Chinese Treasures: Discover China’s Cultural Capitals

Small Group Tour
From$7,617
Small Group Tour
From$7,617
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12 Days
Availability : June 4th - 15th, 2026 | Sept 11th - 22nd, 2026
Beijing
Shanghai
Max People : 10

Experience the sights in style on this reboot of our classic China circuit “Chinese Treasures”. Wander through the Beijing hutongs for an authentic local experience of the city, get up close with the giant pandas in Chengdu, learn to make Pu’er tea cakes the time-honored way, and explore the charms of Shanghai’s former French Concession.

 

About this Journey

China is a treasure chest waiting to be delved into. Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai are the sparkling jewels that sit at the top of the box, but the traditional lifestyles of ethnic minorities in Yunnan province are equally impressive gems hidden underneath. This trip delves into both the classic and hidden images of China: weave through Beijing’s interwoven hutong alleys which are still lived in today, experience the local kung fu tea and face-changing performances in Chengdu, immerse in ethnic traditions and customs of southwestern China, and explore old and new Shanghai. Discover China’s wealth of treasures.

What we love
  • Experiencing the grandeur of the Forbidden City, a monument to imperial power and architectural brilliance
  • Meandering through the small paths and winding canals that weave through Lijiang's Old Town
  • Experiencing Chengdu with more than just your eyes by enjoying local spicy hotpot
Where you're going
Itinerary

Days 1 - 2Beijing

Arrive in Beijing and tuck into a welcome dinner of signature Beijing dish, Peking Duck as you get to know your fellow travelers • In the morning, explore the imposing Forbidden City, where emperors ruled for 500 years • Hike up Jingshan and take in a commanding view over the Forbidden City • Stroll through Beijing’s hutong alleys to get a feel for the ancient neighborhoods that make up the city • Stop by the homes of the city’s more traditional residents • Discover Beijing’s culinary traditions by sourcing ingredients at a bustling local market, then crafting seasonal dishes with expert chefs in a traditional hutong cooking school for dinner.

 

Day 3Beijing

Depart from Beijing downtown to Jinshanling, taking approximately 2.5 hours • Take a short gondola ride up the mountain to begin the hike • Hike along the Great Wall at Jinshanling, one of the greatest man-made wonders of the world and enjoy a private champagne picnic at the end of the hike • Drive back into town and spend the evening at your leisure.

 

Day 4Beijing - Chengdu

Learn the calming art of taichi in a private lesson at the Temple of Heaven • Transfer to the airport and prepare for the next stop, Chengdu • Upon arriving, indulge in some personal time this evening.

 

Day 5 Chengdu

Get up close with giant pandas at Dujiangyan Panda Base and join a volunteer program to care for them • Stroll down the Kuan Zhai Alleyways, where Qing Dynasty buildings house trendy coffee shops, bars, and boutiques • Experience the ancient art of kung fu tea performance in People’s Park • Taste the fiery spirit of Sichuan with a communal hotpot dinner featuring spicy broth and a variety of meats and vegetables • Marvel at the rapid skill of “face-changing” at a Sichuan Opera show.

 

Day 6Chengdu - Lijiang

Fly to Lijiang, then transfer to the hotel and check in by early afternoon • Discover the pristine alpine beauty of Lashihai Lake, a tranquil haven for migratory birds • Visit Zhiyun Temple, one of Lijiang’s great lamaseries, featuring golden Tibetan prayer wheels and intricate paintings • Enjoy the iconic Yunnan Cross-Bridge rice noodles for dinner. 

 

Day 7Lijiang

Begin the day with a 2.5h drive to the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge • Hike along one of the world’s deepest gorges, surrounded by the regal Yulong and Haba Snow Mountains • After a day of hiking, return to the hotel for an evening of leisure. 

 

Day 8Lijiang

Discover Baisha, a quaint Naxi village north of Lijiang • Experience its timeless charm and rural life, unchanged for centuries • Learn the ancient Dongba script from a knowledgeable Dongba priest, delving into its meanings and history through calligraphy • Explore the Shuhe Ancient Town, for another snapshot of traditional Naxi life • Savor Pu’er tea at a local workshop, tasting and crafting your own Pu’er tea cake while learning about its significance • After dinner, experience Naxi hospitality and culture in a local family’s courtyard home, featuring traditional dancing and music unique to the region.

 

Day 9Lijiang - Shanghai

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai • Upon arriving in Shanghai, check in to your hotel, take a minute to freshen up before experiencing this modern city • Take the opportunity to unwind and do whatever you like this evening.

 

Day 10Shanghai

Soar to the top of Shanghai Tower, one of the world’s tallest buildings, and experience breathtaking panoramic views of the city • Escape the hustle and bustle of modern Shanghai and feel the serene beauty of Yuyuan Garden by heart • Discover a treasure trove of souvenirs and local crafts at the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar • Witness awe-inspiring feats performed by the death-defying ERA2 acrobats.

Day 11Shanghai

Experience a morning snapshot of local life in Fuxing Park, a meeting spot for fitness dancers and tai chi enthusiasts • Travel back to Shanghai’s stylish 1930s as you stroll through the tree-lined avenues of the former French Concession • Visit the chic area of Xintiandi  Experience the grandeur of Shanghai’s iconic Bund • Take a culinary adventure through Shanghai’s vibrant night markets.

 

Day 12Depart from Shanghai

Your WildChina guide will escort you to the airport and help you check in for your flight home.

 

Your Accommodation
The Peninsula Beijing
Luxury Boutique

The only all-suite hotel in the capital, The Peninsula Beijing sits a short stroll from Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the bustling Wangfujing shopping street. 

Upper House Chengdu
5-Star

Experience the fusion of heritage and modernity at Upper House, Chengdu’s vibrant hotel featuring a teahouse, diverse cuisines, and a day spa.

LUX* Lashi Lake
Boutique

This exclusive nine-room boutique set on the riverbanks of Lashi Lake offers a modernist luxury sanctuary, blending contemporary design with the natural beauty of the wetland reserve.

 

Upper House Shanghai
5 star

Discover Upper House Shanghai. where Piero Lissoni’s Italian vision and modern aesthetics converge with a unique Shanghainese twist, crafting a sophisticated luxury experience within the city’s vibrant heart.

 
Details

Dates for this Journey

June 4th – 15th, 2026

September 11th – 22nd, 2026

What’s Included

  • Ground transportation, including airport transfers
  • Domestic flights and trains, as noted in the itinerary
  • All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
  • Services of an English-speaking WildChina guide
  • Accommodation based on double occupancy, as noted in the itinerary
  • Meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
  • 6.72% VAT

What’s Excluded

  • International flights
  • Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
  • Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers

Trip Costs

$7,617 USD per person

Single Supplement: +$2,262 USD

 

(Please note that 6.72% Value-Added Tax (VAT) is already included in the prices above)

Next Steps

How do I secure my spot on this tour?

Please use the inquiry form on the right-hand side of this page or email info@wildchina.com. If you’d like to customize a private pre or post trip to explore more of China, please let us know and we’d be happy to work with you on that!

Once you are ready to book, a $500 USD per person planning fee is required to begin reserving your arrangements. This will go towards your total trip costs and will be taken off your final balance amount.

 

Is this trip guaranteed to run?

We will need a minimum sign up of six travelers to run this trip (maximum sign up is ten). Should the journey be canceled due to lack of sign-ups or for any other reason, WildChina will fully refund any deposits or fees paid. 

 

What is your cancellation policy?

Why WildChina

We’re on the ground with you

Our team of advisors will design every detail of the trip with you through close consultation, then orchestrate your entire journey while on the ground. We’re in the same time zone as you, so we can fulfill requests and handle issues without a hitch. With over 40 staff in Beijing and an expansive network of operational partners across the country, we have the manpower to ensure your journey is safe, reliable and comfortable from beginning to end.

Your trip, your way

Flexibility is our highest-ranking compliment. We pull off journeys for pioneers with a 6-hour layover to Hollywood’s elite, and everywhere in between. Our team regularly pulls off unprecedented logistical feats; nearly any time frame or budget is within our realm. No matter how you wish to experience China, we are here to bring that dream to life.

We embody passion

WildChina guides are carefully handpicked for their knowledge and charisma, then meticulously trained to maintain our exceptional service standards. They are expert storytellers and passionate natives of the regions where they guide, having the perfect combination of local insights and service know-how to bring you seamless once-in-a- lifetime moments all across China.

The little things, the big picture

Supporting inspired local economies allows you to experience the soul of the destination, while also protecting and cultivating China’s artisanal culture. From watching artisans hand make shoes in Yunnan, to picking organic vegetables for dinner on a local farm in Fujian, our tours are designed to showcase and protect China’s heritage, both natural and human.