9 Day China Odyssey

From imperial splendour to contemporary marvels, the China Odyssey is more than a holiday it is a rich cultural immersion that invites you to walk through centuries of history, uncover untold stories, and connect with local life in ways few travellers ever experience. This thoughtfully curated journey weaves together the must-see landmarks of Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, taking you from the awe-inspiring Great Wall and the hushed halls of the Forbidden City to the subterranean army of the Terracotta Warriors and the dynamic skyline of modern Shanghai.

n Beijing, explore the hidden heart of the city through its labyrinthine hutongs before standing in the shadow of Tiananmen Square and marvelling at the ancient majesty of the Temple of Heaven. Hike along a dramatic, lesser-visited section of the Great Wall, complete with champagne picnic, and taste the capital’s iconic Peking duck. Then step into the elegance of the Summer Palace before whisking away via high-speed train to Xi’an where the legendary Terracotta Army awaits.

Xi’an surprises with its contrasts: from ancient city walls and grand mosques to bustling Muslim quarters filled with sizzling street food. A dumpling banquet and a taste of Biang Biang noodles offer delicious insight into Shaanxi’s culinary heritage. The journey continues to Shanghai, a city where past and future meet in spectacular style. Walk the storied Bund, wander the tranquil Yu Garden, and peek into China’s recent past at a hidden propaganda poster museum. A side trip to the serene water town of Xinchang rounds off your adventure, offering a poetic pause before your departure.

This is not just a sightseeing trip. It’s a deeply textured experience filled with meaningful encounters, from meeting locals and learning their stories to soaking in the visual richness of ancient palaces, sacred temples, and vibrant alleyways. With excellent hotels, expert local guides, and authentic regional meals included throughout, the China Odyssey promises an unforgettable glimpse into the soul of a nation where tradition and innovation coexist in perfect harmony.

YOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing, Welcome to China!

Upon arrival in the vibrant Chinese capital, you’ll be greeted at the airport by your English-speaking guide and private driver. If your room isn’t yet ready, you’ll drop your bags and head straight into the heart of Beijing for a walking tour of its ancient hutongs.

These narrow alleys and courtyard residences are the city’s living soul. As you wander through this maze of local life, you’ll uncover a side of Beijing few tourists get to see. Peek into a hidden courtyard where the last empress once resided in her twilight years, and follow the lively calls of vendors to street stalls brimming with local flavours. This is your first real taste of Beijing, raw, authentic, and alive.

Dinner will be served at a traditional local restaurant before you transfer back to your hotel for a well earned rest.

Day 2: Imperial Beijing

First, visit the vast Tian’anmen Square, the symbolic heart of modern China. Here, beneath the watchful gaze of Mao’s portrait, your guide will share the square’s political and cultural significance both past and present.

From there, walk through the gates into the legendary Forbidden City. Once home to Ming and Qing emperors, concubines, and eunuchs, this massive palace complex is a masterpiece of imperial architecture. Explore its grand halls, quiet courtyards, and centuries-old intrigue.

After lunch, visit the striking Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Its circular “Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests” is a Beijing icon, and the entire complex reveals much about the philosophical foundations of imperial China.

Return to your hotel with the evening at leisure.

Day 3: The Great Wall Adventure

Today is the day: you’re off to the Great Wall of China. But not just any section, Huanghuacheng, known for its serenity and dramatic scenery. Here, wildflowers bloom alongside ancient stone, and a section of the Wall even disappears beneath the water. This lesser-visited stretch offers an immersive experience far from the crowds.

You’ll hike along the Wall, exploring both restored and time-worn segments, with spectacular views across the rugged mountains. A gourmet picnic lunch with a glass of champagne is served along the way, a rare and memorable moment to savour amid one of the world’s greatest wonders.

After a rest back at the hotel, cap off the day with an iconic Peking duck dinner, prepared in true Beijing style.

Day 4: Summer Palace to Xi’an

This morning, stroll the lakeside pavilions and landscaped gardens of the Summer Palace, a serene retreat built for Qing Dynasty royalty. Kunming Lake and its ornate bridges are entirely man made, a feat accomplished by over 10,000 labourers. Enjoy a quiet coffee in the Garden of Harmonious Interests, designed in homage to a Southern Chinese aesthetic admired by the emperor.

After lunch, transfer to the railway station and board your high speed train to Xi’an, travelling at speeds of over 300km/h.

Upon arrival in Xi’an, your local guide and driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast, showcasing the diverse shapes, fillings, and traditions of Shaanxi cuisine.

Day 5: Xi’an

Set off early to the world-famous Terracotta Army, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Stand before thousands of life sized warriors, horses, and chariots that have silently guarded Emperor Qin Shihuang’s tomb for over 2,000 years. Each figure is unique, a testament to the scale and artistry of ancient China.

For lunch, dive into local specialities including Biang Biang noodles broad, hand pulled ribbons laced with chili, garlic, and numbing Sichuan pepper. The character for “biang” is one of the most complex in the Chinese language, and this dish is just as bold and unforgettable.

Return to your hotel in the afternoon for some time at leisure.

Day 6: Xi’an to Shanghai

Start your final day in Xi’an by stepping up onto the Ancient City Wall, the best-preserved fortification of its kind in China. Choose to stroll or rent a bike for a ride along the top, where you’ll have panoramic views of the old city below and a sense of the scale of Xi’an’s historic defences.

Your next stop is the Great Mosque, a striking example of Islamic architecture filtered through a Chinese lens. Built in the 8th century and rebuilt many times since, it features traditional Chinese pagoda roofs and wooden pavilions rather than domes or minarets—a rare and harmonious blend of cultures.

Then dive into the Muslim Quarter, one of the most vibrant and flavourful areas in all of China. Here, time seems to stretch between sizzling lamb skewers, handmade persimmon cakes, spicy noodles, sesame candy, and the hypnotic aroma of mutton stew. Talk with local vendors, observe ancient culinary techniques, and feel the pulse of a neighbourhood that’s been a cultural crossroads for centuries.

After lunch, you’ll head to the airport for your short domestic flight to Shanghai, China’s economic powerhouse. Upon arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. The evening is yours to relax or explore at your own pace.

Day 7: Shanghai

Begin the day on the storied Bund, where colonial architecture from the early 20th century lines the Huangpu River. As you stroll, admire the clash and harmony of past and future, historic buildings on one side, Shanghai’s shimmering skyscrapers on the other.

Next, escape the urban buzz in the Yu Garden, an oasis of Ming dynasty aesthetics with delicate rockeries, koi-filled ponds, and pavilions tucked between trees. Although small, the garden is dense with symbolism and craftsmanship every stone, window, and roofline tells a story.

Walk through the Former French Concession, one of the city’s most charming and photogenic areas. Beneath plane trees, you’ll find art deco apartments, stylish cafés, and a blend of East and West that defines cosmopolitan Shanghai.

Then uncover a lesser-known treasure: the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre. Hidden in the basement of a residential block, this private collection offers a rare glimpse into the visual culture of Mao-era China through more than 5,000 posters dating from the 1940s to the 1970s. Recovered from bins and forgotten archives, they reveal the surreal, creative, and powerful world of Communist propaganda.

On weekends, you may also visit the nearby Marriage Market, where parents gather in parks holding handwritten signs advertising their children’s education, income, height, and job prospects all in hopes of finding the perfect match.

Time permitting, your guide may also take you to Lujiazui, Shanghai’s ultra modern financial district. Photograph the iconic skyline and marvel at towers like the Shanghai Tower, Jinmao Building, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, each more futuristic than the last.

Day 8: Xinchang Water Town

Your final full day in China begins with a journey out to Xinchang Water Town, a tranquil alternative to the more touristy water towns around Shanghai. Here, time moves slowly. The narrow streets and stone bridges, mirrored in quiet canals, hold centuries of memories.

Meet a local elder who has lived in Xinchang all his life and follow him through the alleys as he shares personal anecdotes, hidden courtyards, and family stories passed down through generations. This immersive, intimate experience offers a human connection to China’s rich tapestry.

Though calm and understated, Xinchang embodies the poetry of old China, a perfect final note before your journey ends.

Return to Shanghai in the afternoon. The rest of your day is free to shop, relax, or celebrate your final evening in China.

Day 9: Departure from Shanghai

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. At the appropriate time, your guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your international flight.

Optional Journey Continuation: Hong Kong – The Pearl of the Orient

For those wishing to delve deeper into China’s global story, Hong Kong offers the perfect conclusion to your odyssey. A city where East meets West in a vivid swirl of culture, cuisine, and skyline, Hong Kong is more than just a modern metropolis, it’s a unique lens through which to experience the complexity and charisma of contemporary Chinese identity. This optional continuation is ideal for travellers seeking a sophisticated contrast to the mainland’s historic heartlands.

Day 9: Shanghai to Hong Kong

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Hong Kong, one of the world’s most dynamic and vertical cities. Upon arrival, make your way to your hotel, located in the heart of the city, and begin exploring at your own pace.

Hong Kong’s rhythm is electric, its skyline iconic, its neighbourhoods diverse. Whether you’re drawn to its culinary temples, colonial architecture, or neon lit markets, this city rewards every kind of traveller.

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy. Perhaps take a tram up Victoria Peak for sweeping views of Victoria Harbour, or stroll through the lively streets of Central and SoHo.

Day 10: Hong Kong

Today is entirely at leisure, giving you the freedom to curate your own Hong Kong experience. You might choose to:

• Explore the vibrant alleys of Mong Kok, where street food stalls and market vendors create a sensory overload of colour and sound
• Visit Man Mo Temple, an atmospheric Taoist temple veiled in incense
• Take the historic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour for less than a dollar and a priceless view
• Ride the longest outdoor escalator system in the world through the Mid-Levels
• Shop in Tsim Sha Tsui, sip cocktails in a rooftop bar, or feast on dim sum.

Alternatively, venture to Lantau Island to see the towering Tian Tan Buddha, or hop on a ferry to explore one of the outlying islands.

Whatever you choose, your time in Hong Kong will be entirely your own, offering contrast, closure, and a renewed appreciation for China’s multi faceted story.

Day 11: Departure

Enjoy a final breakfast at your hotel before checking out. Depending on your flight time, you may have one last chance to shop, wander, or sip tea before making your own way to the airport.