The Grand Panorama
16-Day Private China Itinerary
Following China’s most iconic routes, this carefully crafted journey connects ancient capitals, UNESCO treasures, breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable wildlife encounters. From the Great Wall and the Terracotta Army to Jiuzhaigou’s turquoise lakes, giant pandas and Chongqing’s dramatic skyline, experience the extraordinary contrasts of China.
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: 16 Days • 15 Nights
- Travel Style: Urban Exploration • Culture • Nature
- Ideal For: Travellers seeking their first immersive journey through China’s defining experiences.
- Best Time: April–June • September–October
- Route: Beijing (3) → Xi’an (2) → Chengdu & Leshan (3) → Huanglong & Jiuzhaigou (2) → Chongqing (3) → Shanghai & departure (3)
Route Map
Journey Information
- From €4,950 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 1–3 | Beijing
China’s Imperial Heart
Your journey begins in Beijing, the perfect introduction to China’s rich cultural heritage. As the capital of successive dynasties for almost eight centuries, the city preserves some of the country’s most celebrated landmarks.
Explore Tiananmen Square, the magnificent Forbidden City, the elegant Temple of Heaven and the peaceful gardens of the Summer Palace, each revealing a different chapter of China’s imperial past and architectural legacy.
Among China’s iconic landmarks, none captures the imagination quite like the Great Wall. From the restored fortifications of Mutianyu to the sweeping mountain scenery of Jinshanling, each section offers its own unique character and unforgettable views.
Complete your stay by wandering the atmospheric hutongs, where narrow alleyways, traditional courtyard houses reveal a more intimate side of the capital before continuing your journey across China.
Days 4–5 | Xi’an
Where Empires Met the Silk Road
As the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road and capital of numerous Chinese dynasties, the heritage of Xi’an reflects centuries of imperial power, cultural exchange and enduring traditions.
Walk atop the impressive Ancient City Wall, explore the lively Muslim Quarter and visit the elegant Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, whose history is closely linked to the spread of Buddhism throughout China.
No visit to Xi’an would be complete without discovering the world-famous Terracotta Army, an extraordinary archaeological discovery that continues to reveal the ambition and legacy of China’s first emperor.
Beyond its celebrated landmarks, Xi’an rewards visitors with bustling food markets, centuries-old alleyways and a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic influences, offering an atmosphere unlike any other city in the country.
Days 6–8 | Chengdu & Leshan
From encounters with China’s most iconic wildlife to one of the world’s largest stone sculptures, Sichuan blends remarkable cultural heritage with unforgettable experiences. Together, Chengdu and Leshan offer a fascinating introduction to one of China’s most distinctive regions.
CHENGDU
The Heart of Sichuan
Chengdu is famous as the home of China’s giant panda, offering one of the world’s finest opportunities to observe these beloved animals in a conservation-focused environment. Beyond the panda base, discover the city’s relaxed rhythm through historic teahouses, lively parks, traditional Sichuan cuisine and the mesmerizing art of face-changing opera, a unique expression of local culture.
LESHAN
The World’s Largest Stone Buddha
Carved into a riverside cliff more than 1,200 years ago, the Giant Buddha of Leshan remains one of China’s greatest engineering and artistic achievements. Admire this UNESCO World Heritage Site from scenic viewpoints or by boat, while exploring the surrounding temples and peaceful landscapes that have made Leshan an important centre of Buddhist culture for centuries.
Days 9–10 | Huanglong & Jiuzhaigou
Northern Sichuan reveals some of China’s most extraordinary natural landscapes. Together, these two UNESCO-listed wonders offer an unforgettable journey through alpine valleys, forests and mountain scenery.
Jiuzhaigou
A Valley of Turquoise Lakes
Jiuzhaigou is one of China’s most spectacular natural wonders. Discover a landscape of crystal-clear lakes, cascading waterfalls and colourful forests, where every valley reveals a different shade of blue and green. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jiuzhaigou offers an unforgettable encounter with the beauty of China’s alpine landscapes.
Huanglong
The Golden Dragon of Sichuan
Huanglong is renowned for its extraordinary travertine terraces, where golden pools cascade through forests and mountain valleys. Walk along this otherworldly landscape and discover a unique natural masterpiece shaped over thousands of years by mineral-rich waters and the power of nature.
Days 11–13 | Chongqing
China’s Neon Mountain City
Built across steep hills at the meeting point of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, Chongqing is a city of contrasts, where ancient temples, hidden neighbourhoods and futuristic skyscrapers exist side by side.
Discover its many layers, from the peaceful Taoist temples of Laojundong and the underground bunker market hidden inside former wartime tunnels, to the lively streets where locals gather around steaming bowls of Chongqing hot pot.
Ride the historic Yangtze River Cableway, explore hillside communities connected by endless stairways and experience the city’s unique neon-lit atmosphere, where towering buildings, monorails and rivers create a landscape unlike anywhere else in China.
More than a modern metropolis, Chongqing reveals a different side of China — one shaped by history, resilience and the vibrant energy of everyday life.
Days 14–16 | Shanghai & Departure
Where East Meets West
To conclude your travel, a city of contrasts where colonial heritage, futuristic architecture and everyday life blend together: Shanghai offers one of China’s most dynamic urban experiences.
Stroll along the historic Bund and admire the contrast between its elegant Art Deco and neoclassical buildings and the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong, including the Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and Jin Mao Tower rising across the Huangpu River.
Beyond its famous landmarks, discover another side of the city through the tree-lined streets of the former French Concession, traditional neighbourhoods and a vibrant nightlife scene where rooftop bars and lively streets reveal Shanghai’s cosmopolitan spirit.
With easy access to the elegant gardens of Suzhou, the tea hills of Hangzhou and the ancient waterways of Zhujiajiao, Shanghai is also the perfect gateway to explore the timeless beauty of the “Golden Triangle“.
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
€4,950 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”
