Beijing, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai Tour

Welcome to China! Your 2 week China tour begins in Beijing, the vibrant capital and a city where ancient history meets modern life. Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Take the rest of the day to relax after your travels and get settled in. If you’re feeling energized, head out for a short walk to soak in your first impressions of the city. Your guide will be happy to offer suggestions for nearby restaurants, parks, or evening strolls to help you ease into your China adventure.

Today is your first full day of exploration in Beijing. Begin with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and a historic symbol of modern China. From there, step into the Forbidden City, a magnificent palace complex that served as the home of 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. With nearly 1,000 buildings and a history spanning almost 500 years, it’s recognized by UNESCO as the world’s largest collection of ancient wooden structures.
Afterward, walk up the hill at Jingshan Park, where you’ll be rewarded with a sweeping panoramic view over the golden rooftops of the Forbidden City. In the afternoon, head to the Summer Palace, once the imperial family’s lakeside retreat. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features elegant halls, pavilions, and bridges set around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, blending nature and architecture in perfect harmony.

In the evening, you can choose to enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner at a top-rated local restaurant or attend a live cultural performance, such as a thrilling Kung Fu show or the iconic Peking Opera (optional, at your own expense).

After breakfast, drive about 1.5 hours northeast of Beijing to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most scenic and less crowded parts of this iconic structure. Walk along its restored watchtowers, take in sweeping mountain views, and choose to ride the cable car up and toboggan down for a fun experience (optional).

Continue about 1 hour to visit the Ming Tombs, the burial site of 13 emperors from the Ming Dynasty. Walk along the Sacred Way, lined with impressive stone figures, and explore the Changling Tomb, known for its grand architecture and historical significance.

On the return drive to Beijing downtown, stop at the Olympic Green to view the exterior of the Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube, two iconic structures from the 2008 Summer Olympics.

To end the day, choose to return to your hotel or be dropped off at the lively Donghuamen Night Market to sample local snacks and experience Beijing’s bustling evening vibe.

Start your day at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests, now a peaceful park where locals practice tai chi and morning exercises.
Then head to the historic Shichahai area for a glimpse of old Beijing life. Enjoy a rickshaw ride through narrow Hutong alleys, visit a traditional courtyard home, and stroll along the charming Yandai Xiejie near the Drum Tower. If time is allowed, explore Prince Gong’s Mansion (Gongwang Fu), a grand Qing Dynasty residence known for its elegant halls, tranquil gardens, and rich history as the home of one of the era’s most influential statesmen.

Then transfer to board afternoon high-speed train to Pingyao – about 4.5 hours’ ride. Pingyao train station pick-up and transfer to the hotel.

Start your day exploring the timeless beauty of Pingyao’s ancient city. Begin with a walk along the old city wall for a bird’s-eye view of the historic rooftops and bustling lanes. Visit the Rishengchang Former Bank, the first bank in China, where silver once flowed and business began in 1823. Then stroll down the Ming and Qing Dynasties Street, where cobbled roads and wooden storefronts take you back to a different era.

You’ll also stop by the Temple of the City God and the ancient Government Office to get a feel for religious life and local rule in old Pingyao. A fun highlight of the day is learning traditional Chinese paper cutting. Sit with a local artist and craft your own delicate bird or fish to take home.

In the afternoon, head to the peaceful Shuanglin Temple, a hidden gem renowned for its collection of beautifully preserved painted clay statues dating back to the Song and Yuan dynasties. The intricate artworks inside the Sakyamuni Hall and other temple buildings are particularly captivating. Afterward, enjoy some free time to wander Pingyao’s ancient alleys before settling in for the night.

After breakfast, drive to visit the Wang Family Compound, a remarkable example of traditional Chinese residential architecture from the Qing Dynasty. Known as the “Forbidden City of the Folk,” this sprawling complex features elegant courtyards, intricate wood carvings, and rich historical details that reflect the wealth and influence of the Wang family.

In the afternoon, return to Pingyao and board a high-speed bullet train to Xi’an, a comfortable journey of about 3 hours. Upon arrival, your local driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in and relaxation.

After breakfast, drive about 45 minutes to the outskirts of Xi’an to visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Often called the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site features thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots buried over 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
For a hands-on experience, you can also join an optional clay workshop to make your own mini warrior to take home.

In the afternoon, return to Xi’an and explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty landmark built to house Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the monk Xuanzang.

End the day with a stroll through Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, where lively market streets are filled with traditional snacks, souvenirs, and local life.

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. Or 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.

Begin your day with a visit to the Beilin Museum (Forest of Stone Steles), home to a vast collection of ancient stone carvings, calligraphy, and historical texts. Set in a former Confucian temple, it offers a quiet glimpse into China’s literary and philosophical traditions.

Continue to the Xi’an City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved in China. Walk or cycle along the top for views of the old city below and imagine life here centuries ago.

Then take a relaxed stroll through Shuyuan Men street, a charming cultural street known for its traditional architecture, calligraphy shops, and local snacks.

In the late afternoon, transfer to the airport and catch your flight to Zhangjiajie.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China’s first national forest park, is home to dramatic sandstone pillars and misty peaks, a one-of-a-kind landscape that inspired Avatar’s floating mountains. Over the next few days, you’ll explore the national park’s most stunning viewpoints, trails and cultural highlights.

After breakfast, head into Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Enter through the East Gate and take the eco-shuttle to the base of the Bailong Elevator. This 326-meter glass lift clings to the cliffside and offers a dramatic ride up the mountain with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks.

At the top, explore Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, known worldwide for inspiring the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. Highlights include Hallelujah Mountain (Qiankun Pillar), the No. 1 Bridge Under Heaven, and the Enchanting Platform, each offering breathtaking vantage points of the pillar-filled valley.

Enjoy a simple local lunch in the mountain village, then continue by shuttle to Yangjiajie Scenic Area, known for its rugged cliffs and the famous Natural Great Wall, where a line of parallel stone peaks stretches endlessly into the distance.

Next, visit Tianzi Mountain, one of the park’s most iconic areas. Here you’ll view landmarks such as Imperial Brush Peak and Fairy Scattering Flowers, all wrapped in the area’s signature misty mountain atmosphere. After sunset, descend by cable car and return to your hotel for rest.

This morning, drive to Tianmen Mountain, often called the “soul of Zhangjiajie,” this sacred mountain is famous for its dramatic natural beauty and four legendary wonders.

Take the spectacular Tianmen Mountain Cable Car, one of the world’s longest at 7,455 meters, ascending through breathtaking scenery to the summit. Experience the mountain’s “Four Wonders”: the thrilling Glass Skywalk suspended over sheer cliffs, the natural Tianmen Cave (Heaven’s Gate) archway, the winding Tongtian Avenue (99-bend road leading to heaven), and the “Bonsai Garden on Air” with its ancient trees and karst formations. Visit Tianmen Mountain Temple and walk along cliff-edge pathways surrounded by forest and mountain views.

After descending, head to the 72 Qilou District, an atmospheric cultural street featuring traditional Tujia-style stilted buildings. Explore the lively lanes filled with local snacks, handicraft shops, cultural performances, and cafes, a perfect place to experience local heritage and pick up souvenirs.

In the late afternoon, transfer to Zhangjiajie airport for your flight to Shanghai (approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, your Shanghai guide and driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

After breakfast, start your day with a visit to Yu Garden, a beautifully preserved classical Chinese garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Wander through its elegant pavilions, koi-filled ponds, rockeries, and shaded walkways, an oasis of calm in the heart of Shanghai’s bustling Old Town. Just next door, explore the lively Yuyuan Bazaar, perfect for picking up local snacks, crafts, and souvenirs.
Next, head to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center at People’s Square to learn about the city’s transformation from fishing village to global metropolis through impressive models and multimedia displays.
In the afternoon, visit the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower, one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks. Ride up to the observation decks for panoramic views of the city and the Huangpu River. Then, take a walk down Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s bustling commercial street, before arriving at the historic Shanghai Bund, where colonial architecture faces off with the modern skyline across the river.
In the evening, you can choose to enjoy a Huangpu River night cruise (optional, extra fee applied), offering stunning views of illuminated Shanghai.

After breakfast, meet your guide and drive about 1.5 hours to Tongli water town, one of the most scenic and well-preserved water towns near Shanghai. With over 1,000 years of history, Tongli is known for its peaceful canals, graceful stone bridges, and traditional whitewashed houses.

Begin your visit with a relaxing boat ride through the town’s narrow waterways, passing historic homes, tranquil gardens, and scenes of everyday life. Then explore on foot, strolling through cobbled streets lined with Ming and Qing dynasty architecture. Highlights include the beautifully designed Retreat and Reflection Garden (Tuisi Garden), a UNESCO World Heritage site, and several small museums showcasing local customs and history.

Enjoy lunch at a riverside restaurant, where you can sample regional Suzhou-style dishes. In the afternoon, continue exploring Tongli’s quiet lanes, artisan shops, and tea houses that preserve the charm of old Jiangnan.

Return to Shanghai in the late afternoon and freely explore Shanghai on your own.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time to relax or explore the city on your own, depending on your flight schedule. When it’s time, your driver will transfer you to the airport or train station for your departure.

We hope you leave with wonderful memories of your journey through China’s rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning landscapes. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you again!