G Adventures
Beijing to Kunming: Undiscovered China
Beijing to Kunming: Undiscovered China
China will ignite your imagination with its futuristic cities and sweep you off your feet with ancient traditions and rich cultural heritage. This two-week adventure checks off the must-sees like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors, but that’s just the start. Journey south to Kunming and discover hidden gems in smaller cities brimming with centuries of history. Wander through Chengdu’s lively People’s Park and stroll the charming old towns of Shaxi and Dali. It’s the perfect balance of old and new, city and countryside – China like you’ve never experienced before.
Highlights
Forbidden City Visit, Tiananmen Square, Great Wall of China excursion, Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour, Giant Panda Breeding Center, People’s Park & Tianfu Square Visit in Chengdu, Lijiang Old Town Visit, Black Dragon Pool Park, Shaxi Walking Tour, Dali Old Town walking tour.
Accommodation
Hotel (13 nts)
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer)
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 14
Meals Included
1 lunch, 2 dinners
What’s Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment – Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Local Family Lunch Xi’an, Xi’an. Orientation walk in Beijing, Xi’an. Forbidden City Visit. Tiananmen Square. Free time in Beijing, Xi’an. Great Wall of China. Muslim Quarters Visit. Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour. Lunch with local family in Xi’an. Giant Panda Breeding Center. People’s Park & Tianfu Square Visit in Chengdu. Lijiang Old Town Visit. Black Dragon Pool Park. Shaxi Walking Tour. Dali Old Town. Dali Xizhou Old Town walking tour. Transport to and from included activities.
| Day 1 |
Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore. Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water. After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing. Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck. |
| Day 2 |
Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore. Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water. After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing. Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck. |
| Day 3 |
Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore. Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water. After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing. Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck. |
| Day 4 |
Visit Beijing, China’s capital! This majestic city offers plenty of grand monuments, ancient landmarks, and breathtaking sights for you to explore. Begin your Beijing adventure in the heart of the city. Beyond Tiananmen Square, the city’s austere (and infamous) political center erected by Chairman Mao, lies the remarkable Forbidden City. This imperial palace, perhaps the most famous attraction in Beijing proper, will amaze you with its bright red façade and impressive museum, home to beautiful pieces of Chinese art. Nearby Tian Tan or Temple of Heaven, the imperial center for prayer over many dynasties, is fashioned in the same exquisite Chinese architectural style and bursts with lavish reds and golds. Travel mere steps from Tiananmen to gaze in wonderment at the National Center for the Performing Arts, whose illuminated glass dome sparkles over a mirror-like pool of blue water. After visiting the city’s historic landmarks, unwind by browsing unique markets and enjoying some delicious culinary treats. Restaurants throughout Beijing serve savory and crispy peking duck, a staple in the city, but be sure to sample sweet cakes and rice desserts on bustling Wangfujing Snack Street. From lovely jade beads, to vintage tea pots, to distinctive souvenirs, the Panjiyuan Antique Market is the quintessential stop for shopping in Beijing. Venture just north of the capital to see the Great Wall of China, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world’s most iconic man-made wonders. This vast landmark, whose twisting steps are set upon lush hilltops, is an absolute must-see on any trip to Beijing. The Great Wall’s overwhelming immensity is guaranteed to leave you awestruck. |
| Day 5 |
Xi'an is the capital of Shaanxi (Shen-hsi) Province, and the cultural center of the historic and agriculturally rich Wei River valley. Historical interests include the tomb of China's first emperor, Shih 0Huang Ti; Shaanxi Provincial Museum; the Big and Little Goose Pagodas; and the Great Mosque. Other points of interest include the tombs of the Tang emperors (618-906); four tumuli (burial mounds); Xi'an Hot Springs; and Banpo, a Neolithic village. |
| Day 6 |
Chengdu, located in the center of the Sichuan Basin, is known as the "Land in Heaven" because of its agricultural wealth.
Chengdu is a city of broad streets and inviting parks. Points of interests include Du Fu Cottage, a shrine built in honor of the famous Tang Dynasty poet; Wu Hou Shrine, a shrine built for the Chinese military strategist of the third century, Zhug Liang; and the River View Pavilion (Wangjiang Lou) where 120 varieties of bamboo can be found. Northwest of Chengdu are the Dujiangyan Dam, built in 150 B.C. and Green City Mountain which is famous for its Taoist and Buddhist temples and monasteries. |
| Day 7 |
Chengdu, located in the center of the Sichuan Basin, is known as the "Land in Heaven" because of its agricultural wealth.
Chengdu is a city of broad streets and inviting parks. Points of interests include Du Fu Cottage, a shrine built in honor of the famous Tang Dynasty poet; Wu Hou Shrine, a shrine built for the Chinese military strategist of the third century, Zhug Liang; and the River View Pavilion (Wangjiang Lou) where 120 varieties of bamboo can be found. Northwest of Chengdu are the Dujiangyan Dam, built in 150 B.C. and Green City Mountain which is famous for its Taoist and Buddhist temples and monasteries. |
| Day 8 |
Chengdu, located in the center of the Sichuan Basin, is known as the "Land in Heaven" because of its agricultural wealth.
Chengdu is a city of broad streets and inviting parks. Points of interests include Du Fu Cottage, a shrine built in honor of the famous Tang Dynasty poet; Wu Hou Shrine, a shrine built for the Chinese military strategist of the third century, Zhug Liang; and the River View Pavilion (Wangjiang Lou) where 120 varieties of bamboo can be found. Northwest of Chengdu are the Dujiangyan Dam, built in 150 B.C. and Green City Mountain which is famous for its Taoist and Buddhist temples and monasteries. |
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| Day 10 |
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| Day 11 |
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| Day 12 |
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| Day 13 |
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| Day 14 |
Sights include: Xishan Forest Park and Dianchi Lake. |
| Travel Dates | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|
|
07/12/25 - 07/25/25 |
Starting At $2,252 |
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|
08/16/25 - 08/29/25 |
Starting At $2,649 |
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|
09/04/25 - 09/17/25 |
Starting At $2,375 |
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|
11/17/25 - 02/28/26 |
Starting At $2,399 |
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|
03/07/26 - 03/28/26 |
Starting At $2,549 |
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|
04/11/26 - 05/30/26 |
Starting At $2,699 |
Get A Quote | |
|
06/13/26 - 08/29/26 |
Starting At $2,549 |
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|
09/12/26 - 10/31/26 |
Starting At $2,699 |
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|
11/14/26 - 12/23/28 |
Starting At $2,399 |
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Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.
