Imperial Capitals & Yangtze Majesty
From Ancient Capitals to Majestic Peaks: A Journey Through China's Soul
Tour Overview
Experience the Perfect Blend of History, Culture and Natural Beauty
This carefully crafted 11-day small group tour offers exceptional value while providing private tour experiences. Journey through China's most iconic destinations, from the imperial grandeur of Beijing and Xi'an to the modern marvels of Shanghai and the breathtaking landscapes of Huangshan. Discover ancient wonders, immerse in local culture, and witness China's incredible diversity in one unforgettable adventure.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing - Imperial Capital Welcome
Arrival & Transfer: Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport, meet our driver with TCT signboard, and transfer to your 4-star hotel. Rest and recover from your journey at leisure.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing
Meals: No meals included
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Heart - Temple of Heaven & Forbidden City
Morning: Visit the magnificent Temple of Heaven, watching locals practice tai chi and morning exercises. Experience Beijing's traditional Hutongs by rickshaw with a local family visit, followed by Peking opera facial mask painting workshop.
Afternoon: Explore Tian'anmen Square, then enter the magnificent Forbidden City, discovering imperial halls and royal gardens for over 2 hours.
Optional Evening: Chinese Kung Fu Show or Acrobatic Performance
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing
Meals: Hotel breakfast, A la carte Chinese lunch
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure - Mutianyu Section
Full Day: Journey to Mutianyu Great Wall with round-trip cable car included. This less-crowded section offers stunning views and excellent photo opportunities. Enjoy a la carte lunch at the foot of the Great Wall.
Photo Stop: Exterior views of Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube from the 2008 Olympics.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing
Meals: Hotel breakfast, A la carte lunch
Day 4: Royal Gardens & High-Speed to Xi'an
Morning: Check out and visit Summer Palace, China's largest imperial garden. Cruise Kunming Lake and walk the famous Long Corridor.
Afternoon: Take high-speed train (2nd class, 5-5.5 hours) to ancient capital Xi'an. Transfer to hotel upon arrival.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
Meals: Hotel breakfast, A la carte lunch
Day 5: Xi'an's Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Walls
Morning: Visit Xi'an Ancient City Wall with optional bicycle riding. Stop at pottery workshop to create miniature terracotta warriors.
Afternoon: Explore the incredible Terracotta Warriors Museum, witnessing thousands of life-sized soldiers in battle formation.
Evening: Visit Bell Tower Square and explore Muslim Quarter for local snacks and shopping.
Optional: Tang Dynasty Show
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Xi'an
Meals: Hotel breakfast, A la carte lunch
Day 6: Cultural Xi'an & Flight to Shanghai
Morning: Visit Gao's Courtyard to appreciate ancient residences and shadow puppetry culture. See Big Wild Goose Pagoda and music fountain show.
Afternoon: Fly to Shanghai, China's modern metropolis.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
Meals: Hotel breakfast, A la carte lunch
Day 7: Shanghai - Modern Marvels & Historic Charm
Morning: Explore Shikumen alleys witnessing local life, then visit classical Yuyuan Garden and bustling Chenghuangmiao Old Street.
Afternoon: Ascend Oriental Pearl TV Tower for panoramic city views, visit Shanghai City History Museum, and tour Lujiazui financial district.
Evening: Walk along the Bund, admiring illuminated colonial architecture and Pudong's modern skyline.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
Meals: Hotel breakfast, A la carte lunch
Day 8: Shanghai to Huangshan - Mountain Bound
Morning: Free time for shopping or independent exploration in Shanghai.
Afternoon: Check out and take high-speed train (3 hours) to Huangshan. Transfer to hotel and explore Tunxi Old Street at leisure.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Huangshan City
Meals: Hotel breakfast
Day 9: Huangshan Mountain - Peak Experience
Full Day: Comprehensive Huangshan Mountain tour visiting White Goose Peak, Beginning-to-Believe Peak, Black Tiger Pine, Lion Peak, and other iconic formations. Cable car available at own expense.
Note: Approximately 5 hours on mountain, 2.5 hours transportation
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Huangshan City
Meals: Hotel breakfast (lunch on own expense)
Day 10: Ancient Villages & Return to Shanghai
Morning: Visit Hongcun Village, the film location for "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." Explore South Lake, Chengzhi Hall, and traditional Hui-style architecture.
Afternoon: Return to Huangshan city for lunch, then take high-speed train back to Shanghai.
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
Meals: Hotel breakfast
Day 11: Shanghai Departure - Journey's End
Morning: Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your homebound flight, concluding your remarkable China adventure.
Meals: Hotel breakfast
Tour Highlights & Inclusions
What Makes This Journey Special
• Small group advantage with private tour experiences
• Comprehensive coverage of China's top UNESCO sites
• Perfect balance of ancient history and natural wonders
• Multiple cultural immersion activities
• High-speed train experiences between cities
• Centrally located 4-star accommodations
• Professional English-speaking guides
• Carefully selected meals showcasing local cuisine