21 days China Panoramic Tour with Yunnan & Zhangjiajie

Beijing, China’s vibrant capital, is a must-visit destination. Your 15-day China tour begins here! Upon arrival, a local driver & guide will greet and escort you to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring Beijing at your own pace. Your guide can provide recommendations for your first night in this dynamic city.

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).

Start your morning at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once performed ceremonies to pray for good harvests. The highlight is the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests with its distinctive triple-tiered circular roof. Arrive early to see local residents practicing tai chi and traditional exercises, a charming glimpse into daily Beijing life.

Drive about two hours to Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved sections of this ancient wonder. Walk along the wall as it winds dramatically across mountain ridges, enjoying spectacular views. Spend 2 to 3 hours exploring at your own pace. Take a cable car for easier access, or for a fun descent, try the thrilling toboggan slide.

On your return, stop briefly at Olympic Green to see the Bird's Nest stadium and Water Cube from the 2008 Olympics.

Optional: End your evening at Donghuamen Night Market for street food or Sanlitun Bar Street for nightlife.

Start today's visit at Yonghe Temple (Lama Temple), Beijing's largest and best-preserved Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Originally a Qing Dynasty royal residence, this stunning complex blends Han Chinese, Mongolian, and Tibetan architectural styles. Visit in the morning to see locals praying and experience the peaceful atmosphere.

Next, explore the historic Shichahai area, the heart of old Beijing. Visit a traditional courtyard home and take a rickshaw ride through the atmospheric hutongs (narrow alleyways). Stroll along Yandai Xiejie (Skewed Tobacco Pouch Street) and stop at the Drum Tower. For lunch, try a local family-run restaurant in the hutongs for authentic Beijing flavors.

In the afternoon, board a high-speed train to Xi'an (approximately 4.5 hours). Enjoy views of the Chinese countryside as you travel. Upon arrival, your Xi'an guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

This morning, drive to visit the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring thousands of life-sized clay soldiers guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang's tomb for over 2,200 years. Each figure is uniquely crafted, showcasing ancient Chinese artistry and imperial power.

Return to Xi'an to explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter, filled with aromatic street food, traditional snacks, and handicraft shops. Then visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 652 AD to house Buddhist texts from India. This Tang Dynasty landmark symbolizes Xi'an's importance as the Silk Road's eastern gateway and a center of cultural exchange.

The evening is free to explore. Stroll through Datang Everbright City for illuminated architecture and street performances, or attend the optional Tang Dynasty Dinner Show with dumplings and traditional entertainment (additional fee).

Spend your final morning in Xi’an diving deeper into its cultural heritage. Start with a visit to the Beilin Museum (Forest of Stone Steles Museum), home to over 3,000 engraved stone tablets featuring ancient Chinese calligraphy, classical texts, and Confucian teachings, a must-see for history and art enthusiasts.

Next, explore the ancient Xi’an City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. You can walk or rent a bike to ride along the top of the wall (bike rental at your own expense) while enjoying panoramic views of the city. Afterwards, stroll through Shuyuanmen Cultural Street, known for its charming atmosphere, traditional architecture, and abundance of calligraphy shops, local eateries, and souvenir stands.

Take afternoon train from Xi'an to Chengdu (about 4 hours). Upon arrival, your local driver will pick you up and transfer to hotel in the downtown.

After breakfast, drive to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, arriving in time to see the pandas during their active morning feeding. Watch adult pandas and cubs as they snack, play, and lounge in their bamboo-filled enclosures.

Head back downtown for lunch before visiting Wenshu Monastery, one of Chengdu’s oldest Buddhist temples. Wander through its quiet courtyards, halls, and gardens to appreciate its traditional architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

Continue to People’s Park, a favorite gathering place for locals. Enjoy a break at a traditional open-air teahouse and observe everyday city life. Don’t miss the matchmaking corner, where parents publicly display profiles in hopes of finding partners for their children, a unique glimpse into local culture. Afterward stroll through the charming Kuanzhai Alleys, where traditional architecture, lively shops, and mouthwatering street food offer a perfect blend of culture and flavor.

In the evening you might want to enjoy a local cultural show - Sichuan Opera, famous for changing face, spitting fire etc. 

Overnight in Chengdu.

Take an early morning flight from Chengdu to Lijiang. Upon arrival, you’ll be met by your local driver and transferred to Lijiang Old Town. After a short rest, begin exploring this UNESCO-listed ancient town.

Start with a visit to Black Dragon Pool, famous for its crystal-clear waters and postcard-perfect views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, framed by traditional pavilions and stone bridges. Continue to the Dongba Museum to learn about the unique Naxi Dongba culture and its pictographic writing system.

Next, stroll through Square Street, the lively center of Lijiang Old Town, filled with small shops, cafés, and local eateries. Visit Mufu Palace, the restored mansion of the Mu clan who once governed Lijiang, to gain insight into Naxi history and architecture. Then head up Lion Mountain for a panoramic overlook of the old town’s rooftops and winding alleys.

The remainder of the day is yours to wander Lijiang Old Town at your own pace. Overnight in Lijiang.

This morning, drive to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Snow Mountain), famous for its 13 snow-covered peaks rising to 5,596 meters. Take the cable car up to Glacier Park (around 3,650m) for close views of the glacier and the mountain’s dramatic alpine scenery.

If interested, you may watch the Impression Lijiang Show (optional), an outdoor cultural performance featuring Naxi, Yi, and Bai traditions with the snow mountain as the backdrop.

Continue to Blue Moon Valley, known for its turquoise lakes, terraced pools, and gentle waterfalls fed by glacial meltwater.

After coming down the mountain, continue to Baisha Village, one of the earliest Naxi settlements. Visit the well-known Baisha Murals, dating back to the Ming Dynasty, and stop by a local Naxi family home to learn about their traditions and daily life.

Return to Lijiang in the late afternoon and enjoy free time to explore Lijiang Old Town.

Note: Glacier Park is not recommended for seniors or small children due to the high altitude. Yak Meadow or Spruce Meadow will be arranged instead when needed.

This morning, drive about 2.5–3 hours from Lijiang to Dali. On the way, stop in Zhoucheng Village, the largest Bai minority village in the region and well known for its traditional tie-dye (batik) workshops. Here you can see how local artisans create indigo-dyed fabrics using time-honored techniques passed down for generations.

Continue to Xizhou, another historic Bai village famous for its well-preserved courtyard houses and vibrant local markets. Visit the Yan Family Compound, one of the finest examples of Bai residential architecture with its ornate woodwork, carved stone details, and distinctive “three rooms and one wall” layout. You may also get the chance to taste Xizhou Baba, a popular local baked pancake.

Upon arrival in Dali, enjoy a leisurely walk along the Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor, taking in views of the lake and Cangshan Mountain. Then explore Dali Old Town, where narrow streets, cafés, local snacks, and handicraft shops offer a lively introduction to Bai culture and daily life.

Transfer to your hotel afterward and enjoy a relaxing evening in Dali.

This morning, your driver will take you to the railway station for a comfortable 2.5-hour high-speed train ride from Dali to Kunming. Upon arrival, meet your Kunming guide and transfer to your hotel.

After a short break, head out to visit the Stone Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning karst formations. Walk among towering limestone pillars, stone ridges, and natural sculptures formed over millions of years, an unforgettable landscape that feels like a “forest” made of rock.

Return to Kunming in the late afternoon. Enjoy some free time to explore the city on your own or ask your guide for suggestions on local attractions and restaurants. Kunming is famous for its Yunnan cuisine, especially Cross-Bridge Rice Noodles, a beloved regional specialty worth trying while you’re here.

After breakfast, take a high-speed train from Kunming to Guilin (about 4.5 hours). Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you at the railway station and take you to Reed Flute Cave, a spectacular limestone cave filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and an underground lake that creates beautiful reflections.

Continue to Elephant Trunk Hill, the iconic symbol of Guilin, named for its striking resemblance to a giant elephant drinking from the Li River. After the visit, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight at Guilin.

After breakfast, enjoy a scenic 4-hour Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. This cruise route offers some of China’s most iconic landscapes, including dramatic karst peaks, bamboo groves, and quiet riverside villages. Along the way you will pass well-known sights such as Crown Cave, Mural Hill (famous for its rock formations said to resemble nine horses), and Xingping, the picturesque town featured on the 20 RMB banknote.

Upon arrival in Yangshuo, transfer to your hotel, then spend the afternoon exploring the Yulong River countryside by bicycle or on foot. Enjoy peaceful rural views and stop at a local farmer’s home for a look at everyday village life.

The evening is free for you to wander Yangshuo’s lively West Street or enjoy the optional Impression Liu Sanjie show (ticket not included), a stunning open-air performance set against the natural backdrop of the Li River and the surrounding karst mountains.

Today is yours to enjoy Yangshuo on your own. You might rent a bike and wander through quiet villages, rice fields, and karst peaks, or head to Moon Hill and the Big Banyan Tree for classic countryside views. A gentle bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River is another relaxing option.

You will have a relaxing morning in Yangshuo, then drive back to Guilin with a stop at Xianggong Mountain, a short uphill walk that rewards you with one of the best panoramic views of the Li River and its surrounding karst peaks. After the visit, continue to Guilin Railway Station and board your afternoon high-speed train to Zhangjiajie (D3968, 14:38 - 22:02, about 7 hours ). You’ll arrive in the evening, where your local guide and driver will meet you and take you to your hotel.

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 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.

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.

In the morning, visit Yu Garden, a classical Ming Dynasty garden known for its elegant pavilions, ponds, and the famous Exquisite Jade Rock. Then stroll through Shanghai Old Street to experience the city’s traditional charm.

Next, head to Xintiandi, a lively pedestrian district where restored Shikumen architecture blends with stylish cafes, shops, and galleries. Continue to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall to learn about the city's development through detailed models and displays.

Cross the Huangpu River to Pudong District and visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for panoramic views of Shanghai’s skyline. End your day with a walk along the Bund and Nanjing Road, where historic architecture meets vibrant city life.

Optional: In the evening, enjoy a Chinese acrobatics show or a Huangpu River night cruise to see the illuminated skyline (additional fees apply).

This morning, drive approximately 1.5 hours to Suzhou, the "City of Gardens." Begin at the Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its masterful blend of natural landscapes and classical architecture across four distinct themed sections. This Ming Dynasty garden showcases elegant pavilions, rockeries, winding corridors, and peaceful courtyards.

Next, stroll along Pingjiang Road, a picturesque historic street dating back to the Song Dynasty. This charming canal-side lane preserves traditional Suzhou character with its whitewashed houses, stone bridges, local teahouses, and artisan shops, a perfect glimpse into authentic water town life.

Continue to Tongli Water Town, one of the Jiangnan region's best-preserved ancient villages 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 late afternoon, return to Shanghai (approximately 1.5 hours) and transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the airport or train station for your departure. We wish you a pleasant journey home. If you ever need to adjust this tour or have any other travel requests, WindhorseTour is always ready to help tailor your experience to suit your personal travel needs. Safe travels!