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A 29-day epic journey through China's heart, covering imperial history, panda sanctuaries, misty mountains, and futuristic skylines using the world's best high-speed rail network.
14days
26stops
DAY01
Beijing Capital International… → Wangfujing Street
Overnight in Wangfujing Street
- 14:00Beijing Capital International Airport· start
- 18:00Wangfujing Street· overnight
First Taste of Beijing
- Quanjude Roast Duck · The classic crispy skin and tender meat experience.
Arrival Budget
- Airport Transfer
- $30
DAY02
The Palace Museum → Jingshan Park
Overnight in Jingshan Park
- 09:00The Palace Museum· start
- 16:30Jingshan Park· overnight
Local Favorites
- Siji Minfu · Arguably better duck than the tourist traps, with a view.
Sightseeing
- Entry Fees
- $15
DAY03
Mutianyu Great Wall
Overnight in Mutianyu Great Wall
- 09:00Mutianyu Great Wall
Rustic Eats
- Farmhouse Cuisine · Fresh trout and wild veggies near the wall base.
Transport
- Private Car/Bus
- $60
DAY04
Summer Palace → Beijing National Stadium
Overnight in Beijing National Stadium
- 10:00Summer Palace· start
- 19:00Beijing National Stadium· overnight
Dinner Choice
- Haidilao Hotpot · The gold standard of service and spicy broth.
Daily Spend
- Summer Palace Entry
- $10
DAY05
Temple of Heaven → Muslim Quarter
Overnight in Muslim Quarter
- 08:30Temple of Heaven· start
- 16:00Xi'an North Railway Station
- 19:30Muslim Quarter· overnight
Xi'an Street Food
- Biang Biang Noodles · Thick, hand-pulled noodles with chili oil. Life-changing.
Travel Cost
- HSR Ticket
- $80
DAY06
Xi'an City Wall → Great Mosque of Xi'an
Overnight in Great Mosque of Xi'an
- 10:00Xi'an City Wall· start
- 15:00Great Mosque of Xi'an· overnight
Lunch Break
- Roujiamo · The 'Chinese Hamburger'. Savory stewed pork in a bun.
Activities
- Bike Rental
- $10
DAY07
Terracotta Army
Overnight in Terracotta Army
- 09:00Terracotta Army
Local Eats
- Cold Skin Noodles · Liangpi—refreshing and spicy, perfect for lunch.
Sightseeing
- Warriors Entry
- $20
DAY08
Big Wild Goose Pagoda → Jinli Ancient Street
Overnight in Jinli Ancient Street
- 09:00Big Wild Goose Pagoda· start
- 16:00Chengdu East Railway Station
- 19:00Jinli Ancient Street· overnight
Sichuan Spice
- Mapo Tofu · The real deal. Numbing, spicy, and silky.
Travel
- HSR Ticket
- $45
DAY09
Panda Research Base → Shufeng Yayun Opera House
Overnight in Shufeng Yayun Opera House
- 08:00Panda Research Base· start
- 19:30Shufeng Yayun Opera House· overnight
Dinner Challenge
- Chengdu Hotpot · Warning: 'Medium spicy' here is 'Extreme' elsewhere.
Sightseeing
- Panda Base Entry
- $8
DAY10
Leshan Giant Buddha
Overnight in Leshan Giant Buddha
- 10:00Leshan Giant Buddha
Leshan Eats
- Leshan Sweet Duck · A local specialty that balances the spice.
Day Trip
- HSR + Entry
- $40
DAY11
People's Park → Wuhou Shrine
Overnight in Wuhou Shrine
- 11:00People's Park· start
- 15:00Wuhou Shrine· overnight
Snack Time
- Zhong Dumplings · Sweet and spicy garlic sauce dumplings.
Daily Spend
- Tea & Snacks
- $15
DAY12
Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Overnight in Dujiangyan Irrigation System
- 10:00Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Mountain Lunch
- Qingcheng Mountain Veggies · Fresh, light, and healthy mountain food.
Day Trip
- Train + Entry
- $30
DAY13
Chongqing West Station → Hongya Cave
Overnight in Hongya Cave
- 14:00Chongqing West Station· start
- 19:30Hongya Cave· overnight
Chongqing Spice
- Chongqing Xiao Mian · Spicy breakfast noodles that will wake you up.
Travel
- HSR Ticket
- $25
DAY14
Liziba Station → Yangtze River Cableway
- 10:00Liziba Station· start
- 15:00Yangtze River Cableway
The Real Deal
- Chongqing Hotpot · The spiciest in China. Look for the 'old butter' style.
Activities
- Cable Car
- $5
Heads Up
- Book train tickets 15 days out
- Download a VPN before you arrive
- Carry tissues (public toilets!)