15-day China Highlights: Beijing, Xian, Zhangjiajie, Guilin & Shanghai
Trip Overview
Experience the essence of China with our classic tour, showcasing the country's iconic destinations.
Begin in Beijing, where ancient wonders like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City await. Explore Xian and encounter the Terracotta Army, a testament to China's imperial history. Immerse yourself in the enchanting landscapes of Zhangjiajie, followed by the picturesque beauty of Guilin and its tranquil Li River. Conclude your journey in the dynamic cityscape of Shanghai, blending historic charm with modern sophistication. This well-curated itinerary seamlessly weaves together history, culture, and natural splendor, promising an unforgettable exploration of China's diverse treasures.
Trip code: CBT20250701
from usd 2990 p. person
★★★★★
- Size of group: 8-15 people
- Subject to Confirmation
- Pricing Information
- Inclusions & Exclusions
- Booking & Payment Process
- Cancellation Policy
Or Call +86 13916511660
Trip Itinerary
Day 1 July 1 Tuesday beijing arrival
Arrival at PEK Beijing Capital International Airport, flight details to be informed. Meet upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy a three-night stay in Beijing.
Highlights: Welcome dinner
First Class Hotel: Park Plaza Hotel, Deluxe Hotel: Regent Hotel
Day 2 July 2 Wednesday Beijing city tour
Enjoy a full-day Beijing city tour, starting with a visit to the historic Temple of Heaven, once frequented by Ming and Qing emperors for annual prayers.
Explore the Grand Forbidden City, built by Emperor Yongle in the 15th century, and marvel at its vastness and historical significance.
Then, discover Tiananmen Square, the world's largest city square, home to iconic landmarks such as Tiananmen Tower and the Great Hall of the People.
Finally, stroll around Lake Houhai and its charming Hutong alleys.
Highlights: Temple of Heaven, The Grand Forbidden City, Tiananmen square, Lake Houhai
First Class Hotel: Park Plaza Hotel, Deluxe Hotel: Regent Hotel
Day 3 July 3 Thursday Summer palace & the great wall
Begin your morning with a visit to the Summer Palace, an imperial park steeped in history and set against the scenic Kunming Lake.
Later, explore the majestic Mutianyu Great Wall, known for its unique, indestructible structure winding through lofty mountains. After your climb, enjoy a thrilling slide or cable car ride down the hill.
Highlights: Summer Palace, The Great Wall
First Class Hotel: Park Plaza Hotel, Deluxe Hotel: Regent Hotel
Day 4 July 4 friday xian arrival
Take the morning G train to Xian departing at 09:10 and arriving at 13:30. Upon arrival, meet and greet before exploring the Muslim Quarter, the largest neighborhood in the old city known for its maze of narrow alleys and vibrant atmosphere. Wander through its streets, discovering hidden gems and important cultural sites. Afterward, transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Enjoy a two-night stay in Xian.
Highlights: Muslim Quarter
First Class Hotel: Grand Mercure Xian Renmin Square, Deluxe Hotel: Hilton Xian
Day 5 july 5 Saturday xian tour
Depart from the hotel and visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of Xi'an city built in AD 652. Standing at 212 feet (64.5 m) tall, it was constructed to house Buddhist scriptures collected by Xuan Zang after his epic journey to India and back.
Next, drive approximately 40 km (1 hour) to the Terra Cotta Warriors Museum, the highlight of today's tour. Discover Emperor Qin Shihuang's vast funeral site, where the life-like terra-cotta army was unearthed in 1974. Though not the emperor's actual tomb, this discovery remains a remarkable testament to ancient China's history and was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.
Highlights: The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Terra Cotta Warriors Museum
First Class Hotel: Grand Mercure Xian Renmin Square, Deluxe Hotel: Hilton Xian
Day 6 july 6 sunday Xian tour & zhangjiajie arrival
In the morning, explore the Ancient City Wall, the most intact ancient Chinese wall, and a landmark of Xian. Encircling and protecting the ancient part of the city, this six-hundred-year-old structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a bicycle ride along the wall for a unique perspective.
Next, visit the Xian Great Mosque and its vibrant bazaar. Built in a Chinese architectural style, the mosque remains an active place of worship with beautiful gardens. Explore the bustling bazaar at the mosque's entrance, offering an array of fascinating sights and sounds.
Afterward, transfer to Xian airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie (3U3271 14:35-16:05 or similar). Upon arrival in Zhangjiajie at 16:05, meet and greet before transferring to your hotel (approximately 1 hour). Check-in and enjoy a three-night stay in Zhangjiajie.
Highlights: The Ancient City Wall, Xian Great Mosque and bazaar
First Class Hotel: Pullman Hotel, Deluxe Hote: Zhangjiajie Neodalle Resort Hotel
Day 7 july 7 Monday zhangjiajie full day exploration
Drive to the Zhangjiajie National Park entrance, ascend magnificent Tianzi mountains by its cable car, marvel at spectacular wall-like mountain peaks to the likeness of China ancient skyline. Transfer by park bus to virginal Tianzi mount, Tianzi means “son of heaven” and was named for a local farmer who led a successful farmer’s revolt. The area is known as the “Monarch of the Peak Forest” for its elevated position and stunning views.
Transfer to Yuanjiajie by internal park bus for the most iconic Hallelujah Mountains in the famous movie, Avatar, the famous spots are the first bridge in the world, lost-soul platform, and Hallelujah Mountain pillar providing panoramic vistas of the stunning Zhangjiajie National Park. Descend from the super Bailong Elevator, the world’s highest and fastest elevator.
Take then the cable car back to the foot of the mountain, you can also hike or walk down. It will take 1.5-2 hours. After visit, drive back to your hotel.
Highlights: Zhangjiajie National Park, Tianzi Mountains, Yuanjiajie, Hallelujah Mountains
First Class Hotel: Pullman Hotel, Deluxe Hote: Zhangjiajie Neodalle Resort Hotel
Day 8 july 8 Tuesday zhangjiajie full day exploration
Embark on a drive to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, a breathtaking new scenic wonder known for its lush mountains, awe-inspiring gorge skyline, and pristine streams. Explore the famous glass-bottom bridge spanning 430 meters across a 300-meter-high canyon, offering thrilling views.
In the afternoon, journey to Tianmen Mountain National Park, also known as Heaven Gate Mountain, aboard the world's longest cable car (7455 meters). Marvel at the spectacular 99 hairpin road as it winds against towering cliffs. Arrive at the base platform and ascend a long flight of stairs to Tianmen Cave, the highest natural cave in the world, known as the 'Heaven Reaching Ladder'. Explore the newly built Tianmen Temple before returning to your hotel.
Highlights: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Yianmen Mountain National Park
First Class Hotel: Pullman Hotel, Deluxe Hote: Zhangjiajie Neodalle Resort Hotel
Day 9 july 9 Wednesday guilin arrival
Proceed to Zhangjiajie railway station and board a fast train to Guilin (07:17-14:21 or similar).
Upon arrival at Guilin railway station, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
Spend one night in Guilin and enjoy dinner at the hotel.
Highlights:
First Class Hotel: Jolie Vue Boutique Hotel, Deluxe Hote: Shangri-la Hotel Guilin
Day 10 july 10 Thursday guilin-yangshuo with li river cruise
You will be picked up from the hotel for a Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. As you cruise along the river, marvel at the picturesque scenery of bamboo forests, dense reed-beds, and stunning rock formations spread across 83 kilometers of beautiful countryside. Upon arrival in Yangshuo, visit West Street.
And then you will set off from Yangshuo for a guided biking tour in a quiet trail to visit the authentic villages. Along the way, you will see buffalos plowing, farmers hard at work in the fields, with the background of mountain reflecting in the water.
In the evening, you have the option to see the evening show "Impression Lijiang".
Stay one night in Yangshuo.
Highlights: enjoy the serenity along the Li River, guided biking tour in the authentic villages, evening show"Impression Lijiang"
First Class Hotel: Mountain Retreat Resort, Deluxe Hotel: Yangshuo Sugar House
Day 11 july 11 friday Yangshuo tour
Embark on a morning hike to the summit of Moon Hill, where breathtaking panoramic views await.
Drive to Guilin airport and fly to Shanghai in the afternoon.
Highlights: Moon Hill, rice fields, Bamboo Rafting
First Class Hotel: Mountain Retreat Resort, Deluxe Hotel: Yangshuo Sugar House
Day 12 july 12 Saturday Guilin - shanghai arrival
Check out, and drive to Guilin airport and fly to Shanghai in the afternoon.
Highlights: Lijiang River
First Class Hotel: Donghu Hotel, Shanghai or similar; Deluxe Hotel: Alila Shanghai
Day 13 july 13 Sunday shanghai city tour
Explore the vibrant city of Shanghai on a comprehensive city tour. Begin with a visit to the iconic Bund, renowned for its historic waterfront architecture and stunning skyline views. Stroll along Nanjing Road East, one of the world's busiest shopping streets, bustling with shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
Next, immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty. Wander through its serene pavilions, rockeries, and ponds, admiring the traditional architecture and exquisite landscaping.
Finally, ascend the Shanghai Tower, one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, for unparalleled panoramic views of the city skyline. Experience the bustling metropolis from above, offering a unique perspective on Shanghai's dynamic urban landscape.
Highlights: the Bund, Nanjing Road East, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Tower
First Class Hotel: Donghu Hotel, Shanghai or similar; Deluxe Hotel: Alila Shanghai
Day 14 july 14 monday shanghai water town tour
Embark on a full-day guided city tour starting with a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, a revered Buddhist temple dating back to 1882. Discover its rich history and marvel at the two jade Buddha statues brought from Burma by the monk Huigen.
Next, journey approximately 1 hour to the picturesque water town of Zhujiajiao. With a history spanning over 1700 years, Zhujiajiao is renowned for its well-preserved ancient charm. Explore its narrow streets, ancient bridges, and tranquil waterways, immersing yourself in a world of antiquity and tranquility amidst the modern city.
After your visit, return to your hotel, reflecting on the day's cultural discoveries and scenic wonders.
Highlights: Jade Buddha Temple, Zhujiajiao
First Class Hotel: Donghu Hotel, Shanghai or similar; Deluxe Hotel: Alila Shanghai
Day 15 july 15 tuesday shanghai departure
Meet at hotel and drive to airport, departure. (END)
TRAVEL MOMENTS
General Information
Time Zone
China operates on a single time zone, which is China Standard Time (CST). This time zone is UTC+8, meaning it is 8 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Whether you're exploring bustling cities, ancient landmarks, or scenic landscapes, you can rely on China Standard Time throughout your journey.
Currency
The official currency of China is the Chinese Yuan, abbreviated as CNY or RMB (Renminbi). The primary unit of the currency is the Yuan, and it is denoted by the symbol 元 or ¥.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit China depends on your preferences and the specific regions you plan to explore. Whether you prefer the festive atmosphere of Chinese New Year, the blooming scenery of spring, the warmth of summer, or the colorful foliage of autumn, there's always an ideal time to discover the diverse beauty of this vast and culturally rich country.