21 days China Heritage & Natural Wonders Tour (Shanghai–Beijing)

Welcome to Shanghai, China’s most dynamic metropolis and the starting point of your 3-week Ultimate China Heritage & Natural Wonders journey. Where tradition meets innovation, Shanghai offers a compelling introduction to modern China before the route unfolds toward classical gardens, ancient capitals, dramatic landscapes, and historic villages.

Upon arrival, you will be met by your local driver and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free to rest after your international flight or begin exploring the city on your own. 

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.

This morning, drive approximately 1.5 hours to Suzhou, the "City of Gardens." Begin at the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Suzhou’s largest and most celebrated classical garden. Wander through its ponds, pavilions, zigzag bridges, and bamboo groves while learning about traditional Jiangnan garden design.

Next, walk over to the Suzhou Museum, designed by I.M. Pei, to admire its elegant blend of modern lines and classical Suzhou elements along with its excellent collections of ceramics, jade, and local artwork.

Continue to Pingjiang Road, one of Suzhou’s best-preserved historic streets. Stroll along the canal, browse small shops, stop for tea, and enjoy the quiet charm of old Suzhou.

In the afternoon, visit Tiger Hill, home to the leaning Yunyan Pagoda, bonsai gardens, and scenic paths. Explore its temples, ancient stone paths, and viewpoints that capture Suzhou’s deep cultural heritage. 

Suzhou is also famous for its high-quality silk. If you're interested and time is allowed, you may stop by a silk factory to see the production process and pick up some unique souvenirs for family and friends.

Overnight at Suzhou. 

Morning drive to visit Tongli Water Town, one of the Jiangnan region's best-preserved water town with over 1,000 years of history. Take a relaxing boat ride along narrow canals to admire the classic water town scenery. Then explore on foot through quiet cobblestone lanes, crossing arched stone bridges and passing well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty residences.

Visit the Retreat and Reflection Garden (Tuisi Garden), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and exquisite example of Jiangnan garden design. You may also explore historic courtyard houses and small museums showcasing Tongli's traditional culture and architecture.

In the afternoon, return to Suzhou and take a high-speed train to Huangshan(approximately 2 hours). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel in Tunxi District, Huangshan City. Later, stroll along Tunxi Old Street, a traditional commercial street dating back to the Song Dynasty, and visit the Hu Kaiwen Ink Factory, a well-known Anhui brand established in 1782, noted for its traditional Chinese ink production. Overnight in Tunxi, Huangshan City.

Watch the sunrise early in the morning and enjoy the stunning views of the Lion's Peak, where the "Stone Monkey" is perched. Next, visit the Beginning-to-believe Peak before descending the mountain via the Yungu Cable-car on the eastern steps. After that, take a short drive to Yixian County, which is often praised as the "Eden's Garden on Earth', here you explore the beautiful village, Hongcun, which is considered living museums of Chinese traditional residential houses by many western scholars and experts. Hongcun Village was the filming location for the Oscar-awarded movie "Crouching Tiger and Hidden Dragon." Later in the afternoon, drive to Huangshan train station to take a high-speed train to Hangzhou (about 1.5 hours train ride). 
Upon arrival, your Hangzhou driver will pick you up and transferred to hotel. 

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province and one of China’s most celebrated historic cities, is best known for its elegant landscapes, tea culture, and classical charm.

Today begins with a visit to West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site praised for centuries in Chinese poetry and art. Enjoy a leisurely boat ride across the lake, passing willow-lined banks, graceful bridges, and distant pagodas.

Next, visit Lingyin Temple, one of China’s most important Buddhist temples, set among forested hills. If you wish, you may also explore the nearby Feilai Feng grottoes, home to hundreds of ancient Buddhist stone carvings.

Continue to Amanfayun Village, a restored traditional hamlet hidden among tea fields and bamboo groves, offering a quiet glimpse into old Hangzhou life.

In the afternoon, head to Meijiawu Tea Village to learn about and taste West Lake Longjing (Dragon Well) tea, China’s most famous green tea.

End the day with a walk along Southern Song Imperial Street (Zhongshan Road), once the main avenue of the Song Dynasty capital.

Overnight in Hangzhou.

Morning transfer to Hangzhou airport for your flight to Guilin, one of China’s most scenic cities, famed for its dramatic karst mountains, limestone caves, and tranquil rivers that have inspired Chinese landscape painting for centuries.

In the afternoon, enjoy a guided city tour starting with Reed Flute Cave, a spectacular limestone cave formed over millions of years, filled with illuminated stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations.

Continue to Elephant Trunk Hill, the iconic symbol of Guilin, named for its resemblance to an elephant drinking from the Li River.

Next, visit Fubo Hill, a solitary peak rising beside the river. Climb to the top for panoramic views over Guilin city and the surrounding karst landscape.

After the tour, transfer to your hotel.

Evening option: Enjoy a leisurely walk around the Two Rivers and Four Lakes scenic area to admire Guilin’s illuminated waterways and night views.

Morning transfer to Guilin Zhujiang or Mopan Hill Wharf to board your Li River cruise, renowned for its breathtaking scenery of karst mountains and tranquil waters, often considered the best in China. The cruise journey takes around 4 hours, with lunch served on board.

Upon arrival in Yangshuo, transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, you can choose between bamboo rafting (additional fee applies) or hiking along the Yulong River for views of rural life and picturesque landscapes. Visit Jiuxian, a charming village in Yangshuo, known for its tranquil environment, traditional architecture, and karst peaks. In the evening, enjoy the Impression of Sanjie Liu show (optional, fees on your own). Overnight in Yangshuo. (B)

Stay overnight at Yangshuo.

(Optional) Early morning drive to Xianggong Hill (Husband Mountain) to catch the stunning sunrise over the Li River and surrounding mountains. It's about a 15-minute walk from the entrance to the top of the hill, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Li River winding through dramatic karst peaks.

Return to your hotel and choose how you'd like to spend the rest of your morning: relax at your own pace or take a walking tour with your guide along the Yulong River to soak in the peaceful countryside views. In the afternoon, you'll drive to Guilin train station for the high-speed train to Zhangjiajie (approximately 7 hours). Upon arrival, to be picked up by your local driver in Zhangjiajie and transfer you to your hotel in Wulingyuan district.

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 visit the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, a lush gorge known for clear streams, steep cliffs and waterfalls. The highlight is the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, stretching about 430 meters across the canyon at roughly 300 meters high. Walking on its transparent panels gives you an incredible view straight down into the valley, an exciting but safe experience suitable for most travelers.

After lunch, continue the visit to Zhangjiajie National park to Golden Whip Stream, one of the park’s most beautiful walking areas. Stroll along the clear river surrounded by towering sandstone peaks, dense forest and occasional wildlife. This relaxing trail offers some of Zhangjiajie’s most peaceful scenery without demanding a long hike.

After the walk, your guide will take you back to the hotel for a restful evening.

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.

Overnight at Zhangjiajie.

Morning Zhangjiajie airport drop off for the flight to Xi'an. Upon arrival, to be picked up by local guide and driver and transfer to your hotel in Xi'an downtown.

Afternoon you will have half day guided tour in Xi'an, beginning with the visit to 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 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.

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.

Drop off at Xi'an train station for the high speed train to Pingyao (About 2.5 hours train ride). Upon arrival, be picked up by local driver and transfer to your hotel in Pingyao. Rest and relax on your own.

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, drop off you at Pingyao train station for the high speed train to Datong (About 2.5 hours train ride). Upon arrival, to be picked up by local driver with your name sign and transferring you for hotel checking in. Overnight at Datong.

Begin your day with a visit to the Yungang Grottoes, one of China’s three most important Buddhist cave sites, along with the Longmen and Mogao Grottoes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains 252 caves and more than 51,000 Buddha statues, ranging from tiny carvings to towering cliff-side sculptures—an extraordinary display of early Buddhist art in China.

Continue to the Huayan Monastery, one of the best-preserved temple complexes from the Liao and Jin dynasties. Built in 1140, the monastery features grand wooden halls, fine Buddhist statues, and a peaceful courtyard layout. Part of the complex now serves as a local museum showcasing Datong’s religious history.

Later in the afternoon, visit Datong’s famous Nine Dragon Screen, a magnificent glazed wall dating back over 600 years. It is the largest and oldest surviving nine-dragon screen in China, known for its vibrant colors and intricate craftsmanship.

Take late afternoon train to Beijing (about 2 hours train ride). Upon arrival, to be picked up by local driver with your name sign and transferring you for hotel checking in. Overnight at Beijing.

Start your day at Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square and the heart of Beijing. From here, enter the magnificent Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as home to 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Walk through grand courtyards, ornate ceremonial halls, and historic gates as you discover over 500 years of imperial Chinese history.

Next, head to Jingshan Park, located just behind the Forbidden City. Climb to the hilltop pavilion for spectacular panoramic views of the Forbidden City's golden roofs and the Beijing skyline. This is one of the best photo spots in the city.

In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and masterpiece of Chinese garden design. This sprawling imperial retreat features the beautiful Kunming Lake, graceful Longevity Hill, and elegantly decorated pavilions and corridors. Stroll through the gardens where Qing Dynasty emperors once relaxed during hot summer months.

In the evening, you may choose to enjoy an optional Kung Fu show or traditional Peking Opera performance (additional fee).

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).

Next, continue to the historic Shichahai area in old Beijing. Visit a traditional courtyard home and enjoy a Hutong tour by rickshaw through narrow lanes that preserve the charm of a bygone era. You will also have time to explore Yandai Xiejie and the nearby Drum Tower, both rich in culture and local flavor.

Later, visit Gongwang Fu, or Prince Gong’s Mansion, once the residence of a prominent Qing dynasty statesman. Its grand halls, graceful courtyards, and beautifully designed gardens reflect the elegance and sophistication of Beijing’s imperial past. As you wander through the complex, your guide will share stories that bring the history of the mansion to life.

Enjoy some free time to explore Beijing on your own or do a bit of last-minute shopping before returning to your hotel.

Airport transfer is arranged for your departure. We wish you a safe journey home and are pleased to assist if you decide to explore more of China.