Sichuan Flavors & Karst Wonders: A 10-Day Culinary & Nature Journey from Chengdu to Shanghai

Welcome to Chengdu, a city where ancient traditions blend seamlessly with modern lifestyles. Upon arrival at Chengdu Tianfu or Shuangliu International Airport, your private guide and driver will meet you and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel.

Considering the long journey from Italy, today is designed at a relaxed pace. After check-in, enjoy some free time to rest or take a gentle walk around the neighborhood to experience Chengdu's famous slow-paced lifestyle — from local tea houses and street cafés to the city's laid-back atmosphere.

In the evening, enjoy a carefully selected welcome dinner at a refined Sichuan restaurant near Kuanzhai Alley, introducing you to the authentic flavors of Sichuan cuisine. Beyond its famous spiciness, Sichuan food is celebrated for its balance, creativity, and use of local ingredients. Taste classic dishes such as Kung Pao Chicken (mild version), Fish-Fragrant Eggplant, and Boiled Cabbage in Supreme Broth, paired with local craft beer or Qingcheng Mountain tea.

This first dinner offers a gentle introduction to Chinese cuisine — not just a meal, but a cultural experience that connects flavors, history, and local life.

Optional Upgrade: Premium private vehicle service with a Mercedes-Benz E-Class or similar luxury vehicle.

Visa Information: Italian passport holders may enjoy 144-hour visa-free transit policies at selected Chinese entry ports. However, as this itinerary covers multiple cities, eligibility may vary. We recommend applying for a standard Chinese tourist visa (L visa) in advance for a smoother travel experience.

Transport: Private vehicle service throughout the day

Today is dedicated to two of Chengdu's greatest treasures: its beloved giant pandas and its world-famous Sichuan cuisine. Combining wildlife, local culture, and hands-on experiences, this day offers a deeper understanding of what makes Chengdu one of China's most fascinating cities.

Start the day with an early visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, arriving before the crowds when pandas are most active. Walk along peaceful bamboo-lined paths and observe these iconic Chinese animals as they eat bamboo, play, and relax in their naturalistic habitats. The visit includes the panda nursery areas, where you may have the chance to see adorable baby pandas during breeding seasons, as well as the charming Red Panda area, home to another beloved species with a playful personality. For international travelers, especially first-time visitors to China, meeting giant pandas is often one of the most unforgettable experiences of the journey — a unique connection with China's natural heritage.

Continue to the Sichuan Cuisine Museum, an interactive cultural experience that goes far beyond a traditional museum visit. Here, Sichuan food is presented through its history, philosophy, craftsmanship, and flavors. Discover the essence of Sichuan cuisine through the famous saying: "One dish, one style; a hundred dishes, a hundred flavors." Watch impressive traditional cooking demonstrations, including the famous silken noodle slicing performance, showcasing the precision and skill behind Chinese culinary arts. Take part in a hands-on cooking class with a local chef and learn how to prepare classic Sichuan dishes such as Mapo Tofu or Kung Pao Chicken. Finish the experience with a local food tasting featuring Chengdu favorites including Zhong Shui Jiao dumplings, Dan Dan Noodles, San Da Pao, and other traditional snacks. This immersive experience allows you not only to taste Sichuan cuisine but also to understand the culture and techniques behind every dish.

In the evening, enjoy an authentic Chengdu hot pot dinner, one of the city's most iconic dining traditions. A carefully selected Yuan Yang hot pot (half mild broth, half spicy broth) is arranged to suit different preferences, allowing you to experience Sichuan's famous flavors at a comfortable level. Often compared to a Chinese-style social dining experience, hot pot is more than a meal — it is a way for friends and family to gather, share ingredients, and enjoy conversation around the table. After dinner, take a leisurely walk through Kuanzhai Alley, one of Chengdu's most atmospheric historic neighborhoods. Admire traditional courtyard architecture, explore boutique shops, and experience the city's relaxed evening lifestyle filled with lights, local flavors, and cultural charm.

Transport: Private vehicle service throughout the day

Today offers a more authentic side of Chengdu — from traditional tea house culture and ancient Buddhist heritage to the spectacular art of Sichuan Opera. Experience the city beyond its famous food and pandas, discovering the relaxed lifestyle and cultural traditions that define Chengdu.

Begin your day at People's Park, one of Chengdu's best places to experience the city's famous slow-paced lifestyle. Visit the historic Heming Teahouse, where locals have gathered for generations to enjoy tea, conversation, and everyday leisure. Take a seat on a bamboo chair, order a traditional gaiwan tea, and watch the rhythm of local life unfold around you — from friendly conversations and mahjong games to traditional ear-cleaning services. This relaxed tea house culture reflects Chengdu's unique philosophy of enjoying simple moments, creating a fascinating cultural contrast with Italy's own café and piazza traditions. For those interested, try the traditional ear-cleaning service performed by skilled local craftsmen — a surprisingly memorable experience that many international visitors find both fascinating and enjoyable.

Continue to Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu's best-preserved Buddhist temple with a history of more than 1,400 years. Walk through peaceful courtyards, ancient halls, and beautifully preserved gardens while learning about Chinese Buddhist traditions and their influence on local culture. Your guide will introduce the philosophy behind Buddhism, including concepts such as mindfulness, compassion, and harmony, while providing cultural comparisons with Western religious traditions. Enjoy lunch at the monastery's vegetarian restaurant for an authentic Buddhist dining experience, or choose a nearby Sichuan restaurant to continue exploring Chengdu's culinary traditions.

Choose the experience that best matches your interests:
Option A: Shu Brocade Museum Experience
Visit the Shu Brocade Museum to discover Chengdu's ancient silk-weaving tradition, one of China's most important textile arts. Learn about the craftsmanship behind colorful brocade patterns and explore the connection between Chengdu's silk heritage and Italy's famous silk-producing regions such as Como.
Option B: Leisure Time in Modern Chengdu
Enjoy free time to relax or explore Chengdu at your own pace. Recommended options include Taikoo Li shopping district, Chengdu IFS, and Fang Suo Commune bookstore — perfect places to experience the city's creative lifestyle, contemporary design, and local fashion scene.

In the evening, enjoy a VIP-seat experience at a traditional Sichuan Opera performance, featuring the world-famous Bian Lian (Face-Changing) technique. With lightning-fast costume and mask changes performed in seconds, this unique theatrical art form has become one of China's most fascinating cultural performances. A dinner-and-show package can be arranged for a seamless evening, allowing you to enjoy authentic Sichuan flavors while watching traditional music, opera, acrobatics, and the unforgettable face-changing performance.

Optional Upgrade: Professional photography service with a dedicated photographer to capture your Chengdu experiences, including tea house moments, cultural activities, and local lifestyle scenes.

Transport: Chengdu → Guilin flight (approx. 2 hours) → Private transfer to Yangshuo (approx. 1 hour)

Today, leave Chengdu behind and travel to Guangxi Province, home to some of China's most iconic natural scenery. From peaceful rivers and dramatic karst mountains to charming local cuisine, Yangshuo offers a completely different side of China — one defined by nature, tranquility, and romance.

After breakfast, your private driver will transfer you to Chengdu airport for your flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and continue your journey toward Yangshuo, the heart of Guangxi's famous karst landscape.

Before heading to Yangshuo, enjoy a local specialty — Guilin Rice Noodles (Guilin Mifen). This simple yet flavorful dish has been a regional favorite for centuries, featuring fresh rice noodles with marinated meat, herbs, peanuts, and a fragrant broth. Often compared to a Chinese-style rice pasta dish, Guilin Mifen offers a gentle introduction to Guangxi cuisine and showcases the region's focus on fresh ingredients and balanced flavors.

After arriving in Yangshuo, begin your first encounter with its legendary scenery at the Yulong River. Sit back on a traditional bamboo raft and drift peacefully along the clear river, surrounded by towering karst mountains, green fields, and traditional villages. Unlike a fast-paced sightseeing experience, this journey is about slowing down and appreciating the landscape. The quiet river, mist-covered peaks, and gentle countryside atmosphere create a romantic experience often compared to the beauty of Italy's Lake Como — yet with a uniquely Chinese character.

In the evening, take a leisurely walk along West Street (Xi Jie), Yangshuo's historic pedestrian street. Blending traditional architecture with international cafés, local boutiques, and art spaces, the street reflects Yangshuo's unique mix of Chinese heritage and global influences. For dinner, enjoy the region's signature dish — Yangshuo Beer Fish. Fresh river fish is cooked with local beer, tomatoes, peppers, and spices, creating a flavorful dish that represents the authentic taste of Guangxi cuisine.

Transport: Private vehicle + Bicycle/E-bike

Today is dedicated to exploring Yangshuo's most iconic landscapes at a slower pace. From the legendary Li River scenery to peaceful countryside trails, experience the natural beauty and rural lifestyle that have inspired generations of artists, photographers, and travelers.

Begin the day with a scenic cruise along the most beautiful section of the Li River, traveling from Yangdi to Xingping. As the boat gently moves through the water, enjoy breathtaking views of towering karst mountains, traditional fishing villages, bamboo forests, and mist-covered landscapes. This is the scenery featured on the back of China's 20 RMB banknote, and it has long been celebrated as one of the country's most iconic natural views. With its perfect balance of mountains, water, and atmosphere, the landscape reflects the harmony found in traditional Chinese ink paintings. For travelers from Italy, where appreciation for visual composition and artistic landscapes is deeply rooted, the Li River offers a unique opportunity to experience a living masterpiece shaped by nature.

After the cruise, explore Xingping Ancient Town, a historic riverside village with centuries of local heritage. Wander through old streets, traditional houses, and riverside viewpoints while discovering the simple rhythm of countryside life. Enjoy a fresh farm-to-table lunch at a local family restaurant, featuring seasonal vegetables, free-range chicken, and fresh river fish prepared with traditional Guangxi flavors. The focus is on authenticity and simplicity — similar to Italy's concept of cucina povera, where humble local ingredients are transformed into memorable dishes through traditional cooking methods.

Continue your exploration by bicycle or e-bike through Yangshuo's famous countryside landscapes. Ride along quiet rural paths surrounded by the Ten-Mile Gallery, Yulong River, rice fields, and traditional villages, far away from the busy tourist routes. With your guide leading the way, discover a more authentic side of Yangshuo — passing farmers working in the fields, local homes surrounded by greenery, and peaceful riverside scenery. Along the route, stop at small roadside tea stalls or village viewpoints to rest, enjoy local refreshments, and interact with the welcoming local community. This active yet relaxing experience perfectly combines outdoor adventure, nature, and cultural connection.

Impression Liu Sanjie Show or Leisure Time (Optional)
In the evening, choose to enjoy the spectacular Impression Liu Sanjie, an outdoor performance created by renowned Chinese director Zhang Yimou and staged on the Li River with the karst mountains as a natural backdrop. Combining lights, music, dance, and local traditions, the show transforms the landscape itself into a theater and offers a memorable cultural experience unique to Yangshuo. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxed evening at your hotel or explore Yangshuo's cafés and riverside atmosphere at your own pace.

Optional Upgrade: Add a Yangshuo countryside cooking class, including a hands-on experience preparing local specialties such as Beer Fish, creating a perfect complement to the Sichuan Cuisine Museum experience in Chengdu.

Transport: Private transfer to Guilin Airport → Flight to Shanghai (approx. 2.5 hours) → Private transfer to hotel

Today marks the transition from the peaceful countryside of Yangshuo to the dynamic energy of Shanghai. Enjoy a relaxed morning surrounded by nature before flying to China's most cosmopolitan city, where historic neighborhoods meet futuristic skylines.

Enjoy a leisurely final morning in Yangshuo at your own pace. After several days of exploration, take time to slow down and appreciate the peaceful atmosphere one last time. Enjoy breakfast with views of the surrounding karst mountains, take a gentle walk along the river, or simply relax at your hotel while soaking in the quiet countryside scenery. This slower pace reflects the essence of Yangshuo — a place where nature, simplicity, and everyday life come together.

After check-out, your private driver will transfer you to Guilin Airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will welcome you and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel.

Settle into your hotel and enjoy some free time to rest or explore the surrounding area. Shanghai's unique character begins to reveal itself through its mix of historic streets, modern architecture, and international atmosphere.

Tonight, enjoy an introduction to Shanghai Benbang Cuisine, the city's traditional local cooking style known for its delicate flavors, rich sauces, and balance between sweetness and savory notes. Taste classic dishes such as Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou), Sweet and Sour Spare Ribs, Eight-Treasure Duck, and Yan Du Xian Soup, showcasing Shanghai's refined culinary traditions. Compared with the bold flavors of Sichuan cuisine, Shanghai cuisine offers a gentler style that is often more familiar to European travelers — highlighting fresh ingredients, slow cooking techniques, and subtle layers of flavor.

After dinner, enjoy a relaxing walk along The Bund, one of Shanghai's most iconic landmarks. Follow the riverside promenade from Nanjing Road East to The Bund and admire the spectacular contrast between historic European-style buildings and the illuminated skyscrapers of Pudong across the Huangpu River.

The Shanghai skyline at night provides a dramatic first impression of the city — where China's past and future meet in one unforgettable view.

Transport: Private vehicle + Walking

Today explores the many faces of Shanghai — from elegant European-style neighborhoods and classical Chinese gardens to historic lane communities and the city's spectacular skyline. Experience the unique cultural blend that has made Shanghai one of Asia's most fascinating cities.

Begin the day with a walking tour through Shanghai's iconic Former French Concession, one of the city's most charming and atmospheric neighborhoods. Follow a scenic route from Wukang Road to Anfu Road and Wulumuqi Middle Road, where tree-lined streets, Art Deco buildings, historic villas, and stylish cafés reveal a different side of Shanghai. Your guide will share stories of the area's history, including the international influences that shaped Shanghai's architecture, lifestyle, and cultural identity. With its elegant streetscapes and café culture, the Former French Concession offers a fascinating connection between East and West, often reminding European travelers of the refined neighborhoods of cities like Milan, Paris, or Rome. Enjoy a coffee stop at a local café and experience Shanghai's modern lifestyle through a relaxed European-style coffee break.

Continue to Yu Garden, one of Shanghai's finest examples of traditional Jiangnan garden design from the Ming Dynasty. Wander through peaceful courtyards, rockeries, ponds, and beautifully decorated pavilions while learning about the Chinese philosophy of garden design. Your guide will introduce the concept of “borrowed scenery” (jiejing) and the Chinese pursuit of harmony between architecture and nature, offering an interesting contrast with the geometric symmetry often found in traditional European gardens.

For lunch, enjoy Shanghai's famous Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant. Learn the proper way to taste this local specialty — carefully lifting the dumpling, enjoying the delicate skin, and discovering the flavorful soup hidden inside.

Continue exploring Shanghai's unique neighborhood culture with a choice of two experiences:
Option A: Tianzifang
Explore this historic Shikumen (stone-gate) neighborhood, where traditional residential lanes have been transformed into a creative district filled with art studios, cafés, boutiques, and local handicrafts. It is an ideal place for photography and discovering Shanghai's everyday charm.
Option B: Xintiandi
Visit Xintiandi, a stylish area that combines restored Shikumen architecture with modern restaurants, cafés, and boutiques. With its comfortable walking environment and elegant atmosphere, it offers a more refined urban experience.

End the day with a memorable Huangpu River dinner cruise, one of Shanghai's most iconic evening experiences. Enjoy dinner while sailing between two contrasting worlds: the historic European-style buildings of The Bund on one side and the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong on the other. As the city lights reflect on the river, Shanghai reveals its unique identity — a place where colonial history, traditional culture, and modern ambition come together.

Transport: Walking + Private airport transfer

On your final day in Shanghai, enjoy a relaxed combination of culture, personal exploration, and a memorable farewell experience. Discover China's ancient heritage, take time to enjoy the city at your own pace, and end your journey with a special dinner overlooking Shanghai's iconic skyline.

Begin the day with a visit to the Shanghai Museum at People's Square, one of China's most renowned museums and home to an impressive collection of ancient Chinese art. Explore remarkable exhibits featuring bronze vessels, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings, and traditional artworks, while learning about China's long history and artistic achievements. For travelers from Italy — a country equally celebrated for its cultural heritage and world-class museums — Shanghai Museum offers a meaningful opportunity to discover another ancient civilization through art, craftsmanship, and historical storytelling.

Alternative Option: Visit the Shanghai History Museum at the Oriental Pearl Tower for a more modern perspective on the city's transformation from a traditional river port into a global metropolis.

Enjoy lunch at your own pace. For guests who would like familiar flavors before departure, Shanghai offers excellent international dining options, including Italian restaurants with views of The Bund. Alternatively, continue exploring local flavors with a simple Shanghai specialty such as Scallion Oil Noodles (Cong You Ban Mian) — a traditional comfort food that reflects the city's everyday culinary culture.

Enjoy your final hours in Shanghai according to your interests.
Recommended options include:
- Nanjing West Road for shopping and modern city life;
- A final walk along The Bund to revisit Shanghai's historic architecture and skyline views;
- Relaxing at your hotel before departure.
Your guide can assist with last-minute shopping recommendations, local souvenirs, or arranging transportation based on your departure schedule.

Celebrate the end of your China journey with a special farewell dinner at one of Shanghai's outstanding restaurants. Enjoy a refined dining experience with views of the illuminated Pudong skyline, raising a toast to unforgettable memories created throughout your journey — from Chengdu's tea houses and pandas to Yangshuo's karst landscapes and Shanghai's urban energy. Depending on your previous evening arrangements, options include:
- A rooftop restaurant overlooking the skyline;
- A fine-dining restaurant in the historic Former French Concession;
- A stylish venue around The Bund or Three/Five on the Bund.

At the scheduled time, your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your onward flight, concluding your unforgettable China adventure.

Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Shanghai before your international departure. Start the day with breakfast at your hotel and take some time to enjoy the city one last time.

Depending on your flight schedule, you may have free time for a final stroll through Shanghai's streets. Take a last walk along The Bund, enjoy a quiet coffee at a local café, or pick up some final souvenirs and gifts to remember your China journey.

At the scheduled time, your private driver will meet you at the hotel and provide a comfortable transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Hongqiao International Airport for your international flight.

As your journey comes to an end, we hope the memories of Chengdu's panda encounters and tea house culture, Yangshuo's breathtaking karst landscapes, and Shanghai's unique blend of tradition and modernity remain with you long after you return home.