17-Day Ultimate China Tour: History, Architecture, Nature & Indian Cuisine with 4-Star Hotels and Fast Transit

Day 1: Beijing Arrival & Exploration

Beijing, China on May 30, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Indian Veggie Delight

Enjoy a hearty vegetarian breakfast including dosa, idli, and chai at Indian Veggie Delight, open from 8:00am to 11:00am.

CNY50, 1h

10:30am

Visit the Forbidden City

Explore the vast imperial palace complex showcasing Ming and Qing dynasty architecture with rich historical significance. Tickets cost CNY60. Open 8:30am-5:00pm (last entry 4:00pm). Book tickets online at https://en.dpm.org.cn/ticket-sale

CNY60, 3h

3:45pm

Transit to hotel: The Emperor Tiananmen 4-Star

Take a taxi from the Forbidden City to The Emperor Tiananmen hotel (approx 10 minutes, CNY30).

CNY30, 0h15m

4:00pm

Check-in at The Emperor Tiananmen Hotel

A 4-star hotel located centrally offering comfortable rooms with good access to major sights.

Approx CNY800 per night, 0h

7:00pm

Dinner at Krishna Restaurant

Savor authentic Indian vegetarian dishes in a warmly decorated ambiance. Open until 10:00pm.

CNY100, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Beijing Historic Sites

Beijing, China on May 31, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Indian Veggie Delight

Start your day with familiar vegetarian South Indian breakfast specialties.

CNY50, 1h

9:00am

Visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu

Reach the Mutianyu Great Wall by private taxi (round trip approx 70 km, CNY300, 1.5h each way). Entry ticket for Great Wall is CNY45, cable car CNY100. Open 7:30am to 5:30pm. Book cable car tickets online at https://www.mutianyugreatwall.com/tickets

CNY445, 6h

3:30pm

Vegetarian Lunch at The Veggie Table

Located near the Great Wall entrance, The Veggie Table serves fresh vegetarian fare. Open 11:00am-4:00pm.

CNY80, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Gange Indian Restaurant

Known for excellent Indian vegetarian cuisine with a cozy environment, open until 10:30pm.

CNY110, 1.5h

9:00pm

Return to hotel

Private taxi back to The Emperor Tiananmen hotel, approx 1.5 hours, CNY300.

CNY300, 1h30m

View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Beijing Museums & Peking Opera

Beijing, China on June 1, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Indian Veggie Delight

Enjoy your usual vegetarian breakfast to fuel the day.

CNY50, 1h

9:30am

Visit Summer Palace

Wander beautiful gardens and historic palaces beside Kunming Lake. Tickets CNY60. Open 7:00am-6:30pm. Book tickets at https://www.summerpalace-china.com/en/booking.html

CNY60, 3h

12:30pm

Vegetarian Lunch at Veggie Garden

Taste Chinese vegetarian dishes by the Summer Palace site. Open 11:00am-3:00pm.

CNY70, 1h

2:00pm

Visit National Museum of China

Explore vast collections of Chinese history from ancient to modern times. Free entry, open 9:00am-5:00pm. Book timed tickets at https://en.chnmuseum.cn/booking-3424593.html

Free, 3h

7:00pm

Peking Opera at Liyuan Theatre

Traditional opera with elaborate costumes and stories. Show from 7:30pm to 9:30pm. Tickets CNY180. Book online at https://www.liyuantheatre.com.cn/en/book

CNY180, 2h

9:45pm

Late Dinner at Krishna Restaurant

Indian vegetarian dinner to end the cultural day.

CNY100, 1h

View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Travel to Xi'an & Ancient City Wall

Xi'an, China on June 2, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Indian Veggie Delight

Fuel up with a vegetarian breakfast before travel.

CNY50, 1h

9:00am

Flight Beijing to Xi'an

Fast domestic flight approx 2 hrs, economy class ticket around CNY900. Book via https://www.cathaypacific.com or similar services. Transit to Beijing Capital Airport from hotel by taxi (30 minutes, CNY80).

CNY980, 3h

12:30pm

Transfer taxi to Wyndham Grand Xi'an South (4-star)

About 45 min, CNY100 taxi from Xi'an Airport.

CNY100, 0h45m

1:15pm

Check-in at Wyndham Grand Xi'an South

Modern 4-star hotel located conveniently for city access and comfort.

Approx CNY700 per night, 0h

2:00pm

Vegetarian Lunch at Green Vegetarian House

Popular restaurant serving flavorful vegetarian Chinese and international dishes. Open 11:00am-3:00pm.

CNY60, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Ancient City Wall

Cycle or walk atop well-preserved city walls, tickets CNY54 including bike rental. Open 8:00am-10:00pm. Buy tickets at https://www.xacw.cn

CNY54, 2h

6:00pm

Visit Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Visit ancient pagoda and surrounding park; entry ticket CNY30, open 8:00am-6:00pm.

CNY30, 1h

7:30pm

Dinner at Taj Indian Restaurant

Highly rated Indian restaurant known for diverse vegetarian options, open till 10:00pm.

CNY100, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Muslim Quarter

Xi'an, China on June 3, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Green Vegetarian House

Light vegetarian breakfast to prepare for excursion.

CNY50, 1h

8:00am

Taxi to Terracotta Warriors Museum

Approx 1-hour drive, round trip taxi approx CNY300. Museum opens 8:30am-5:30pm. Tickets CNY120. Book at https://www.bmy.com.cn/en/

CNY420, 5h

1:30pm

Lunch at Jade Vegetarian

Close to museum, enjoy freshly prepared Chinese vegetarian cuisine. Open 11:00am-3:00pm.

CNY75, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Muslim Quarter

Vibrant cultural area great for vegetarian street snacks and shopping, open all day.

Varies, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Taj Indian Restaurant

Relax with Indian vegetarian dishes after a full day.

CNY100, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Travel to Chengdu & Giant Pandas

Chengdu, China on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Green Vegetarian House

Healthy vegetarian breakfast to start travel day.

CNY50, 1h

9:00am

Flight Xi'an to Chengdu

Flight about 1.5 hours, approx CNY800. Taxi from Wyndham Grand to Xi'an Airport approx 45 min, CNY100.

CNY900, 3h

12:30pm

Taxi to Chengdu Marriott City Center (4-star)

Approx 40-minute ride, cost CNY80.

CNY80, 0h40m

1:15pm

Check-in at Chengdu Marriott City Center

Comfortable 4-star hotel located in city center.

Approx CNY750 per night, 0h

1:30pm

Lunch at Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant

Enjoy Chengdu style vegetarian dishes. Open 11:00am-3:00pm.

CNY70, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

See pandas in naturalistic habitats. Open 7:30am-6:00pm. Tickets CNY58. Book at http://www.panda.org.cn/english/tickets.aspx

CNY58, 3h

7:00pm

Dinner at Dosa and Curry Indian Restaurant

Indian vegetarian dinner with wide choices, open till 10:00pm.

CNY90, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Jinli Ancient Street & Sichuan Opera

Chengdu, China on June 5, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant

Local vegetarian breakfast to start day.

CNY50, 1h

9:30am

Wuhou Shrine

Historic shrine dedicated to strategist Zhuge Liang. Entry CNY60, open 8:00am-6:00pm. Tickets bookable at https://www.wuhoushrine.net

CNY60, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Simple Life Vegetarian Cafe

Vegetarian fusion dishes near historic district. Open 11:00am-3:00pm.

CNY70, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Jinli Ancient Street

Traditional street full of crafts, tea houses, and vegetarian-friendly snacks.

Free, 2h

7:00pm

Sichuan Opera with Face-Changing Show

Traditional opera at Shufeng Yayun Teahouse, 7:00pm-9:30pm, Tickets CNY120. Book at https://www.sichuanopera.cn

CNY120, 2h30m

9:45pm

Dinner at Dosa and Curry Indian Restaurant

Late Indian vegetarian meal after the show.

CNY90, 1h

View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Travel to Guilin & Reed Flute Cave

Guilin, China on June 6, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant

Vegetarian breakfast to start travel day.

CNY50, 1h

9:00am

Flight Chengdu to Guilin

Flight approx 2 hours, ticket around CNY900. Taxi from hotel to Chengdu Airport approx 40 min, CNY80.

CNY980, 3h

12:30pm

Taxi to Guilin Bravo Hotel (4-star)

Taxi approx 30 min, cost CNY50.

CNY50, 0h30m

1:15pm

Check-in at Guilin Bravo Hotel

Central 4-star hotel ideal for sightseeing.

Approx CNY600 per night, 0h

1:30pm

Lunch at Loving Hut Vegetarian

International vegetarian cuisine in peaceful setting. Open 11:00am-3:00pm.

CNY65, 1h

3:00pm

Reed Flute Cave

Explore limestone cave with colorful lighting. Tickets CNY90. Open 8:00am-6:30pm. Book: https://ticket.guilintravel.cn/Map

CNY90, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Indian Curry Palace

Enjoy Indian vegetarian cuisine after a day of exploration.

CNY100, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Li River Cruise & Yangshuo

Guilin to Yangshuo, China on June 7, 2025

6:30am

Early Breakfast at Loving Hut Vegetarian

Light vegetarian breakfast before cruise departure.

CNY40, 45m

7:30am

Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo

Enjoy a 4-5 hour scenic cruise through karst landscapes. Tickets approx CNY200. Cruise operators online booking: https://www.travelchinaguide.com/cruise/yangshuo.htm

CNY200, 5h

1:00pm

Lunch at Buddha House Vegetarian Cafe, Yangshuo

Fresh vegetarian cuisine in garden setting. Open 11:00am-4:00pm.

CNY70, 1h

2:30pm

Bike Rental & Countryside Exploration

Rent bike (CNY50) and cycle through rural scenery near Yangshuo for 3 hours.

CNY50, 3h

6:30pm

Dinner at Indian Kitchen Yangshuo

Indian vegetarian dinner with mountain views. Open till 10:00pm.

CNY90, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Travel to Shanghai

Shanghai, China on June 8, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Buddha House Vegetarian Cafe

Vegetarian breakfast before flight.

CNY50, 1h

9:00am

Flight Guilin to Shanghai Pudong Airport

Approx 3-hour flight, tickets roughly CNY1200. Taxi from hotel to Guilin Liangjiang Airport ~30min, CNY50.

CNY1250, 4h

1:00pm

Taxi to Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre (4-star)

Taxi approx 1.5 hours from Pudong Airport, CNY180.

CNY180, 1h30m

2:30pm

Check-in at Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Centre

Modern 4-star hotel near The Bund.

Approx CNY900 per night, 0h

3:00pm

Lunch at Pure Veggie House

Well-known Shanghai vegetarian restaurant open 11:30am-3:00pm.

CNY80, 1h

4:30pm

Visit The Bund

Stroll waterfront promenade with iconic skyline views.

Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bollywood Restaurant

Enjoy authentic Indian vegetarian cuisine, open till 10:30pm.

CNY120, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 11: Shanghai Museums & Gardens

Shanghai, China on June 9, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pure Veggie House

Creative vegetarian breakfast to start the day.

CNY60, 1h

9:30am

Visit Shanghai Museum

Explore Chinese art and artifacts. Free entry, open 9:00am-5:00pm. Reserve tickets at https://www.shanghaimuseum.net/museum/frontend/english/ticket

Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Veggie Kingdom

Vegetarian buffet lunch with diverse options.

CNY85, 1.5h

3:00pm

Visit Yu Garden & Bazaar

Classical garden with nearby shopping bazaar. Tickets CNY40, open 8:30am-5:30pm. Book at https://www.yugarden.com.cn/en/ticket

CNY40, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bollywood Restaurant

Enjoy Indian vegetarian meals to end the day.

CNY120, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 12: Zhujiajiao Water Town Day

Shanghai, China on June 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Pure Veggie House

Vegetarian breakfast before day tour.

CNY60, 1h

9:00am

Bus to Zhujiajiao Water Town

Take Bus No. 916 from Shanghai South Bus Station to Zhujiajiao (1 hour, CNY20).

CNY20, 1h

10:15am

Explore Zhujiajiao Water Town

Walk cobbled streets, take canal boat ride (CNY80). Open 8:00am-5:30pm. Book boat ride at https://www.zhujiajiao.com

CNY80, 4h

2:30pm

Vegetarian Lunch at Ancient Town Tea House

Light vegetarian lunch amidst traditional surroundings.

CNY60, 1h

4:00pm

Return to Shanghai

Bus back to city, same route, CNY20.

CNY20, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Bollywood Restaurant

Indian vegetarian menu with variety to enjoy.

CNY120, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 13: Travel to Hangzhou & West Lake

Hangzhou, China on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Pure Veggie House

Vegetarian breakfast before travel.

CNY60, 1h

8:00am

High-speed train Shanghai to Hangzhou

45-60 minute train, tickets CNY150. Book at https://www.12306.cn/en/index.html. Metro from hotel to Shanghai Hongqiao Station approx 45 min (CNY8).

CNY158, 2h

10:30am

Taxi to Hangzhou Empark Grand Hotel (4-star)

About 25 min, around CNY50.

CNY50, 0h25m

11:00am

Check-in at Hangzhou Empark Grand Hotel

Well-appointed 4-star hotel near West Lake.

Approx CNY700 per night, 0h

11:30am

Visit West Lake

Relax at scenic West Lake; free access.

Free, 3h

2:30pm

Lunch at Veggie Life Hangzhou

Fresh creative vegetarian dishes served near West Lake.

CNY70, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Lingyin Temple

Famous Buddhist temple with scenic carvings. Entry CNY45, open 7:00am-6:00pm. Book tickets at https://www.lingyinsi.org/booking

CNY45, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Shivain Indian Restaurant

Indian vegetarian dinner to end the day.

CNY100, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 14: Tea Plantations & Nature

Hangzhou, China on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Veggie Life Hangzhou

Vegetarian breakfast locally prepared to start your tour.

CNY60, 1h

9:30am

Visit Longjing Tea Plantation

Tour beautiful tea fields, learn about tea culture and sample fresh teas. Free entrance; tea tastings vary in price. Open 8:00am-5:00pm.

Free, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Tea Village Vegetarian Restaurant

Enjoy fresh vegetarian dishes in picturesque tea gardens.

CNY65, 1h

3:00pm

Meijiawu Tea Village Walk

Stroll through one of Hangzhou’s most famous tea villages. Free access, open daylight hours.

Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Shivain Indian Restaurant

Relax with Indian vegetarian cuisine in comfortable surroundings.

CNY100, 1.5h

View Hotel Availability

Day 15: Travel to Suzhou & Gardens

Suzhou, China on June 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Veggie Life Hangzhou

Start travel day with a healthy vegetarian breakfast.

CNY60, 1h

8:00am

Train Hangzhou to Suzhou

Approx 1.5-hour high-speed train, tickets CNY90. Book tickets via https://www.12306.cn/en/index.html. Taxi from hotel to Hangzhou East Station approx CNY30.

CNY120, 2h

10:00am

Taxi to Pan Pacific Suzhou (4-star)

Approx 30-minute ride, CNY60 from Suzhou Station.

CNY60, 0h30m

10:30am

Check-in at Pan Pacific Suzhou

Contemporary 4-star accommodation close to Suzhou gardens.

Approx CNY750 per night, 0h

11:00am

Visit Humble Administrator's Garden

One of the finest classical Chinese gardens. Tickets CNY70, open 7:30am-5:30pm. Book at https://www.szgardens.cn/en/tickets

CNY70, 2h

1:30pm

Vegetarian Lunch at Green Leaf Restaurant

Fresh vegetarian dishes near garden district, open 11:00am-3:00pm.

CNY65, 1h

3:00pm

Visit Lingering Garden

UNESCO World Heritage classical garden with ponds and architecture. Tickets CNY55, open 7:30am-5:30pm. Book online at https://www.szgardens.cn/en/tickets

CNY55, 2h