Huangshan Immersion: Peaks, Villages & Ancient Streets
A Comprehensive Small-Group Tour from Imperial Capitals to Avatar Mountains
Introduction
Embark on an unforgettable 14-day small-group adventure through China's most spectacular destinations. This carefully crafted journey combines ancient historical treasures with breathtaking natural wonders, offering solo travelers and small groups an affordable yet comprehensive China experience. From the imperial grandeur of Beijing to the futuristic landscape of Zhangjiajie's Avatar Mountains and the majestic Yangtze River, this tour showcases China's incredible diversity.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Transfer from Beijing Capital International Airport to hotel
Meals: No Meals Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Beijing ★★★★
Arrive in Beijing, the capital city of China, where you will be met by our local driver at the airport. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free for you to relax and adjust to the time difference.
Important Notes: - Standard airport transfers are arranged from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) - Transfers from Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) require a supplement of US$90 - Private transfers from PEK airport require a supplement of US$50
Day 2: Beijing Historical Discovery
Temple of Heaven, Hutong, Peking opera facial mask painting, Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City
Meals: Hotel Breakfast, A la carte Chinese lunch Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Beijing ★★★★
Begin your exploration of Beijing's world-renowned landmarks at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for abundant harvests. Witness local seniors practicing traditional exercises in the surrounding square. Experience authentic Beijing life with a rickshaw tour through the historic Hutongs, including a visit to a local family residence. Participate in a cultural workshop creating Peking opera facial masks.
Enjoy an authentic Chinese lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest city center square. Walk to the magnificent Forbidden City, exploring its glorious palace halls and gardens while learning about imperial history and viewing ancient art treasures.
Evening Option: Enjoy an optional Chinese Kung Fu Show or Acrobatic Performance.
Day 3: Great Wall Adventure
Mutianyu Great Wall with round way cable car, the exterior of Bird Nest and Water Cube
Meals: Hotel Breakfast, A La Carte Lunch Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Beijing ★★★★
Journey to the legendary Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of its most picturesque segments. This section dates back to the mid-6th century during the Northern Qi dynasty. The included round-trip cable car provides convenient access and spectacular views. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a restaurant near the Great Wall before returning to Beijing.
Conclude your day with a photo stop at the iconic Bird Nest and Water Cube, the famous venues from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Dining Suggestion: Ask your guide for recommendations on experiencing Peking Roast Duck.
Day 4: Imperial Gardens & High-Speed to Xi'an
Summer Palace, High speed train to Xi'an
Meals: Hotel breakfast, A La Carte Lunch Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Xi'an ★★★★
Check out from your hotel and visit the magnificent Summer Palace, China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Explore Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, and walk along the world's longest corridor adorned with exquisite paintings.
After lunch, transfer to Beijing West Railway Station for your high-speed train to Xi'an (approximately 5-5.5 hours). Upon arrival, your Xi'an guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
Day 5: Xi'an Ancient Wonders
Ancient City Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Pottery workshop, Bell Tower Square, Muslim Quarter
Meals: Hotel breakfast, A La Carte Lunch Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Xi'an ★★★★
Discover Xi'an's rich history beginning with the impressive Ancient City Wall, where you can optionally rent bicycles to ride along the top (additional cost). Continue to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, one of archaeology's most significant discoveries. En route, visit a traditional pottery workshop in a cave dwelling to learn how miniature terracotta warriors are made and experience unique northern Chinese architecture.
After lunch near the Terracotta Warriors site, return to downtown Xi'an to explore Bell Tower Square and the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where you can sample local street food and shop for souvenirs.
Evening Option: Inquire about the optional Tang Dynasty Show.
Day 6: Xi'an Culture & Flight to Zhangjiajie
Gao's Courtyard, Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Plaza, Fly to Zhangjiajie
Meals: Hotel breakfast, A La Carte Lunch Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Zhangjiajie city ★★★★
Enjoy a leisurely morning before checking out of your hotel. Visit Gao's Courtyard to appreciate ancient residential architecture and learn about traditional shadow puppetry. Continue to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda North Plaza for photos and potentially witness the magnificent musical fountain show (subject to scheduling).
Take an evening flight to Zhangjiajie, the stunning natural landscape that inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. Overnight in Zhangjiajie City.
Day 7: Tianmen Mountain Wonders
Mt. Tianmenshan, Tujia Minority Custom Park
Meals: Hotel breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Zhangjiajie city ★★★★
Spend the day exploring Tianmen Mountain's six wonders: the spectacular cable car ride, thrilling Glass Skywalk, historic Tianmen Temple, beautiful Bonsai Garden, natural Tianmen Cave, and the winding Connected-Heaven Avenue.
On your return journey, visit the Tujia Minority Custom Park to learn about the culture, traditions, and architectural styles of the Tujia ethnic group.
Evening Option: Consider the optional Tianmen Huxian singing and dancing performance.
Day 8: Avatar Mountains Exploration
Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, Bailong Elevator, Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, Ten-mile Gallery
Meals: Hotel breakfast, A La Carte Lunch Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan ★★★★
Experience the breathtaking landscapes that inspired Avatar at Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, accessed via the impressive Bailong Elevator. Marvel at the Hallelujah Mountains and the "First Stone Bridge in the World." Take a battery car to Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, renowned for its majestic peaks, deep valleys, and pristine forests—often enhanced by spectacular cloud formations.
Conclude with a small train journey through the Ten-mile Gallery (at your own expense), where unique rock formations create a natural landscape painting. Overnight in Wulingyuan.
Day 9: Glass Bridge & Yangtze Cruise Embarkation
Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, High speed train to Chongqing, Embark on the boat
Meals: Hotel Breakfast, Lunch Box Accommodation: Victoria USA Cruise or President Cruise or similar ★★★★★
Visit the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge. Enjoy a packed lunch before transferring to Zhangjiajie railway station for your high-speed train to Chongqing (approximately 3 hours).
Upon arrival in Chongqing, transfer to your Yangtze River cruise ship for check-in between 18:00-20:30. The cruise departs Chongqing at 21:00.
Notes: - Consider trying Chongqing's famous hot pot before boarding - Departure terminals may vary based on water conditions
Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise - Fengdu
Fengdu Ghost City (optional), Fengdu Shuangguishan National Park, FengYan SanGuo "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" Show(optional)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Victoria USA Cruise or President Cruise or similar ★★★★★
Enjoy a full day cruising the Yangtze River. Participate in morning Tai Chi practice before breakfast. The morning shore excursion visits Fengdu Shuangguishan National Park, with an optional additional visit to Fengdu Ghost City (additional cost).
Attend the Captain's Welcome Reception and buffet dinner in the evening. Optional evening entertainment includes the FengYan SanGuo "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" Show.
Victoria Cruise Sample Itinerary: - 06:30-08:30: Early bird coffee/tea, Tai Chi practice, buffet breakfast - 09:00-13:30: Shore excursion to Fengdu Shuangguishan National Park, buffet lunch - 16:00-21:30: Captain's Welcome Reception, buffet dinner, optional evening show
Important Notes: - Itinerary subject to change based on river conditions - Service fee of RMB150 per passenger not included - Personal expenses (internet, laundry, drinks) not included
Day 11: Three Gorges Scenic Cruising
White Emperor City, Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, Goddess Stream
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Victoria USA Cruise or President Cruise or similar ★★★★★
Begin with an optional morning excursion to White Emperor City (additional cost), which offers the view of Qutang Gorge depicted on the 10-yuan bill. Cruise through the dramatic Qutang Gorge and the forest-covered mountains of Wu Gorge.
After lunch, enjoy a boat excursion to Goddess Stream (or Shennong Stream depending on conditions). The evening features the Captain's Farewell Banquet and crew performance.
Victoria Cruise Sample Itinerary: - 06:30-07:00: Early bird coffee/tea, Tai Chi practice - 07:00-08:30: Buffet breakfast - 07:30-10:15: Optional White Emperor City excursion - 10:45: Sail through Qutang Gorge - 12:45: Scenic cruising through Wu Gorge - 12:00-13:00: Buffet lunch - 15:15-18:15: Shore excursion to Goddess Stream - 19:00-20:30: Captain's Farewell Banquet - 21:00-21:45: Crew cabaret performance
Day 12: Three Gorges Dam & High-Speed to Shanghai
Three Gorge Dam, High speed train to Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, A La Carte Lunch, Dinner box Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Shanghai ★★★★
Visit the massive Three Gorges Dam project, the world's largest hydroelectric power station (2.5-3 hours). After lunch, transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train to Shanghai (approximately 7.5 hours). Upon arrival, your Shanghai guide will transfer you to your hotel.
Day 13: Shanghai Modern & Traditional
Shikumen, Yuyuan Garden, Yuyuan Bazaar, The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Bund
Meals: Hotel Breakfast, A La Carte Lunch Accommodation: 4 Star /4+Star Hotel in Shanghai ★★★★
Explore Shanghai's contrasting facets, beginning with the traditional Shikumen alleys where you can observe local life and unique architecture. Visit the classical Yuyuan Garden and adjacent Yuyuan Bazaar (Chenghuangmiao Old Street).
After lunch, ascend the Oriental Pearl TV Tower to its second sphere for panoramic city views. Visit the Shanghai City History Museum and drive through Lujiazui financial district. Conclude at the Bund, admiring the illuminated skyline across Huangpu River.
Day 14: Departure from Shanghai
Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Meals: Hotel Breakfast
Your China adventure concludes with transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your homebound flight.
Service Ends
Note: Standard airport transfers are shared based on departure times. Private transfers require a supplement of US$75.