A 15-Day High-Speed Rail Journey Through China’s Imperial Capitals, Panda Country, Mountain Cities and Avatar Landscapes
This 15-day journey takes you across Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, and Shanghai, linking some of China’s most iconic destinations through an exciting network of high-speed rail. From the imperial grandeur of Beijing and the archaeological legacy of Xi’an, to the giant pandas of Chengdu, the dramatic cityscape of Chongqing, the surreal peaks of Zhangjiajie, and the cosmopolitan energy of Shanghai, this itinerary offers a rich and varied introduction to China’s history, culture, cuisine, and landscapes.
Travelers will experience famous highlights such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, the Great Wall at Mutianyu, the Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Chengdu Panda Breeding Base, Sanxingdui Museum, Hongyadong, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Tianmen Mountain, The Bund, Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, and Tianzifang. Combined with comfortable high-speed rail travel and a mix of city life, ancient heritage, local culture, and dramatic natural wonders, this tour is ideal for travelers looking for a dynamic and memorable China journey.
Tour Highlights
Explore Beijing’s Imperial Treasures
Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, the Great Wall at Mutianyu, Olympic Park, and the Temple of Heaven in China’s historic capital.
Encounter Xi’an’s Ancient Legacy
See the Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Ancient City Wall, Grand Tang Everbright City, and the Muslim Quarter in one of China’s great dynasty capitals.
Meet Pandas and Discover Sichuan Culture
Visit Chengdu Panda Breeding Base, Wuhou Shrine, Kuanzhai Alley, a traditional tea house, the Jinjiang River, and Sanxingdui Museum.
Experience the Energy of Chongqing
Ride the Yangtze River Cableway, see the Liziba Monorail, explore historic Shibati, and admire the glowing night views of Hongyadong.
Step Into the Avatar World of Zhangjiajie
Explore Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Bailong Elevator, Ten-Mile Gallery, Baofeng Lake, and Tianmen Mountain’s cableway, glass skywalk, and Heaven’s Gate.
End in Cosmopolitan Shanghai
Enjoy The Bund, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Old Town Bazaar, and Tianzifang in China’s most famous modern megacity.
Arrive in Beijing, where a private airport transfer will take you to your hotel for check-in. After your international flight, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to relax and recover. This gentle first day gives you time to settle in before beginning an exciting rail journey across some of China’s most iconic cities, landscapes, and cultural landmarks.
Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing
Meals: Not included
Begin your exploration of Beijing with a photo stop at Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of China and one of the largest public squares in the world. Continue to the majestic Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, where centuries of royal history come to life through grand halls and courtyards. Enjoy lunch at the Palace Restaurant, inspired by traditional imperial cuisine. Later, ascend Jingshan Park for a panoramic view over the golden rooftops of the Forbidden City, then wander along Wangfujing Street, one of Beijing’s most famous pedestrian streets, known for snacks, shopping, and lively city atmosphere.
Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, visit the Great Wall at Mutianyu, a beautifully preserved section of the wall surrounded by mountain scenery and ideal for first-time visitors seeking unforgettable views and iconic photos. On the return, stop at Olympic Park for photos of the exterior of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, two famous symbols of Beijing’s 2008 Olympic Games. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Peking Roast Duck dinner, one of the city’s best-known culinary experiences. This day combines ancient wonder, modern architecture, and classic Beijing flavor in one memorable experience.
Accommodation: Hotel in Beijing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Before leaving Beijing, visit the Temple of Heaven, a historic ceremonial complex where emperors once prayed for good harvests and one of the finest masterpieces of Ming architecture. Afterwards, transfer to the station and board a high-speed train to Xi’an, enjoying a smooth rail journey of around five hours. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in for the next chapter of your journey. Today offers a rewarding combination of imperial heritage and modern travel convenience.
Accommodation: Hotel in Xi’an
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, discover the highlights of Xi’an, one of China’s great ancient capitals. Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses, one of the country’s most important archaeological discoveries and a UNESCO landmark of global significance. Continue to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of Buddhist culture and the ancient Silk Road. Later, stroll through Grand Tang Everbright City, a lively pedestrian district known for Tang-inspired performances, festive lights, and vibrant evening atmosphere. This day reveals the imperial history and cultural richness that make Xi’an one of China’s most fascinating cities.
Accommodation: Hotel in Xi’an
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Begin the day at the Ancient City Wall of Xi’an, one of the world’s oldest and best-preserved city walls, where optional cycling offers a unique way to experience the site. Then explore the lively Muslim Quarter, famous for its street food, local snacks, and energetic atmosphere. In the afternoon, board the high-speed train to Chengdu and travel onward into Sichuan province. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and prepare to discover a city known for pandas, tea culture, and relaxed local life.
Accommodation: Hotel in Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, meet China’s beloved giant pandas at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Base, one of the world’s most important conservation centers. Continue to Wuhou Shrine, a historical site associated with Zhuge Liang and the legacy of the Three Kingdoms period. Then visit Kuanzhai Alley and a traditional tea house, where you can experience Chengdu’s famously relaxed lifestyle among historic lanes and local culture. In the evening, enjoy a Jinjiang River Night Tour, taking in the city’s illuminated skyline and riverside views. This day offers a well-rounded introduction to Chengdu’s wildlife, history, and atmosphere.
Accommodation: Hotel in Chengdu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Visit the remarkable Sanxingdui Museum, home to one of China’s most mysterious and important Bronze Age civilizations, known for its striking masks and ancient artifacts. Afterwards, take the express train to Chongqing, a fast-rising mountain metropolis famous for its dramatic cityscape and urban energy. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and get ready to experience one of China’s most unique cities.
Accommodation: Hotel in Chongqing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Spend the day exploring the dramatic urban character of Chongqing. See the famous Liziba Monorail, where the train appears to pass directly through a residential building. Ride the Yangtze River Cableway for panoramic views across the river and city skyline. Then explore the historic Shibati Traditional Stairs District, followed by a relaxing stop at Riverside Park. End the day at Hongyadong Cave, one of China’s most photogenic night spots, glowing with lantern lights and cliffside architecture. Chongqing offers a completely different atmosphere from the imperial cities earlier in the journey, bringing bold urban scenery and local character to the route.
Accommodation: Hotel in Chongqing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Travel by high-speed rail to Zhangjiajie, with a journey of around five hours. Upon arrival, meet your local guide at the station and transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at leisure, allowing you to settle in and relax before the scenic adventures ahead. Dinner will be arranged at the hotel or a local restaurant. This is an easy transition day leading into one of China’s most spectacular natural regions.
Accommodation: Hotel in Zhangjiajie
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Begin a full-day adventure in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its surreal sandstone pillars and dramatic mountain landscapes. Visit Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, the inspiration for the “Avatar Hallelujah Mountains,” and ride the Bailong Elevator, the world’s highest outdoor glass elevator. Continue to Tianzi Mountain, known for panoramic views of peaks and clouds, and explore the scenic Ten-Mile Gallery, a picturesque valley filled with fantastically shaped rock formations. Today is one of the visual highlights of the journey and showcases the dreamlike scenery that has made Zhangjiajie world famous.
Accommodation: Hotel in Zhangjiajie
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, enjoy a serene boat ride on Baofeng Lake, surrounded by steep cliffs and tranquil natural scenery. In the afternoon, visit Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, one of the most iconic mountain destinations in China. Highlights include the Tianmen Mountain Cableway, one of the world’s longest high-altitude cable cars, the thrilling Glass Skywalk, the impressive natural arch of Tianmen Cave (Heaven’s Gate), and the winding 99-Bend Road climbing dramatically toward the summit. This day combines peaceful scenery with thrilling viewpoints and unforgettable mountain experiences.
Accommodation: Hotel in Zhangjiajie
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Zhangjiajie Railway Station and board the high-speed train to Shanghai, a journey of over seven hours in a second-class seat. Along the way, enjoy changing views of China’s landscapes as you travel from mountain scenery to the country’s most cosmopolitan metropolis. Upon arrival in Shanghai, transfer to your hotel and enjoy an evening stroll at Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and The Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade with unforgettable skyline views.
Accommodation: Hotel in Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Spend the day discovering Shanghai’s cultural and urban highlights. Begin at the Shanghai Museum, one of China’s leading museums, known for its bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and historical treasures. In the afternoon, explore Yu Garden and the nearby Old Town Bazaar, where classical garden design meets lively traditional commerce. In the evening, stroll through Tianzifang Boutique District, a charming maze of boutiques, cafés, and art studios tucked inside old shikumen-style alleys. Today offers a rewarding blend of heritage, local atmosphere, and modern city culture.
Accommodation: Hotel in Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, enjoy a private transfer to the airport for your onward flight. As your journey comes to an end, leave with unforgettable memories of imperial capitals, ancient wonders, giant pandas, mountain landscapes, glass skywalks, and the energy of modern Chinese cities — all connected by one remarkable high-speed rail adventure.
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast
- 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, Chengdu, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, and Shanghai.
The main highlights include Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, the Great Wall at Mutianyu, Terracotta Warriors, Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Chengdu Panda Breeding Base, Sanxingdui Museum, Hongyadong, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Tianmen Mountain, The Bund, Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, and Tianzifang.
The itinerary includes breakfast and lunch on most touring days, dinner on Day 3, Day 10, Day 11, and Day 12, and breakfast on the departure day. Day 1 does not include meals.
Yes. This itinerary is designed as a high-speed rail journey, connecting the major destinations by fast train across China.
Yes. The journey combines imperial history, archaeology, panda conservation, local food and neighborhoods, dramatic mountain scenery, national parks, and modern city landmarks.
Yes. It is a strong choice for travelers who want to experience a wide range of China’s most famous historical, cultural, scenic, and urban highlights in one journey. This is an inference based on the breadth of destinations and attractions included in the itinerary.
The tour is generally light to moderate, but some days involve walking at major sightseeing sites, scenic mountain areas, and historic districts. Zhangjiajie days may feel more active because of the park terrain and viewpoint visits. This is an inference based on the listed activities.
It is ideal for first-time travelers, rail travel enthusiasts, culture lovers, scenic landscape travelers, and visitors looking for a broad China experience with both iconic sights and memorable regional variety. This is an inference based on the itinerary content.
