Itinerary
- Day 1
Shanghai
You'll arrive in Shanghai and connect with your guide for the transfer to your downtown hotel. After settling in, the rest of the day is yours to wander around the city at your own pace and get a feel for the place.
- Day 2
Shanghai
Start by checking out the Shanghai Museum to see ancient Chinese artifacts, then head to the 400-year-old Yu Garden and explore the nearby Yuyuan Market. Later, walk through the Former French Concession and along the Bund, finishing the day with views from Shanghai Tower overlooking the Huangpu River.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Shanghai Museum with ancient Chinese artifacts including bronzes, jades, paintings, and sculptures
- Explore Yu Garden, a 400-year-old garden
- Browse Yuyuan Market
- Stroll through Former French Concession
- Walk along the Bund
- Visit Shanghai Tower for views of Huangpu River
Optional Activities
- Acrobatic Show in Shanghai (additional cost)
Landmarks/POIs Shanghai Museum Yu Garden Yuyuan Market Former French Concession The Bund Shanghai Tower - Day 3
Shanghai to Zhangjiajie
Take a scenic trip to Xitang Ancient Town, a water town near Shanghai with history going back to 771 B.C., and enjoy a canal boat ride through its charming streets. From there, head back to Shanghai and fly to Zhangjiajie where your local guide meets you at the airport and takes you to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Visit Xitang Ancient Town
- Canal boat ride in Xitang Ancient Town
Landmarks/POIs Xitang Ancient Town - Day 4
Zhangjiajie
Spend the entire day exploring Zhangjiajie's landscape. Ride the Bailong Elevator up to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area with its towering pinnacles, then take the shuttle bus to Tianzi Mountain Natural Reserve to see the First Bridge Under the Sun and Imperial Brush Peak. Later, descend by cable car and finish at Ten-mile Gallery, a scenic valley with striking peaks and a gentle stream.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Wulingyuan Scenic Area
- Ascend Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area
- Shuttle bus to Tianzi Mountain Natural Reserve
- View First Bridge Under the Sun
- View Fairy Maiden Presenting Flowers
- View Imperial Brush Peak
- Cable car descent from Tianzi Mountain
- Visit Ten-mile Gallery
Landmarks/POIs Wulingyuan Scenic Area Bailong Elevator Yuanjiajie Scenic Area Tianzi Mountain Natural Reserve First Bridge Under the Sun Fairy Maiden Presenting Flowers Imperial Brush Peak Ten-mile Gallery - Day 5
Zhangjiajie to Xi'an
Start with a boat ride at Baofeng Lake, a serene freshwater spot in the mountains. In the afternoon, head to Tianmen Mountain and take the 7,455-meter cable car for a 30-minute journey to the summit. Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Xi'an.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Boat ride at Baofeng Lake
- Visit Tianmen Mountain
- Cable car ascent on Tianmen Mountain (7,455 meters, approximately 30-minute journey)
Landmarks/POIs Baofeng Lake Tianmen Mountain - Day 6
Xi'an
Visit the Terracotta Warriors, life-sized clay soldiers crafted over 2,200 years ago and buried with China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Afterward, walk through the Muslim Quarter, a vibrant hub for over a millennium, and sample local snacks. Stop at the 600-year-old Drum Tower, which now hosts performances of ancient folk music.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Terracotta Warriors
- Explore Muslim Quarter
- Visit Drum Tower
Optional Activities
- Tang Dynasty Show in the evening with music and dance (additional cost)
Landmarks/POIs Terracotta Warriors Muslim Quarter Drum Tower - Day 7
Xi'an to Beijing
Begin with an hour of guided Tai Chi practice learning the fundamentals of this calming martial art from a skilled master. Then cycle on the Ancient City Wall, a well-preserved structure. Later, board the high-speed train for 4.5 to 6 hours to Beijing where your private guide meets you and helps with hotel check-in.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Tai Chi practice session with master (one hour)
- Cycling on Ancient City Wall
Landmarks/POIs Ancient City Wall - Day 8
Beijing
Explore Beijing starting at Tiananmen Square, which features the Great Hall of the People and Mao Zedong's Mausoleum. Cross into the Forbidden City, the former imperial residence now home to the Palace Museum with Chinese treasures. Finish the day at the Summer Palace, an imperial retreat with temples, pavilions, and bridges.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Tiananmen Square
- View Great Hall of the People
- View Mao Zedong's Mausoleum
- Visit Forbidden City
- Explore Palace Museum
- Visit Summer Palace with temples, pavilions, and bridges
Optional Activities
- Kung Fu Show in the evening (additional cost)
Landmarks/POIs Tiananmen Square Great Hall of the People Mao Zedong Mausoleum Forbidden City Palace Museum Summer Palace - Day 9
Beijing
Visit the Temple of Heaven where emperors once came annually to pay respects for abundant harvests. Then drive about 2 hours to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall on Beijing's outskirts. This less-traveled segment spans 1.4 miles with 22 watchtowers offering views of the Wall and surrounding mountains.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Temple of Heaven
- Explore Mutianyu section of Great Wall (1.4 miles with 22 watchtowers and blockhouses)
Landmarks/POIs Temple of Heaven Mutianyu Great Wall - Day 10
Beijing
Your China tour ends today. Spend some time on your own in Beijing before being transferred to the airport for your departure flight.
- Meals
- Breakfast
