China's Cultural & Natural Odyssey
From Imperial Capitals to Avatar's Floating Mountains
Tour Overview
Experience China's Ultimate Journey
This meticulously crafted 11-day small group tour unveils China's most spectacular destinations, blending ancient civilization with breathtaking natural wonders. Journey through imperial history in Beijing and Xi'an, marvel at Zhangjiajie's otherworldly landscapes that inspired Avatar, and witness Shanghai's futuristic skyline. Perfect for culture enthusiasts seeking authentic experiences while connecting with fellow travelers.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing Arrival - Imperial Welcome
Arrival & Transfer: Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport, meet your driver, and transfer to your 4-star hotel. Rest and recover from your journey, preparing for the imperial adventure ahead.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing
Meals: No meals included
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Heart
Morning: Visit the magnificent Temple of Heaven, witness local seniors practicing tai chi and traditional exercises. Experience Beijing's ancient alleyways through a Hutong rickshaw tour with local family visit, followed by Peking opera facial mask painting.
Afternoon: Explore Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest city center square, then enter the majestic Forbidden City to discover royal palaces and imperial treasures.
Optional Evening: Chinese Kung Fu Show or Acrobatic Performance
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, A la carte Chinese lunch
Day 3: Great Wall Conquest
Full Day: Journey to Mutianyu Great Wall, one of China's most scenic sections. Enjoy round-trip cable car access to walk along this ancient wonder. Capture stunning mountain views and learn about the wall's historical significance.
Photo Stop: Exterior views of Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube from the 2008 Olympics.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, A la carte lunch
Day 4: Royal Gardens & High-Speed to Xi'an
Morning: Explore the exquisite Summer Palace, China's largest imperial garden. Cruise Kunming Lake and walk the legendary Long Corridor adorned with traditional paintings.
Afternoon: Board high-speed train to Xi'an (5-5.5 hours), experiencing China's modern transportation marvel.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast, A la carte lunch
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Capital
Morning: Walk or cycle along Xi'an's Ancient City Wall, then visit a pottery workshop in traditional cave dwellings to create miniature terracotta warriors.
Afternoon: Marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, one of archaeology's greatest discoveries. Explore battle formations and learn about Qin Dynasty history.
Evening: Discover Bell Tower Square and immerse in Muslim Quarter's vibrant food scene and local crafts.
Optional: Tang Dynasty Cultural Show
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast, A la carte lunch
Day 6: Cultural Xi'an to Avatar's Landscape
Morning: Visit Gao's Courtyard for traditional architecture and shadow puppetry culture. Experience Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Plaza's musical fountain show.
Evening: Fly to Zhangjiajie, home to the spectacular landscapes that inspired Avatar's floating mountains.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Zhangjiajie City
Meals: Breakfast, A la carte lunch
Day 7: Tianmen Mountain Adventure
Full Day: Ascend Tianmen Mountain via cable car, walk the thrilling glass skywalk, visit Tianmen Temple, explore Bonsai Garden, and marvel at the natural Tianmen Cave arch.
Cultural Experience: Tujia Minority Custom Park for ethnic culture and traditional architecture.
Optional Evening: Tianmen Huxian singing and dancing show
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Zhangjiajie City
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8: Avatar's Floating Mountains
Morning: Ride Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, home to the Hallelujah Mountains featured in Avatar. Discover the "First Stone Bridge in the World."
Afternoon: Explore Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve by battery car, witnessing majestic peaks, deep valleys, and possibly sea of clouds. Journey through Ten-mile Gallery's stunning rock formations.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Wulingyuan
Meals: Breakfast, A la carte lunch
Day 9: Glass Bridge & Shanghai Bound
Morning: Brave the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, world's longest and highest glass-bottom bridge. Cruise Baofeng Lake's emerald waters surrounded by waterfalls and Tujia folk songs.
Evening: Fly to Shanghai, China's most dynamic metropolis.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, A la carte lunch
Day 10: Shanghai Past & Future
Morning: Explore Shikumen's traditional alleyways and architecture. Discover Yuyuan Garden's classical beauty and Chenghuangmiao Old Street's bustling markets.
Afternoon: Ascend the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for panoramic city views. Visit Shanghai City History Museum to understand the city's transformation.
Evening: Stroll the Bund, admiring colonial architecture and Pudong's futuristic skyline illuminated against the Huangpu River.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, A la carte lunch
Day 11: Shanghai Departure
Morning: Enjoy final breakfast before transferring to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your departure flight, carrying unforgettable memories of China's cultural and natural wonders.
Meals: Breakfast