The Grand China Journey

Private Journeys

The Grand China Journey

Beijing · Xi’an · Chengdu · Yunnan · Guilin & Yangshuo · Shanghai

21DAYS
6DESTINATIONS
∞POSSIBILITIES

OVERVIEW

A deeper introduction, with room for contrast, discovery and rest.

A thoughtfully paced journey through Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Yunnan, Guilin & Yangshuo, Shanghai, combining celebrated places with time for local context and personal discovery.

  • The Great WallBeijing
  • The Terracotta ArmyXi’an
  • Giant panda conservationChengdu
  • The Tea Horse RoadYunnan
  • The Li RiverGuilin & Yangshuo
  • The Bund at duskShanghai
1Beijing2Xi’an3Chengdu4Yunnan5Guilin & Yangshuo6Shanghai

Indicative route · Locations are schematic; transport is confirmed during planning.

Your journey, day by day.

DAY 1

Arrive in Beijing

+
Beijing

Arrive and continue to your accommodation. Settle in at your own pace, with a gentle neighbourhood walk or time to rest depending on your arrival. An introduction to local food offers a first sense of Beijing.

STAY IN Beijing

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 2

Beijing · The Great Wall

+
Beijing

Make time today for the great wall, with walks and exploration at a pace that suits you. Discover a city that holds its history close while moving confidently forward. Beyond the monumental courtyards of the Forbidden City, hutong lanes lead to quiet neighbourhoods, family kitchens and contemporary galleries. Venture into the mountains for the Great Wall, then return to a beautifully prepared Peking duck dinner. Beijing is a compelling first chapter in any journey through China. Adjust the length of each visit to your interests and leave part of the afternoon free for independent discovery or a quiet pause.

STAY IN Beijing

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 3

Beijing · The Forbidden City

+
Beijing

Make time today for the forbidden city, with walks and exploration at a pace that suits you. Discover a city that holds its history close while moving confidently forward. Beyond the monumental courtyards of the Forbidden City, hutong lanes lead to quiet neighbourhoods, family kitchens and contemporary galleries. Venture into the mountains for the Great Wall, then return to a beautifully prepared Peking duck dinner. Beijing is a compelling first chapter in any journey through China. Adjust the length of each visit to your interests and leave part of the afternoon free for independent discovery or a quiet pause.

STAY IN Beijing

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 4

Beijing · Hutongs & Peking duck

+
Beijing

Make time today for hutongs & peking duck, with walks and exploration at a pace that suits you. Discover a city that holds its history close while moving confidently forward. Beyond the monumental courtyards of the Forbidden City, hutong lanes lead to quiet neighbourhoods, family kitchens and contemporary galleries. Venture into the mountains for the Great Wall, then return to a beautifully prepared Peking duck dinner. Beijing is a compelling first chapter in any journey through China. Adjust the length of each visit to your interests and leave part of the afternoon free for independent discovery or a quiet pause.

STAY IN Beijing

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 5

Continue to Xi’an · A first perspective

+
Xi’an

After breakfast, continue to Xi’an using the transport best suited to the final route and operating schedules. Allow time for the transfer and a comfortable break. Settle into your accommodation, take a gentle neighbourhood walk and enjoy regional flavours. Leave the main visits for the full days ahead.

STAY IN Xi’an

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 6

Xi’an · The Terracotta Army

+
Xi’an

Make time today for the terracotta army, with walks and exploration at a pace that suits you. The old city walls still frame a place that once stood at the centre of empires. Meet the extraordinary Terracotta Army, trace the legacy of the Tang dynasty and wander lanes alive with the aromas of cumin, fresh bread and hand-pulled noodles. Xi’an brings archaeology and everyday life into wonderfully close conversation. Adjust the length of each visit to your interests and leave part of the afternoon free for independent discovery or a quiet pause.

STAY IN Xi’an

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 7

Xi’an · Ancient city walls

+
Xi’an

Make time today for ancient city walls, with walks and exploration at a pace that suits you. The old city walls still frame a place that once stood at the centre of empires. Meet the extraordinary Terracotta Army, trace the legacy of the Tang dynasty and wander lanes alive with the aromas of cumin, fresh bread and hand-pulled noodles. Xi’an brings archaeology and everyday life into wonderfully close conversation. Adjust the length of each visit to your interests and leave part of the afternoon free for independent discovery or a quiet pause.

STAY IN Xi’an

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 8

Continue to Chengdu · A first perspective

+
Chengdu

After breakfast, continue to Chengdu using the transport best suited to the final route and operating schedules. Allow time for the transfer and a comfortable break. Settle into your accommodation, take a gentle neighbourhood walk and enjoy regional flavours. Leave the main visits for the full days ahead.

STAY IN Chengdu

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 9

Chengdu · Giant panda conservation

+
Chengdu

Make time today for giant panda conservation, with walks and exploration at a pace that suits you. Chengdu balances its lively streets with an enviable talent for taking things slowly. Spend a morning learning about giant pandas, sit in a park teahouse and discover the layers of Sichuan cuisine. Beyond the city, wooded mountains and quieter towns offer easy extensions to a stay full of flavour and character. Adjust the length of each visit to your interests and leave part of the afternoon free for independent discovery or a quiet pause.

STAY IN Chengdu

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 10

Chengdu · Sichuan food traditions

+
Chengdu

Make time today for sichuan food traditions, with walks and exploration at a pace that suits you. Chengdu balances its lively streets with an enviable talent for taking things slowly. Spend a morning learning about giant pandas, sit in a park teahouse and discover the layers of Sichuan cuisine. Beyond the city, wooded mountains and quieter towns offer easy extensions to a stay full of flavour and character. Adjust the length of each visit to your interests and leave part of the afternoon free for independent discovery or a quiet pause.

STAY IN Chengdu

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 11

Chengdu · Park teahouses

+
Chengdu

Make time today for park teahouses, with walks and exploration at a pace that suits you. Chengdu balances its lively streets with an enviable talent for taking things slowly. Spend a morning learning about giant pandas, sit in a park teahouse and discover the layers of Sichuan cuisine. Beyond the city, wooded mountains and quieter towns offer easy extensions to a stay full of flavour and character. Adjust the length of each visit to your interests and leave part of the afternoon free for independent discovery or a quiet pause.

STAY IN Chengdu

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 12

Continue to Yunnan · A first perspective

+
Yunnan

After breakfast, continue to Yunnan using the transport best suited to the final route and operating schedules. Allow time for the transfer and a comfortable break. Settle into your accommodation, take a gentle neighbourhood walk and enjoy regional flavours. Leave the main visits for the full days ahead.

STAY IN Yunnan

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 13

Yunnan · The Tea Horse Road

+
Yunnan

Make time today for the tea horse road, with walks and exploration at a pace that suits you. Yunnan is a mosaic of high mountains, old trading towns and distinct living traditions. Trace parts of the Tea Horse Road, wander the lanes of Lijiang and Dali, and travel toward the alpine landscapes around Shangri-La. Give the distances the time they deserve and the region opens into a rich, layered journey. Adjust the length of each visit to your interests and leave part of the afternoon free for independent discovery or a quiet pause.

STAY IN Yunnan

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 14

Yunnan · Old towns & local markets

+
Yunnan

Make time today for old towns & local markets, with walks and exploration at a pace that suits you. Yunnan is a mosaic of high mountains, old trading towns and distinct living traditions. Trace parts of the Tea Horse Road, wander the lanes of Lijiang and Dali, and travel toward the alpine landscapes around Shangri-La. Give the distances the time they deserve and the region opens into a rich, layered journey. Adjust the length of each visit to your interests and leave part of the afternoon free for independent discovery or a quiet pause.

STAY IN Yunnan

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 15

Continue to Guilin & Yangshuo · A first perspective

+
Guilin & Yangshuo

After breakfast, continue to Guilin & Yangshuo using the transport best suited to the final route and operating schedules. Allow time for the transfer and a comfortable break. Settle into your accommodation, take a gentle neighbourhood walk and enjoy regional flavours. Leave the main visits for the full days ahead.

STAY IN Guilin & Yangshuo

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 16

Guilin & Yangshuo · The Li River

+
Guilin & Yangshuo

Make time today for the li river, with walks and exploration at a pace that suits you. Limestone peaks rise like ink strokes above the Li River. Around Yangshuo, country lanes thread through rice fields, small villages and the green valleys of the Yulong River. Take to the water, walk gentle paths and sit down to food shaped by this generous landscape. The best memories here often arrive in the quiet moments between the famous views. Adjust the length of each visit to your interests and leave part of the afternoon free for independent discovery or a quiet pause.

STAY IN Guilin & Yangshuo

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 17

Guilin & Yangshuo · Yulong River villages

+
Guilin & Yangshuo

Make time today for yulong river villages, with walks and exploration at a pace that suits you. Limestone peaks rise like ink strokes above the Li River. Around Yangshuo, country lanes thread through rice fields, small villages and the green valleys of the Yulong River. Take to the water, walk gentle paths and sit down to food shaped by this generous landscape. The best memories here often arrive in the quiet moments between the famous views. Adjust the length of each visit to your interests and leave part of the afternoon free for independent discovery or a quiet pause.

STAY IN Guilin & Yangshuo

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 18

Guilin & Yangshuo · Karst countryside walks

+
Guilin & Yangshuo

Make time today for karst countryside walks, with walks and exploration at a pace that suits you. Limestone peaks rise like ink strokes above the Li River. Around Yangshuo, country lanes thread through rice fields, small villages and the green valleys of the Yulong River. Take to the water, walk gentle paths and sit down to food shaped by this generous landscape. The best memories here often arrive in the quiet moments between the famous views. Adjust the length of each visit to your interests and leave part of the afternoon free for independent discovery or a quiet pause.

STAY IN Guilin & Yangshuo

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 19

Continue to Shanghai · A first perspective

+
Shanghai

After breakfast, continue to Shanghai using the transport best suited to the final route and operating schedules. Allow time for the transfer and a comfortable break. Settle into your accommodation, take a gentle neighbourhood walk and enjoy regional flavours. Leave the main visits for the full days ahead.

STAY IN Shanghai

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 20

Shanghai · The Bund at dusk

+
Shanghai

Make time today for the bund at dusk, with walks and exploration at a pace that suits you. Shanghai reveals itself in contrasts: the grand waterfront buildings of the Bund and the glass towers across the river; plane-tree avenues and experimental art spaces; intimate dumpling shops and ambitious dining rooms. Spend time with its architecture, browse independent design studios and watch the city lights gather over the Huangpu. Adjust the length of each visit to your interests and leave part of the afternoon free for independent discovery or a quiet pause.

STAY IN Shanghai

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

DAY 21

Shanghai · A fond farewell

+
Shanghai

Enjoy breakfast and a final pause in Shanghai, depending on departure time. Continue to the station or airport for your onward journey, or extend your stay in China. Transfer and transport arrangements are confirmed in the final proposal.

STAY IN Shanghai

Sample day · Visits, guides, meals and transport are confirmed in your final proposal.

Beautiful places to pause.

Stay inspiration, selected around the route. Specific properties are confirmed during planning.

DATES & SAMPLE BUDGET

The right time. The right journey.

This is a sample itinerary, available for personal planning rather than a live scheduled departure. Choose your preferred season to begin a travel brief.

Illustrative starting budget, per personUS$16,950

Based on two guests sharing. Final cost varies with travel dates, accommodation, routing and inclusions. International flights are excluded from the sample budget. No live availability is implied.

JOURNEY DETAILS

Considered from the beginning.

Planning priorities

  • A pace matched to your interests and abilities
  • Clear transfers and sensible travel days
  • Local context and language preferences
  • Stay locations that suit the route

Confirm in the proposal

  • Exact accommodation and room categories
  • Transport, admissions and meals
  • Access requirements and alternatives
  • Operator details and booking terms
Read essential travel information

More journeys to inspire you.

Iconic China & the Yangtze

Small Group Journeys

Iconic China & the Yangtze

14 DAYS · UP TO 12 GUESTS

Beijing · Xi’an · Chengdu · Chongqing · The Yangtze River · Shanghai

Sample budget fromUS$10,950per person

View journey

Discover it your way.

LOCAL GUIDES

A local perspective.

Share your interests and preferred language to start a guide request. Service coverage and dates are confirmed during planning.

EXPLORE GUIDE OPTIONS

MEDORA TRAVEL APP · COMING SOON

Follow your curiosity.

A concept for discovering the capital through quieter lanes and courtyard stories.

PREVIEW THE ROUTE CONCEPT

Your journey. Your way.

Tell us what you dream of discovering. We’ll help shape the starting point.

PLAN YOUR JOURNEY
MEDORATRAVEL

A WORLD OF CHINA, WAITING

Where will your curiosity take you?

Try Beijing, Yunnan, gardens or tea.