Exploring China's Ultimate Diversity: From Imperial Wonders to Natural Marvels

10-Day Beijing, Xian, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai Tour

Embark on an immersive journey through China's iconic cities and landscapes—from the imperial grandeur of Beijing and Xi'an's terracotta warriors to the breathtaking peaks of Zhangjiajie and the shimmering skyline of Shanghai.

From US$
Per person based on 2 travelers in 4-star hotels

Highlights

Cultural and Natural Marvels of China

Tour Itinerary

DAY 1Arrival in Beijing and Transfer to Hotel
  • Novotel Peace Beijing4-star hotel
  • None

Your English-speaking guide will greet you at the arrivals hall and escort you directly to your hotel. Check in and take some time to recover from any jet lag.

The guide with a flag bearing the China Travel logo
The guide with a flag bearing the China Travel logo
DAY 2Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven
  • Novotel Peace Beijing4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, lunch

In the morning, you will visit Tian'anmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares.

Continue northwest to the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed in the early 15th century during the Ming Dynasty, which served as the imperial residence for over 500 years.

Your guide will unveil the stories behind the emperors and concubines who once resided within its walls.

The guide leads the guests on a tour of the Forbidden City
The guide leads the guests on a tour of the Forbidden City

Today's lunch will be served at a local restaurant, where your will savor Beijing Roast Duck. 

Sliced the Duck
Sliced the Duck

After lunch,  enjoy a leisurely visit to the Temple of Heaven, where Chinese emperors once worshiped.

Wander through the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Circular Mound Altar, and the Imperial Vault of Heaven as you immerse yourself in the history of this ancient religious complex. Take time to explore the surrounding Tiantan Park, with its beautiful green spaces, scenic walking paths, and tranquil retreat from the bustling city. 

the Temple of Heaven
Temple of Heaven

Conclude your visit to the Temple of Heaven as the guide takes you back to your hotel. Dinner will be on your own. 

DAY 3The Mutianyu Great Wall(with round way cable car), Hutong Walking Tour
  • Novotel Peace Beijing4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, lunch

Following an enjoyable breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall.

The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is ranked top on TripAdvisor among all the Great Wall sections, for its picturesque scenery and beautifully-restored architecture. It is about 1.5 hours' drive from downtown Beijing.

The Mutianyu Great Wall
The Mutianyu Great Wall

In order to save time for you, we arrange a round-trip cable car to ascend and descend the Wall, instead of spending about 40 minutes climbing steps. At the Wall, you have free time to walk around, after your guide does some introductions. The cable car ascends to and descends from tower 14.

Hike “the most beautiful and interesting part of the Great Wall” — between the 14th and 23rd watch towers — acknowledged by hikers as "the golden route".

Hike between the 14th and 23rd watch towers
Hike between the 14th and 23rd watch towers

Today's lunch will be served at a local restaurant, where your guide will assist you in selecting dishes according to your preferences.

After lunch, the guide will lead you to the Hutongs in Beijing's Dongcheng district for a walking tour, where you'll also have the opportunity to learn about applying Peking Opera facial makeup.

Hutongs are historic alleyways flanked by traditional single-story courtyard houses, relics of old Beijing that are rapidly fading. As you wander through these narrow paths, you can visit local residents to experience the traditional lifestyle and learn about the preservation of these unique homes and their culture.

Hutong
Hutong

In a workshop within the hutongs, you'll also learn how to create Peking Opera masks. Additionally, you can ascend the Bell Tower to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the hutongs.

Learn How to Create Peking Opera Masks
Learn How to Create Peking Opera Masks

After concluding the hutong tour, the guide will accompany you back to the hotel for some rest, with dinner on your own.

DAY 4Summer Palace with Boat Ride and the Garden of Virtue and Harmony, ‘Smart’ Restaurant Lunch and Beijing’s New CBD Skyline, Taking the high-speed train from Beijing to Xi'an
  • Xi'an Eastern House Boutique Hotel 4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, lunch

Today marks the final day of your Beijing journey. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you'll head out to explore the Summer Palace

The Summer Palace is the largest and most impeccably preserved royal park in China. Renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance, the Palace has profoundly influenced Chinese horticulture and landscape design, earning the title 'The Museum of Royal Gardens'. 

Summer Palace
Summer Palace

After touring China’s ancient royal gardens, your guide will introduce you to modern Beijing and its striking new CBD skyline.

You will lunch at China’s first "smart restaurant," experiencing cutting-edge technology. The waiting area resembles a theater where you can enjoy cooking-themed video games with other guests, ensuring you remain entertained.

Haidilao, the smart restaurant in Beijing
Haidilao, the smart restaurant in Beijing

Following lunch, you will proceed to board a high-speed train from Beijing West to Xi'an North railway station at approximately 3:00 PM. The final booking confirmation will detail the train number and departure times.

DAY 5Terracotta Army Deep Dive: Exploring the Warriors, Handling Qin Relics, and a Warrior Restoration Experience, The Muslim Quarter
  • Xi'an Eastern House Boutique Hotel4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, lunch

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you're about to begin your day's tour. Your guide picks you up from the hotel, and you set off to visit and explore the Terracotta Army

The Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is situated at the northern foothills of Mount Li in Lintong District, Xi'an, approximately 37.5 kilometers from the city center. It takes roughly 1.5 hours to reach the site from central Xi'an. 

Terracotta Army
Terracotta Army

Here, you will explore the Terracotta Warriors, experience Qin Dynasty artifacts, and partake in a restoration activity.

Follow a professional guide to explore the three pits of the Terracotta Warriors.

At a nearby museum, get an up-close look at the first batch of restored warriors, including the renowned First Warrior, and learn about the visionary curator's initial restoration efforts.

Then, in the conservation lab, touch authentic Qin Dynasty artifacts, deepening your connection to history.

Finally, participate in a hands-on mini restoration experience guided by professional conservators, and take home your creation as a unique memento.

Mini-restoration Experience Guided by Professional Conservators
Mini-restoration Experience Guided by Professional Conservators

After concluding your visit to the Terracotta Warriors, the guide will arrange lunch for you at a nearby restaurant. Following lunch, you will return to Xi'an's city center and visit The Muslim Quarter.

Located 100 meters west of the Bell Tower in downtown Xi'an. This 500-meter-long avenue, paved with bluestones, is lined with unique stalls, souvenir shops, cafés, and bars, predominantly operated by Muslim locals.  

The Muslim Quarter
The Muslim Quarter

Once the cycling tour of the city walls concludes, the day's excursion will come to an end, and your guide will escort you back to the hotel for some rest.

DAY 6Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi'an Museum, From Xi'an to Zhangjiajie by plane
  • Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, dinner

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, your guide and driver will escort you to visit to Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an Museum and Muslim Quarter. The guide will arrange for lunch at a local restaurant based on today's tour schedule. 

The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is a multi-eaved, square brick structure with fifteen stories. Originally standing at 46 meters, it now measures 43.3 meters due to the loss of its steeple. Intricate carvings adorn the lintel, depicting arhats and grass motifs, showcasing the exquisite artistry of the early Tang Dynasty. You will have the opportunity to ring the bell for blessings and good fortune. 

Small Wild Goose Pagoda
Small Wild Goose Pagoda

Xi'an Museum, located near the pagoda, it offers a comprehensive reflection of the rich history of Xi'an, seamlessly integrating the Small Wild Goose Pagoda— a national key cultural protection unit— with the historic structures of Jianfu Temple and a modern cultural relics exhibition hall.  

Xi'an Museum
Xi'an Museum

Upon concluding the tour, your guide and driver will escort you to Xi'an Xianyang Airport, where you will board a flight to Zhangjiajie. 

You will arrive at Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport around 4 PM, where your guide will meet you. After being greeted by your guide, you will head to a local restaurant for dinner.

Following the meal, you will be taken to your hotel, and after assisting with the check-in process, you can retire to your room for rest. 

DAY 7Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (incl. Bailong Sightseeing Elevator & Tianzi Mountain Cable Car), Yuanjiajie(include the Hallelujah Mountains), One way cable car to Mt.Tianzishan, Bailong Sightseeing Elevator,
  • Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, lunch

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will set off for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to begin your day's journey.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a celebrated tourist destination, known for its pillar-like rock formations resulting from years of erosion. The park boasts a forest coverage of over 90% and features areas including areas such as Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie. 

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

The Bailong Sightseeing Elevator is the world's tallest and fastest of its kind, offering breathtaking views of the sandstone peak forest. Standing at 335 meters high, its four transparent elevators can accommodate 3,000 people per hour. The ascent to the summit takes just two minutes.

Tip: During peak periods, waiting for the elevator might take up to two hours. Your guide will arrange the schedule to avoid these busy times. 

The Bailong Sightseeing Elevator

The Bailong Sightseeing Elevator

Tianzi Mountain is renowned for its four natural wonders: mist-shrouded peaks, the magnificent sunrise, enchanting moonlit nights, and snow-capped winter landscapes. There are over 80 natural platforms offering breathtaking views. Enjoy a relaxing cable car ride to Tianzi Mountain, taking in the stunning scenery along the way.

Tianzi Mountain
Tianzi Mountain

Today's lunch is arranged at a local specialty restaurant, where your guide will recommend the regional delicacies.

After finishing lunch, you will continue the tour of the forest park and proceed to the Yuanjiajie in the afternoon. 

Yuanjiajie is situated in the northern part of Zhangjiajie National Park, famed for its Hallelujah Mountain, named after the floating rocks in "Avatar." Capturing the "Number One Bridge Under Heaven" from the "Viewing Bridge Platform" adds to the charm. The afternoon is the ideal time for photographing Yuanjiajie. 

Yuanjiajie
Yuanjiajie

At the end of the day’s itinerary, you will return to the hotel to rest.

DAY 8Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain (Tianmen Cave) including Glass Walkway and Cable Car, From Zhangjiajie to Shanghai by plane
  • Sunrise On The Bund4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, lunch

After savoring breakfast at the hotel and checking out, you will set off to visit the renowned Glass Bridge, a transparent walkway providing breathtaking views of the canyon below.

Cameras can now be taken onto the bridge. However, certain items are prohibited: metal-tipped walking sticks, drones (in accordance with scenic area regulations), metal hard objects, items weighing over 250 grams, and oversized handbags and backpacks. 

Glass Bridge
Glass Bridge

Lunch today will be arranged at a local restaurant nearby. 

In the morning, visit Tianmen Mountain. Enjoy a 30-minute scenic ride on the world's longest cable car, transporting you from the city to the summit.

Considered the 'soul' of Zhangjiajie, Tianmen Mountain is the highest peak in the region. It offers breathtaking vistas of graceful ancient trees, karst formations, and winding roads carved into the cliffsides.

The world's longest cable car to Tianmen Mountain
The World's Longest Cable Car to Tianmen Mountain

Explore Tianmen Cave, a natural karst cave in the mountain that offers impressive views of the surrounding landscape.

Tianmen Cave
Tianmen Cave

The Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway, nestled within China's Tianmen Mountain National Park, ranks among the world's most elevated observation platforms, projecting dramatically from a sheer cliff at 1,430 meters.

This 1.6-meter wide, 60-meter long glass path offers visitors an exhilarating thrill and unobstructed views of the landscape below as they tread carefully upon it. It has been compared to the Grand Canyon Skywalk in Arizona, USA.

Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway
Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway

After concluding the journey, you will proceed to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport to catch a flight to Shanghai.

Following a flight of approximately two hours, you will arrive at Shanghai Pudong Airport, where your guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel. After assisting with the check-in process, you may retire to your room to relax. You've had a long day.

DAY 9Shanghai in Progress (visit Shanghai Tower and the Bund in-depth), Yuyuan Garden
  • Sunrise On The Bund4-star hotel
  • Breakfast, lunch

Your local guide will lead you to ascend Shanghai's tallest building, the Shanghai Tower, offering a monumental view over the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and a sweeping panorama of the city.

A Panoramic View of the Shanghai Tower
A Panoramic View of the Shanghai Tower

Amidst the bustling crowds, board a public ferry across the Huangpu River, drifting slowly from the modernity of Pudong to the historical depths of old Shanghai, crafting the latest chapter of its story.

Public Ferry across the Huangpu River
Public Ferry across the Huangpu River

Begin your historical journey at the Bund, the landing site of foreigners centuries ago. Each building narrates tales of its golden era, and you'll discover the traces of time etched into their structures, reflecting the ebb and flow of history.

Wander through alleys to observe local life, where residents cope with the city's housing pressures by dwelling in confined spaces.  

The Bund
The Bund

Take a moment to relax in a restaurant, savoring exquisite Shanghai delicacies. You'll also have the chance to experience China's most popular method of ordering takeout.

Shanghainese Pan-fried Buns
Shanghainese Pan-fried Buns

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant near The Bund. Here, you can savor a wide range of cuisines. 

After lunch, continue your tour with an afternoon visit to Yuyuan Garden

With a history exceeding 400 years, the Yuyuan Garden offers a wealth of attractions—from the dragon-lined walls and ancient trees to tranquil paths and historic halls filled with valuable antiques.

Yuyuan Garden
Yuyuan Garden

After concluding today's tour, the guide will escort you back to the hotel for some rest. 

DAY 10Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport
  • Breakfast

In accordance with your departure flight schedule, your guide will arrive at the hotel at the agreed-upon time to escort you to Shanghai Pudong International Airport, where you will board your flight and conclude your journey through China.

Shanghai Pudong Airport
Shanghai Pudong Airport

What's Included

Notes

Inquire This Tour

Price is based on a 2-person tour with 4-star hotels in low season.

from US $ p/p

Code: CT-16

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