If you’re looking for both the main highlights of China plus a little something out of the way, this is the trip for you. Take in all the classic landmarks of China – the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Warriors – before hopping a flight from Shanghai to Kunming so you can immerse yourself in the culture of Yunnan. (Spicy food lovers, take note – this place is heaven for cuisine.) Hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge will remain a bragging right for years to come. Whether it’s your first time in China or one of many return trips, we’ll make sure you see something new.

Day 1 Beijing
Arrive at any time.

Day 2 Beijing
Take the Beijing metro to visit the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.

Day 3 Beijing/Xi'an
Enjoy an included visit to the Great Wall. Take an evening flight to Xi'an.

Day 4 Xi'an/Suzhou
Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors—and enjoy a local lunch at a farmhouse. Opt to cycle the ancient city walls before an overnight train to Suzhou.

Day 5 Suzhou
Visit Suzhou, the "Venice of the East." Explore the Master of the Nets Garden, one of China's most exquisite gardens.

Day 6 Suzhou/Shanghai
Travel to Shanghai and take an orientation walk along the Bund.

Day 7 Shanghai
Enjoy free time in this bustling city before watching a spectacular Chinese acrobat show in the evening.

Day 8 Shanghai/Kunming
Fly to Kunming and start exploring beautiful Yunnan.

Day 9 Kunming/Dali
Enjoy a walk around the Bird and Flower Market in Kunming before boarding an express bus to Dali. With free time, opt to visit the old town, take a boat around Lake Erhai, or ride a bike to Xizhou.

Day 10 Dali
Enjoy a free day to continuing exploring this scenic town.

Day 11 Dali/Shaxi
Travel by bus to Shaxi with free time to explore. Enjoy an included walk around the quiet cobblestoned streets, viewing the fabulous ancient architecture of this hidden traditional village.

Day 12 Shaxi
Enjoy a free day in Shaxi to continue exploring.

Day 13 Shaxi/Lijiang
Travel to Lijiang and explore the UNESCO Heritage-listed Old Town. Opt to visit the Black Dragon Pool Park.

Day 14 Lijiang/Hetaoyuan
Take a bus to Tiger Leaping Gorge and start on the famous hike. The route follows the stunning scenery of the Yangtze as it cuts through the gorge.

Day 15 Hetaoyuan/Lijiang
Hike in the morning before taking a bus back to Lijiang.

Day 16 Lijiang/Kunming
Enjoy a free day in Lijiang before flying back to Kunming.

Day 17 Kunming
Depart at any time.