Conquer the Clouds: Mount Huashan Ascent

An Epic Adventure Through China's Most Spectacular Landscapes

Itinerary Overview

This 10-day scenic tour takes you through China's most breathtaking mountain landscapes, combining ancient cultural heritage with natural wonders. Experience the dramatic peaks of Zhangjiajie that inspired Avatar's floating mountains and the legendary Huangshan, known as the "No. 1 Mountain Under Heaven." The journey seamlessly connects Beijing's imperial grandeur with Shanghai's modern dynamism, creating an unforgettable exploration of China's diverse beauty.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Arrival and Hotel Transfer

Meals: No Meals Recommended Hotel: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★

Arrive in Beijing, China's capital city and one of the world's great travel destinations. Your local guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Enjoy free time for the rest of the day to relax and acclimate.

Day 2: Beijing's Cultural Treasures

Temple of Heaven and Mutianyu Great Wall

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Recommended Hotel: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★

[08:00-08:30] Your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby to begin exploring the Great Wall.

[08:30-10:00] Visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1998. This is China's largest existing structure for heavenly sacrifices, where emperors prayed for harvest. Watch local residents practicing morning exercises including Chinese Kungfu, Tai Chi, and square dancing in the vibrant square.

[10:00-13:30] Drive to Mutianyu Great Wall, particularly popular among international visitors. Enjoy lunch at Xiaolongpu Restaurant, famous for vegetarian dishes like fried vegetables, dry-fried beans, and sweet corn cake.

[13:30-15:30] Explore Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved sections with exceptional construction quality. Choose to hike or take the included round-trip cable car to access the wall.

[15:30-17:30] Return to Beijing city. Consult your guide about evening options including Peking duck dinner or cultural performances.

Day 3: Imperial Beijing to Zhangjiajie

Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City & Flight to Zhangjiajie

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Recommended Hotel: Santa Dominga International Hotel ★★★★★

[09:00-09:30] Meet your guide in the hotel lobby to explore Beijing's historical treasures.

[09:30-12:30] Visit Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square. Walk through to the highlight: the Forbidden City, the world's largest and most complete ancient imperial palace. Continue to Jingshan Park for panoramic views of the Forbidden City from Coal Hill.

[12:30-14:00] Enjoy lunch at Shi Yuan Restaurant, featuring local specialties like braised eggplant, vegetable balls, and diced chicken with walnuts in soya sauce.

After touring, transfer to the airport for your 2.5-hour flight to Zhangjiajie, known for its worry-free lifestyle and stunning landscapes. Your Zhangjiajie guide will meet you upon arrival and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 4: Zhangjiajie's Avatar Mountains

Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie Scenic Area

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Recommended Hotel: Santa Dominga International Hotel ★★★★★

[08:30-09:00] Meet your guide to explore Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

[09:00-12:30] Obtain your Wulingyuan pass and take the shuttle bus to Bailong Elevator, the world's highest and heaviest outdoor elevator. Ascend to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, whose landscapes inspired the movie Avatar. From observation platforms, view thousands of peaks resembling an army of stone soldiers and generals.

[12:30-13:30] Enjoy a simple Chinese lunch in Yuanjiajie's rest area. We recommend bringing additional snacks and fruits.

[13:30-16:30] Transfer via shuttle bus to Tianzi Mountain Area. Spend the afternoon exploring this spectacular area known for its seasonal variations and four highlights: peak forest, cloud sea, sunrise, and winter snow. The cloud and mist formations are particularly renowned, especially after rainfall.

[16:30-17:30] Descend via cable car and return to your hotel. Consider the Amazing Xiangxi folk show for evening entertainment.

Day 5: Tianmen Mountain to Shanghai

Tianmenshan Mountain and Flight to Shanghai

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Recommended Hotel: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★

[08:30-09:00] Meet your guide to explore Zhangjiajie's highest peak, Tianmenshan Mountain.

[09:00-12:30] Take the 40-minute cable car ride (Asia's longest) to Tianmenshan Mountain. Enjoy gorgeous views during the ascent. Hike the mountain and experience the thrilling floating glass plank walk, creating the sensation of wandering through clouds.

[12:30-13:30] Enjoy lunch at a restaurant on Tianmen Mountain before taking the cable car halfway down.

[13:30-16:30] Transfer to a shuttle bus for the journey to Tianmen Cave via Tongtian Avenue with its 99 turns symbolizing heaven's nine palaces. Visit Tianmen Cave, the world's highest natural mountain-penetrating karst cave. Challenge yourself by climbing the 999 steps to reach this unique geological wonder.

After touring, transfer directly to Zhangjiajie airport for your flight to Shanghai. Your Shanghai guide will meet you upon arrival and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 6: Shanghai's Modern Marvels

Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden & The Bund

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Recommended Hotel: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★

[09:00-09:30] Meet your guide to explore China's most modern metropolis.

[09:30-12:30] Visit Jade Buddha Temple, famous for its 1,000 kg seated Buddha encrusted with jewels. Then ascend the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for panoramic views of Shanghai.

[12:30-13:30] Enjoy lunch featuring local specialties like Dim Sum and Steamed Buns.

[13:30-16:30] Explore Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden in the city center. Shop at Shanghai Old Street and Nanjing Road, Shanghai's earliest commercial street. Conclude with a leisurely walk along The Bund, famous for its "Gallery of World Architecture" buildings.

[16:30-17:30] Return to your hotel. Consider the ERA Acrobatic Show, one of Shanghai's most popular evening entertainments.

Day 7: Shanghai to Huangshan

Chengkan Ancient Village and Tunxi Old Street

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Recommended Hotel: Huangshan International Hotel ★★★★

[07:30-08:00] Early morning check-out and transfer to the train station for your bullet train to Huangshan.

[09:30-14:00] Take the 4-hour bullet train to Huangshan City. Your local guide will meet you at the station for a simple lunch.

[14:00-17:00] Visit Chengkan Ancient Village, perfectly combining natural scenery with Huizhou culture. Explore well-preserved Ming Dynasty architecture including elegant pavilions, bridges, houses, and ancestral temples. Sample local snacks like fluffy bean curd.

[17:00-18:00] Return to Huangshan city for check-in. Enjoy free time at Tunxi Old Street, described by Western-European architects as "The Eastern Ancient Rome," with numerous dining options.

Day 8: Huangshan Mountain Adventure

Full Day Exploration of Mt. Huangshan

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Recommended Hotel: Xihai Hotel ★★★★

[09:00-09:30] Meet your guide for today's Huangshan exploration. Store luggage at the hotel and travel light.

[09:30-12:30] Enjoy a full-day excursion to Mt. Huangshan, China's "No. 1 Mountain Under Heaven." Characterized by four wonders: odd-shaped pines, grotesque rock formations, seas of clouds, and crystal-clear hot springs. Take the cable car up and hike approximately 30 minutes to Xihai Hotel, appreciating Lion Peak and Shixin Peak en route.

[12:30-13:30] Check in and have lunch at the hotel restaurant (limited dining options on the mountain).

[13:30-18:30] Hike through Grand Canyon of Xihai (West Sea), highlighting the prime scenery of Xihai Scenic Area. This circular footpath begins at Paiyun Pavilion, connects to Fairy-walking Bridge at White Cloud Area, and returns to your hotel.

Day 9: Huangshan Sunrise & Return to Shanghai

Mt. Huangshan Sunrise and Bullet Train to Shanghai

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Recommended Hotel: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★

[06:00-12:00] Early morning excursion to Danxia Peak or nearby vantage points for sunrise and potential sea of clouds viewing (weather dependent). Return to your hotel for a short break before taking the cable car down the mountain.

[12:00-13:30] Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in the old town and retrieve stored luggage. Transfer to Huangshan train station.

[14:00-18:30] Take the 4-hour bullet train to Shanghai. Your Shanghai guide will meet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel.

Day 10: Departure from Shanghai

Airport Transfer and Journey Conclusion

Meals: Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely morning before your scheduled transfer to the airport for departure. Your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby at the appointed time. Option available for Maglev train experience to Pudong Airport or direct vehicle transfer.

Service Ends