Sichuan Wonders: Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou Journey

An Epic Mini-Group Adventure from Beijing's Forbidden City to Zhangjiajie's Floating Peaks

Tour Overview

Experience China's Ultimate Contrasts

This carefully crafted 9-day journey takes you through China's most iconic destinations, blending ancient imperial history with breathtaking natural wonders. Travel in small groups for an intimate experience while enjoying the cost-effectiveness of shared tours. From Beijing's majestic palaces to Xi'an's terracotta warriors and Zhangjiajie's otherworldly landscapes, discover the soul of China across three remarkable regions.

Tour Highlights

• Walk through 600 years of history in Beijing's Forbidden City and stand upon the Great Wall
• Marvel at Xi'an's Terracotta Army, an archaeological wonder guarding China's first emperor
• Explore Zhangjiajie's surreal sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar
• Immerse in local culture through Beijing's hutongs and Xi'an's Muslim Quarter
• Experience modern China's efficiency with high-speed trains and domestic flights

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing - Imperial City First Impressions

Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Daxing Airport (PKX) and transfer independently to your hotel. For early arrivals, we recommend visiting Beihai Park, one of China's oldest imperial gardens, and Jingshan Park for panoramic views of the Forbidden City. The White Dagoba at Beihai Park and the stunning vista from Jingshan Hill provide perfect introductions to Beijing's imperial grandeur.

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven (3-star)

Transport Tips: Taxi from airport (CNY 150-200, 1 hour) or subway (CNY 30, 1.5 hours)

Day 2: Beijing - Imperial Majesty & Great Wall Wonders

Begin at Tiananmen Square, then enter the magnificent Forbidden City. Explore the world's largest palace complex, marveling at the 250-ton marble Dragon and Cloud Relief. In the afternoon, journey to Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved sections. Hike or take the cable car (optional, CNY 100-140) to witness the wall snaking through lush mountains. Evening drop-off at Houhai Bar Street available for those wishing to experience Beijing's nightlife.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven

Day 3: Beijing - Temple Rituals & Local Life

Visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors performed sacred ceremonies. Experience the acoustic marvel of the Circular Mound Altar and admire the blue-tiled Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests. Take a rickshaw through Beijing's ancient hutong alleys, visiting a traditional courtyard home. Continue to the spiritually significant Lama Temple, then conclude at the Summer Palace, strolling along Kunming Lake and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Beijing Temple of Heaven

Day 4: High-Speed to Xi'an - Ancient Capital Transition

Morning check-out and independent transfer to Beijing West Railway Station for high-speed train to Xi'an (tickets provided). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Evening free to explore the illuminated Bell Tower, with photography tips for capturing the perfect shot from Kaiyuan Shopping Mall's viewing platform.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Days Inn City Centre Xi'an (3-star)

Transport: High-speed train (approximately 4-5 hours)

Day 5: Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors & City Walls

Full-day exploration beginning with the Terracotta Army Museum. Discover 8,000 life-sized soldiers guarding China's first emperor, with recently exhibited painted figures showing remarkable preservation. Visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, then ascend Xi'an's magnificent City Wall. Optional bicycle rental available to ride along the ancient ramparts. Conclude with drop-off at the Muslim Quarter for evening food exploration.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Days Inn City Centre Xi'an

Day 6: Flight to Zhangjiajie - From History to Nature

Morning at leisure to explore Xi'an's City Wall Park, observing local life and traditional activities. Afternoon independent transfer to airport for included flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in the national park area.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Santo Damingo International Hotel (3-star)

Day 7: Zhangjiajie - Avatar Mountains & Natural Wonders

Experience Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, taking the breathtaking Bailong Elevator (107-story equivalent) to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Witness the "Hallelujah Mountain" that inspired Avatar's floating peaks. Explore Yangjiajie's "Natural Great Wall" formation. As dusk approaches, visit Tianzi Mountain to see the Imperial Brush Peaks silhouetted against sunset clouds. Descend via cable car for aerial valley views.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Santo Damingo International Hotel

Day 8: Zhangjiajie - Glass Bridge & Heaven's Gate

Adventure to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon's Glass Bridge, suspended 300 meters above the canyon floor. Continue to Tianmen Mountain, climbing 999 steps to Tianmen Cave (Heaven's Gate). Experience the Glass Skywalk with breathtaking views, then take the panoramic cableway down, observing the serpentine "99-Bend" mountain road below.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Santo Damingo International Hotel

Day 9: Departure - Journey Conclusion

After breakfast and hotel check-out, independent transfer to Zhangjiajie Airport for your departure flight. Note: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park tickets remain valid for four days, allowing re-entry for late departures.

Meals: Breakfast

Practical Information

Transportation & Logistics

This tour combines mini-group day tours in each city with independent transfers between accommodations and stations/airports. All domestic transportation (Beijing-Xi'an high-speed train, Xi'an-Zhangjiajie flight) included. Detailed transfer instructions provided for each independent movement.

Accommodation Standard

Carefully selected 3-star hotels in convenient locations with breakfast included. All properties offer comfortable accommodations with modern amenities and English-speaking staff.

Tour Style

Small group day tours (maximum 12 guests) in each destination with knowledgeable English-speaking guides and air-conditioned vehicles. Ample free time for personal exploration with comprehensive recommendations provided.