Tailored Travel
The Grand Traverse · Beijing to Shanghai
About This Journey
Over 15 days, from Beijing to Shanghai, you cross through China's most varied faces—imperial, ancient, spicy, surreal, ethereal, and futuristic. You will walk beneath the red walls of the Forbidden City and stand before the silent army of Xi'an. You find yourself in a Chengdu teahouse as the afternoon slows to a crawl, then step into Chongqing's neon-lit maze of stilted houses. You ride through the clouds on Zhangjiajie's glass elevator, drift along Fenghuang's riverside at dusk, and finally land in Shanghai, where the last century and the next meet on a tree-lined lane.
Why This Journey
Walk the Forbidden City's red walls, then ride a rickshaw through Shichahai's hutongs with a Beijing Daye as your guide
Stand before 8,000 terracotta warriors—each face unique, each soldier frozen in time for over 2,000 years
Meet giant pandas in Chengdu's bamboo groves, then slow to teahouse pace in People's Park
Ride the world's tallest outdoor elevator into Zhangjiajie's floating mountains—the real-life Avatar landscape
Drift past Fenghuang's lantern-lit stilted houses and dine beside Furong's glowing waterfall
End on the Bund, where a century of history faces tomorrow's skyline across the Huangpu River
Itinerary
Start your Old Beijing journey in the Forbidden City, walking through vast courtyards and quiet gates where imperial life once unfolded. From Jingshan Park, take in the view over the city's historic center, where the scale and layout of Old Beijing become clear at a glance.
As the day continues, step into the lived-in rhythm of old Beijing. Ride through Shichahai's hutongs by rickshaw with a Beijing Daye as your guide—he'll greet residents at doorways, trade banter with street vendors, and show you the unhurried life that hums just beyond the tourist trail. As evening falls, wander into Nanluoguxiang's bustling lanes, where old-timers on bamboo stools quietly observe the vibrant mix of locals, travelers, and street vendors sharing the same narrow alleys.
The day ends over a classic Peking duck dinner, one of Beijing's most iconic culinary traditions. Famous for its crispy golden skin and tender meat, the duck is expertly carved tableside and served with delicate pancakes, scallions, cucumber, and savory sauce.
Hotels
Beijing
A traditional courtyard-style boutique hotel near Tiananmen and Wangfujing, offering a quiet stay in central Beijing—classic siheyuan architecture with simple, modern comforts, ideal for experiencing authentic hutong atmosphere.
2 nights
Xi'an
Set along the Ming City Wall and steps from the Stele Forest, a serene urban sanctuary that honors Xi'an's thousand-year legacy through modern craftsmanship, with a rooftop terrace overlooking the ancient city.
2 nights
Chengdu
Transformed from a historic three-courtyard mansion, where original brick walls, wooden pillars, and arched gates meet modern luxury—a quiet sanctuary in the heart of the city near Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li.
2 nights
Chongqing
Perfectly located in central Jiefangbei, steps from Hongyadong and Chaotianmen, featuring a refined light-luxury design with floor-to-ceiling windows framing breathtaking city views and smart room controls.
2 nights
Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan
In the center of Wulingyuan, the World Natural Heritage geological park, this Southeast-Asian-themed resort sits near the national forest park entrance—a comfortable base for the floating mountains.
2 nights
Furong Town
In the core area of Furong Town, built on the idea of symbiosis of mountains, waters and humanities—the thousand-year-old waterfall, Tujia architecture and modern design woven into an immersive stay.
1 night
Fenghuang
Nestled along the cobblestone lanes of Fenghuang Ancient Town, steps from the Tuojiang River and Hongqiao Bridge, with poetic views of stilted houses and a hearty local breakfast.
1 night
Shanghai Bund
Housed in a beautifully restored historic treasury building by the Bund, this 5-star boutique gem blends heritage and modernity with elegant rooms, panoramic river views, and impeccable service.
2 nights
Photo Gallery
What's Included & Excluded
What's Included
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- 14 nights' accommodation with daily breakfast included
- English-speaking guide for 8 days
- Intercity transportation throughout the itinerary
- Private chauffeur service to/from airport or railway station at the start and end of your trip
- Travel insurance for 15 days
- 24/7 online travel assistance throughout the trip
What's Excluded
- All admission fees and activity costs not explicitly included in the itinerary
- Any optional, recommended, or self-funded items listed in the itinerary
- All meals and beverages, including alcoholic drinks
- Gratuities for driver and guide (at guest's discretion)
- Personal expenses, including shopping, souvenirs, and other items of a personal nature
Booking & Payment
How do I book this tour?
Ready to start your China journey? Click "Start Your Journey" in the upper right corner to fill out the inquiry form, or send an email to hello@localechina.com and include your travel preferences. One of our travel designers will get in touch with you promptly to craft a one-of-a-kind itinerary, tailored just for you.
What is the payment schedule?
A. Deposit: To begin reserving your arrangements, we ask for a deposit of 30% of the total trip cost per person. Don't worry, this deposit goes directly toward your trip and will be deducted from your final payment.
B. Full payment: Final payment for your trip is due 30 days before departure. If you book within 30 days of your travel date, full payment will be required at the time of booking. We accept credit card, international bank transfer, WeChat, and Alipay.
What is your cancellation policy?
See our full booking conditions here.
Why LocaleChina
Because great journeys are built on local knowledge. Unlike large international operators, we're based right here in China — meaning faster response, deeper connections, and authentic experiences you can't book online.
- Insider access · Skip-the-line VIP entry, hidden viewpoints, and private cultural encounters
- Full service, no hidden costs · Private GL8 transport, expert guides, and hand-picked accommodations — all arranged
- Real-time support · 24/7 local assistance before and during your trip