China's Ancient Heritage & Natural Marvels
From Imperial Capitals to Avatar Mountains - An Unforgettable Small Group Adventure
Tour Overview
Experience the Ultimate China Discovery
Embark on an extraordinary 14-day small group journey through China's most spectacular destinations. This carefully crafted itinerary combines ancient historical wonders with breathtaking natural landscapes and modern metropolitan marvels. Traveling with a small group ensures personalized attention while exploring Beijing's imperial treasures, Xi'an's archaeological wonders, Guilin's picturesque scenery, Zhangjiajie's dramatic peaks, and Shanghai's futuristic skyline.
Detailed Itinerary
Days 1-4: Imperial Beijing - Where Ancient Dynasties Come Alive
Day 1: Arrival in China's Capital
Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport where you'll be greeted and transferred to your 4-star hotel. Settle in and recover from your journey, preparing for the adventure ahead.
Day 2: Imperial Heart of Beijing
Begin at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors performed sacred ceremonies. Experience authentic local life with a rickshaw tour through Beijing's ancient Hutongs and try Peking opera facial mask painting. After a gourmet Chinese lunch, explore Tian'anmen Square and the magnificent Forbidden City - the world's largest imperial palace complex.
Day 3: Great Wall Conquest
Journey to Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most scenic sections, with round-trip cable car included. Walk along this ancient wonder and marvel at the breathtaking mountain scenery. Return to Beijing for photo stops at the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube from the 2008 Olympics.
Day 4: Royal Gardens & High-Speed to Xi'an
Explore the exquisite Summer Palace, China's best-preserved imperial garden. Cruise Kunming Lake and walk the world's longest corridor before boarding a high-speed train to the ancient capital of Xi'an.
Days 5-6: Xi'an - Where Terra Cotta Warriors Stand Guard
Day 5: Warriors & Ancient Walls
Cycle or walk along Xi'an's perfectly preserved Ancient City Wall. Visit a pottery workshop to create your own miniature terra cotta warrior before encountering the life-sized version at the incredible Terracotta Army Museum. Conclude at the vibrant Muslim Quarter and Bell Tower Square.
Day 6: Cultural Heritage & Scenic Transition
Discover Gao's Courtyard and traditional shadow puppetry. Witness the magnificent musical fountain show at Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Square before flying to the natural paradise of Guilin.
Days 7-9: Guilin & Yangshuo - China's Picture-Perfect Landscapes
Day 7: Dragon's Back Rice Terraces
Travel to Longji Rice Terraces, marveling at these incredible agricultural wonders carved into mountain slopes. Enjoy bamboo-cooked lunch in Ping'an Zhuang Village and experience local ethnic minority culture.
Day 8: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
Embark on a scenic Li River cruise through Guilin's iconic karst landscape. Disembark in Yangshuo to explore West Street's charming atmosphere before returning to Guilin.
Day 9: Guilin's Natural Wonders & Journey Continues
Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin's symbol, and explore the magical Reed Flute Cave with its stunning stalactite formations. Board a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie, home of the Avatar mountains.
Days 10-12: Zhangjiajie - Pandora's Earthly Counterpart
Day 10: Tianmen Mountain Adventure
Ascend Tianmen Mountain via cable car, walk the thrilling glass skywalk, and visit Tianmen Temple. Experience the stunning Tianmen Cave and explore Tujia Minority Custom Park to learn about local ethnic culture.
Day 11: Avatar Mountains Exploration
Ride the Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, inspiration for Avatar's floating mountains. Explore Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve and take in the spectacular Ten-mile Gallery with its unique rock formations.
Day 12: Glass Bridge & Flight to Modernity
Challenge yourself on the world's longest and highest glass bridge at Grand Canyon. Cruise the crystal-clear Baofeng Lake before flying to Shanghai, China's futuristic metropolis.
Days 13-14: Shanghai - Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow
Day 13: Shanghai's Dual Personality
Explore Shikumen's traditional alleyways and the classical Yuyuan Garden. Visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for panoramic city views and learn about Shanghai's history at the City History Museum. Conclude at the iconic Bund, where colonial architecture faces Pudong's futuristic skyline.
Day 14: Farewell to the Middle Kingdom
Enjoy final moments in Shanghai before transferring to Pudong International Airport for your departure, carrying unforgettable memories of China's incredible diversity.
Tour Highlights
What Makes This Journey Extraordinary
- Small group experience with maximum personal attention
- Comprehensive exploration of China's UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Perfect balance of ancient history, natural wonders, and modern marvels
- Authentic cultural experiences with local ethnic communities
- Comfortable 4-star accommodations throughout the journey
- Expert local guides at each destination
- Inclusive of major attractions and internal transportation