China Contrasts
10-Day Private China Itinerary
Combining spectacular natural landscapes with some of China’s most dynamic cities, this carefully crafted itinerary reveals a country where ancient traditions, extraordinary engineering and breathtaking scenery exist side by side.
Your Journey at a Glance
Everything you need to know at a glance. Detailed pricing and practical travel information are provided further down the page.
Journey Overview
- Duration: 10 Days • 9 Nights
- Travel Style: Cities • Landscapes • Culture
- Ideal For: Travellers seeking to experience China’s remarkable diversity through its most striking contrasts.
- Best Time: April–June • September–October
- Route: Shanghai (2) → Zhangjiajie (3) → Chongqing (2) → Beijing & departure (3)
Route Map
Journey Information
- From €3,450 per person (based on two guests sharing. Lower per-person pricing available for larger private groups)
- Private departures available year-round
- Small group departures also available
- Fully customizable itinerary
- Flexible international arrival & departure airports
Days 1–2 | Shanghai
Two Faces of the Huangpu River
Shanghai is a city of contrasts, where two different worlds face each other across the Huangpu River, like two different faces of time itself.
Stroll along the Bund and admire its Art Deco landmarks and grand historic buildings, then look across the Huangpu River towards Pudong, where Shanghai’s futuristic skyline rises with icons such as the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center.
As night falls, the illuminated riverfront brings these two worlds together, creating one of China’s most unforgettable urban scenes.
Beyond its famous skyline, discover the city’s more intimate side through the tree-lined streets of the former French Concession, where cafés, shikumen houses and everyday life reveal another layer of Shanghai’s identity.
Days 3–5 | Zhangjiajie
China’s Otherworldly Mountain Landscapes
Zhangjiajie reveals a side of China where nature feels almost unreal, with towering sandstone peaks, deep valleys and dramatic cliffs shaping one of the country’s most extraordinary landscapes.
Explore the towering pillars of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, experience the breathtaking heights of Tianmen Mountain and discover the dramatic scenery of the Grand Canyon, home to one of China’s most famous glass bridges.
For those looking to explore further, a visit to Furong Ancient Town offers a fascinating contrast, with its traditional Tujia architecture, waterfalls and riverside setting.
Surrounded by landscapes that seem to belong to another world, Zhangjiajie is one of the most unforgettable stops on a journey through China’s remarkable diversity.
Days 6–7 | Chongqing
A City Built on Layers
Built across steep hills at the meeting point of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, Chongqing is a city where geography shapes everyday life. Roads, buildings and neighbourhoods rise on different levels, creating the unique urban landscape known as China’s “8D city“.
Discover Chongqing’s extraordinary character through Kuixinglou Square, the White Elephant Building and the famous Liziba monorail passing through a residential tower, then explore hidden neighbourhoods where local life unfolds among endless stairways and hillsides.
Ride the historic Yangtze River Cableway, visit the atmospheric Laojundong Temple and experience one of Chongqing’s defining traditions: a fiery local hot pot surrounded by the city’s vibrant energy.
From its neon-lit skyline to its winding streets and dramatic terrain, Chongqing reveals one of China’s most unexpected urban experiences.
Days 8–10 | Beijing & Departure
Where History Meets Tomorrow
Your journey concludes in Beijing, where centuries-old palaces and hutongs coexist with a modern, forward-looking city. A fitting finale to a journey that reveals the many faces of China.
Explore the magnificent Forbidden City, stroll across Tiananmen Square and admire the architectural harmony of the Temple of Heaven before escaping to the tranquil gardens and lakes of the Summer Palace.
Your time in Beijing culminates with a visit to the iconic Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Set among forested hills, its beautifully restored ramparts offer spectacular views and provide a fitting conclusion to a journey shaped by China’s remarkable contrasts.
Before returning home, lose yourself among the capital’s historic hutongs, where traditional courtyard houses and everyday local life continue much as they have for generations, offering one final glimpse into China’s remarkable cultural heritage.
Ready to Make It Your Own?
Every Ink Voyages itinerary is designed as a starting point rather than a fixed tour. Whether you’d like to spend more time in a particular destination, include additional experiences or adjust the pace of your journey, we’ll tailor every aspect to suit your interests and travel style.
Journey Overview
What’s Included & Pricing
Every Ink Voyages journey is individually tailored to your preferences. The information below is therefore intended as a general guide. The final inclusions and pricing will be confirmed in your personalised Travel Services Contract, prepared specifically for your itinerary.
Starting from
€3,450 per person
Based on two guests sharing. Lower per-person pricing available for larger private groups. Final pricing may vary depending on your travel dates and preferences.
Transportation
The journey combines China’s efficient high-speed rail network, domestic flights and private transfers to create a seamless travel experience between destinations.
- Private airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Private transportation for all sightseeing and transfers throughout your journey
- Domestic high-speed train tickets (Standard Class)
- Domestic flights (Economy Class), including applicable taxes
Guiding & Experiences
- English-speaking guides and dedicated local support throughout your journey.
- All entrance fees and experiences included in your final itinerary
Accommodation
- Carefully selected accommodation chosen for its comfort, quality and value. Premium accommodation upgrades are available upon request.
- Daily breakfast
Travel Support
- Assistance with setting up the essential Chinese mobile apps before your journey
- Dedicated support from the Ink Voyages team before and throughout your trip, ensuring help is always just a message away.
What’s Not Included
As every Ink Voyages journey is tailored to your preferences, the items below should be considered a general guide. Any exclusions applicable to your itinerary will be clearly specified in your personalized Travel Services Contract.
- Chinese tourist visa (where required for your nationality – see our Tips & Tools | Visa Guidelines)
- International flights and applicable taxes
- Fuel costs and road tolls (for self-drive itineraries only)
- Optional excursions or activities not included in your final itinerary
- Meals and beverages not specifically included
- Personal expenses
- Travel and medical insurance (see our Tips & Tools | Travel Insurance)
- Gratuities for guides and drivers (entirely at your discretion)
- Any products or services not expressly listed under “What’s Included”
