14 days Classical China Tour with Zhangjiajie Delights

Upon arrival at Beijing airport or train station, you will be warmly greeted by a local guide and driver. They will accompany you to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, giving you the opportunity to rest or explore the city. Your local guide will be available to offer recommendations on places to visit or activities for your first night in Beijing.

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.

Begin your day by visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, a remarkable archaeological site and one of China's must-see attractions. Witness the vast army of terracotta sculptures created for the first emperor of China.

Next return to downtown of Xi'an and explore the ancient Xi'an City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China. Continue to Shuyuan Men, an ancient street showcasing local crafts and snacks.

Later in the day, visit the Muslim Quarter and Great Mosque to immerse yourself in the unique Hui ethnic culture. Optionally, enjoy a Tang Dynasty Dinner Show (fee on your own) in the evening.

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, you'll have a private transfer to visit Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge spanning two mountains in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. This 435-meter-long and 6-meter-wide bridge hangs 375 meters above the ground, offering a stunning panoramic view of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.

After crossing the bridge, your guide will lead you on a moderate hike through picturesque Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, known for its waterfalls, streams, lush vegetation, and fresh air. The visit will take over 2 hours, so be prepared for an extended hike.

In the afternoon, drive to visit Baofeng Lake, nestled in a basin within this mountainous region. A 20-minute walk will lead you to the lake, where you'll enjoy a 30-minute boat ride on clear waters. During the cruise, you'll have the opportunity to admire the unique mountain shapes and enjoy the traditional songs of the local minority people. Relax and soak in the scenic beauty of the mountains and pristine waters during your boat ride.
In the late afternoon, you will be transferred back to your hotel.

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.

Today, embark on a scenic Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. The Li River is one of the most beautiful rivers in China, offering stunning scenery with beautiful water and majestic mountains along the way to Yangshuo. This cruise will take 3 to 4 hours.

After enjoying lunch on the cruise and arriving in Yangshuo, you will have a two to three-hour bicycle ride into the countryside of Yangshuo, experiencing the real local life of Chinese peasants. If you prefer not to ride a bicycle, let us know, and we will prepare an alternative for you. Then, have a local farmer family visit in Yangshuo countryside.

Spend the morning in Yangshuo, exploring options like bicycling, bamboo rafting, or hiking around Yulong River. Visit Fuli town and ascend Xianggong Hill for breathtaking views of the Li River and Karst mountain peaks. Later, catch a flight to Shanghai and overnight in the city.

In the morning in Yangshuo, you can choose to ride a bicycle/bamboo rafting (fee on your own)/hike at the lower reaches of the Yulong River. On the way back, visit Fuli town. In the afternoon, drive about 40 minutes to visit Xianggong Hill (Husband Mountain), a 15-minute ascent to the top, offering a breathtaking view of the Li River and the surrounded Karst mountain peaks. Then head to Guilin airport for the flight to Shanghai. Overnight in Shanghai.

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.