International Expo Centre
An important exhibition venue for travellers combining their visit with trade fairs, business meetings or professional events.
Oriental Pearl Tower
Enjoy views across Shanghai from its observation areas and explore the city’s development through the historical exhibitions inside.
A walk along the Bund
Follow the Huangpu River past historic buildings, with the modern Pudong skyline on the opposite bank.
Huangpu River night cruise
See the illuminated Bund and Lujiazui skyline from the river.
Suzhou
Water towns & classical gardens
Zhouzhuang Water Town
Explore canals, traditional houses and old lanes in this renowned Jiangnan water town.
A traditional boat ride & the Twin Bridges
A traditional rowing-boat experience can be arranged along Zhouzhuang’s canals, taking in the iconic Twin Bridges.
Suzhou’s classical gardens
Discover Chinese garden design through pavilions, ponds, rockeries and carefully composed spaces.
Pingjiang Road & a hanfu experience
Walk through the historic neighbourhood. A traditional hanfu dress experience and souvenir photographs can be discussed as part of the arrangements.
Hangzhou
West Lake & tea culture
Hefang Street
Wander through a historic shopping district with traditional architecture and the atmosphere of old Hangzhou.
West Lake
Enjoy lakeside walks, bridges and mountain views at a relaxed pace.
Longjing Village: tea picking & tasting
Learn about Longjing tea and taste it in the village. Tea picking depends on the season and the final arrangements.
Lingyin Temple
Visit the celebrated Buddhist temple in its peaceful mountain setting.
China National Wetland Museum
Explore exhibitions about wetland ecosystems and the relationship between people and nature.
Beijing
History & the Great Wall
Tiananmen Square
Visit one of Beijing’s representative squares and discover the character of the capital’s historic centre.
The Forbidden City
Explore the former imperial palace complex, its grand architecture and layers of history.
The Temple of Heaven
Discover the distinctive circular buildings and landscaped grounds of the former imperial ceremonial complex.
The Badaling Great Wall
Visit one of the most representative sections of the Great Wall of China.
The Bird’s Nest — exterior
See the exterior of the National Stadium in Beijing’s Olympic Park and take photographs.
The Water Cube — exterior
See the architecture of the National Aquatics Centre beside the Bird’s Nest.
Chengdu
Local life & giant pandas
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Learn about giant pandas and their habits at one of Chengdu’s representative attractions.
Songpan Ancient Town
Explore a historic town with traditional architecture and the local character of northern Sichuan.
Huanglong Scenic Area
Discover mountain landscapes and colourful natural travertine pools.
Jiuzhaigou
See clear, colourful lakes, waterfalls, forests and mountain scenery.
Your Journey at a Glance
Explore each city below. Discuss the number of days and overnight stays when planning your trip.
01 · Shanghai
- Shanghai New International Expo Centre
- Oriental Pearl Tower
- A walk along the Bund
- Huangpu River night cruise
02 · Suzhou
- Zhouzhuang Water Town
- A traditional boat ride & the Twin Bridges
- Suzhou’s classical gardens
- Pingjiang Road & a hanfu experience
03 · Hangzhou
- Hefang Street
- West Lake
- Longjing Village: tea picking & tasting
- Lingyin Temple
- China National Wetland Museum
04 · Beijing
- Tiananmen Square
- The Forbidden City
- The Temple of Heaven
- The Badaling Great Wall
- The Bird’s Nest — exterior
- The Water Cube — exterior
05 · Chengdu
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
- Songpan Ancient Town
- Huanglong Scenic Area
- Jiuzhaigou
Hotel Selection
Hotels and room types will be confirmed with the itinerary.
Tour Price & Services
From—per person · request a quote
The price depends on travel dates, group size, itinerary, accommodation and confirmed services.
Your travel arrangements:
- Accommodation & room types
- Transport & airport transfers
- Guiding & visits
- Booking & cancellation conditions
Suggested route: 07
Travel Arrangements
- Suggested duration: 15–18 days; the pace can be discussed.
- Visits and seasonal activities depend on current availability and the agreed arrangements.
- The final route and services are agreed before booking.
Let’s Make This Journey Yours
Tell us how you would like to personalise this route.
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