Beijing

Begin the day at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, two of the capital's most important historic landmarks, offering a window into imperial rule, ceremonial tradition, and palace architecture across nearly six hundred years. In the afternoon, attend a performance by the National Ballet of China, one of the country's premier classical companies. The day concludes with an evening exploration of Wangfujing Street, the lively pedestrian district where Beijing's past and present meet, followed by the city's signature dish, a Peking Duck dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Peking Duck)

Beijing

Spend the day at the Great Wall, walking along its ancient stone ramparts and taking in the sweeping views of mountain ridges that have shaped this engineering marvel for more than two thousand years. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Chinese drama performance, a vivid showcase of music, costume, and storytelling drawn from centuries of cultural heritage. Gather for the Great Nations Brands Dinner, a celebratory evening connecting culture, hospitality, and the spirit of cross-cultural exchange.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Fly to Chengdu

Fly to Chengdu, the laid-back capital of Sichuan and one of China's most beloved cities. On arrival, visit Wuhou Shrine for an introduction to the history of the Three Kingdoms period and walk Jinli Street, where traditional Sichuan architecture meets a lively street food scene. Continue to Kuanzhai Alley, where restored historic courtyards meet contemporary urban life. The evening features a Sichuan Opera performance, including the celebrated bian lian face-changing tradition that has defined the genre for centuries.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Chengdu

Begin the day at the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a 2,000-year-old water management system still in use today and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The system has shaped the agricultural prosperity of the Chengdu Plain since the third century BCE. In the afternoon, visit the Sanxingdui Ruins, where remarkable Bronze Age discoveries reveal a highly distinctive ancient civilization from Sichuan. The monumental bronze masks, towering figures, and sacred trees on display have reshaped scholarly understanding of early Chinese history.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Chengdu

Begin the day at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, one of the leading institutions in the world for panda conservation. The early morning hours are the best time to see the animals active and feeding, often within just a few meters of the viewing paths. The afternoon is at leisure to explore Chengdu at your own pace, with optional visits to a traditional teahouse in Renmin Park or further wandering through the city's historic alleys.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Yibin

Spend the morning at Lizhuang Ancient Town, a riverside settlement along the Yangtze with a history reaching back nearly fifteen hundred years. Wander stone-paved lanes lined with preserved Ming and Qing courtyards, ancestral halls, and temples, and learn about the town's remarkable role during the Second Sino-Japanese War, when leading Chinese universities and research institutes relocated here for safety. Continue to Hejiang Gate, a historic landmark in Yibin overlooking the meeting point of the Min, Jinsha, and Yangtze Rivers, often considered the symbolic source of the Yangtze. In the afternoon, board the high-speed train to Guiyang.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Guiyang

Begin in Qingyan Ancient Town, a beautifully preserved Ming Dynasty walled town just outside Guiyang, where Han Chinese, Miao, and Buyi cultures have intersected for centuries. Wander cobblestone streets, ancient stone gates, temples, and traditional courtyards. Continue to Jiaxiu Tower, an elegant pavilion perched atop a stone arch bridge over the Nanming River, considered one of Guiyang's most iconic landmarks and a celebrated symbol of the city's literary heritage. In the afternoon, explore Qianling Park, a sprawling urban green space known for its forested mountain trails, the Buddhist Hongfu Temple, and the resident troops of wild macaques that roam freely among visitors.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Guiyang

Begin the morning at Huaxi Park, a scenic riverside park on the southern edge of Guiyang known for its winding streams, stepping-stone bridges, and lush mountain backdrops, often called the pearl of the highland. Continue to the Guiyang Museum to explore the rich history and cultural heritage of Guizhou's many ethnic communities, including the Miao, Buyi, Dong, and Han peoples who have shaped the province for centuries. In the afternoon, visit a traditional handicraft market to discover the artisan traditions of Guizhou, from intricate Miao silver jewelry and embroidered textiles to handmade batik, lacquerware, and ethnic crafts that reflect the region's deep cultural roots. The evening features an authentic Guizhou dinner, with local specialties like sour fish soup and Miao-style cooking.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Guizhou cuisine)

Guiyang to Maotai Town

Travel to Maotai Town, the famous distillery town in Renhuai county that gives its name to China's most celebrated baijiu. Tour the Maotai distillery to learn about the centuries-old production process, then sample the spirit that has been served at state banquets and diplomatic occasions for generations. Spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding scenery and local folk culture of the area, where the unique microclimate of the Chishui River valley plays a defining role in Maotai's distinctive character.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Zunyi

Travel to Zunyi City to visit the Zunyi Meeting Site and the Zunyi Meeting History Museum, where you'll learn about a pivotal moment in modern Chinese history. The January 1935 meeting held here during the Long March marked a major turning point in the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and is widely studied as a key event in twentieth century China. In the afternoon, enjoy the scenic charm of Zunyi City and sample the local cuisine, which reflects the bold flavors and culinary traditions of northern Guizhou.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Return to Beijing

Fly back to Beijing for the final day of your journey, with time to reflect on the experiences shared across this remarkable trip through China. Take the afternoon to shop for traditional Chinese souvenirs, from silk and tea to handcrafted keepsakes that capture the spirit of the places you've explored. Gather for a final authentic Chinese meal, a chance to celebrate the journey, share favorite memories, and toast the friendships and discoveries made along the way.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner