Experiencing China: A Journey Through Past and Present
China isn’t just a destination – it’s a place that constantly shifts your perspective.
Walking along the Great Wall of China or through the Forbidden City it’s stepping into thousands of years of living history that still shapes the country today. Seeing the Terracotta Army in person is one of those rare travel moments that genuinely takes your breath away.
In one trip, you can go from ancient temples and quiet tea houses to the futuristic skyline of Shanghai. It’s this blend of old and new that makes China feel so dynamic – like you’re experiencing multiple worlds at once.
From cuisine and calligraphy to local traditions and daily life, China invites you to engage, not just observe. This 14-day journey is designed for travelers who want to experience China deeply, comfortably, and seamlessly.
Trip highlights:
1. Begin in Beijing, the capital of the Chinese Empire. Visit Tiananmen Square and enter the Forbidden City, the emperor's ornate palace, surrounded by its imperial red walls. This structure has been a restriction of civilians for hundreds of years and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that can only be used by emperors, families and courts for more than 500 years. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is where the Emperor humbles himself and prays for the harvest of beauty.
2. Enjoy your trip to the ancient Great Wall, an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site that extends about 4,000 miles from the 5th century BC to the 16th century AD to prevent nomads. Stroll to its path and enjoy breathtaking views. In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan), a masterpiece of Chinese garden design that has been to the royal retreat with the lake, garden and palace. Strolling along the long corridors, admiring the marble boats, savoring the calm of Kunming Lake, and escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.
3. Fly to Xi'an to visit the eighth wonder of the world: the giant clay warrior. In the huge mausoleum, Emperor Qin Shi Huang was shelved 2,000 years ago, see the 8,000 lifespan-sized carving warriors, archers and infantry buried with him. It is worth noting that each person and horse are molded with their own unique features. The incredible archaeological site was discovered by local farmers in 1974.
4. Take a quick train to Chongqing, known as the "Mountain City". Visit Chongqing Zoo (the location of the panda) and take a city tour. In the afternoon, board your Century Glory cruise of the Yangtze River.
5. Tour to Fengdu Ghost City, famous for its ghostly culture and the fusion of Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhists. Travel through the most scenic stretch of the Yangtze as it forces its way through a spectacular series of limestone ridges known as the Three Gorges. Cruise through Qutang Gorge, the shortest, narrowest and most spectacular of the three large gorges. Then board a smaller boat for an excursion through the Goddess Stream. Sail through these remarkable canyons flanked by towering cliffs.
6. Disembark for a tour of the three Gorges Dams, the world's largest hydroelectric project, which takes nearly 20 years of construction. See the inner workings of this massive structure up close. Learn how the dam controls flooding and how it led to the relocation of 1.25 million people.
7. Board the flight to Shanghai to enjoy the modern skyscraper landscape surrounded by Oriental Pearl Towers. Next, head to Nanjing Road. Browse high-end stores, taste local snacks, and absorb a vibrant atmosphere. Then, drive to the Bund to appreciate the contrast between Park Metropolitan views and European-style architecture. Head to the temple of the city god. Try local snacks and explore the beautiful rocks of Yuyuan Gardens.
Trip details
Date: you choose!
Duration: 14 days
Package price: starting at $5,299 per person
What‘s included:
Curated airport transfers
12-night four-star hotel stay paired with an elegant cruise voyage
Insights and storytelling of a professional, English-speaking tour guide throughout your journey
Complimentary shore excursions
All meals as highlighted in your personal itinerary
Selection of complimentary beers and fine wines
Trips like this aren’t just about where you go – they’re about how they make you feel, and the perspective you bring home with you. China has a way of surprising you in the best possible ways.
When you’re ready to experience it for yourself, Trabeona Travels is here to help you plan every step of the journey!