China’s Top Cities & Unforgettable Landscapes
Trip overview
Embark on a 16-day journey to discover the unique charm of five legendary Chinese cities. Start in Beijing, the vibrant national capital, where you will explore millennia of imperial history and admire the spectacular Great Wall. Next, travel to Xi'an to see the world-famous Terracotta Army. Continue to Zhangjiajie and gaze upon its striking gorges and towering peaks, then head to Guilin, whose fairy-tale scenery resembles a living traditional Chinese painting.
Finish your trip in the modern metropolis of Shanghai. The iconic Bund perfectly embodies the blend of Eastern and Western cultures, while nearby Tongli Ancient Town presents well-preserved ancient traditions. This well-rounded tour showcases China's rich heritage, diverse landscapes and timeless allure.
Services
Included:
- Entrance fees to scenic spots listed in itinerary
- Meals specified in itinerary
- Assistance on arrival/departure & airport/hotel/station/ferry transfers as specified in itinerary
- Flights/trains specified in itinerary, with flight, airport tax and fuel fees included
- Sightseeing & activities as listed in itinerary
- Accommodation with daily breakfast
- Private transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots in each city or area in private, air-conditioned vehicle as listed in itinerary
- One bottle of drinking water per person per day
- Service charges
Excluded:
- Flights/sightseeing/meals/other items not listed in itinerary
- Visa application & visa fee
- Gratuities or tips
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (e.g. room service, internet charges, laundry, drinks, telephone calls, optional activities)
- Excess baggage charge
- Optional activities
Optional:
- On request
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1: Beijing — Welcome to Beijing
- Day 2: Beijing — Tiananmen Square and the tranquil Summer Palace
- Day 3: Beijing — Conquer the Great Wall
- Day 4: Beijing - Xian — Temple of Heaven to Tang Dynasty splendour
- Day 5: Xian — Discover the secrets of the Terracotta Warriors
- Day 6: Xian - Zhangjiajie — Myths and Legends in Xi'an and Zhangjiajie
- Day 7: Zhangjiajie — Breathtaking 'Dancing with the sky' experience
- Day 8: Zhangjiajie — Dramatic grand canyon adventure
- Day 9: Zhangjiajie — Daredevil Tian'men Mountain pursuits
- Day 10: Zhangjiajie - Guilin — Bullet train to atmospheric Guilin
- Day 11: Guilin - Longji Rice Terrace — Fairytale caves and picturesque rice terraces
- Day 12: Guilin - Yangshuo — Serene cruise to Yangshuo
- Day 13: Yangshuo - Shanghai — Scenic countryside tour
- Day 14: Shanghai — Modern glamour and heritage of Shanghai
- Day 15: Shanghai - Tongli Water Town — Rustic charm of the "Venice of China"
- Day 16: Shanghai — Departure day
Destinations on this trip
Day 1: Welcome to Beijing
Welcome to Beijing, China's ancient capital, filled with countless historical stories and cultural treasures. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and share details about Beijing during the transfer to your hotel. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to enjoy at your leisure.
Day 2: Tiananmen Square and the Tranquil Summer Palace
After breakfast, set off to explore central Beijing. Wander through Tiananmen Square, passing Tiananmen Tower and the Monument to the People's Heroes. Continue to the Forbidden City. Step away from crowded paths to listen to vivid historical stories and discover the distinctive charm of this 600-year-old imperial palace. Enjoy authentic Peking roast duck for lunch. Later, take a leisurely stroll around the Summer Palace, a time-honored royal garden with a 300-year history. You can go for a relaxing boat ride on the lake and walk along the long corridors to appreciate the exquisite ceiling paintings. The rest of the evening is yours at leisure.
Day 3: Explore the Great Wall
After breakfast, take the cable car up to Mutianyu Great Wall. This magnificent landmark stretches across green mountain ranges with breathtaking panoramic views. You may head down by cable car, or try the exciting toboggan slide for a fun descent. We will then return to Beijing, and the rest of the evening is yours at leisure.
Day 4: Temple of Heaven & Tang Dynasty Grandeur
After breakfast, visit the Temple of Heaven. Watch local elders practice Tai Chi and experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture. Next, take a rickshaw ride through old alleyways to immerse yourself in the daily life of the ancient capital. In the afternoon, board the high-speed train to Xi'an. Explore the city after arrival, then head to Datang Everbright City to admire the glorious legacy of the Tang Dynasty. The grand scenic area is brilliantly lit at night, paired with a musical fountain show that recreates the prosperity of this golden age.
Day 5: Explore the Terracotta Warriors
After breakfast, visit the world-famous Terracotta Army. Each figure features unique appearances and lifelike facial expressions, a fine showcase of the exceptional craftsmanship of Qin Dynasty artisans. Admire this grand creation that embodies the formidable power of the ancient Qin army. Afterwards, head to a local craftsman's cave dwelling and learn to make a miniature terracotta warrior by hand. After lunch, take a leisurely stroll through the Muslim Quarter. Taste assorted local snacks and get a taste of everyday local life. The evening is yours at leisure.
Day 6: Myths and Legends of Xi'an & Zhangjiajie
After breakfast, visit Shaanxi History Museum. Wander through its abundant collections and explore the long, glorious history of Shaanxi. Admire the exquisite ancient bronzeware and learn about their fascinating stories. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, your guide will welcome you and escort you to the hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is yours at leisure to explore Zhangjiajie's striking scenery. This otherworldly landscape famously inspired the magical realms in the movie Avatar.
Day 7: Dancing with the Sky – Spectacular Zhangjiajie Peaks
Start your day with a ride on the Bailong Elevator. Ascend 320 metres in roughly 5 minutes and soak in the otherworldly mountain scenery. Next, travel to Yuanyangjie. Nestled among serene peaks and lush forests, this area feels just like Pandora from Avatar. Look out to Mount Halleluiah, where towering rock formations and stunning landscapes present a picture-perfect cinematic view. Take the cable car up to Tianzi Mountain, famous for its high altitude and winding trails. From the main peak, enjoy sweeping views of the sea of clouds and experience the magical feeling of "dancing with the sky".
Day 8: Grand Canyon Adventure
After breakfast, set off on a 3-hour hike along Golden Whip Stream, which winds through lush valleys. Wild monkeys are often seen along the path. Please keep your distance and do not disturb them. After lunch, travel to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Admire its spectacular cliffs, streams and lakes, then take on the challenge of walking across the world's longest and highest glass bridge. Later, transfer back to downtown Zhangjiajie. The rest of the evening is yours at leisure.
Day 9: Adventurous Tianmen Mountain Tour
After breakfast, head to Tianmen Mountain for a day of thrilling adventures. Ride the world's longest mountain cable car and walk along the glass walkway perched on sheer cliffs. Suspended in mid-air, you can enjoy spectacular mountain views all around. After taking in the stunning scenery, return to your hotel. The evening is yours at leisure.
Day 10: High-speed Train to Scenic Guilin
After breakfast, depart from Zhangjiajie and board the high-speed train to Guilin. The journey takes approximately seven hours. After checking into your hotel in the evening, take a leisurely stroll around Two Rivers and Four Lakes to admire the night scenery of the Sun and Moon Pagodas. You may also visit Dongxi Alley to experience the lively local market atmosphere.
Day 11: Fairy-tale Caves & Picturesque Rice Terraces
After breakfast, visit Reed Flute Cave. The limestone cavern is filled with stalactites of diverse shapes. Bathed in colourful lights, the cave presents a dreamlike fairy-tale scene. Continue your trip to Longji Terraced Fields. Layered rice terraces spread across the hillsides. Climb to the viewing platform and take in stunning panoramic views of the entire valley. Later, head back to Guilin. You can either relax at the hotel or go out for further exploration at your leisure.
Day 12: Serene Cruise to Yangshuo
After breakfast, you will be transferred to the Li River pier to board the cruise bound for Yangshuo. Stand on the deck and admire the limestone peaks mirrored on the tranquil river. Their elegant silhouettes resemble timeless Chinese ink paintings. Enjoy lunch onboard during the voyage, then arrive in Yangshuo and disembark at West Street. Take a leisurely stroll along this vibrant street lined with restaurants, bars, snack shops and handicraft stalls.
Day 13: Scenic Countryside Tour
After breakfast, explore the idyllic countryside by private car. If you feel energetic, you may opt for a two-hour cycling trip instead. Both tours allow you to admire the peaceful rural landscapes and experience local farm life. After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. After checking into your hotel, take a leisurely stroll along Nanjing Road and feel the lively vibe of the busy city. You may also head to the Bund to enjoy the magnificent night views of this modern metropolis.
Day 14: Modern Glamour and Heritage of Shanghai
After breakfast, start your tour at Yu Garden. Wander through lush landscapes and admire the exquisite traditional buildings and pavilions that embody the timeless charm of a classic Jiangnan garden. Proceed to the 88th-floor observation deck of Jin Mao Tower. Enjoy a full 360-degree panoramic view of the city, taking in Pudong's towering skyscrapers as well as landmarks including the Bund promenade, museums and theatres — all showcasing Shanghai's striking modern style. After lunch, head to the Bund. The historic architecture here carries profound historical charm. Savour the views along the Huangpu River and trace Shanghai's extraordinary changes over the past decades. Finish the day with a leisurely stroll along Shanghai Old Street. The bustling lanes bring you back to the lively market scenes of a century ago. Sample authentic local street food and experience the rich cultural heritage of Shanghai.
Day 15: Rustic Charm of the "Venice of China"
Set off early for Suzhou to explore Tongli Town, famed as the "Venice of China". Wander through this ancient water town and discover well-preserved residences and architectures from the Ming and Qing dynasties everywhere. Enjoy a canal boat ride to view the distinctive black-tiled, white-walled houses along the waterways, and soak in the authentic rustic charm of the town. After the tour, drive back to Shanghai. The rest of the evening is yours at leisure for independent exploration.
Day 16: Departure Day
After breakfast, you will have free time before being transferred to the airport for your return flight. It's time to bid farewell to China.
Good to know
- International flights are not included unless stated in your quote.
- Visa requirements depend on your nationality; we can advise.
- Moderate walking; some steps at heritage sites.
- Itinerary may adjust slightly for weather or local holidays.
