China's Heritage, Nature & Modern Marvels
A Variant Itinerary: From Imperial Capitals to Avatar's Peaks
This redesigned 14-day tour package offers a deeper, more immersive exploration of China's core contrasts. We journey from the historic power centers of the north, through the breathtaking karst landscapes and rice terraces of the south, to the pulsating modernity of its eastern coast, ensuring a comprehensive encounter with the soul of China.
Part I: The Imperial North & Ancient Capitals
Day 1: Arrival in the Capital, Beijing
Meals: No meal
Accommodation: In Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, the political and cultural heart of China. Your personal guide will greet you at the airport and provide a seamless transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to relax and acclimatize.
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Core
Meals: Hotel breakfast, Chinese lunch
Accommodation: In Beijing
Delve into Beijing's imperial history. Begin at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests, and observe locals practicing Tai Chi and other traditions. Proceed to the vast Tian’anmen Square, a symbol of modern China. Then, enter the magnificent Forbidden City, exploring its grand halls and learning tales of imperial life. Conclude by climbing Jingshan Park for a breathtaking panoramic view over the palace roofs.
Day 3: The Great Wall and Olympic Legacy
Meals: Hotel Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
Accommodation: In Beijing
Today is dedicated to one of mankind's greatest feats: the Mutianyu Great Wall. Hike along its restored, less-crowded battlements and absorb the stunning mountain scenery. After a local lunch, return to the city for a photo stop at the iconic exteriors of the Bird's Nest and Water Cube, remnants of the 2008 Olympics.
Day 4: Beijing's Elegance & High-Speed to Xi'an
Meals: Hotel Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
Accommodation: In Xi'an
Experience the elegance of imperial leisure at the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Stroll along the Long Corridor and enjoy the serene views of Kunming Lake. In the afternoon, board a high-speed train (2nd class) for a comfortable journey to the ancient capital of Xi'an.
Day 5: Xi'an's Terra-cotta Army and City Walls
Meals: Hotel Breakfast, Chinese Lunch
Accommodation: In Xi'an
Stand in awe before the Terracotta Warriors and Horses, an army of life-sized clay soldiers guarding China's first emperor for eternity. Visit a local pottery workshop to appreciate the craft. Later, ascend the remarkably preserved Xi'an City Wall, where you can walk or cycle along its ancient ramparts. The day ends with an exterior view of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Part II: The Scenic South & Karst Landscapes
Day 6: Xi'an's Culture & Flight to Guilin
Meals: Hotel breakfast, Chinese lunch
Accommodation: In Guilin
Enjoy a more relaxed morning exploring the serene Small Wild Goose Pagoda and the adjacent Xi'an Museum. Immerse yourself in local culture by watching a traditional shadow play performance. Afterwards, catch a flight to Guilin, renowned for its dreamlike limestone scenery.
Day 7: Longji's Dragon Back Rice Terraces
Meals: Hotel breakfast, Chinese lunch
Accommodation: In Guilin
Venture into the countryside to witness the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces (Dragon's Backbone). Hike through the sculpted hillsides and visit Ping'an Zhuang Village, where you'll enjoy a local lunch and gain insight into the lives of the Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities.
Day 8: Li River Cruise to Yangshuo's Countryside
Meals: Hotel breakfast, Lunch box
Accommodation: In Yangshuo
Embark on a picturesque Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, a journey through a classic Chinese painting of karst peaks and water buffalo. Upon arrival, explore the vibrant West Street and then take a bicycle or local vehicle through the idyllic Yangshuo countryside.
Day 9: Guilin's Iconic Landmarks & Train to Zhangjiajie
Meals: Hotel breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Zhangjiajie
Return to Guilin to visit its iconic symbols. See the Elephant Trunk Hill and the Golden and Silver Twin Pagodas. Then, explore the kaleidoscopic Reed Flute Cave, a natural palace of stalactites and stalagmites. After lunch, take a bullet train to the geological wonderland of Zhangjiajie.
Part III: Avatar's Peaks & The Modern Metropolis
Day 10: Zhangjiajie's Heavenly Gate Mountain
Meals: Hotel breakfast, Chinese lunch
Accommodation: In Zhangjiajie
Ascend Tianmen Mountain via one of the world's longest cable cars. Test your courage on the Glass Skywalk, visit the sacred Tianmen Temple, and gaze upon the natural arch of the Tianmen Cave. On the return, capture the exterior of Dayong Ancient Town and explore the architectural wonder of the 72 Qilou (Tujia Stilted Building).
Day 11: Avatar's Hallelujah Mountains & Tianzi Peak
Meals: Hotel breakfast, Chinese lunch
Accommodation: In Wulingyuan Area
Enter the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, the inspiration for the floating mountains in the film *Avatar*. Ride the Bailong Elevator up the cliff face. Explore the majestic Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve by battery car, hoping to witness a spectacular sea of clouds. Later, ride the small train through the picturesque Ten-mile Gallery.
Day 12: The Glass Bridge & Flight to Shanghai
Meals: Hotel Breakfast, Chinese lunch
Accommodation: In Shanghai
Experience a final thrill in Zhangjiajie by walking across the staggering Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. Enjoy a tranquil contrast with a boat ride on the serene Baofeng Lake. In the evening, fly to Shanghai, China's dazzling financial hub.
Day 13: Shanghai: East Meets West
Meals: Hotel breakfast, Chinese lunch
Accommodation: In Shanghai
Discover Shanghai's multifaceted charm. Wander through the Shikumen alleys and the bustling Chenghuangmiao Old Street. Find tranquility in the classical Yuyuan Garden. Contrast the colonial-era architecture of The Bund with the futuristic skyline of Pudong. Dive into history at the Shanghai Museum and stroll through the charming Old French Concession.
Day 14: Departure from Shanghai
Meals: Hotel breakfast
Enjoy a final morning at leisure in Shanghai. Your guide will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight, optionally arranging a ride on the high-speed Maglev train for a fittingly modern farewell.
Service Ends