This 11-day journey combines China’s classic route – Beijing, Xi’an, and Shanghai, with a special 3-day escape to Zhangjiajie. You won’t miss iconic sights such as the Forbidden City, Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, and the Bund, while also admiring the Avatar mountains in Zhangjiajie. Picture yourself standing on a glass skywalk as mist drifts between towering pillars, a moment that you’re surely eager to experience. Follow us with expert private guides and enjoy the charm of China’s culture and natural landscapes through a thoughtfully paced itinerary.
As you touch down at Beijing airport, your tour guide will welcome you and take you to your hotel in a comfortable vehicle with an experienced driver. It usually takes about one hour on the way, during which the guide will give you a brief overview of Beijing. After settling in the hotel, you can take a break to recover from your long journey.
Start your China tour from iconic Tiananmen Square, followed by the Forbidden City. You will appreciate hundreds of examples of exquisite, ancient architecture and listen to the most-talked stories of royal families. Walk out emperor's huge courtyard and then proceed to Jingshan Park for a bird's eye view of the splendid royal palaces from the top of the artificial Coal Hill.
The whole day's journey will take you to the magnificent Jinshanling Great Wall, one of the best-preserved and most scenic stretches. With closely spaced watchtowers and fewer visitors than on other sections, you'll get a strong sense of the Great Wall's original character. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, it's ideal for you to enjoy peace and tranquility on the historic rampart. You can hike for 3 to 4 hours on it, according to your interest and physical strength.
After the tour, drive about 2.5 hours back to downtown Beijing for the night.
Spend the morning exploring the Temple of Heaven, an imperial sacrificial building regarded as connecting the human world and Heaven. Surrounding it is a scenic park dotted by ancient pine woods, in which many locals do various morning exercises and recreational activities.
After lunch, get to the railway station for a speedy train to Xi'an. Arrival in about five hours, welcomed by your local guide.
Drive about an hour in the morning to the Terracotta Warriors, where you have two to three hours to marvel at the awesome troop unearthed from the tomb of the first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, who unified ancient China in 221BC.
In the afternoon, return to the city to visit Muslim Street, a bustling area full of local flavor and life of Chinese Muslims. You can sample delicious street food from aromatic stalls, browse a variety of shops for souvenirs, and visit the centuries-old mosques.
Get on the 600-year-old and 12-meter-high City Wall to scan the historical city center and the vibrant life of the people here. Then, before catching the flight for the next destination, nearby the airport, you will visit Hanyang Tomb with rich exhibits revealing the military, political, and daily life of people of different classes.
When arriving in Zhangjiajie by air, be picked up and transferred to your hotel in the Wulingyuan Scenic area.
Spend the day exploring the otherworldly beauty of Zhangjiajie National Park. Ride the thrilling Bailong Elevator up sheer cliffs, glide by cable car to the mist-covered peaks of Tianzi Mountain, and enjoy scenic trains and green shuttle buses through lush valleys. Marvel at soaring sandstone pillars rising from the clouds, and under your guide's lead, capture the awe-inspiring "Avatar Mountain" in real life - its jagged spire standing tall amidst swirling mist, just like a floating island suspended in the sky.
This morning, enjoy a peaceful three-hour hike along Golden Whip Stream, a crystal-clear brook winding through a tranquil, verdant canyon. Towering quartz-sandstone cliffs rise on both sides, while birdsong and rustling leaves accompany your every step. The air is fresh and rich in oxygen, making it a natural oxygen bar - perfect for a refreshing walk amid nature's embrace.
Later, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Baofeng Lake, renowned for its crystal-clear waters that mirror the surrounding emerald peaks. Take a half-hour cruise on the lake to marvel at towering limestone formations draped in lush foliage.
Today, you will visit Tianmen Mountain and embark on an exhilarating adventure. Challenge yourself with the 999 steps up to Tianmen Cave, or you can call it Heaven's Gate, where you can enjoy breathtaking views. Explore the glass walkways hanging on the cliff face, offering a thrilling experience with stunning vistas. Enjoy Asia's longest cable car to witness dramatic mountain landscapes from various angles.
Afterward, be transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.
It's the day to discover the storied past and the splendid future of Shanghai. Start with an in-depth exploration of the Bund, where your guide will share stories of some prominent buildings dating back to the colonial era. Then, walk in the four-century-old Yu Garden, and read the aesthetic elements of traditional Chinese gardens. Follow with a ramble around the Former French Concession, and enjoy the relaxed vibe in the tree-lined streets dotted with charming boutiques and cafés. End the day at Shanghai Tower in the Pudong district for a bird-view of the old and new parts of the city.
Time to say goodbye. When you are ready, your guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.