The Grand Canal Journey: Yangtze Delta Treasures
A Small Group Adventure Through China's Cultural Treasures and Natural Wonders
Itinerary Overview
This carefully crafted 11-day small group tour takes you through China's most iconic destinations, blending ancient history with breathtaking natural scenery. From the imperial grandeur of Beijing to the archaeological wonders of Xi'an, the otherworldly landscapes of Zhangjiajie that inspired Avatar, and the modern marvels of Shanghai, this journey offers a comprehensive introduction to China's diverse cultural and natural heritage.
Tour Highlights
- Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites including the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and Terracotta Warriors
- Experience the stunning landscapes that inspired James Cameron's Avatar movie
- Immerse in local culture through traditional activities and minority encounters
- Travel comfortably with included high-speed train and domestic flights
- Enjoy carefully selected 4-star accommodations throughout your journey
Detailed Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Arrival and Airport Transfer - Transfer from Beijing Capital International Airport to your hotel - Free time to rest and adjust to the time zone
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing Meals: No meals included
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Treasures
Temple of Heaven and Local Culture - Morning visit to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests - Observe local seniors practicing tai chi, martial arts, and other traditional activities
Hutong Exploration and Cultural Experience - Rickshaw tour through Beijing's ancient Hutongs - Visit a local family residence - Peking opera facial mask painting workshop
Tian'anmen Square and Forbidden City - Explore the world's largest city center square - Comprehensive tour of the Forbidden City, China's imperial palace complex
Optional Evening Entertainment - Chinese Kung Fu Show at Red Theater or Acrobatic Show
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte Chinese lunch
Day 3: The Great Wall Adventure
Mutianyu Great Wall - Full exploration of the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall - Round-trip cable car included for comfortable access - Ample time for photography and hiking along the wall
Olympic Architecture - Photo stop at the Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube - Learn about Beijing's modern architectural achievements
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Beijing Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch
Day 4: Imperial Gardens and Journey to Xi'an
Summer Palace - Morning visit to China's largest imperial garden - Boat ride on Kunming Lake (optional) - Walk along the famous Long Corridor with its intricate paintings
High-Speed Train to Xi'an - Scenic 5-5.5 hour journey to ancient capital Xi'an - Transfer to hotel upon arrival
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Xi'an Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch
Day 5: Xi'an's Ancient Wonders
Xi'an City Wall - Visit to one of China's best-preserved ancient city walls - Optional bicycle ride along the wall (additional cost)
Terracotta Warriors - Full exploration of the UNESCO World Heritage site - Visit to all three excavation pits - Learn about the history and significance of this archaeological marvel
Cultural Immersion - Pottery workshop visit in cave dwelling - Learn to create miniature terracotta warriors
Muslim Quarter and Bell Tower - Explore the vibrant Muslim Quarter with its food stalls and markets - Visit Bell Tower Square
Optional Evening Entertainment - Tang Dynasty Show (additional cost)
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Xi'an Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch
Day 6: Xi'an Culture and Flight to Zhangjiajie
Gao's Courtyard - Explore traditional Chinese courtyard architecture - Learn about shadow puppetry traditions
Big Wild Goose Pagoda - Visit the North Plaza of this important Buddhist site - Watch the magnificent music fountain show (subject to schedule)
Evening Flight to Zhangjiajie - Transfer to airport for flight to Zhangjiajie - Arrival and hotel check-in
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Zhangjiajie City Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch
Day 7: Tianmen Mountain Wonders
Tianmen Mountain Full Day Exploration - Ride the spectacular Tianmen Mountain Cable Car - Walk the thrilling Glass Skywalk - Visit Tianmen Temple and Bonsai Garden - See the magnificent Tianmen Cave and Connected-Heaven Avenue
Tujia Minority Culture - Visit Tujia Minority Custom Park - Learn about ethnic minority traditions and architecture
Optional Evening Entertainment - Tianmen Huxian singing and dancing show
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Zhangjiajie City Meals: Hotel breakfast, lunch
Day 8: Avatar-Inspired Landscapes
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area - Take the Bailong Elevator to the mountain top - See the "Hallelujah Mountains" that inspired Avatar - Visit the "First Stone Bridge in the World"
Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve - Battery car tour through stunning mountain scenery - Opportunity to see spectacular sea of clouds
Ten-Mile Gallery - Small train ride through picturesque valley (additional cost) - Marvel at unique rock formations resembling natural paintings
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch
Day 9: Glass Bridge and Flight to Shanghai
Grand Canyon Glass Bridge - Walk across the world's longest and highest glass bridge - Thrilling views of the canyon below
Baofeng Lake - Boat ride on the stunning "Jade Pool" - Enjoy waterfalls and mountain scenery - Listen to traditional Tujia folk songs
Evening Flight to Shanghai - Transfer to Shanghai and hotel check-in
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Shanghai Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch
Day 10: Shanghai's Contrasts
Traditional Shanghai - Walk through Shikumen alleys to see local life - Explore traditional architecture and community spaces
Yuyuan Garden and Bazaar - Visit classical Chinese garden in city center - Explore Chenghuangmiao Old Street and markets
Modern Shanghai - Visit Shanghai City History Museum - Ascend the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for panoramic views - Drive through Lujiazui financial district
The Bund - Evening visit to Shanghai's famous waterfront - Admire illuminated colonial architecture and modern skyline
Accommodation: 4-Star Hotel in Shanghai Meals: Hotel breakfast, à la carte lunch
Day 11: Departure from Shanghai
Airport Transfer - Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport - Board homebound flight
Meals: Hotel breakfast
Service Ends