Best of China in 11 Days

Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu & Shanghai

From $3,200 USD per person

Small Groups up to 15 people

Activity level 2

Activity Level 1:

These trips have a relaxed itinerary with modern and comfortable accommodations, have less time in the car, and require low physical fitness (ie; walking during sightseeing for 1-3 hours at a time).

Activity Level 2:

These trips require changing hotels/cities at least once. Locally owned boutique accommodations are comfortable with modern amenities. Some longer car rides exist. Activities like hiking or cycling may be included in the itinerary but are optional.

Activity Level 3:

These longer trips require an adventurous spirit and a moderate level of physical fitness due to the sights that we visit and the varying weather conditions we may experience. Longer car rides will happen due to remoteness or distances traveled.

You can review detailed itineraries for all of our multi-day trips on our website to gain a better understanding about each trip’s activities.

Best of China in 11 Days

Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu & Shanghai

From $3,200 USD per person

Small Groups up to 15 people

Activity level 2

Eleven Days. Completely Sorted.

All city-to-city transport: high-speed trains & domestic flight.

All tickets & activities: Great Wall, Forbidden City, and more.

All meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, & drinks.

10 nights accommodations.

Airport transfers upon arrival & departure to/from China.

English-speaking expert guide throughout.

View All Inclusions

Your ultimate 11-day journey through four iconic cities: local flavors, hidden neighborhoods, and experiences most travelers miss.

Travel through China, from bucket list landmarks to the dishes locals line up for every day. Stand on the Great Wall, walk through the Forbidden City, face the Terracotta Warriors, visit the Giant Panda Base, and finish along Shanghai’s Bund. Along the way, our local insiders guide you through streets, markets, and kitchens where each city’s signature dishes are still made.

Reserve Your Spot

$500 USD deposit per person

Sept. 12-22, 2026

$3,450 USD per person

Reserve

Nov. 14-24, 2-26

$3,200 USD early bird

Reserve

Mar 13-23, 2027

$3,200 USD early bird

Reserve

April 10-20, 2027

$3,200 USD early bird

Reserve

Need to cancel?

Transfer your spot to someone else or get a credit to use on another trip. View details.

Private trip option

Your group, your dates. Click here to schedule a private trip.

Not ready to commit?

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Day by Day Itinerary

01 Beijing

Drop into the hutongs for a food tour.

Arrival + Hotel Check-In: Enjoy a smooth airport pickup in Beijing and settle into your hotel in the city.

Evening Food Tour: Kick off the trip with a signature Lost Plate-style evening food tour through Beijing, tasting local classics and street snacks while getting your first feel for the city’s energy and flavors.

02 Beijing

Forbidden City. Peking duck. Wander the hutongs.

Morning Food Tour: Start the day with a Beijing breakfast food tour, tasting local morning staples and exploring hutong neighborhoods.

Forbidden City: Step inside China’s most iconic imperial palace complex, walking through grand halls, courtyards, and centuries of history at the heart of Beijing.

Shichahai + Nanluoguxiang: Wander Beijing’s famous hutong areas, with lakeside views, narrow alleyways, and local shops.

Peking Duck Dinner: Wrap up the day with a must-have Beijing classic: a full traditional Peking Duck feast.

03 Beijing

The Great Wall. Farmhouse lunch. A private dumpling dinner.

Mutianyu Great Wall: Head to one of the most scenic stretches near Beijing, known for its mountain views and well-preserved watchtowers.

Countryside Lunch: Enjoy a relaxed lunch outside the city featuring hearty local countryside dishes.

Dumpling Making Class: Return to Beijing for a hands-on dumpling making class, learning how to fold, fill, and cook one of Northern China’s most beloved comfort foods.

04 Xian

High speed train to Xian. Muslim Quarter Food Tour.

Bullet Train Transfer: Take an early high-speed bullet train from Beijing to Xian, traveling across China’s landscape in the most efficient way possible.

Arrival + Check-In: Arrive in Xian and settle into your hotel with smooth transfers already arranged.

Evening Tuktuk Food Tour: Dive straight into Xian’s legendary street food scene with a guided food tour featuring hand-pulled noodles, lamb specialties, and the bold flavors of China’s northwest.

05 Xian

Terracotta Warriors. Xian City Wall.

Terracotta Warriors Visit: Explore the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, one of China’s greatest archaeological discoveries.

Countryside Lunch: Enjoy a hearty lunch that highlights Shaanxi flavors and local ingredients.

Shuyuanmen Cultural Street: Wander this historic street lined with calligraphy shops, antiques, and traditional architecture.

Xi’an City Wall: Walk or cycle along Xian’s ancient city wall, one of the best-preserved in China, with sweeping views over the old and new city.

Local Dinner + Street Snacks: End the day with classic Xian comfort food, with stops for local favorites like lamb stew and iconic Xian desserts.

06 Xian & Chengdu

Morning Food Tour. Drum Tower. Bullet train to Chengdu. Hot Pot.

Morning Food Tour: Start the day with a Xian morning food tour, tasting local breakfast specialties and exploring the city’s lively markets and snack streets.

Great Mosque Visit: A rare blend of Islamic culture and traditional Chinese architectural design.

Bell Tower: One of Xian’s most historic landmarks and a key gateway into the old city’s street life.

Train to Chengdu: Board the train to Chengdu, transitioning from the flavors of Shaanxi to the bold spice culture of Sichuan.

Wide and Narrow Alley: Stretch your legs at Wide and Narrow Alley, one of Chengdu’s most famous historic districts filled with teahouses and street snacks.

Hot Pot Dinner: Tonight is a Sichuan essential: a full hot pot feast, with spicy broth, local dipping sauces, and classic Chengdu-style ingredients.

07 Chengdu

Pandas. Enjoy a local teahouse. Evening Food Tour.

Panda Base Morning: Visit the Chengdu Panda Base early, when the pandas are most active, and watch them eat, play, and lounge in their naturalistic enclosures.

Chengdu “Fly Restaurant”: Enjoy lunch at one of Chengdu’s standout restaurants, offering a taste of how locals love to eat.

Traditional Tea Tasting: Slow things down in the afternoon with a traditional Chengdu tea tasting, learning about local tea culture and why tea houses are the soul of the city.

Evening Food Tour: Wrap up the day with a Chengdu evening food tour, tasting street snacks, Sichuan classics, and the city’s bold spice-forward comfort foods.

08 Chengdu & Leshan

Leshan Food Tour & Giant Buddha. Chengdu fusion dinner.

Leshan Food Tour: Take a day trip to the nearby city Leshan, tasting regional snacks and specialties that many Chinese travelers consider some of Sichuan’s best.

Leshan Giant Buddha: Adventurous guests can choose to hike to the top of the Giant Buddha. Alternatively, opt for a more relaxed 30 minute boat ride, offering a full panoramic view of the entire Buddha from the river.

Return to Chengdu + Dinner: Drive back to Chengdu and enjoy dinner at a modern Southwest Chinese restaurant blending Sichuan techniques with Yunnan herbs and Guizhou-style sour elements.

09 Shanghai

Fly to Shanghai and taste the city's classics

Flight to Shanghai: Transfer to the airport and fly to Shanghai, China’s most international city and the final stop of the trip.

Arrival + Free Time: After check-in, enjoy downtime to rest or explore nearby streets before the evening program begins.

Evening Food Tour: In the evening, join a Shanghai food tour featuring classic local flavors, street snacks, and the city’s famous sweet-savory dishes.

10 Shanghai

Yu Garden. People's Park & Matchmaking Corner. Farewell Dinner.

Yu Garden Visit: Explore Shanghai’s most famous classical garden, surrounded by traditional architecture, markets, and old-style streets.

Shanghai Signature Lunch: Enjoy a Shanghai specialty: crab roe noodles.

People’s Park: Visit People’s Park to see the famous weekend matchmaking corner, where parents gather with handwritten profiles to introduce potential partners for their children.

Nanjing East Road Free Time: Enjoy time exploring cafés and browsing both international brands and popular Chinese stores.

Farewell Dinner: Gather for a farewell dinner at a Michelin one-star restaurant specializing in refined Zhejiang cuisine.

Rooftop Toast: One last drink on a rooftop with a sweeping view of the Bund and the shimmering Huangpu River.

11 Shanghai

Morning Food Tour & Departure.

Morning Food Tour: Finish strong with a Shanghai breakfast and coffee tour, tasting the city’s morning staples and exploring local streets before departure.

Airport Transfer + Departure: After the tour, enjoy a smooth transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Where You'll Stay

Regent Beijing

3 nights: This 5-star hotel in the heart of Beijing sits steps from the Forbidden City and historic hutongs with direct access to Subway Line 5.

Eastern House Boutique Hotel

Eastern House Boutique

2 nights: Located near the Bell Tower and Muslim Quarter, Xian's historic center, markets, and cultural sites are within easy reach.

Dorsett Chengdu

Dorsett Chengdu

3 nights: Set in Chengdu’s lively Luomashi district, the Dorsett offers convenient access to the city’s historic areas, shopping streets, and traditional food neighborhoods.

Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden

Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden

2 nights: Overlooking Shanghai’s historic Old Town, the Renaissance stands beside the classical Yu Gardens and traditional markets that define the area.

The itinerary and hotel selections are subject to adjustments based on seasonality and local operations.

Where You'll Go

"Lost Plate took care of everything and curated a trip full of memorable meals, moments, and cultural highlights. From airport pickup to hotel check-out, every meal and activity was thoughtfully planned. Honestly, this was the most stress-free, fun, and flavor-packed way to experience China!"

Felicia W.

Los Angeles, USA

"We saw and ate amazing things that we would never have experienced if we had traveled without this tour. Our guide was very attentive and informative. Lost Plate helps make experiencing China so much more accessible and I would highly recommend this tour."

Robbboys

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Reserve Your Spot

$500 USD deposit per person

Sept. 12-22, 2026

$3,450 USD per person

Reserve

Reserve - $500 per person

Nov. 14-24, 2-26

$3,200 USD early bird

Reserve

Reserve - $500 per person

Mar 13-23, 2027

$3,200 USD early bird

Reserve

Reserve - $500 per person

April 10-20, 2027

$3,200 USD early bird

Reserve

Reserve - $500 per person

Need to cancel?

Transfer your spot to someone else or get a credit to use on another trip. View details.

Private trip option

Your group, your dates. Click here to schedule a private trip.

Not ready to commit?

Join Our Newsletter

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Best of China in 11 Days

Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu & Shanghai

From $3,200 USD per person

Small Groups up to 15 people

Activity level 2

Eleven Days. Completely Sorted.

Your ultimate 11-day journey through four iconic cities: local flavors, hidden neighborhoods, and experiences most travelers miss.

Reserve Your Spot

Need to cancel?

Private trip option

Not ready to commit?

Day by Day Itinerary

Drop into the hutongs for a food tour.

Forbidden City. Peking duck. Wander the hutongs.

The Great Wall. Farmhouse lunch. A private dumpling dinner.

High speed train to Xian. Muslim Quarter Food Tour.

Terracotta Warriors. Xian City Wall.

Morning Food Tour. Drum Tower. Bullet train to Chengdu. Hot Pot.

Pandas. Enjoy a local teahouse. Evening Food Tour.

Leshan Food Tour & Giant Buddha. Chengdu fusion dinner.

Fly to Shanghai and taste the city's classics

Yu Garden. People's Park & Matchmaking Corner. Farewell Dinner.

Morning Food Tour & Departure.

Where You'll Stay

Regent Beijing

Regent Beijing

Eastern House Boutique Hotel

Eastern House Boutique

Dorsett Chengdu

Dorsett Chengdu

Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden

Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden

Where You'll Go

Felicia W.

Robbboys

Need to cancel?

Private trip option

Not ready to commit?

How to Book Your Trip

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Payment & Cancellation Policy

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When is the remaining balance due?

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

What if I need to cancel less than 45 days before departure?

Common Questions

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