China VAN Tour - 13 Nights / 14 Days
Overview
Wander through the deep legacy, stunning scenery, and lively urban life in China on this carefully plotted 14 days China Van Tour. You will start with the sleek, almost unreal skylines of Shanghai, then move towards the bold sandstone summits of Zhangjiajie, and after that, you will find the bustling streets of Chongqing. Later, there’s the cultural depth of Chengdu, plus the well known heritage in Xi’an, and eventually the timeless sights in Beijing. This wonderful trip mixes your history, nature, and all the contemporary highlights in a unique way that attracts many of the travelers. In China, tourists will also witness the renowned high-speed rail network while experiencing the famous sightseeing and settling into the cozy and comfortable hotel stay. If you are a traveler who is searching for the old culture and tradition of China, then this tour is made for you.
Highlights
- Wander through the modern city panorama, plus old-school landmarks in Shanghai.
- Take a ride on the longest cable car in the world, then go to Tianmen Mountain, and afterward stop by the Heaven’s Gate Cave.
- Then head over and see the sandstones pillars of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which may also become the inspiration for the ‘Floating Mountains’ in Avatar.
- After that, catch the flashy night glow at Hongyadong, and in Chongqing enjoy a scenic Yangtze River Cruise.
- Don’t miss the world-renowned Leshan Giant Buddha, also known as the tallest stone Buddha statue anywhere on Earth.
- Next, get drawn into the Terracotta Warriors and the ancient city walls of Xi’an. And of course, explore the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven all in Beijing.
- Throughout the journey you’ll have comfortable hotel stays, delicious breakfasts and dinners, plus smooth travel using China’s high-speed trains.
Day 1: Arrival at Shanghai
- Arrive at Shanghai International Airport, where your fun China adventure.
- You’ll meet your tour representative and get transferred to your hotel in a comfy way.
- Then do the check in process, and just relax after your trip. Depending on when you land, you can take a slow wander through the nearby streets or just rest up at the hotel.
- Shanghai is such a cool mix, it brings together brand new futuristic skyscrapers with colonial style architecture, so it becomes one of Asia’s most intriguing cities.
- In the evening, enjoy a tasty welcome dinner, with local plus international dishes, all together.
- Overnight at Holiday Inn Shanghai Jingan or similar hotel.
Day 2: Shanghai Exploration Day
- Start your morning with a filling breakfast, y’know the kind that kinda keeps you going.
- Head out for a full day guided tour in Shanghai, don’t rush it.
- First up you’ll see The Bund, that well known waterfront promenade where the views over Pudong’s modern skyline are just spectacular.
- Wander through Nanjing Road. It is one of the busiest shopping streets in China.
- Then visit the Calm Yu Garden. There, you will experience a lovely piece of the classical Chinese landscaping.
- Keep moving through the Old Town, it’s charming in a very “walk around and browse” way, filled with traditional shops and local delicacies.
- Later you’ll stop at People’s Square, often described as the cultural core of Shanghai.
- Take the beautiful snapshots of the iconic skyscrapers, involving the Oriental Pearl Tower.
- At night, head back towards the hotel.
- Then have dinner, and later just relax for the evening.
Day 3: Shanghai to Zhangjiajie Arrival
- Grab breakfast at the hotel first, before you check out, just do it whenever you are ready.
- Then go on to the railway station, or the airport, for your next leg toward Zhangjiajie, all travel arrangements are of course at your own expense.
- When you finally get there, switch over to your hotel, and take a moment to reset yourself, just a bit.
- After that, head toward Tianmen Mountain, it’s seriously quite spectacular and people really talk about it , for that jaw dropping natural scenery.
- Then, ride one of the world’s longest cable cars, as you slowly take in those wide sweeping mountain panoramas from above, and just let it soak in.
- Afterward, cross the glass skywalk, it feels thrilling in a way you probably can't forget.
- Then visit the amazing Tianmen Cave, which people also call Heaven's Gate. You will also get to admire steep cliffs, vibrant woods, and mist covered ridges, all kind of together, like a scene.
- At night, go back to the hotel.
- Have a tasty dinner and take a sound sleep.
Day 4: Discovering Zhangjiajie's Famous Destinations
- Kick off your morning with breakfast, not rushy though just start.
- Then spend the day kinda drifting around the breathtaking sceneries of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
- You'll get to see those giant sandstone pillars that, basically sparked the floating mountains vibe in Avatar.
- After that, take the scenic elevators and cable cars—each ride gives you jaw dropping panoramic views.
- Make time for those pretty viewpoints, the ones looking down into deep valleys and odd rock formations.
- Stroll through green forests, let the calm atmosphere settle in.
- Keep an eye out and snap incredible photos all day long.
- Honestly, this is one of China’s most extraordinary natural marvels.
- In the evening return to your hotel, freshen up and relax. Dinner and overnight stay.
Day 5: High Speed Train to Chongqing
- Have breakfast first, before you do the whole checking out thing. Then, board a high-speed train bound for Chongqing, think around 2 hours and 30 minutes give or take.
- Once you arrive, it’s time to shift over to your hotel , either by transfer or taxi depending on what’s easiest at that point.
- Later, go see Hongyadong. It’s super well-known for those gorgeous illuminated traditional buildings , built right into the hillside so the whole place looks stacked, layered, and honestly unreal.
- After that, stroll the bustling shopping streets, duck into a few cafés , and don’t leave out the riverside attractions.
- In the evening, start with a relaxing Yangtze Grab breakfast, even before you properly check out.
- Then jump back on a high-speed train heading to Chongqing, about 2 hours 30 minutes.
- When you get there, you’ll head to your hotel by transfer or taxi, whatever they can line up.
- Make time for Hongyadong too , because those glowing old-style buildings on the slope are the main vibe.
- Next, roam into the lively lanes and grab a cup of coffee, and spend a time at the riverside.
- For the night stay, settle yourself in the calm Yangtze River Cruise.
- Wrap up back at the hotel, have dinner, and then overnight.
Day 6: Exploring Chongqing
- After breakfast, you should start your whole day city walk around.
- You will see why Chongqing gets called China’s “Mountain City”, kind of as if it's built on the hills all the time.
- Then, make sure to visit the several key cultural and historical sites.
- Later on, you can also enjoy scenic panoramic overlooks that look down over the Yangtze, and Jialing Rivers, at the same time.
- Spend some time wandering through the lively local markets, and the busy streets where everything feels active and noisy in a good way.
- Between the routes you will also discover the interesting facts about Chongquing transformation from the historic to the modern metropolis city.
- In the afternoon, all the travelers will have the leisure time to do shopping of the famous antiques and other items in that place.
- At night, get back to the hotel, have dinner, and relax.
Day 7: Departure from Chongqing and arrival at Chengdu
- Just take time with breakfast, and once you’re done you can board that high speed train headed to Chengdu.
- When you arrive just transfer to the hotel, and then go from there.
- After that, start your Chengdu city tour, which is the capital city of Sichuan Province.
- You’ll get to see some well-known cultural spots as well as lively neighborhoods around the town.
- After that, your next sightseeing of the day will be pleasant parks and the older historical sites.
- You can also do some shopping in the nearby streets where you can shop for the traditional handicrafts, and also taste some authentic snacks.
- Notice how friendly and warm the city feels, like the guest is always welcome, and afterward return to your hotel.
- Have dinner in the hotel at night, and have a sound sleep.
Day 8: Chengdu Exploration Day
- Have a breakfast, before you depart for the Leshan.
- Visit the statue of the Great Leshan Giant Buddha, which is also a World Heritage site of UNESCO.
- Stroll along those carefully set out pathways, so you can admire the huge 71 meters tall stone figure from a few different angles.
- Take a moment to dig into the unusual history, like how and why it was put together.
- While you’re there, just savor the picturesque views at that spot where three rivers meet under the statue, it feels unreal.
- After that, linger a bit and wander around the nearby temples and those small gardens too.
- In the evening, head back to Chengdu.
- Dinner, then an overnight stay.
Day 9: HI-SPEED TRAIN TO XIAN
- Enjoy your breakfast first, before you board the high-speed train heading to Xi’an (around 3 hours 45 minutes).
- When you arrive, go ahead and check in at your hotel.
- Later on, head to the lovely Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square.
- Don’t miss the musical fountain show, it's really impressive, and honestly it’s among the largest ones across Asia.
- Wander around the lively public square, with gardens, sculptures, and little cultural acts that pop up here and there.
- Try to feel the lively night mood of Xi’an, the vibe is totally electric at the night.
- Then head back to the hotel for dinner.
- Overnight stay at the accommodation.
Day 10: Discovering Xian
- Start the day with breakfast.
- Then, just go for the full day wander through Xi’an, it’s one of China’s oldest imperial capitals, and honestly, it feels timeless.
- You should visit the super well-known terracotta Warriors Museum, where thousands of full size clay soldiers are resting.
- While you’re there, take time to learn about the Emperor Qin Shi Huang, and China's first Unified empire.
- Next, check out the Ancient City wall, which is among the best preserved city walls anywhere in the world.
- After that, head towards the lively Museum Quarter, famous for the mouthwatering street food and traditional marketplaces.
- As you walk around, you’ll spot Xi’an rich mix of Chinese and Islamic heritage, kind of woven together.
- In the evening, go back to your hotel and just relax a little.
- Dinner and overnight stay at the accommodation.
Day 11: Heading towards Beijing through high-speed train
- Eat breakfast first before you head out
- After that, experience a unique travel in the high speed train to Beijing.
- After the arrival at the city, transfer to the hotel.
- After that the rest of the day is more like relax, or wander through the nearby sights.
- You will finally get your first clear view of China’s impressive capital.
- Have a dinner, then stay overnight at the hotel.
Day 12: Indulging in the Beauty of Beijing
- Kick off your morning with breakfast, then head out, really start it.
- Go see this pretty awesome Forbidden City, it used to be, where China’s emperors actually resided.
- Wander around the historical Tiananmen Square, it’s one of the biggest public squares of earth.
- Keep moving towards the splendid temple of Heaven, where emperors once prepared ritual appeals for the good harvest.
- Take in the grand imperial buildings, plus calm, quiet gardens.
- Hear the intriguing Beijing history from your guide, while you’re there.
- After this unforgettable sightseeing stretch, return to the hotel.
- Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 13: Discovering Beijing
- Grab your breakfast first, then go for another day full of sightseeing and small surprises.
- Head to the legendary Great Wall of China, yeah one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
- Stroll along this astonishing old structure, all while taking in broad mountain views.
- Get those unforgettable photos at one of China’s most iconic places.
- Then explore the cultural stops and the other shopping districts, as per your travel requirements.
- There are shops your favorite souvenirs, tea, silk items, and other handmade crafts.
- Finish the whole trip evening with a nice dinner, kind of a final little celebration. Overnight stay in Beijing.
Day 14: Departure from Beijing
- Savor your final breakfast in China. Then check out from the hotel, or whatever time you have.
- Get transferred comfortably to Beijing International Airport, no rush, no stress.
- Give your goodbye to the astonishing landscapes, historic monuments, and the experiences you’ve had these past two weeks.
- Finally, depart carrying sweet memories from one of the world’s oldest, and honestly, most fascinating civilizations.
Inclusion
- Enjoy a comfortable stay at the hotels listed in the itinerary or similar quality accommodations.
- Travel with an experienced English-speaking driver who also serves as your guide throughout the journey.
- Comprehensive medical insurance for the duration of the tour is included. Guests aged 60 and above, or those planning to extend their stay, may need to pay an additional premium.
- The package includes all meals, airport transfers, sightseeing tours, entry tickets, and surface transportation as outlined in the itinerary.
Exclusion
- Airfare for the Shanghai – Zhangjiajie – Xian domestic flight.
- China visa charges.
- Mandatory tips of USD 8 per person, per day.
- POE (Port of Entry) charges, porterage, and passport-related fees.
- Basic Travel Quota (BTQ) equivalent to USD 10,000, wherever applicable.
- Government taxes and service taxes as applicable at the time of booking.
- Any increase in currency exchange rates that may affect transportation or land arrangements before departure.
- The tour price may be revised without prior notice if there is a significant fluctuation in exchange rates before your travel date.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, beverages, mineral water, wines, and food or drinks not included in the set menu.
- Gratuities for local guides, hotel staff, drivers, and other service personnel, unless specifically mentioned.
- Meals that are not listed in the itinerary.
- Optional tours, additional sightseeing, entrance tickets, and local guide services not mentioned as part of the package itinerary.
Accomodation
Important Notes
Visa Requirements:
- Single entry China visa
- Cost of visas including documentation and processing fees as of 1st August 2025. Any further increase in the same must be borne by the passengers.
Black Out Dates:
Christmas & New Year 15 Dec 2026 – 10 Jan 2027
National Day Holiday - 18 Sep – 07 Oct 2026
23 Oct - 08 Oct 2026
Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) Holiday - 25 Jan – 14 Feb 2027
Qingming Festival – 16 Mar – 31 Mar 2027
Imperial China Trail from Shanghai to Beijing 6 Nights Tour
Destinations: - China