Chongqing Landscapes, Han–Tang Xi’an & Imperial Beijing

Upon arrival in Chongqing, your private driver will meet you outside the baggage claim area. During the transfer, your driver will introduce the city’s famous attractions and share stories about its history.

After settling in, begin exploring Chongqing’s extraordinary urban landscape. Visit Jiefangbei, one of the city’s best-known landmarks, before continuing to Bayi Food Street to sample authentic Chongqing snacks.

See the famous Liziba monorail passing directly through a residential building, then stroll through the creative streets of Testbed 2, a former industrial complex transformed into a lively arts and cultural district.

At sunset, visit Qiansimen Bridge for panoramic photographs of the city. As night falls, explore the brilliantly illuminated stilted buildings of Hongya Cave and experience the unique romance of Chongqing’s layered mountain cityscape.

Travel to the UNESCO-listed landscapes of Wulong, a region that historically served as an important passage between Chongqing and Guizhou and still preserves traces of early mountain communities.

Visit the magnificent Three Natural Bridges, where millions of years of water erosion have created enormous natural stone arches, deep gorges and dramatic sinkholes.

At the bottom of the valley stands the historic Tianfu Official Post, a traditional courtyard complex that appeared in the film Curse of the Golden Flower. Surrounded by towering cliffs, the architecture recreates the atmosphere of an ancient frontier post once used by merchants, travellers and local residents.

Continue to Fairy Mountain National Forest Park. In earlier times, the area was associated with grazing, farming and rest stops along regional trading routes.

Walk through forests and open grasslands, relax in the mountain scenery and discover how geological evolution and the lives of local communities have shaped the character of the region.

Travel to the scenic landscapes of Pengshui and board a traditional-style sightseeing boat for a cruise through the celebrated Wujiang River Gallery.

Emerald-green water winds between steep cliffs, while light mist drifts above traditional Tujia stilted houses along the riverbanks. Cruising through the landscape feels like entering a classical Chinese ink painting.

Along the route, see a succession of dramatic peaks and narrow gorges. Ancient paths carved into the cliffs recall the lives of the early Ba people, while mysterious hanging coffins and Manwang Cave preserve stories associated with the region’s ancient history.

From wider sections of the river, look towards the thousand-year-old Gongtan Ancient Town, where historic Ming- and Qing-style courtyards and old merchant buildings stand beside the water, recalling the prosperity of the former river port.

During the journey, you may sample the highly recommended local speciality of Wujiang tofu fish.

After exploring the river scenery and historic sites, return to central Chongqing in the evening.

Take a high-speed train north from Chongqing to Xi’an, the historic capital of thirteen Chinese dynasties.

After arrival and time to settle in, visit the ancient Xi’an City Wall. Cycle along the top of the wall for broad views across the old city and see the weathered bricks that have witnessed centuries of history.

Continue to the landmark Bell Tower and Drum Tower, whose elegant roofs and traditional architecture reflect the cultural character of ancient Chang’an.

Explore Sajinqiao, one of Xi’an’s popular local food streets, and sample a variety of distinctive Shaanxi flavours amid its lively neighbourhood atmosphere.

After dark, walk through the brightly illuminated Grand Tang Mall. Its architecture, performances and colourful lights recreate the splendour of the Tang dynasty and offer an immersive introduction to the legendary atmosphere of ancient Chang’an.

Visit the Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries.

Stand before the vast formations of life-sized clay soldiers and horses, which have remained underground for more than two thousand years. Their powerful arrangement evokes the military strength and ambition of the Qin Empire.

Continue to Huaqing Palace and Mount Li. Set among green hills and natural hot springs, the area is associated with the celebrated love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei and also preserves important episodes from China’s modern history.

In the evening, you may choose to attend the optional outdoor production The Song of Everlasting Sorrow. Using the mountain and water as its stage, the performance combines lighting, music and choreography to recreate one of the Tang dynasty’s most famous romantic legends.

Travel north by high-speed train to Beijing.

After arrival and time to settle in, visit Tiananmen Square and experience the monumental atmosphere of China’s capital.

Enter the Forbidden City through its red walls and grand gateways. Walk among ceremonial halls, courtyards and imperial residences while learning about the royal traditions and political history of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Continue to the summit of Jingshan Park for a commanding view over the complete central axis and golden rooftops of the Forbidden City.

Later, explore Qianmen and Dashilan, where historic commercial streets, traditional shops and classic Beijing snacks preserve the character of the old capital.

Visit the Summer Palace, one of China’s finest imperial gardens.

Walk through the richly painted Long Corridor, climb towards the Tower of Buddhist Incense and enjoy panoramic views over the gardens and Kunming Lake. The elegant combination of architecture, water and mountain scenery reflects the sophisticated landscape design of the Qing dynasty.

In the afternoon, travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Ride the cable car into the mountains and step onto the ancient fortifications as they wind across the surrounding ridges like a giant dragon.

Look out over layers of mountains and vast forest scenery while experiencing the scale and defensive strength of this historic landmark.

In the evening, see the illuminated Bird’s Nest and Water Cube in Beijing Olympic Park, where modern architecture creates a striking contrast with the capital’s ancient imperial heritage.

Begin the final day at the Temple of Heaven. Explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the Circular Mound Altar while learning about the ceremonial traditions through which Ming and Qing emperors prayed for peace and abundant harvests.

Continue to the Lama Temple, where traditional halls, ancient trees and the sound of Buddhist chanting create a peaceful spiritual atmosphere.

Later, stroll through Nanluoguxiang and the waterside lanes of Shichahai. Walk among grey-tiled courtyard houses, local shops and historic hutongs while experiencing the everyday character of old Beijing.

After completing the final visits, depart according to your onward travel arrangements, bringing this journey through Chongqing, Xi’an and Beijing to a memorable conclusion.