China's Imperial Legacy & Natural Wonders
A 12-Day Journey Through China's Most Spectacular Landscapes
Overview
Discover China's Ultimate Scenic Masterpieces
This meticulously crafted 12-day itinerary showcases China's most breathtaking natural wonders, combining the ethereal beauty of Jiuzhaigou's turquoise lakes with the towering sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie that inspired Avatar's Hallelujah Mountains. Experience the perfect blend of ancient culture and modern marvels across five diverse cities.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing - Imperial Capital Welcome
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Meals: No Meals
Arrive in Beijing, China's historic capital. Your personal guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Settle in and relax after your journey, preparing for the imperial adventures ahead.
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Heart - Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Begin at Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square. Enter the magnificent Forbidden City, exploring ancient imperial palaces before ascending Jingshan Park for panoramic views. After authentic Chinese lunch, visit the Temple of Heaven where emperors prayed for harvest. Evening options include Peking duck dinner or cultural performances.
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure - Mutianyu Section
Accommodation: Sunworld Hotel Beijing Wangfujing ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Journey to Mutianyu Great Wall, renowned for its stunning preservation and breathtaking scenery. Hike along ancient battlements or take cable car for easier access. Return to Beijing to photograph the iconic Bird Nest and Water Cube from the 2008 Olympics.
Day 4: Beijing to Chengdu - Hutong Life & Summer Palace
Accommodation: Tianfu Sunshine Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Experience traditional Beijing life with a rickshaw tour through ancient Hutongs. Visit the magnificent Summer Palace, China's best-preserved imperial garden, including boat ride on Kunming Lake. Fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province and panda homeland.
Day 5: Chengdu Panda Paradise - Giants & Tea Culture
Accommodation: Tianfu Sunshine Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Meet China's national treasure at Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base. Observe giant pandas and red pandas in habitats mimicking their natural environment. Experience local culture at Renmin Park with tea tasting and mahjong lessons. Explore Qing Dynasty architecture at Jinli Old Street.
Day 6: Journey to Jiuzhaigou - Huanglong's Rainbow Pools
Accommodation: New Jiuzhai Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Bullet train to Jiuzhaigou region. Explore Huanglong National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its travertine terraces and rainbow-colored pools. Hike through this mineral-rich landscape of stunning blue, yellow, and green pools surrounded by snow-capped mountains.
Day 7: Jiuzhaigou Valley - Nature's Fairyland
Accommodation: Tianfu Sunshine Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Full day exploring Jiuzhaigou Valley's spectacular scenery. Marvel at multi-colored lakes, cascading waterfalls, and pristine forests. Visit Long Lake, Five-color Pond, Nuorilang Waterfall, and Shuzheng Lakes. The crystal-clear turquoise waters and vibrant autumn colors create an unforgettable fairyland atmosphere.
Day 8: Zhangjiajie Arrival - Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge Thrills
Accommodation: Santa Daminga International Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast
Fly to Zhangjiajie and immediately experience the dramatic landscape at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Brave the world's longest and highest glass bridge, "Yuntiandu" (Cross the Sky), offering breathtaking views of the canyon below. Optional bungee jumping from the bridge's center platform.
Day 9: Avatar Mountains - Wulingyuan Scenic Area
Accommodation: Santa Daminga International Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Enter the spectacular Wulingyuan Scenic Area, inspiration for Avatar's floating mountains. Ride Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, witnessing thousands of quartzite sandstone pillars. Explore Tianzi Mountain's peak forest, often shrouded in mystical clouds offering ever-changing vistas.
Day 10: Tianmen Mountain - Gateway to Heaven
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Ascend Tianmenshan Mountain via Asia's longest cable car. Walk the thrilling glass plank road suspended over cliffs. Descend through 99-bend Tongtian Avenue to Tianmen Cave, a natural mountain arch reached by climbing 999 steps - truly a gateway to heaven. Fly to Shanghai.
Day 11: Shanghai Contrasts - Tradition & Modernity
Accommodation: Sunrise On The Bund Hotel ★★★★
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Discover Shanghai's diverse character from ancient Jade Buddha Temple to the ultra-modern Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Explore classical Yuyuan Garden and shop at Shanghai Old Street. Walk the historic Bund with its colonial architecture before experiencing Nanjing Road's vibrant energy. Optional acrobatic show evening entertainment.
Day 12: Shanghai Departure - Journey Conclusion
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy final morning at leisure before airport transfer. Optional Maglev train experience to Pudong Airport, reaching speeds of 430 km/h. Depart with unforgettable memories of China's most spectacular natural and cultural wonders.