China 2026: The Great Arch

A grand arc across China in twelve days: from the overnight departure from Paris to the Shanghai transit, from Hong Kong at blue hour to the most futuristic Shenzhen, amidst electric car showrooms, DJI drones, and skyscrapers. Then the heart of Sichuan in Chengdu — pandas, super spicy hotpot, and illuminated bridges — and finally Beijing, with the Jinshanling Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven, and the Forbidden City.

This is the ready-made trip summary: day-by-day itinerary, map, and photos. We'll complete the narrative, restaurants, and accommodation reviews as we go.

Trip mood: tech megalopolises, imperial tradition, Sichuan mountains, street food, and long flights.