Beijing: Discover City Highlights (L)

Tiananmen Square (Tiananmen Guangchang) - Begin your journey with a hotel pick-up and join your tour guide to explore Tian’anmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world. Utilize the travel agency’s expedited security check to enter the square and admire significant landmarks such as the National Museum of China, Mao Zedong’s Mausoleum, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the Tian’anmen Gate.

Forbidden City-The Palace Museum - Pass through the Tian’anmen Tower and South Gate to enter the majestic Forbidden City, a 250-acre complex of courtyards, palaces, pavilions, and gardens that served as the imperial palace for over 500 years. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, the Forbidden City offers a deep dive into the history and culture of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Lama Temple (Yonghegong) - After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, proceed to the Lama Temple, one of the largest and most significant Tibetan Buddhist monasteries globally.

In the evening, enjoy a spectacular Chinese show, choosing between a Chinese Acrobatic Show, Kungfu Show, or Peking Opera at your own expense.

Beijing: Great Wall Adventure (L)

Mutianyu Great Wall - Your driver and tour guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and take you to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. This area is more rugged and less crowded than the famous Badaling section. With over 96% of Mutianyu covered in trees and orchards, it offers a more serene experience. Unlike the tourist-heavy Badaling Wall, Mutianyu allows for a leisurely exploration of this iconic monument, including climbing ancient watchtowers for stunning views of the countryside.

Bell and Drum Towers - Next, explore the local Hutong area near the Drum and Bell Towers to experience life in Hutong. Conclude the day with an optional Chinese acrobatic show before being transferred back to your hotel in Beijing.

Beijing: Temple and Garden (L)

Temple of Heaven - Begin today’s adventure at the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing dynasty emperors conducted annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests. Constructed between 1406 and 1420 during the reign of Ming Emperor YongLe, who also oversaw the creation of the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven is one of several worship sites in the capital. Visit the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, the Circular Mound Altar, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, the Nine Dragon Juniper, and more with your tour guide.

Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) - Enjoy a delicious duck lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the Summer Palace, a beautifully preserved royal garden known for its stunning landscape and architecture, considered one of the world’s most classical gardens.

Conclude your tour with a drop-off at your hotel.

Beijing-Datong: Explore the Grottoes and City Highlights (L)

Beijing Railway Station - A driver will pick you up from your hotel lobby and transfer you to the railway station for a 2-hour bullet train journey to Datong. (Please note you will be on your own during the train ride)

Yungang Grottoes - Upon arrival, your local guide in Datong will meet you at the train station exit. Board your private vehicle and head directly to the Yungang Grottoes, a 30-minute drive. Your tour guide will share the history and stories along the way, so feel free to ask questions.

Upon arrival, follow your guide to admire the outstanding Buddhist cave art from the 5th and 6th centuries at Yungang Grottoes.

Datong-Pingyao: Hanging Temple and Ancient Town (L)

Hengshan Hanging Temple (Xuankong si) - Check out and bring your luggage. Meet your guide in the hotel lobby and head directly to the Hengshan Hanging Temple, a 1.5-hour drive.

The Hanging Temple is the only existing temple that hosts worship for Taoists, Confucians, and Buddhists. Built in 491 A.D., it is an architectural marvel, hanging on the west cliff of Jinxia Gorge over 50 meters above the ground. Follow your guide to experience this 1,400-year-old architectural wonder and learn about the history of China’s three major religions and their influence on the architecture.

After the tour, you will be transferred to Datong railway station for a 3-hour train journey to Pingyao.

Pingyao County - Upon arrival in Pingyao, a driver will hold a sign with your name and transfer you to your hotel.

Pingyao: City Highlights (L)

Pingyao Old Town Jixiang Temple - Enjoy a free day in Pingyao Old Town to explore.

Stroll along the ancient Ming-Qing Street, experiencing the Old Town’s history, culture, and architecture. You can also visit the Ancient Ming-Qing Street and the nearly 200-year-old Rishengchang Exchange Museum.

Pingyao-Xi’an (L)

Wang’s Family Compound (Wang Jia Dayuan) - After breakfast at your hotel, head to Wang’s Family Compound. Built by the Wang family in Jinsheng, Shanxi, during the Ming and Qing Dynasties over 300 years, this compound spans over 250,000 square meters and is one of the largest and best-preserved ancient residential complexes in northern China’s traditional architectural style.

Stroll through the courtyards and halls, listening to stories from your tour guide as you walk.

Shuanglin Temple - As a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site, Shuanglin Temple is a significant national Buddhist temple. It is renowned not only for its age but also for the more than 2,000 painted statues that adorn its halls. This vast collection, created by molding clay over wooden frames, has earned the temple the nickname “The Museum of Colored Sculptures.” These works are not purely religious art but are imbued with human features and attributes, symbolizing the connection between deities and humans.

Xi’an - Afterwards, you will be transferred to the railway station to enjoy a 3-hour bullet train ride to Xi’an. Upon arrival, a driver will hold a sign with your name at the exit of the arrival hall and transfer you to your hotel in Xi’an.

Xi’an: Admire One of the Seven Wonders of the World

Terracotta Warriors Museum - Your tour guide will pick you up from your Xi’an hotel lobby and take you directly to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors Museum, known as “the Eighth Wonder of the World.” The museum is divided into three sections: No.1 Pit, No.2 Pit, and No.3 Pit. The original site was discovered by four local farmers while drilling a well in 1974 and has since become Xi’an’s most important attraction. Explore the museum and gain rich insights from your tour guide.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta) - After lunch at a local restaurant, explore one of China’s finest examples of a Tang-style pagoda (squarish rather than round), completed in AD 652 to house Buddhist sutras brought back from India by the monk Xuan Zang. His travels inspired one of China’s most famous literary works, Journey to the West.

Follow your guide to explore the pagoda and gain a deep understanding of its history.

Muslim Market - Continue to the Muslim Street to taste local snacks and shop for souvenirs. After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Xi’an.

Xi’an-Chengdu: City Exploration (L)

Wenshu Yuan Monastery - In the morning, you will be transferred to Xi’an railway station by a driver, then enjoy a 4-hour bullet train ride to Chengdu. Your local tour guide will hold a sign with your name at the exit of the arrival hall.

Head directly to Wenshu Temple, a typical large Buddhist monastery dating back to the Tang dynasty, named after a monk who lived there in the late 17th century. The monastery contains five central buildings with various cultural relics, surrounded by extensive, well-maintained gardens. It is reputed to house over 400 statues made of stone, iron, bronze, clay, and wood in various shapes and sizes.

Jinli Pedestrian Street - After lunch at a local restaurant, explore Jinli Old Street, one of the oldest shopping streets in Sichuan Province, tracing back to the Three Kingdoms Period over 1,800 years ago. The street showcases the culture of Shuhan (one of the Three Kingdoms from 221 to 263). Most of the architecture here reflects the style of residences in western Sichuan Province.

Afterwards, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Chengdu.

Chengdu: City Highlights

Leshan Giant Buddha (Da Fo) - Meet your tour guide in your hotel lobby and board your private air-conditioned vehicle to the Leshan Giant Buddha (approx. 2.5 hours). Relax and enjoy the beautiful countryside views along the way.

As a UNESCO Site, the construction of the Leshan Buddha began in 713 during the Tang Dynasty and was completed in 803, taking over 90 years to carve. Thousands of workers dedicated their efforts and wisdom to this project. As the largest carved stone Buddha in the world, the Giant Buddha is celebrated in poetry, song, and story. Follow your guide to explore the entire area and view the Buddha from different perspectives.

Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (Xiongmao Jidi) - After lunch at a local restaurant, head to the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Upon arrival, spend some leisure time observing the Giant pandas, including newborns, teenagers, and adults. Learn about the different stages of a panda’s life from infancy to adulthood. Visit the research laboratory, museum, panda playground, animal hospital, and the facility’s beautiful lake. Capture photos of these enchanting and endangered creatures as they relax in their natural environment. After your tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Chengdu.

Chengdu-Changsha-Zhangjiajie (L)

Changsha - Check out in the morning, and a driver will pick you up from your hotel in Chengdu. You will be transferred to Chengdu airport to relax on a 2-hour flight to Changsha. Upon arrival, a driver will pick you up and transfer you to the railway station. Enjoy a relaxing bullet train trip to Zhangjiajie, and upon arrival, a driver will take you to your hotel in Zhangjiajie. (In peak season, there is a direct flight to Zhangjiajie from Chengdu, which you will take instead to travel around)

Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park - Meet your tour guide in your hotel lobby and start today’s adventure.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie are the most classic and popular sites in Zhangjiajie.

To save time and energy, a cable car (or elevator) will be arranged to take you up and down the mountain. Take the cable car up Tianzi Mountain and look through the glass to see large areas of unique sandstone peaks. Walking along the steps, spectacular views unfold from different angles.

Tianzi Mountain - Enjoy a simple lunch at a local restaurant or McDonald’s near Tianzi Mountain.

Relax on a 30-minute shuttle bus ride to Tianzi Mountain, where you will explore the famous Avatar Hallelujah Mountain. It is one of the park’s 3,000 vertical quartz-sandstone pillars, stretching 1,080 meters into the air. Previously known as the Southern Sky Column, it was renamed in January 2010 for inspiring the “Hallelujah Mountains” in the film Avatar.

Next, take the Bailong Elevator to descend the mountain.

The tour concludes with a hotel drop-off.

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

The Grand Canyon of Zhangjiajie - Today, explore the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, where plunging waterfalls, dense trees, fresh air, and mist on the stream create an otherworldly atmosphere. A spring meanders through the canyon, with trails built from planks.

Along the way, see the world’s longest and highest glass bridge and the karst landform in the north temperate zone. Walking along this glass bridge 300 meters above ground level will be one of the coolest experiences of your tour! If you prefer not to walk on the bridge, an alternative route will be taken to visit the area. Overnight in Zhangjiajie.

Zhangjiajie-Shanghai (L)

Baofeng Lake - In the morning, meet your tour guide and board a private vehicle to Baofeng Lake, located in a basin in the middle of Zhangjiajie’s mountainous area. After a 15-minute shuttle bus ride, relax on a 30-minute wooden boat ride. Enjoy a leisurely experience cruising on the clear water, viewing hills of various shapes, and enjoying local minority people singing traditional songs.

Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park - Continue to Tianmen Mountain, regarded as the ‘soul’ of Zhangjiajie and its highest mountain. Experience the famous Tianmen Mountain Cableway, claimed in tourist publications as the “longest passenger cableway of high mountains in the world,” with 98 cars and a total length of 7,455 meters (24,459 ft) and an ascent of 1,279 meters (4,196 ft). The highest gradient is an unusual 37 degrees.

Look out the window to see the famous ‘99 Bends’ mountain road.

After the tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, where a driver will take you to your hotel.

Shanghai: City Highlights (L)

Yu Garden (Yuyuan) - Meet your tour guide in your hotel lobby and head directly to Yuyuan Garden.

Yuyuan Garden is the largest ancient garden with Ming and Qing style architecture. Follow your guide to explore the garden and learn how to create a perfect garden. Then visit the Old City God Temple, where various local snack shops and streets are scattered around.

Jade Buddha Temple - Continue to the Jade Buddha Temple. With a history of over 130 years, the temple was established when a Buddhist monk named Huigen went on a pilgrimage to Mount Emei and holy Tibet, reached India, and finally arrived in Burma to acquire five pieces of Jade Buddha. He intended to send them back to Mount Wutai, one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains. On his way through Shanghai, he left two pieces—a sitting Buddha and a reclining Buddha—and built a temple called Jade Buddha Temple. It was later destroyed in the war and rebuilt in 1918, giving the temple its name.

Stroll around the temple with your guide and observe how locals pray.

The Bund - Continue to the Bund, where you will see the stunning city skyline, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai Tower, and colonial buildings along the Huangpu River. Take a walk and stop for photos.

After the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Shanghai.

Shanghai-Hangzhou City Highlights (L)

West Lake (Xi Hu) - A driver will pick you up from your hotel lobby and transfer you to the railway station for a 1-hour bullet train ride to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, meet your tour guide and start your Hangzhou adventure!

Your first stop is the romantic West Lake, an iconic and symbolic sight in Hangzhou, regarded as one of China’s most beautiful sights. Its beauty is the subject of many poems and paintings, and legends originating in West Lake add an aura of romance. If you wish to take a boat ride, inform your tour guide (at your own expense).

Pagoda of Six Harmonies - Continue to the Six Harmonies Pagoda, a true masterpiece of ancient Chinese architecture. Originally built during the Northern Song Dynasty, learn more about the pagoda’s history from your guide and enjoy the amazing view of the surrounding area.

Afterwards, enjoy free shopping at the famous Hefang Street before being transferred to your hotel in Hangzhou.

Hangzhou-Suzhou (L)

Humble Administrator’s Garden - A driver will take you to the railway station to take the bullet train on your own to Suzhou. Upon arrival, meet your local tour guide and head directly to the Humble Administrator’s Garden.

With its elegant arrangement of tranquil koi ponds, jagged rockery, overhanging trees, and scenic pavilions, the Humble Administrator’s Garden offers a series of exquisite views that gradually unfold like a traditional scroll painting.

Stroll around the garden with your guide, learn about Chinese garden design, and enjoy the garden’s tranquility.

Pingjiang Road - Afterwards, take a hand-rowing boat along an old canal to Pingjiang Road with your guide. It is the best-preserved ancient block of Suzhou, retaining its appearance from the Tang (618 - 907) and Song (960 - 1279) dynasties. Now, the road is filled with stores and restaurants selling Suzhou-style crafts and cuisines. Enjoy free shopping on Pingjiang Road before being transferred to your hotel in Suzhou.

Suzhou-Shanghai (L)

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town - A driver will transfer you to Suzhou railway station for a 1-hour bullet train ride to Shanghai. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and board your private air-conditioned vehicle to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town (1-hour drive). Sit back and enjoy the scenery along the way. With a history of over 1,700 years, Zhujiajiao Ancient Town is known as Shanghai’s Venice. Unique old bridges over bubbling streams, small rivers shaded by willow trees, and houses with courtyards transport visitors from the hustle and bustle of the modern city to a world full of antiquity, leisure, and tranquility.

After the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Shanghai, concluding your wonderful tour.

• Lunch
• Overnight 4-star hotel standard room
• English-speaking guide
• Breakfast
• Entrance fee, cable car etc mentioned in the itinerary
• Bullet train tickets-2nd class+Plane tickets mentioned in the itinerary
• Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle in each city

• Gratuities

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.