A 10-Day Journey Through China’s Imperial Capitals, Ancient Wonders and Dreamlike Mountain Landscapes
This journey through Beijing, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie, and Shanghai brings together some of China’s most legendary cultural landmarks and natural wonders. From the imperial grandeur of Beijing and the archaeological treasures of Xi’an, to the surreal quartz sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie and the historic-modern charm of Shanghai, this itinerary offers a rich and varied introduction to China’s past and present.
Travelers will experience world-renowned sites such as the Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, Great Wall at Badaling, Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, Baofeng Lake, and the creative streets of Tianzifang. With a mix of high-speed rail, domestic flights, hands-on cultural workshops, and guided sightseeing, this tour is ideal for those seeking a dynamic and memorable China experience.
Tour Highlights
Explore Beijing’s Imperial Treasures
Visit the Temple of Heaven, the Forbidden City, and the Great Wall at Badaling to experience the majesty of China’s imperial past.
Encounter Xi’an’s Legendary Warriors
Discover the Terracotta Warriors, try a hands-on clay warrior workshop, and walk along Xi’an’s historic Ancient City Wall.
Travel from Ancient Capitals to Floating Mountains
Journey by express train and domestic flights across China, from the historic cities of Beijing and Xi’an to the dreamlike mountain world of Zhangjiajie.
Experience the Wonders of Zhangjiajie
See the Avatar-like peaks of Wulingyuan, ride the Bailong Elevator, cross the Glass Bridge, and cruise the peaceful waters of Baofeng Lake.
Discover Shanghai’s Historic and Creative Side
Explore the Former French Concession, stroll through Tianzifang, and enjoy a fun dim sum-making workshop.
Arrive in Beijing, where you will be met by a local representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax after your journey or explore the city at your own pace. This gentle arrival day gives you time to settle in comfortably before beginning your journey through China’s imperial history, cultural treasures, and extraordinary landscapes.
Accommodation: Guoji Yiyuan Hotel 4 star or similar
Meals: No meals on this day
Begin your full-day guided tour with a visit to the Temple of Heaven (UNESCO World Heritage Site), where emperors once prayed for good harvests beneath one of China’s most iconic architectural landmarks. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to the magnificent Forbidden City (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the vast imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, where grand halls, courtyards, and golden rooftops reveal the power and splendor of imperial China. In the evening, enjoy a classic Peking Roast Duck dinner, one of Beijing’s most famous culinary traditions.
Accommodation: Guoji Yiyuan Hotel 4 star or similar
Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Chinese group lunch, Chinese group dinner
Today, enjoy a full-day guided excursion to the Great Wall of China at Badaling (UNESCO World Heritage Site), one of the country’s most famous and best-preserved sections. Walk along its ancient stone pathways and admire sweeping mountain views that once formed part of China’s mighty defensive frontier. On the way back, stop for photo opportunities at the exterior of the iconic Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Aquatics Center), two striking landmarks created for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. This day beautifully contrasts China’s ancient engineering achievement with its bold modern architecture.
Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing
Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Chinese group lunch, dinner by your own
This morning, transfer to the station and board an express train to Xi’an, with a journey of about 4.5 hours. Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by a local representative and transferred to your hotel for check-in. In the evening, experience the lively atmosphere of the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, a modern pedestrian area inspired by the culture, art, and elegance of the Tang Dynasty. Illuminated streets, sculptures, and festive performances make this a vibrant and memorable introduction to Xi’an, one of China’s great ancient capitals.
Accommodation: Grand Noble Hotel local 5 star or similar
Meals: Breakfast at hotel, snack box lunch, dinner by your own
Start your full-day guided tour with a visit to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum (UNESCO World Heritage Site), one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the twentieth century. Here, thousands of life-sized clay soldiers stand in silent formation, guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor. After the museum visit, enjoy a special cultural experience at a Qin Terracotta Replica Workshop, where you will learn about traditional clay sculpting techniques and try crafting your own miniature warrior by hand. In the afternoon, continue to the impressive Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China, offering a striking glimpse into Xi’an’s historic importance.
Accommodation: Grand Noble Hotel local 5 star or similar
Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Chinese group lunch, dinner by your own
In the morning, visit the Stele Forest Museum (Beilin Museum), home to China’s largest collection of stone steles and calligraphy inscriptions. With more than 11,000 tablets and epitaphs spanning from the Han to the Qing dynasties, the museum offers valuable insight into Chinese literature, religion, art, and history. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport and take a short flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in. This day connects the scholarly legacy of ancient China with the dramatic landscapes that await in Zhangjiajie.
Accommodation: Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel 4 star or similar
Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Chinese group lunch, dinner at hotel
Enjoy a full-day guided exploration of Wulingyuan Scenic Area (UNESCO World Heritage Site), a natural wonderland of more than 3,000 quartz sandstone pillars rising dramatically from the forest floor. Ride the remarkable Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest and fastest outdoor elevator, ascending 326 meters in less than two minutes. Visit Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, famous as the inspiration for the “Hallelujah Mountains” in the film Avatar, and take in the breathtaking panorama from the Enchanting Platform. Continue to Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, known for its legendary scenery and mist-covered peaks, then enjoy the charming Ten-mile Gallery, where a small train carries you through a lush canyon filled with fantastically shaped rock formations. This is one of the most visually extraordinary days of the journey.
Accommodation: Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel 4 star or similar
Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Chinese group lunch, dinner by your own
Today, visit the spectacular Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, home to the famous Glass Bridge, the world’s longest and highest bridge of its kind. Suspended high above the canyon floor, this transparent structure offers thrilling views and an unforgettable “walking in the air” experience. Continue to Baofeng Lake, a peaceful alpine lake surrounded by lush mountains and dramatic limestone peaks. During a relaxing boat cruise, admire the mirror-like reflections and enjoy the beautiful natural setting, sometimes accompanied by traditional folk songs from local ethnic communities. In the evening, take a flight to Shanghai, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
Accommodation: Pagoda Hotel Shanghai 4 star or similar
Meals: Breakfast at hotel, Chinese group lunch, dinner by your own
Discover a different side of Shanghai with a visit to the charming Former French Concession, including highlights such as the Xuhui Old House Art Center, Madam Soong’s Former Residence, and the Little White Villa. These elegant historic sites reflect the city’s unique blend of East and West. Then continue to the lively Tianzifang Boutique Area, where narrow lanes are filled with creative shops, cafés, and art studios. Later, enjoy a special cultural experience at SUE DIMSUM, where you will join a professional chef to learn how to make traditional Chinese dim sum. Shape dumplings, steam buns, and discover the flavors of Chinese culinary heritage in a fun, hands-on workshop suitable for all ages.
Accommodation: Pagoda Hotel Shanghai 4 star or similar
Meals: Breakfast at hotel, dim sum lunch, dinner by your own
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight and the end of service. As your journey comes to a close, leave China with lasting memories of imperial capitals, ancient warriors, calligraphic treasures, dramatic sandstone peaks, floating mountain landscapes, and the cosmopolitan charm of Shanghai.
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast at hotel
- Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- Flights/trains between itinerary cities
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
This tour includes Beijing, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie, and Shanghai.
The main highlights include the Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, Great Wall at Badaling, Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Stele Forest Museum, Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Glass Bridge, Baofeng Lake, Former French Concession, and Tianzifang.
The itinerary includes daily breakfast, group lunches on most touring days, one Peking Roast Duck dinner in Beijing, and one hotel dinner in Zhangjiajie. Some dinners are at your own arrangement.
Yes. Special experiences include a Terracotta Warrior making workshop in Xi’an and a Dim Sum DIY workshop in Shanghai.
Yes. This journey combines imperial heritage, archaeological sites, museums, historic neighborhoods, and spectacular mountain and lake scenery in Zhangjiajie.
Yes. It is a well-balanced itinerary for first-time visitors who want to experience China’s most famous historical landmarks, cultural traditions, and dramatic natural scenery. This is an inference based on the breadth of destinations and highlights included in the itinerary.
The tour is generally light to moderate, but some days involve walking at major sightseeing sites, scenic areas, and historic districts. Zhangjiajie sightseeing may feel more active due to the mountain terrain and full-day excursions. This is an inference based on the listed activities.
