China Family Odyssey: Pandas, Great Wall & Yangtze
Rewritten Itinerary: 17-Day China Exploration from Imperial Cities to Natural Wonders
Days 1-4: Imperial Beijing Discovery
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Welcome to China's capital. Transfer independently to your hotel using provided transportation guidance. Settle in and prepare for upcoming guided tours exploring Beijing's UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Day 2: Temple of Heaven & Cultural Landmarks
Join a small group tour visiting the magnificent Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests. Experience traditional Hutong alleys by rickshaw, explore the sacred Lama Temple, and conclude at the breathtaking Summer Palace with its Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill.
Day 3: Great Wall & Forbidden City
Discover Tiananmen Square before entering the magnificent Forbidden City. Journey to Mutianyu section of the Great Wall for breathtaking views and optional cable car experience. Evening option to explore Houhai Bar Street's vibrant nightlife.
Day 4: High-Speed Rail to Xi'an
Travel via high-speed train to ancient capital Xi'an. Evening exploration of the illuminated Bell Tower and surrounding areas at your leisure.
Days 5-6: Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Capital
Day 5: Xi'an Historical Treasures
Full-day tour to the remarkable Terracotta Army Museum, followed by visits to Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and the ancient City Wall. Conclude at the vibrant Muslim Quarter for authentic local cuisine and cultural immersion.
Day 6: Flight to Mystical Lhasa
Fly to Tibet's capital, Lhasa, situated at 3,650 meters altitude. Acclimatize to the high elevation with adequate rest upon arrival.
Days 7-9: Tibetan Spiritual Journey
Day 7: Lhasa's Great Monasteries
Explore Drepung Monastery, once housing over 10,000 monks. Visit Sera Monastery to witness lively Buddhist debating sessions among red-robed monks. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan welcome dinner.
Day 8: Potala Palace & Spiritual Heart
Discover the iconic Potala Palace, UNESCO World Heritage site and architectural marvel. Visit sacred Jokhang Temple and experience Barkhor Street's pilgrimage circuit, including a traditional sweet tea house experience.
Day 9: Flight to Chengdu
Depart Lhasa for Chengdu. Evening exploration of Jinli Ancient Street's traditional architecture and famous Sichuan street food.
Days 10-11: Panda Capital & Mountain City
Day 10: Chengdu Panda Experience
Morning visit to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Afternoon exploration of Wide and Narrow Alley cultural district and People's Park, experiencing local tea house culture.
Day 11: Chongqing's Vertical Cityscape
High-speed train to Chongqing. Discover the city's unique three-dimensional architecture, including the light rail passing through buildings and the stunning Hongya Cave illuminated at night.
Days 12-14: Avatar-Inspired Landscapes
Day 12: Journey to Zhangjiajie
Morning exploration of Chongqing's landmarks before high-speed train to Zhangjiajie. Transfer to hotel near Wulingyuan Scenic Area.
Day 13: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Experience Bailong Elevator ascending to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Marvel at Hallelujah Mountain, inspiration for Avatar's floating mountains. Explore Yangjiajie and Tianzi Mountain with cable car descent.
Day 14: Grand Canyon & Tianmen Mountain
Adventure on the world's highest and longest glass bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Ascend Tianmen Mountain via cableway, experience glass skywalk, and witness the natural Heaven's Gate arch.
Days 15-17: Modern Shanghai & Departure
Day 15: Flight to Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai, China's cosmopolitan hub. Evening exploration of Nanjing Road and the Bund, with optional Huangpu River cruise.
Day 16: Shanghai Cultural Exploration
Discover classical Yu Garden and adjacent City God Temple. Explore Xintiandi's preserved Shikumen architecture blending Eastern and Western influences.
Day 17: Departure
Independent transfer to Shanghai airport, concluding your comprehensive China journey through ancient civilizations, spiritual centers, and natural wonders.