First impression: China in Full Spectrum

Start your day at Tiananmen Square. Then walk through the Meridian Gate into the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of 24 emperors. Later, go up to Jingshan Park for a wide view over the palace roofs.

In the afternoon, visit the Lama Temple and take part in the simple ritual of incense offering. End the day at Shichahai Lake. Walk around the lakeside and nearby hutongs as the sun goes down.

Today you will visit the Mutianyu Great Wall. Walk along the wall and enjoy the mountain views.

After that, you will visit the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, known for representing the spirit of modern China and its grand Olympic history.

In the evening, take a walk along the Liangma River. The area is calm and lively at the same time, with bars and lights along the water.

In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven. You may also join local people practicing Tai Chi in the park.

After the visit, you will be transferred to train station for your trip to Xi’an. On arrival, your local team will meet you and take you to your hotel.

After arrival, you can first stroll through Muslim Quarter with your guide, get a feel for local life, and sample some regional specialties.

Explore Xi’an today. Walk on the Ancient City Wall in the old town area.

Later, visit the Terracotta Army Museum, where thousands of life-sized soldiers stand in formation. Then visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built during the Tang Dynasty in 652 AD.

In the evening, visit the Great Tang All Day Mall. Enjoy local food and walk through the lively night streets.

On the way to the airport, you will make a stop at the Han Yang Ling Museum to discover its unique underground vaults.

After the visit, your guide will take you to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie. On arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel.

Today your guide will take you to Wulingyuan Scenic Area to begin the day’s journey. Take the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor lift, up to the peaks of Wulingyuan.

Explore Yuanjiajie, where tall sandstone pillars rise through the mist and inspired the film Avatar. Continue to Tianzi Mountain to see the “West Sea Stone Forest,” a wide landscape of rock formations above the clouds. Then ride through the Ten-Mile Gallery by sightseeing train. The valley looks like a moving Chinese ink painting.

After the visit, return to Zhangjiajie by private transfer.

Today your guide will take you to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Walk across the Glass Bridge, the world’s longest and highest glass bridge, standing 300 meters above the canyon. Enjoy wide views of cliffs and valleys below. Continue to Baofeng Lake.

Afterwards, travel to Fenghuang Ancient Town. In the evening, explore Fenghuang Ancient Town at your own pace. Walk along the river and see traditional stilt houses with night lights.

Tonight you will stay in Fenghuang Ancient Town and enjoy its quiet night scenery.

This morning, you will head to see the pandas in Fenghuang Ancient Town.

Then, take a high-speed train journey through changing landscapes as you travel to Guilin.

Upon arrival in Guilin, you can have a good rest.

After breakfast, take a private cruise on the Li River from Mopanshan Pier. The river winds through long stretches of karst mountains and peaceful water landscapes.

Your guide will take you visit Elephant Trunk Hill, a natural limestone formation that looks like an elephant drinking from the Li River.

Continue to Reed Flute Cave, an underground cave filled with colorful rock formations and natural stone shapes, often described as a crystal-like world. In the afternoon, arriving in Yangshuo and explore the countryside. The scenery feels calm and open, like a living Chinese landscape painting.

In the evening, walk through West Street, a 1,400-year-old street filled with small shops, cafés, and local bars.

After breakfast, your guide will take you on a bicycle ride through the countryside of Yangshuo. Enjoy the quiet village roads and natural scenery along the way.

Then take a bamboo raft on the Yulong River for a ride on clear water.

In the afternoon, your private transfer will take you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival in Shanghai, your local guide will meet you and take you to your hotel in downtown. After arriving today, you can take a leisurely stroll along Anfu Road with your guide.