A complete 16-day tour to discover the most iconic and fascinating places in China, among breathtaking landscapes, a millennia-old culture and unforgettable encounters.
price per person starting from
€ 4,000
DAY 1 – Arrival in Shanghai
Welcome to Shanghai, the “Pearl of the Orient,” where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. Meet your guide and transfer to the hotel. Free time to relax or explore the surroundings and admire the lights illuminating the skyscrapers along the Huangpu River.
DAY 2 – Shanghai: between skyscrapers and imperial gardens
Today you will discover Shanghai’s double soul. Start from the Shanghai Tower, a symbol of modernity, from which you can enjoy a spectacular view of the city. Then visit the Yu Garden, one of the best examples of classical Chinese landscaping, a maze of pavilions, bridges and ponds hidden among the alleys of the old quarter.
Nearby, the Yuyuan Bazaar is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the scents of spices and street food, among traditional shops and souvenir stalls.
In the afternoon, stroll along Nanjing Road, the most famous pedestrian street in China, to reach the Bund, where colonial architecture faces the futuristic skyline of Pudong.
In the evening, enjoy a night cruise on the Huangpu River to admire the city lights.
DAY 3 – Zhujiajiao, the Venice of the East
Excursion to the picturesque water town of Zhujiajiao, a timeless place made of stone bridges, traditional houses and winding canals.
Explore the town by boat, visit Kezhi Garden, and cross the Fangsheng Bridge, the village’s symbol. During the visit, taste the traditional zongzi, sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves.
On the way back to Shanghai, stroll through the tree-lined streets of the French Concession, with its elegant European cafés and colonial villas, and visit the lively Xintiandi district, today the city’s cultural and fashionable heart.
DAY 4 – From Shanghai to Zhangjiajie
Transfer to the airport and flight to Zhangjiajie, one of China’s most iconic natural wonders, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Arrival and transfer to the hotel. Free time to get settled and enjoy the mountain landscape that heralds the wonders ahead.
DAY 5 – Zhangjiajie: the world of Pandora
A full day dedicated to the Wulingyuan National Park, a natural masterpiece of quartzite towers, valleys and misty forests that seem suspended between heaven and earth.
Take the Bailong Elevator, the highest outdoor lift in the world, to reach the panoramic peaks where you’ll admire the landscape that inspired the film Avatar.
Visit the most spectacular areas of Yuanjiajie, including the famous “Southern Sky Column,” and Mount Tianzi, where peaks emerge from the clouds like in a traditional Chinese painting.
In the afternoon, travel through the Ten-Mile Gallery, surrounded by fairytale scenery.
DAY 6 – The Glass Bridge and the Tea Road
In the morning, visit the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, where you’ll find the Glass Bridge, the longest and highest in the world, suspended 300 meters above the void.
In the afternoon, enjoy an authentic experience in a mountain tea plantation: learn the techniques of hand-picking, artisanal processing, and take part in a traditional tea ceremony led by a local master.
DAY 7 – Mount Tianmen and high-speed train to Chengdu
A day dedicated to majestic Mount Tianmen, the “Mountain of the Gate to Heaven.”
Ascend with the longest cable car in the world, walk along the glass skywalk, and descend to the Tianmen Cave, a natural arch 131 meters high that has inspired legends and aerial performances.
In the afternoon, board a high-speed train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province.
DAY 8 – Chengdu: volunteering with the pandas
A unique experience at the Dujiangyan Panda Base, where you’ll join a volunteer program.
Assist the staff in cleaning enclosures, preparing bamboo, and making special cakes for the adorable giant pandas, China’s national symbol.
In the afternoon, relax at the People’s Park, where locals practice Taiji, play chess and sip tea.
DAY 9 – Chengdu: history and performance
Visit the Sanxingdui Museum, which preserves extraordinary Bronze Age artifacts and reveals an ancient, mysterious civilization.
Then visit the Wenshu Monastery, a peaceful spiritual site still active today.
Walk along the colorful Jinli Street, full of shops and street food stalls, before attending the spectacular Sichuan Opera, famous for its dramatic “face-changing” performance.
DAY 10 – High-speed train to Xi’an
Departure for Xi’an, ancient imperial capital and starting point of the Silk Road.
Arrival and transfer to the hotel.
DAY 11 – Xi’an and the Terracotta Warriors
Visit the Terracotta Army Museum, one of the world’s most impressive archaeological wonders.
Admire thousands of life-size clay soldiers, horses and chariots, each with unique expressions, and take part in a pottery workshop to create your own small warrior.
In the afternoon, stroll through the Muslim Quarter, among red lanterns, spices and lively market stalls.
DAY 12 – Xi’an: ancient walls and Tang culture
Discover the ancient city walls of Xi’an, among the oldest in China, with the option to cycle along them.
Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a spiritual landmark built in the 7th century.
In the afternoon, wear the traditional Hanfu costume and enjoy a photo session in Tang-style gardens.
Evening in the Great Tang Dynasty City, illuminated by lights and shows.
DAY 13 – High-speed train to Beijing
Transfer by high-speed train to Beijing, the capital city. Upon arrival, meet your guide and check into your hotel.
DAY 14 – Beijing: Temple of Heaven and Forbidden City
Start your day with a Taiji class at the Temple of Heaven, a sacred site where emperors once prayed for good harvests.
Visit Tiananmen Square, the largest in the world, and the legendary Forbidden City, the imperial residence of 24 dynasties.
In the afternoon, stroll through the Hutongs, Beijing’s traditional alleys, and take part in a calligraphy or paper-cutting workshop.
DAY 15 – The Great Wall of Mutianyu
Excursion to the Great Wall, at the Mutianyu section, one of the most scenic and less crowded.
Ascend by cable car and descend by toboggan for a fun and memorable experience.
On the way back, stop for photos at the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube, symbols of the 2008 Olympic Games.
DAY 16 – Beijing / Italy
Transfer to the airport for your return flight.
Farewell to China, carrying unforgettable memories and emotions.
The Treasures of China tour is an emotional journey into the heart of one of the world’s oldest civilizations, where an ancient past meets surprising modernity.
From Shanghai, a futuristic city that combines skyscrapers and the colonial charm of the Bund, to the natural wonders of Zhangjiajie, where the quartzite peaks inspired Avatar, here nature reveals its most spectacular side.
In Chengdu, capital of Sichuan, the journey softens between bamboo and smiles, thanks to the exclusive experience as a panda volunteer and the discovery of China’s tea culture. The historic streets, wooden houses and Sichuan Opera express a genuine and vibrant China.
Xi’an takes you back in time to the age of the first emperors: the Terracotta Warriors, ancient walls and Tang-style elegance bring back the grandeur of imperial times.
Finally, Beijing, the political and cultural heart of the nation, embodies the essence of imperial China: the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall and the Hutongs, where daily life still flows as it once did.
An itinerary designed for those seeking a complete experience of culture, nature and tradition, accompanied by expert guides and enriched with authentic experiences and moments of wonder.
Every stage of this journey is a piece of a mosaic that connects the grandeur of the past with the innovative strength of today’s China.
Possibility to customize the trip with extensions to Hong Kong, Guilin, or a Yangtze River Cruise.
Passport with at least 6 months validity required.
Entry visa required (recommended to apply in advance).
Some activities may vary due to weather conditions or local needs.
Comfortable clothing and walking shoes recommended.
Entrance fees to scenic spots as indicated in the itinerary.
Breakfast included at hotels; lunches as indicated in local Chinese restaurants.
Accommodation in 4-star hotels as indicated.
Excursions as per itinerary with English-speaking guide; guide and vehicle available for up to 8 hours per day.
Please note: your English-speaking guide and driver in each city or area will not accompany you on flights between destinations.
Private transfers between airports, train stations, hotels and scenic areas in each city, with air-conditioned vehicle, driver and English-speaking guide.
Luggage transfers between airports, train stations and hotels.
Domestic flight Shanghai – Zhangjiajie (economy class).
High-speed train tickets Zhangjiajie – Chengdu, Chengdu – Xi’an, Xi’an – Beijing, second class seats.
Registration fee €50
International flights to/from Italy (available upon request)
Medical & baggage insurance (approx. €80)
Trip cancellation insurance (on request)
Anything not mentioned in the “Included Services”