Huangshan Immersion: Peaks & Ancient Villages
A 14-Day Journey Through China's Historical Capitals and Natural Wonders
Journey Overview
Experience the Ultimate Chinese Adventure
This meticulously crafted 14-day private tour takes you through China's most iconic destinations, blending ancient imperial history with breathtaking natural landscapes. From Beijing's majestic palaces to Chengdu's adorable pandas, and from Chongqing's futuristic cityscapes to Zhangjiajie's otherworldly peaks that inspired Avatar, this journey offers an unparalleled immersion into China's rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty.
Detailed Itinerary
Days 1-4: Imperial Beijing Exploration
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Meals: No Meals
Accommodation: In Beijing
Arrive in China's capital city where your private guide greets you at Beijing Airport. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time to rest and acclimate to your new surroundings after your international flight.
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Heart
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Beijing
Begin your imperial exploration at Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square. Walk through to the magnificent Forbidden City, China's largest and most complete ancient imperial palace. Climb Jingshan Park for panoramic views over the palace complex. After authentic Chinese lunch, visit the Temple of Heaven where emperors prayed for harvest. Complete your day with shopping at Panjiayuan Antique Market and optional Peking duck dinner.
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Beijing
Journey to Mutianyu Great Wall, renowned for its beautiful scenery and excellent preservation. Choose to hike or take the cable car to explore this ancient wonder. After lunch near the Wall, return to Beijing to photograph the iconic Bird Nest and Water Cube Olympic venues. Evening options include foot massage or exploring Houhai night bars.
Day 4: Beijing's Local Life & High-Speed to Xi'an
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Xi'an
Experience traditional Beijing life with a rickshaw tour through ancient Hutongs. Visit the magnificent Summer Palace, China's best-preserved imperial garden, including a boat ride on Kunming Lake. After lunch, take the high-speed train to Xi'an where your new guide welcomes you.
Days 5-6: Ancient Capital of Xi'an
Day 5: Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Walls
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Xi'an
Discover the incredible Terracotta Warriors, one of the world's most significant archaeological finds. Visit a pottery factory to learn ancient crafting techniques. After lunch, explore Xi'an's Ancient City Wall with optional bicycle riding. Immerse yourself in local culture at the vibrant Muslim Quarter, with optional Tang Dynasty Show in the evening.
Day 6: Xi'an Culture & Chengdu Transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Chengdu
Visit Gao's Courtyard to appreciate ancient residences and traditional paper-cutting art. See the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda and enjoy the north square fountain show. After lunch, take a 4-hour high-speed train to Chengdu, the panda capital.
Days 7-8: Panda Homeland & Buddhist Wonders
Day 7: Chengdu Panda Paradise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Chengdu
Meet China's national treasure at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Observe pandas eating bamboo and playing in their natural habitat. Enjoy authentic Sichuan hot pot lunch. Experience local leisure life at People's Park, then relax in a traditional tea house. Explore historic Kuan Zhai Alley and optional Sichuan Opera in the evening.
Day 8: Leshan Giant Buddha & Chongqing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Chongqing
Journey to Mount Leshan to see the world's tallest stone Buddha statue via scenic cruise. After local lunch, take high-speed train to Chongqing, China's mountain city. Check into your hotel and enjoy free evening.
Days 9-10: Mountain City & Avatar Peaks
Day 9: Chongqing's Urban Wonders
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Chongqing
Explore Chongqing's unique urban landscape starting with Three Gorges Museum. Wander through Ancient Town of Ciqikou, then witness the internet-famous Liziba Station where subway trains pass through buildings. Experience the Yangtze River Ropeway for stunning city views, and explore the magnificent stilted buildings of Hongya Cave.
Day 10: Journey to Zhangjiajie
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Wulingyuan
Take high-speed train to Zhangjiajie, home of the Avatar mountains. After lunch, ascend Tianmen Mountain to experience its six wonders: cable car, Glass Skywalk, Tianmen Temple, Bonsai Garden, Tianmen Cave, and Connected-Heaven Avenue. Transfer to Wulingyuan district hotel.
Days 11-12: Zhangjiajie's Natural Marvels
Day 11: Avatar Mountains Exploration
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Wulingyuan
Enter the spectacular Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Ride Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, famous for the Hallelujah Mountains that inspired Avatar. Explore Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve with its grand valleys and ancient forests. Conclude with a scenic train ride through Ten-mile Gallery's unique rock formations.
Day 12: Glass Bridge & Shanghai Transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shanghai
Walk the thrilling Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, the world's longest and highest glass bridge. Cruise on beautiful Baofeng Lake, surrounded by waterfalls and mountains while enjoying Tujia folk songs. Fly to Shanghai and transfer to your hotel.
Days 13-14: Modern Metropolis Finale
Day 13: Shanghai's Dual Personality
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shanghai
Discover Shanghai's traditional side in Shikumen alleys, then explore classical Yuyuan Garden and bustling Chenghuangmiao Old Street. After lunch, ascend the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for panoramic city views and visit Shanghai City History Museum. Conclude at the iconic Bund, admiring the illuminated skyline across Huangpu River.
Day 14: Departure from Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to Shanghai Airport for your homebound flight, carrying unforgettable memories of China's imperial heritage, natural wonders, and modern marvels.