Classic China Tour with Zhangjiajie & Guilin

Upon arrival at Beijing airport or train station, you’ll be greeted by your private driver and transferred to your hotel. No fixed activities are arranged for today, allowing you to rest or explore the city independently. Optional guided services can be arranged upon request.

Following breakfast, begin your exploration at Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing. This expansive square holds great significance for the Chinese, often hosting important national events. You’ll visit highlights such as the Monument to People’s Heroes located at the square’s center.

Next, delve into the history of the Forbidden City, an ancient palace where 24 emperors resided during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Your guide will offer detailed insights into the city’s history and the lives of those who inhabited it. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its extensive collection of preserved wooden structures, the Forbidden City holds immense cultural importance.

Continue your journey to Jingshan Park, situated opposite the Forbidden City. A climb to the park’s summit rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Forbidden City and the sprawling Beijing cityscape.

After lunch, head northwest to explore the Summer Palace, a royal retreat built during the Qing dynasty. Stroll through its spectacular gardens, palaces, and temples, and admire the architectural beauty. In the evening, you might consider to savor the world famous Beijing roast duck or another local specialty for dinner.

After breakfast, venture south to the Temple of Heaven, an imperial temple where emperors once prayed for bountiful harvests. Explore this architectural masterpiece before proceeding to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best sections to explore the Great Wall of China. Located about 80 km (50 mi) north of downtown Beijing, it will take about 2.5 hours to get there by private car. Upon arrival, enjoy 2 to 3 hours of walking along this ancient defense and marvel at the magnificent scenery as the wall winds its way across the mountains. If you prefer not to walk up, you can ascend and descend via a cable car or slide your way down on a toboggan.

On the way back, consider a stop at the Olympic Green (Optional) or immerse yourself in local life at Donghuamen night market or Sanlitun Bar Street.

After breakfast, drive to visit the Lama Temple, also known as the Yonghegong Temple. It is a temple and monastery of the Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism and houses the largest wooden Buddha in the world. (Optional: Instead, you can visit Beihai Park if you are more interested in local people’s life).

Afterward, you’ll have 1-2 hours to experience the traditional Hutong culture by visiting Shichahai in west Beijing. Travel by rickshaw through century-old Hutongs in Shichahai before their demolition. Walk along the old Yandai Xiejie, which has an 800-year history surrounding Beijing’s Drum Tower. You’ll have plenty of time to explore nearby Nanluoguoxiang for tasting local snacks or buying souvenirs from the many antique shops for your family and friends.

In the afternoon, take the high-speed train to Xi’an (about 5 hours). Upon arrival in Xi’an, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel.

In the evening you might consider to take a stroll through the spectacular Datang Everbright City, known for its Tang-style buildings, light shows, and lively street performances—a modern cultural hub that really comes alive after dark.

This morning, head out to one of China’s most iconic sites—the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Often called the “eighth wonder of the world,” this vast underground army was built over 2,000 years ago to protect Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. You’ll explore the impressive excavation pits and even have a chance to create your own mini warrior figure in a hands-on clay workshop (optional, extra fee applied).
In the afternoon, return to the city and walk along the top of the Xi’an City Wall, the oldest and best-preserved of its kind in China. It’s a great spot to take in panoramic views of the old city. Then wander down Shuyuan Men Street, a lively alley filled with traditional art shops and calligraphy studios. Finish the afternoon at the Muslim Quarter, where you can sample delicious local snacks and experience the vibrant Hui culture.
In the evening you might choose to enjoy the Tang Dynasty Music & Dance Show (excluded, fee on your own), a dazzling performance of classical Chinese music and costume.

In the morning, fly to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival at Zhangjiajie airport, you’ll be picked up and transferred to visit Tianmen Mountain.

Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area has been designated as the second national forest park in Zhangjiajie. Rising nearly 1,520 meters (about 4,987 feet), Tianmen is the region’s highest peak and is often considered the ‘soul’ of the area. The mountain is adorned with graceful trees, karst hillocks, and a variety of medicinal herbs and plants. Tianmen also boasts its ‘four wonders,’ including the Tianmen Mountain Cableway, Tongtian Dadao (Avenue Leading to the Sky), Tianmen Cave, and the Bonsai Garden in the air. Additionally, you’ll visit cultural attractions like Tianmen Mountain Temple and experience a thrilling walk across the Tianmenshan Glass Skywalk.
Overnight at Wulingyuan.

In the morning, your guide and driver will pick you up in the hotel lobby and drive you to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. There, you’ll take a cable car to Tianzi Mountain, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Western Sea and its hundreds of majestic peaks. Tianzi Mountain is often described as a miniature fairyland and an expanded bonsai garden.

In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Yuanjiajie, the location of the iconic Hallelujah Mountains featured in the famous movie “Avatar.” This area is the core scenic region of the world natural heritage site. Some of the main viewpoints you’ll explore include Zhangjiajie Back Garden, Soul-Lost Terrace, Hallelujah Mountain Peak, The Number-One Bridge, and you’ll even have the opportunity to experience the incredible super Bailong elevator.

In the late afternoon, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

In the morning, drive to visit the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge — the world’s longest glass-bottomed bridge at 435 meters, hanging 375 meters above the Grand Canyon. After crossing, your guide leads you on a moderate 2-hour hike through the canyon, passing waterfalls, streams, and lush forest.

In the afternoon, drive to Baofeng Lake, nestled in a quiet mountain basin. A short walk leads to the water, where you’ll enjoy a 30-minute boat ride past dramatic peaks and traditional songs from local minority performers. If you prefer a walk, you can choose Golden Whip Stream in Zhangjiajie Naitonal Park instead — an easy 7.5km flat trail through sandstone valleys where wild monkeys are occasionally spotted along the way.

In the late afternoon, transfer to Zhangjiajie city for the night. You might consider visiting the 72 Strange Building (72 Qilou) in the evening, a massive 109.9-meter Tujia-style architectural complex with vibrant light shows, cultural performances, and street food that makes it one of Zhangjiajie’s liveliest spots after dark. Overnight at Zhangjiajie city.

In the morning, drop off at Zhangjiajie train station and take about a 7-hour train to Guilin. Upon arrival at Guilin train station, you’ll be picked up and transferred to the hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure to relax or explore Guilin on your own.

Begin your day with a relaxing Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, a scenic 4-hour journey through China’s most iconic karst landscapes. The middle section is especially breathtaking, featuring highlights like Mural Hill, where cliff patterns resemble galloping horses, and Xingping Town, famously pictured on the 20 RMB note.

Enjoy lunch onboard as you drift past bamboo groves, limestone peaks, and quiet fishing villages. Upon arrival, you will be picked up and transferred to your hotel in Yangshuo.

In the afternoon, enjoy a 2 to 3 hour Yangshuo countryside experience. Choose to explore by bike, on foot, or by cart along the Yulong River, passing rice paddies, water buffalo, and traditional stone villages. Visit a local farmer’s home for a glimpse into rural life in southern China.

In the evening, you might consider to watch the spectacular Impression Liu Sanjie show set against the backdrop of the Li River, or take a leisurely walk through the lively West Street, filled with shops, cafes, and vibrant nightlife.

This morning, meet your local guide and head to the 600-year-old Dragon Bridge, one of the most iconic stone arch bridges at the upper reaches of the Yulong River. Take in the peaceful countryside scenery before enjoying a relaxing 1.5-hour bamboo rafting experience on the Yulong River to Jiuxian Village. Along the way, enjoy views of bamboo groves, rice paddies, orchards, and traditional farming life. Jiuxian Village is a peaceful, centuries-old settlement known for its stone houses, quiet alleyways, and authentic rural charm.

In the afternoon, drive about 40 minutes to Xianggong Hill (also called Husband Mountain). A short 15-minute hike brings you to the summit, where you’ll be rewarded with a stunning panorama of the Li River winding through dramatic karst peaks.

Afterward, transfer to the Guilin airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your local driver will pick you up and assist with hotel check-in.

In the morning, cross the Huangpu River and head to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower located at the tip of Lujiazui in the Pudong District. Recognized globally as the official landmark of Shanghai, it offers breathtaking views of the city and the Huangpu River. Next, visit Yu Garden, a beautiful garden established by a Ming Dynasty government officer, renowned for its intricate layout, stunning pavilions, and extensive use of rockeries and water features that capture the essence of nature. Afterwards, explore Shanghai Old Street to gain insights into Shanghai’s history.

After lunch, head to Xintiandi in the French Concession. Originally the site of the first congress of China’s Communist Party, it is now a vibrant cultural center of Shanghai featuring cafes, bars, bookstores, and boutiques.

Finally, experience the historical charm of the Bund along the Huangpu River. Your day tour in Shanghai ends at Nanjing Road, which offers a bustling shopping experience. 

In the evening you might consider to enjoy a spectacular Chinese Acrobatics show (available only on weekends) or take an evening cruise along the Huangpu River to enjoy the night view of the Bund (additional fee). Overnight stay in Shanghai.

In the morning, you will be driven to Tongli water town in Suzhou, an ancient town with over 1,000 years of history. The town is famous for its system of canals and features water, bridges, and ancient architectures. A canal cruise to witness the breathtaking scenery of Tongli will be arranged. Explore this ancient town by walking along the small alleys. Drive back to Shanghai in the late afternoon.

Your guide and driver will escort you to the airport or train station for your departure. If you wish to extend your stay in China, our team can assist in arranging tailor-made trips to suit your preferences.