15-Day Beijing-Chengdu-Xi'an-Urumqi-Kashgar-Turpan-Dunhuang-Shanghai Tour
This Luxury China and Silk Road travel vacation package offers a thrilling 15-day journey through the cultural and historical heart of China, from the grandeur of Beijing’s Imperial Palaces to the rugged landscapes and ancient cities of Xinjiang along the Silk Road. This exceptional tour will begin in the imperial city of Beijing, take you to Chengdu to meet the pandas, Xi’an to discover the Terracotta Warriors, and all the way to Xinjiang, the historic gateway between China and Central Asia. After exploring these timeless treasures, you’ll end the journey in Shanghai, China’s vibrant metropolis.
Along the way, enjoy luxury accommodations, expert private tour guides in China, a dedicated driver, and exclusive foodie excursions and cultural experiences that provide deeper insights into local cuisines. Immerse yourself in China’s rich culture and enjoy a luxury tour that is both intriguing and enjoyable.
Itinerary
Our thoughtfully planned 15-day China luxury tour package ensures you make the most of your time in China's most iconic cities, offering rich cultural experiences that will leave a lasting impression:
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing and a Warm Welcome to the Capital
Arrive in Beijing, China’s capital city and cultural heart, where your private driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your luxurious hotel. After checking in, spend the day at leisure to relax and unwind in your hotel. For a quiet introduction to the city, take an evening stroll along Wangfujing Shopping Street. You will be treated to a welcome dinner featuring Beijing old imperial snacks and local delicacies.
- Meals: Dinner
- Transportation: Private transfer from Beijing airport to hotel
Day 2: The Imperial Grandeur of Beijing
Your adventure begins with a visit to Tian’anmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, and then journey through the Forbidden City, a sprawling palace complex that housed Chinese emperors for over 500 years. Marvel at the grandeur of the emperors' home, and the ancient treasures housed in the Forbidden City museums. In the afternoon, enjoy a visit to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Wrap up your day with an unforgettable dinner of Peking Duck at one of Beijing’s top restaurants.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 3: The Majestic Great Wall and the Summer Palace Retreat
Start your day with a VIP trip to the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walk along this ancient fortification, marveling at the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Your expert guide will tell you about the historical significance and engineering feat accomplished by the Great Wall. In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, a royal retreat with beautiful gardens and tranquil Kunming Lake. Enjoy a serene boat ride on the lake, once the favorite pastime of emperors. Enjoy dinner at a Michelin-star restaurant, located in a traditional Beijing hutong courtyard.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 4: Journey to Chengdu – Pandas and Sichuan Flavors
Fly to Chengdu, the heart of Sichuan and a city famous for its spicy cuisine, beautiful mountains, laid-back atmosphere, and the Giant Panda. After checking into your hotel, head straight to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you’ll have the chance to observe these iconic creatures. Later, enjoy an upscale Sichuan hotpot dinner, known for its bold flavors and spicy kick, a favorite of locals.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Business class flight from Beijing to Chengdu, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 5: Explore Chengdu’s Culture
In the morning, visit Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to the famous military strategist Zhuge Liang, followed by a leisurely walk through ancient Jinli Street, a traditional market offering local handicrafts and street food. In the afternoon, experience a Sichuan opera performance, known for its famous face-changing act. Later, enjoy a private tea ceremony in a laid-back Chengdu tea house, also a favorite activity of Chengdu locals. Optionally, take a stroll down Kuanzhai Xiangzi (Wide and Narrow Alley) to see the bustling streets of Chengdu.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 6: Fly to Xi'an – The Ancient Capital
Fly to Xi'an, the ancient capital and the starting point of the Silk Road. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take a relaxing evening stroll along the Xi'an Ancient City Wall. If you have time, visit the Muslim Quarter to explore its vibrant markets and indulge in local specialties such as lamb skewers and famed Shaanxi biangbiang noodles. Relax and rewind at your hotel after a day of travels.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Business class flight from Chengdu to Xi'an, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 7: Terracotta Warriors and Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Today you will begin with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors, a highlight of any traveller to China. Your expert guide will take you to explore the archaeological site and learn about the history of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. In the afternoon, visit the Shaanxi History Museum, renowned in China as the house of ancient artifacts and archaeology discoveries of many dynasties. Return to Xi'an city for a local Shaanxi-style gourmet dinner, featuring a view of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an ancient Buddhist structure that houses valuable relics.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 8: Depart for Xinjiang – Discovering the Silk Road
Fly to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Province and a major stop on the ancient Silk Road. After arrival, enjoy a gourmet lunch before exploring Xinjiang Museum, where you’ll learn about the history and cultures of this unique region. Your evening will be spent in the vibrant International Grand Bazaar, known for its mix of local handicrafts, spices, and Central Asian-influenced architecture. Enjoy dinner along with a dance performance by the locals.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Business class flight from Xi'an to Urumqi, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 9: Explore the Ancient City of Kashgar
Take a flight to Kashgar, one of the most famous cities along the Silk Road. Spend the day exploring the Id Kah Mosque, the largest mosque in China, and the ancient Old Town, where the streets are lined with traditional adobe houses. Visit the bustling Kashgar Bazaar, one of the oldest markets in the region. Enjoy a welcoming Uygur-style dinner, featuring lamb kebabs and pilaf.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Business class flight from Urumqi to Kashgar, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 10: Turpan – A Desert Oasis
Fly to Turpan in the morning and visit Grape Valley, where you can sample fresh, hand-picked grapes and enjoy a traditional Uyghur folk performance. Enjoy lunch at a local farmstay with authentic Xinjiang dishes, including Big Plate Chicken and hand-pulled noodles. In the afternoon, explore Flaming Mountain, known for its red-hued terrain and mythical associations with Journey to the West. Afterward, check into your hotel in Turpan, and in the evening, savor local specialties such as roasted buns and Nang flatbread for dinner, before taking a stroll through the city’s lively nightscape.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Business class flight from Kashgar to Turpan, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 11: Travel to Dunhuang – The Desert Legacy
Start your day by visiting the ancient Jiaohe Ruins, an earthen city with a rich history. After a flavorful lunch of Xinjiang specialties, take a high-speed train and transfer to a vehicle to Dunhuang. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax before heading to the Dunhuang Night Market, where you can try unique snacks like donkey meat noodles and apricot juice, while shopping for local handicrafts.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Business class high-speed train from Turpan to Liuyuan (transfer station to Dunhuang), private vehicle with professional driver
Day 12: Dunhuang to Urumqi – Silk Road Treasures
Visit the Mogao Caves, the world’s largest and most significant Buddhist art site, with a professional guide to explore the stunning murals and statues. Enjoy a local lunch near the caves before heading to Mingsha Mountain and Crescent Moon Spring, where you can ride camels across the desert or try sand activities. In the evening, marvel at the desert sunset before flying back to Urumqi, where a private transfer will take you to your hotel. End the day with a flavorful Xinjiang dinner and a stroll through the city’s vibrant night scene.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight from Dunhuang to Urumqi, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 13: Fly to Shanghai – The Modern Marvel
Fly to Shanghai, China’s economic powerhouse and a city that perfectly blends modernity with tradition. Spend the evening strolling along the Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade, with views of the stunning skyline. Enjoy a delicious dinner on a high-end river cruise on the Huangpu River.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Business class flight from Urumqi to Shanghai, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 14: Exploring Shanghai’s Historic and Modern Attractions
Visit Yu Garden, a traditional Chinese garden with beautiful landscaping and tranquil ponds. Afterward, head to the Shanghai Museum to explore priceless collections of ancient Chinese art. In the afternoon, explore the French Concession with its quaint shops and cafes, and end the day with dinner at one of Shanghai's fine-dining restaurants, featuring authentic Shanghainese cuisine.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 15: Day at Leisure in Shanghai
On your final day, you’ll have time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Whether you visit the Shanghai Tower for stunning views or enjoy a leisurely stroll through People’s Park and shop at Tianzifang, it will be a perfect end to your China experience in a relaxing manner. Your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, marking the end of your adventures in China.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transportation: Private transfer from hotel to the airport
Accommodations
The following list is a sample of luxury hotels in the city where you may stay in. All of our accommodations are carefully selected for comfort and convenience.
- Beijing:
- JW Marriott Hotel Beijing
- The Regent Beijing
- Chengdu:
- Grand Hyatt Chengdu
- Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu
- Xi'an:
- Hilton Xi'an
- Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square
- Urumqi:
- Conrad Urumqi
- Wanda Vista Hotel Urumqi
- Turpan:
- Yanling Qishe B&B (Turpan Yuefeng Suji Branch)
- Huoshanhong Hotel
- Hotels in Turpan West
- Dunhuang
- Dongyi Dunhuang Hotel
- Jangala Dunhuang
- Dunhuang Yangguang Shazhou Hotel
- Shanghai:
- Hilton Shanghai City Center
- Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre
Inclusion/Exclusion
- What's Included:
- Panda Tourism's expert travel director and skilled professional driver
- Luxury 5-stars hotels with proven quality
- Inclusive of porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel service charges, tips, and local taxes covered
- Daily breakfasts and up to half of your evening meals included
- Iconic sightseeing highlights plus unexpected extras
- Audio headsets for special destination tours
- Private premium transportation coach/vehicle
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Optional experiences and plenty of leisure time
- Flights and train rides within China included
- What's Not Included:
- International flights to and from China
- China visa fees
