- 4.9/5 1301 Latest reviews
- Destination: China
- Duration: 10 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Classic
About This Trip
This 10-day China journey highlights the best of Shanghai, Xi'an, and Beijing, with an exciting excursion to the enchanting Avatar Mountains of Zhangjiajie. Begin by exploring Shanghai’s iconic skyline, followed by a scenic boat ride through the historic canals of Xitang Ancient Town. Fly to Zhangjiajie to witness the stunning landscapes that inspired the Avatar movie. Continue to Xi'an to see the legendary Terracotta Warriors, participate in a Tai Chi session, and enjoy cycling along the ancient city wall. Conclude your adventure in Beijing, visiting the Great Wall and the majestic Forbidden City.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 3
Shanghai
Shanghai City Tour with the Bund, Xitang Ancient Town
4 - 5
Zhangjiajie
Avatar Mountains at Wulingyuan and Tianmenshan
6 - 7
Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors, Cycling on Ancient City Wall, Taichi Experience, Muslim Quarter
8 - 10
Beijing
Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace
Itinerary
- Day 1: Touchdown in Shanghai
Begin your captivating China journey in Shanghai. Upon landing, your local guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in the heart of the city via private transfer. The rest of the day is yours to relax and soak in the vibrant atmosphere at your own pace.
- Shanghai
- Day 2: Shanghai City Highlights
Discover the perfect blend of Shanghai’s historic charm and modern glamour today. Start your tour at the Shanghai Museum, where an impressive collection of ancient Chinese bronzes, jades, paintings, and sculptures awaits. Continue to the Yu Garden, a beautifully crafted classical garden over 400 years old, renowned as a gem among traditional southern Chinese gardens. Afterwards, explore the bustling Yuyuan Market nearby, filled with a variety of local goods and souvenirs. Stroll through the tree-lined streets of the Former French Concession and take in the historic allure of the Bund. Conclude your day with a visit to Shanghai Tower, where the observation deck offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Huangpu River and the city skyline.
For an unforgettable evening, the Acrobatic Show is highly recommended at an additional cost, showcasing remarkable skill, artistry, and Chinese performing traditions.
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- Shanghai
- Day 3: Shanghai to Zhangjiajie via Xitang Ancient Town
Several beautiful water towns lie within easy reach of Shanghai, and Xitang stands out among them. After checking out from your hotel in the morning, enjoy a scenic drive of about 1.5 hours to Xitang Ancient Town, a charming settlement with roots dating back to 771 B.C. Take a relaxing boat ride along the canals and admire the town’s timeless architecture and quaint streets.
Following your visit, return to Shanghai for your flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, your local guide will be there to welcome you and escort you to your hotel, where you can unwind and prepare for the adventures ahead.
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- Zhangjiajie
- Day 4: Avatar Mountains Adventure in Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie’s breathtaking landscapes have made it a world-renowned destination, drawing travelers from across the globe every year. After breakfast, venture to the Wulinyuan Scenic Area for a full day of exploration. Ascend via the Bailong Elevator to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, a surreal realm of towering sandstone pillars that are said to have inspired James Cameron’s Avatar. Continue by public shuttle bus to the Tianzi Mountain Natural Reserve, where you can marvel at formations such as the First Bridge Under the Sun, Fairy Maiden Presenting Flowers, and Imperial Brush Peak. Conclude the day with a cable car descent to Ten-mile Gallery, a serene 6-kilometer-long valley flanked by magnificent peaks and adorned with a gently flowing stream.
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- Zhangjiajie
- Day 5: Zhangjiajie to Xi’an, Tianmen Mountain Exploration
Start the day with a visit to Baofeng Lake, a pristine freshwater lake framed by majestic mountains. Enjoy a serene boat ride to fully appreciate the tranquil scenery and the crystal-clear waters.
In the afternoon, explore Tianmen Mountain, also known as “Heaven’s Gate Mountain,” famed for its massive natural cave. Take the 7,455-meter cable car—the former longest in the world until 2021—to reach the summit in about 30 minutes and admire breathtaking panoramic views.
After this remarkable experience, transfer to the airport for your flight to Xi’an.
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- Xi’an
- Day 6: Xi’an: Home of the Terracotta Soldiers
Unlike Zhangjiajie, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, Xi’an is globally famous for the remarkable archaeological treasure of the Terracotta Warriors. These life-sized clay soldiers were crafted over 2,200 years ago to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
After marveling at the incredible Terracotta Army, take a stroll through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, the heart of Xi’an’s Muslim community for over a millennium. Discover the rich culture, explore the bustling streets, and sample a variety of unique local snacks.
Next, visit the historic Drum Tower, which has stood for 600 years and remains one of the largest and best-preserved drum towers in China. Occasionally, you may even hear performances of traditional folk music within its walls.
For those eager to delve deeper into China’s ancient past, the Tang Dynasty Show in the evening is an optional highlight, offering a spectacular display of music, dance, and cultural storytelling from the empire’s golden era.
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- Xi’an
- Day 7: Tai Chi Session Followed by Xi’an–Beijing Bullet Train
Start your morning with a one-hour Tai Chi session under the guidance of a skilled master, who will introduce you to the fundamentals of this traditional Chinese martial art. It’s both fascinating and a wonderful way to relax your mind and body. Afterward, hop on a bicycle and ride along Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall, the largest and most well-preserved city wall in China, while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding streets.
In the afternoon, board a high-speed train to Beijing, a journey of approximately 4.5 to 6 hours. Upon arrival, your private guide will meet you at the station and accompany you to your hotel for check-in and some well-deserved rest.
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- Beijing
- Day 8: A Day in Imperial Beijing
Begin your exploration of China’s vibrant capital at the vast Tiananmen Square, the city’s geographic and political heart, flanked by landmark buildings such as the Great Hall of the People and Mausoleum of Mao Zedong. Stroll across the square to reach the Forbidden City, the centuries-old residence of the Ming and Qing emperors, now home to the Palace Museum, which houses some of China’s most treasured historical artifacts. Continue to the Summer Palace, a serene imperial retreat, and enjoy a leisurely walk among its elegant temples, pavilions, and ornate bridges.
For the evening, consider attending a Kung Fu Show (optional, additional cost) for a spectacular display of traditional martial arts, storytelling, and acrobatics.
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- Beijing
- Day 9: Exploring the Great Wall of China
Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties once performed annual rituals to pray for a plentiful harvest.
Afterward, embark on a scenic 2-hour drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a quieter and less crowded stretch that spans approximately 1.4 miles. Explore its 22 watchtowers and fortifications while taking in the breathtaking views of the Wall as it winds across the mountains. Be sure to capture some photos to share the grandeur of this iconic feat of ancient engineering with your loved ones.
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- Beijing
- Day 10: Departure from Beijing
Today marks the end of your China adventure. Take some leisure time to relax or do any last-minute shopping before your guide and driver escort you to the airport for your departure flight. Thank you for joining us, and we wish you a safe and pleasant journey home!
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