Sichuan's Sacred Peaks & Pandas: Natural and Cultural Wonders
From Ancient Palaces to Floating Mountains: China's Ultimate Contrast Experience
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing - Gateway to Imperial China
Airport Reception and Hotel Transfer Upon your arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport, your private guide will greet you warmly at the arrivals area. Enjoy a comfortable transfer to your downtown hotel in a private vehicle. After check-in, you have the evening to relax or explore the neighborhood at your leisure.
Evening Culinary Experience For your first authentic Beijing dining experience, we recommend Purple Light Garden Restaurant - a century-old establishment specializing in Beijing cuisine. Located just minutes from your hotel, this halal restaurant offers legendary Peking duck that will dance on your taste buds. Don't miss their homemade milk skin yogurt for a perfect finish to your meal.
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Heart - Palaces and Temples
Morning Exploration: Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City Begin your day at the monumental Tiananmen Square, where modern China meets imperial history. Witness the Great Hall of the People and the solemn Monument to the People's Heroes. Cross Chang'an Avenue to enter the magnificent Forbidden City - the world's largest wooden palace complex. Explore the symmetrical layout of golden-glazed halls, vermilion walls, and marble staircases that housed 24 emperors across six centuries.
Afternoon Discovery: Jingshan Park and Temple of Heaven Ascend Jingshan Park for a breathtaking panoramic view of the Forbidden City from Wanchun Pavilion. Continue to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors performed sacred rituals. Marvel at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests with its triple blue-tiled roof, experience the acoustic wonder of the Echo Wall, and stand on the Heaven Heart Stone at the Circular Mound Altar.
Day 3: Great Wall Majesty and Hutong Life
Mutianyu Great Wall Adventure Journey to the countryside to experience the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall - renowned as the most beautiful segment with 96% vegetation coverage. Whether surrounded by spring blossoms, summer greenery, autumn foliage, or winter snow, this section offers spectacular photography opportunities. Explore watchtowers and beacon towers that once formed China's ancient defense system.
Traditional Beijing Immersion: Hutong Tour Return to the city for a rickshaw tour through Beijing's ancient Hutong alleys - the veins of old Beijing. Witness traditional courtyard homes (Siheyuan) and observe daily life that has remained unchanged for generations. Visit a local family in their traditional home to gain authentic insights into Beijing's cultural heritage.
Day 4: Pandas, Imperial Gardens & Journey to Avatar World
Morning with China's National Treasure Visit Beijing Zoo's Panda House to observe China's beloved giant pandas during their most active morning hours. Watch these charming creatures eat bamboo, play, and swing in their habitats in the Asian Games Hall and Beijing Olympic Games Hall.
Summer Palace Elegance Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site Summer Palace, an imperial garden masterpiece built around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. Stroll through the magnificent Long Corridor with its thousands of painted scenes, and admire classical Chinese architecture including halls, pavilions, and archways.
Evening Flight to Zhangjiajie Transfer to Beijing airport for your 2.5-hour flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, your local guide will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel near the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Day 5: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park - Pandora on Earth
Bailong Elevator and Yuanjiajie Scenic Area Experience the world's highest cliffside elevator - the Bailong Elevator - which rockets you to the summit in just 88 seconds. Arrive at Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, the real-world inspiration for Avatar's floating mountains. Witness the spectacular Hallelujah Mountain (originally Qiankun Pillar), a 300-meter quartz sandstone pillar that will leave you in awe of nature's power.
Tianzi Mountain and Golden Whip Stream Take a shuttle bus to Tianzi Mountain for breathtaking views of quartz sandstone peak forests. Descend by cable car to hike along the serene Golden Whip Stream, where clear waters flow between steep cliffs covered in lush vegetation. Experience the Ten-Mile Gallery via a Chinese zodiac-themed sightseeing train, marveling at uniquely shaped peaks including the Longevity God Welcoming Guests formation.
Day 6: Tianmen Mountain Thrills and Departure
Heaven's Gate Adventure Take the world's longest cable car from downtown Zhangjiajie to Tianmen Mountain (Heaven's Gate). During the 30-minute ascent, watch the landscape transform from cityscapes to majestic mountains. Walk the thrilling Guigu Plank Road with its spectacular cloud sea views, then challenge yourself on the transparent Glass Skywalk suspended high above the valleys.
Tianmen Cave Descent Descend via 7-level escalators to the world-famous Tianmen Cave, where extreme athletes have made history with aerial flights and bare-handed climbs. Walk down the 999-step Heavenly Stairway to Tianmen Cave Square before taking the express cable car down the mountain.
Farewell and Departure Your guide will transfer you to Zhangjiajie airport or train station for your departure, concluding your 6-day journey through China's most spectacular imperial and natural wonders.