18-Day Grand China Discovery: Beijing, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Chongqing, Guilin & Shanghai

Arrive in Beijing, China's historic capital, where your private driver will welcome you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.

After checking in, enjoy free time to recover from your international journey. Depending on your arrival schedule, explore the surrounding neighborhood, enjoy a relaxing walk, or sample traditional Beijing cuisine.

Your private journey through China begins in one of the world's most fascinating historic cities.

Begin your sightseeing at Tiananmen Square, one of Beijing's most recognizable landmarks. Continue to the magnificent Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Explore its grand courtyards, ceremonial halls, and beautifully preserved architecture while learning about the history of China's emperors.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Observe local residents practicing tai chi and enjoying traditional activities in the surrounding park.

Later, explore Beijing's historic hutong neighborhoods, discovering traditional courtyard houses and everyday local life.

Travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, celebrated for its beautiful mountain setting and impressive watchtowers.

Enjoy walking along this extraordinary landmark and admiring panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. A cable car experience can be arranged for a more comfortable visit.

Later, explore the Summer Palace, a magnificent imperial retreat featuring peaceful gardens, traditional pavilions, and scenic Kunming Lake.

Continue your journey to Xi'an, one of China's most important ancient capitals and the historic eastern starting point of the Silk Road.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, enjoy a gentle introduction to the city with a walk near the Bell Tower or through the lively streets of the old town.

Discover Xi'an's distinctive atmosphere and sample regional specialties such as hand-pulled noodles and traditional dumplings.

Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Explore the excavation pits containing thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots created to guard the tomb of China's first emperor.

Your guide will explain the fascinating history of the Qin Dynasty, the craftsmanship behind the sculptures, and the remarkable story of their discovery.

In the afternoon, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda area and discover Xi'an's rich Buddhist heritage.

Explore Xi'an's impressive Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved historic fortifications in China. Enjoy walking along the ramparts and admiring views of the traditional city center.

Continue to the Bell and Drum Tower area before discovering the lively Muslim Quarter, famous for its traditional markets, local snacks, and cultural atmosphere.

Later, explore the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City area, where Tang-inspired architecture and evening illuminations celebrate Xi'an's imperial past.

Continue to Zhangjiajie, famous for its extraordinary sandstone mountains and dramatic natural landscapes.

Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel near Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

Enjoy time to relax after the journey. Depending on your arrival schedule, explore the surrounding town or discover local Hunan cuisine.

Begin exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape famous for its towering sandstone pillars.

Experience the remarkable Bailong Elevator, which provides access to the mountain viewpoints above.

Explore Yuanjiajie, where spectacular rock formations inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar. Admire the famous Southern Sky Column and the natural rock bridge known as the First Bridge Under Heaven.

Continue to Tianzi Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of countless sandstone peaks rising above forested valleys.

Return to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park for a second full day of exploration.

Visit Huangshi Village, one of the park's classic panoramic viewpoints, offering spectacular views of sandstone peaks and deep valleys.

Later, explore Golden Whip Stream, a beautiful valley surrounded by towering cliffs, lush forests, and clear flowing water.

Enjoy a scenic walk through this peaceful landscape while discovering the park's unique geology and natural beauty.

Discover Tianmen Mountain, one of Zhangjiajie's most iconic attractions.

Enjoy spectacular mountain scenery, dramatic cliffside pathways, and panoramic views across the surrounding valleys.

Visit Heaven's Gate, a massive natural arch carved through the mountain. Depending on the available sightseeing route, experience the scenic cable car, mountain escalators, and optional glass walkways.

After sightseeing, continue to Zhangjiajie city for the evening.

Continue to Chongqing, one of China's most distinctive cities, famous for its steep hills, rivers, bridges, and dramatic skyline.

Upon arrival, explore Jiefangbei, the vibrant commercial heart of the city.

Later, visit Hongyadong, a spectacular complex of traditional-style buildings overlooking the river.

In the evening, admire its illuminated architecture and the surrounding city skyline. Enjoy an introduction to Chongqing's famous food culture.

Discover the unique character of Chongqing, a city built across steep hills and river valleys.

Visit Ciqikou Ancient Town, known for its traditional streets, historic architecture, and local snacks.

Continue to Liziba Station, where a monorail passes through a residential building, creating one of the city's most unusual urban sights.

Explore the Shibati area, where old stairways and traditional buildings reveal Chongqing's past.

In the evening, enjoy panoramic views of the illuminated city or an optional river cruise.

Continue to Guilin, a destination famous for its beautiful karst mountains and peaceful rivers.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy time to relax.

Depending on your arrival schedule, explore the scenic lakes and riverside areas of Guilin, admire traditional bridges, or enjoy a leisurely evening discovering local cuisine.

Enjoy a memorable cruise along the spectacular Li River, passing dramatic limestone mountains, picturesque villages, and beautiful countryside.

Admire the iconic scenery that has inspired Chinese landscape paintings for centuries.

Arrive in Yangshuo and explore its lively West Street, traditional neighborhoods, and surrounding countryside.

Enjoy a relaxing evening at your scenic hotel, surrounded by towering karst mountains.

Spend a full day exploring Yangshuo's peaceful countryside.

Discover the scenic Yulong River area, traditional villages, rice fields, and spectacular karst landscapes.

Enjoy optional experiences such as bamboo rafting, countryside cycling, or a local cooking class.

This relaxing day offers an opportunity to experience authentic rural life and enjoy southern China's natural beauty.

Continue your journey to Shanghai, China's dynamic international metropolis.

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time to relax.

Depending on your arrival schedule, take an evening walk along the Bund and admire the illuminated skyline across the Huangpu River.

Spend a full day discovering Shanghai's fascinating blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern international influences.

Begin at the Bund, where elegant historic waterfront buildings face the impressive skyscrapers of Pudong.

Continue to Yu Garden, a beautiful classical Chinese garden surrounded by traditional architecture and lively shopping streets.

Later, explore the former French Concession, known for its tree-lined streets, historic buildings, charming cafés, and relaxed atmosphere.

Enjoy your final evening in Shanghai.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before your private transfer to Shanghai Airport.

Your unforgettable 18-day journey through China's historic cities, dramatic mountains, and beautiful landscapes comes to an end.