Most people arrive in China thinking they know what to expect: big cities, ancient temples, fast trains, dumplings. But perhaps there's more? Something unexpected waiting behind every gate, garden, and side street. This journey isn't about observing China from a distance; it's about stepping into it. Over ten days, we'll explore four distinct cities: Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Shanghai, from a culinary point of view - each offering a unique cultural perspective on this vast country. We begin in Beijing, where history and modernity intertwine. We'll wander through the expansive courtyards of the Forbidden City, gaze over traditional rooftops from Jingshan Park, and savor flavors passed down through generations in the hutongs. Standing atop the Great Wall, we'll reflect on the vastness it was built to protect. In Chengdu, the pace slows. Amid the aroma of spicy Sichuan cuisine and the clatter of mahjong tiles, we'll visit pandas in their serene sanctuary, learn local Sichuan culinary secrets, and witness the mesmerizing art of face changing opera. Hangzhou offers a different kind of beauty. We'll glide across the tranquil waters of West Lake, explore temples nestled in misty hills, and taste tea that captures the essence of the land. Finally, Shanghai greets us with its dynamic energy and world famous soup dumplings. Strolling through the historic French Concession to ascending the heights of the city's tallest skyscrapers, we'll experience a metropolis that seamlessly blends the old with the new. This trip is about embracing contrasts: old and new, quiet and loud, familiar and unknown. It's about delving deeper than the headlines to taste, discover and explore a country full of life, complexity, and surprise. The kind of unique experience will stay with you long after the flight home.
Here's a day-by-day itinerary of the trip. Press the "<" and ">" buttons below to scroll through each day.
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Nestled in the heart of Beijing's Forbidden City and WangFuJing, The PuXuan Hotel and Spa offers a harmonious blend of history and modern luxury. A mere 8-minute walk from Dongsi Subway Station and within proximity to iconic landmarks like the National Art Museum of China, this hotel pays homage to the city's rich heritage while offering an unparalleled experience.
Overlooking Tianfu Square, The Ritz-Carlton, Chengdu offers a cosmopolitan experience at the heart of this iconic Chinese city. This contemporary-styled hotel resides in China’s emerging southwest and offers modern hospitality infused with traditional Chinese flourishes.
The Liuying Hotel West Lake Hangzhou is a tranquil 5-star retreat nestled along the southern shores of West Lake in Hangzhou’s Shangcheng District. Its prime location offers guests serene lake views and easy access to nearby cultural landmarks such as Leifeng Pagoda, Jingci Temple, and the China National Tea Museum.
The Middle House blends Italian vision with modern aesthetics, topping it all with a uniquely Shanghainese twist. Designed by Italian architect Piero Lissoni to radiate urban sophistication, The Middle House's decor skillfully combines old and new, texture, color, and line to create a thoroughly modern luxury accommodation experience - an oasis of calm set against the dynamic backdrop of Shanghai, a city 25 million people strong.
Doni Belau is the creator and founder of Girls' Guide to the World. She is an inveterate traveler, having been to over 85 countries (and counting). She comes alive when exploring and seeing, tasting and feeling something or somewhere new. She loves to help other women experience this sensation as she truly believes it helps us see a larger world of possibilities within ourselves.
A journey shaped by the landscapes that hold China’s past and present in balance
Our journey traces a path through the physical heart of China, moving from imperial capitals to quiet mountain trails and lakeside gardens. In Beijing, broad avenues and old alleyways stretch out beneath the shadow of ancient walls, where history feels rooted in the very structure of the city. In Chengdu, the air softens, shaped by tea fields, river valleys, and the slow pace of the Sichuan basin. Hangzhou offers a different kind of beauty, water reflecting sky, stone bridges arching over still canals, hills rolling gently behind West Lake. And in Shanghai, the landscape opens up to the sea, where old-world streets and soaring towers meet at the edge of the horizon. Through it all, the land remains a quiet presence, shaping the way people move, gather, cook, and dream.
Everything specified in the itinerary
Accomodations at 5-star hotels for the entire trip
All meals (except where indicated), including beer & wine with dinner
All transportation during the trip (except where indicated)
Expert guides and trip leaders
A small group experience
Domestic flights
Airport transfers
VIP airport arrival service
Guided sightseeing and entrance fees
All meals unless specified - wine or beer included with dinner
Guided hutong food tour
Guided visits to Wangjianglou Park & Shuijingfang Baijiu Museum
Sichuan opera
Guided tour to Dujiangyan Panda Base
Cable car ride and guided hike at Qingcheng Mountain
Private cooking class
Private boat ride on West Lake
Ticket to Enduring Memories
Guided tour to Huqingyutang Pharmacy & Lingyin Temple
Tea-tasting at Dragon Well
High-speed train ride to Shanghai
Walking food tour Yuyuan Bazaar
Shanghai Tower visit
Additional wine, beer, and/or spirits beyond what’s offered at meals
All personal souvenirs
Travel and medical insurance (required)
Any spa treatment desired
Round-trip airfare to China
Fly into Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) in Beijing, China, but you'll be leaving from Shanghai.
The trip officially starts on October 12, 2026. If you're traveling internationally to reach China, consider arriving a day early to relax and adjust to the local time zone. You can find the Arrive 1 Day Early option in the Add-ons section.
We will have a Zoom call about 6 weeks before the trip starts to discuss all that information and give you a packing list. Here is a great website we love that will help you with packing and travel trips.
October is one of the best times to visit China, with mild, comfortable weather across the country. In Beijing, expect cool, sunny days around 50–70°F (10–21°C). Chengdu, Hangzhou, and Shanghai are slightly warmer, averaging 60–75°F (16–24°C), with low humidity and occasional light rain. It’s ideal for sightseeing, so light layers and a jacket are recommended.
Visa requirements for entering China vary by nationality and purpose of visit. Generally, travelers need a valid passport with at least six months' validity and two blank pages. Most visitors require a tourist visa, which can be obtained online here.