China's Grand Tapestry: Heritage, Nature & Modern Marvels
Rewritten Itinerary: An Epic Exploration of China's Most Iconic Destinations
Section 1: Imperial Beginnings - Beijing's Historic Grandeur
Day 1: Arrival in China's Capital
Arrival Beijing - Transfer service to hotel - Meals: No meal - Accommodation: In Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing, China's magnificent capital, you'll be greeted by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy free time to rest and acclimate to this vibrant metropolis.
Day 2: Imperial Heart of China
Temple of Heaven, Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park - Meals: Hotel breakfast, Chinese lunch - Accommodation: In Beijing
Begin your exploration at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for heavenly favor. Witness local life with traditional activities like Tai Chi and square dancing. Continue to Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest city center square, before entering the magnificent Forbidden City - the world's largest ancient palatial structure. Conclude with panoramic views from Jingshan Park overlooking the entire imperial complex.
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure
Mutianyu Great Wall, the exterior of Bird Nest and Water Cube - Meals: Hotel Breakfast, Chinese Lunch - Accommodation: In Beijing
Experience China's most iconic landmark at Mutianyu Great Wall, renowned for its beautiful scenery and well-preserved architecture. Optional cable car and slideway available. After lunch, photograph the exterior of Olympic landmarks Bird Nest and Water Cube before returning to your hotel.
Day 4: Royal Gardens & Journey West
Summer Palace, High speed train to Xian - Meals: Hotel Breakfast, Chinese Lunch - Accommodation: In Xi'an
Visit the exquisite Summer Palace, China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Cruise Kunming Lake and walk the magnificent Long Corridor. After lunch, board a high-speed train to Xi'an (approximately 5-5.5 hours), where you'll be transferred to your hotel upon arrival.
Section 2: Ancient Capitals & Terraced Landscapes
Day 5: Warriors & City Walls
Terracotta Warriors, Pottery workshop, Ancient City Wall, Exterior of Big Wild Goose Pagoda - Meals: Hotel Breakfast, Chinese Lunch - Accommodation: In Xi'an
Discover the legendary Terracotta Warriors, one of archaeology's greatest discoveries. Participate in a pottery workshop before returning to Xi'an to walk or bike along the magnificent Ancient City Wall. Conclude with views of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.
Day 6: Cultural Heritage & Southern Journey
Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an Museum, Fly to Guilin - Meals: Hotel breakfast, Chinese lunch - Accommodation: In Guilin
Explore the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a beautifully preserved Tang Dynasty Buddhist temple complex. Witness traditional shadow play performances and visit the adjacent Xi'an Museum. After lunch, fly to Guilin, renowned for its stunning karst landscapes.
Day 7: Mountain Terraces & Ethnic Culture
Longji Rice Terraces, Ping'an Zhuang Village - Meals: Hotel breakfast, Chinese lunch - Accommodation: In Guilin
Journey to the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces (Dragon's Back), where mountainsides transform into magnificent agricultural steps. Enjoy authentic bamboo-cooked lunch in Ping'an Zhuang Village and experience the culture of local Yao and Zhuang ethnic communities.
Day 8: River Scenery & Countryside Charm
Li River Cruise, Yangshuo countryside - Meals: Hotel breakfast, Lunch box - Accommodation: In Yangshuo
Embark on the scenic Li River Cruise to Yangshuo, passing through stunning karst landscapes that have inspired Chinese artists for centuries. Explore West Street and enjoy cycling through Yangshuo's picturesque countryside.
Section 3: Avatar Mountains & Modern Metropolis
Day 9: Karst Peaks & Mountain Journey
Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, Take train to Zhangjiajie - Meals: Hotel breakfast, Lunch - Accommodation: In Zhangjiajie
Return to Guilin to visit the city's emblem - Elephant Trunk Hill, followed by the magical Reed Flute Cave with its spectacular limestone formations. After lunch, take a bullet train to Zhangjiajie, home to the stunning quartz-sandstone pillars that inspired Avatar's floating mountains.
Day 10: Heavenly Mountains & Ancient Towns
Mt. Tianmenshan, Exterior View of Dayong Ancient Town, the 72 Qilou (72-story Tujia Stilted Building) - Meals: Hotel breakfast, Chinese lunch - Accommodation: In Zhangjiajie
Ascend Tianmen Mountain via cable car to experience its six wonders: Glass Skywalk, Tianmen Temple, Bonsai Garden, Tianmen Cave, and the Connected-Heaven Avenue. Later, photograph Dayong Ancient Town and visit the architectural marvel of 72 Qilou.
Day 11: Avatar's Floating Mountains
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, Bailong Elevator, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, Ten-mile Gallery - Meals: Hotel breakfast, Chinese lunch - Accommodation: In Wulingyuan Area
Ride the Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, the inspiration for Avatar's Hallelujah Mountains. Explore Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve with its spectacular peaks and potential sea of clouds. Conclude with the scenic Ten-mile Gallery by small train.
Day 12: Glass Bridge & Modern Transition
Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, Baofeng Lake, Fly to Shanghai - Meals: Hotel Breakfast, Chinese lunch - Accommodation: In Shanghai
Experience the thrilling Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, the world's longest and highest glass-bottom bridge. Enjoy a serene boat ride on Baofeng Lake before flying to Shanghai, China's most dynamic metropolis.
Section 4: Urban Elegance & Departure
Day 13: Shanghai's Contrasts
Shikumen, Yuyuan Garden, Chenghuangmiao Old Street, the Bund, People's Square, Shanghai Museum, Old French Concession - Meals: Hotel breakfast, Chinese lunch - Accommodation: In Shanghai
Explore Shanghai's diverse character through Shikumen alleyways, the classical Yuyuan Garden, and bustling Chenghuangmiao Old Street. Admire the colonial architecture along the Bund and visit the excellent Shanghai Museum. Stroll through the charming Old French Concession district.
Day 14: Farewell to China
Departure Shanghai - Meals: Hotel breakfast
Enjoy leisure time before your airport transfer. Optional Maglev train experience to Pudong Airport available.
Service Ends