China Cultural and Natural Beauty Tour
Discover the best of China on a captivating 14-day tour. Delve into the historical wonders of Beijing, explore the mystical Silk Road in Dunhuang, visit the ancient city of Xian with its Terracotta Warriors, and marvel at the breathtaking scenery of Zhangjiajie. Immerse yourself in the rich culture, awe-inspiring landscapes, and architectural marvels as you journey through these iconic destinations.
The itinerary below is only one possibility. Tips to tailor-make your trip are offered as inspiration. Send us details of your preferences and our travel experts will customize this trip to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Discover the Ancient Imperial Complex of the Forbidden City
Explore The Renowned Mogao Caves with an Expert Guide
Have an Unforgettable Camel Ride Across the Desert of the Singing Sand Mountains
Discover Unknown Secrets of Terracotta Warriors
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
An amazing experience in Beijing !
We had a wonderful time visiting the Beijing Zoo and the Great Wall with our guide Paul! He was exceptionally kind and knowledgeable and took exceptionally good care of us. We enjoyed conversing with him and learning about life in Beijing as well as the history of the Great Wall. He was also helpful in finding us food to fit my dietary needs which I appreciated. Everything about our trip has been smooth and we had such good fun. I would absolutely recommend China Highlights and Paul for their professionalism! more
Sep 2024, Ann-Marie M@E2527CAannmariem
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Family Fun Beijing!
Great experience with China Highlights!!! Great sightseeing, wonderful people! Thank-you Selinda (Tour guide) for a wonderful time! more
Sep 2024, DSD
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Guide Olivia
Olivia was an excellent and thoughtful guide. Would highly recommend. H as d an excellent trip to Beijing in September 2024 more
Sep 2024, RupertL
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at the arrival hall in Beijing. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you to check-in.
Discover the ancient imperial complex of the Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing. Marvel at its grandeur, with vast squares, halls, and gardens showcasing the best-preserved architectural wonders from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Explore the exhibitions filled with ancient treasures during a 2-hour walk.
Visit Tiananmen Square, Beijing's largest city square, surrounded by significant buildings and landmarks. Experience its cultural importance and historical significance during a 30-minute visit.
Explore the narrow alleyways of the Hutong in Dongcheng District, remnants of traditional Beijing. Discover the unique courtyard houses and cultural heritage, visiting a local family to experience their traditional lifestyle. Ascend the Bell Tower for a bird's-eye view of the Hutong area. Walk approximately 800 meters during this 1-hour tour.
Visit the historic Temple of Heaven, originally built in 1420. This Taoist complex was a place where emperors held annual ceremonies for a successful harvest. Explore the temple's park, alive with locals singing, exercising, and practicing tai chi. Take an easy walk for around 1-1.5 hours (covering 1.5 kilometers) through this scenic area.
Discover the picturesque Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, the top-ranked section on TripAdvisor. With its well-restored architecture, this child-friendly section offers various ways to explore. Enjoy a time-saving round-trip cable car ride instead of climbing stairs. Experience the "golden route" hike between the 14th and 23rd watchtowers, known for its captivating beauty. Spend approximately 2 hours here before descending and taking a bus back to our vehicle.
Experience the beauty of the Summer Palace, located in northwest Beijing, just 9 miles (15 kilometers) from downtown. As China's largest and best-preserved royal park, it holds immense cultural and horticultural significance. Known as 'The Museum of Royal Gardens', the Summer Palace offers stunning natural vistas and captivating historical attractions. Enjoy a leisurely 2-hour walk (covering 2 kilometers) through the park, immersing yourself in its rich heritage.
Embark on a guided tour of the renowned Mogao Caves, accompanied by an English, German, French, or Japanese-speaking guide. While around 30 caves are open to the public, the tour typically showcases a selection of 10 caves chosen by the guide, providing a representative experience of this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage site.
Afterward, visit the Dunhuang Museum, an immersive journey into the region's rich history. Explore a comprehensive collection of over 4,000 precious cultural relics, historical artifacts, folk art, and natural resources. Learn about the vibrant cultural exchange between China and the West during the Silk Road era, when Dunhuang thrived as a major center.
Explore the enchanting Singing Sand Mountains (Mingsha Shan) and discover the breathtaking Crescent Spring (Yueya Quan), located just 6 km (4 mi) south of Dunhuang. This oasis in the desert will captivate you with its unique beauty. The spring gets its name from the crescent-shaped lake formed by the spring water nestled between two massive sand dunes. Surprisingly, despite the arid surroundings, the pool remains full year-round, defying expectations.
Embark on an unforgettable camel ride across the desert of the Singing Sand Mountains. Immerse yourself in the stunning scenery, as the smooth yellow dunes gracefully undulate against the deep blue sky. Feel transported to the ancient Silk Road as you traverse the landscape. Don't forget to step off the camel and listen for the magical singing of the sand, a fascinating natural phenomenon.
Discover the remnants of Yumenguan Pass, once a significant western gate of the Han Dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.). Despite being partially ruined by shifting sands over the centuries, this ancient site still exudes its former splendor. Experience the historical significance of this gateway to China's past.
Witness the remarkable Great Wall of the Han Dynasty, constructed to defend against the nomadic Xiongnu during the reign of Han Dynasty (206 B.C.– 220 A.D.). Although you'll spend a brief 30 minutes at this site, you'll gain insight into the architectural marvels that centuries-old civilizations created to protect their territories.
Embark on a captivating journey to Yadan National Geological Park, known for its mesmerizing rock formations and unique landscapes. Located south of Wubao town in Hami, around 20 kilometers away from Wubao and 100 kilometers from Hami city, the park is home to the renowned "Evil City." Marvel at the striking rocks resembling animals or famous attractions from around the world. Don't miss the chance to experience the enchanting night sound of this extraordinary park.
Explore the fascinating world of the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an. Discover unknown secrets behind these ancient masterpieces, learn about the impressive craftsmanship, and visit a local cave dwelling to experience traditional warrior-making. Craft your own miniature warrior with the help of a skilled host.
Experience the vibrant Muslim Quarter, located near the Bell Tower in downtown Xi'an. Stroll through the bustling 500-meter-long avenue filled with unique stalls, souvenir shops, cafes, and bars run by Muslim locals. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and cultural diversity.
Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in Da Ci'en Temple, an elegant Buddhist site. Built in the 7th century, this brick pagoda housed Buddhist materials brought from India. Explore the temple complex, admire statues, and enjoy the beautiful murals.
Cycle atop the ancient Xian City Wall, one of China's oldest and best-preserved defense systems. Biking along the 13.74 km perimeter takes approximately 2 hours. If weather conditions are unfavorable, a visit to the Bell Tower is provided. Bike rental fee is included, and walking or using a club car is alternative options.
Discover the history of Shaanxi at the impressive Shaanxi History Museum. Housed in Tang-style buildings, it features a vast collection. Enjoy the exhibits and rely on your guide for information. Wear comfortable shoes.
Explore the Hanyang Tomb, known as the Tomb of Emperor Jingdi from the Han Dynasty. This site showcases a rich collection of tombs, including the underground exhibition hall displaying archaeological discoveries. Visit the above-ground museum and, if arranged, participate in archaeological digs.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Explore the mesmerizing Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stunning pillar-like formations shaped by erosion. With abundant forest coverage, visit Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie, Jinbian Stream, and Wulongzhai. Immerse yourself in local culture by exploring nearby villages inhabited by Tujia, Bai, Miao, and Hui people.
Mt. Tianzishan: Experience the natural wonders of Mt. Tianzishan, known for mist-covered peaks, breathtaking sunrises, moonlit nights, and snow-capped peaks. Take a cable car to Tianzi Mountain for panoramic views and relaxation. Avoid rush hours to minimize wait times.
Bailong Sightseeing Elevator: Witness the awe-inspiring Bailong Sightseeing Elevator, the world's highest and fastest, offering spectacular views of the Sandstone Peak Forest. It reaches a height of 335 meters in just 2 minutes. Plan your visit outside of rush hours to avoid long wait times.
Yuanjiajie (including the Hallelujah Mountains): Visit Yuanjiajie, located in Zhangjiajie National Park's northern corner. Discover attractions such as the Ecstasy Spot, Backyard, and First Bridge. Marvel at the famous Hallelujah Mountain, inspired by "Avatar." Capture remarkable photos from the Viewing Bridge Platform (Wangqiaotai) during the afternoon. Explore Tianzi Mountain and Yangjia Valley from here.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with Glass Bridge: Explore the natural wonderland of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, a scenic area with mountains, streams, caves, cliffs, and forests. Walk on the world's longest and highest glass bridge, offering a thrilling experience 300 meters above the ground. If preferred, an alternative route can be arranged to visit the attraction.
Tianmen Mountain (Tianmen Cave) including Glass Walkway and Cable Car: Experience the majestic Tianmen Mountain, the highest peak in Zhangjiajie. Take the world's longest cable car ride to the mountaintop and admire ancient trees, karst formations, and cliffside roads. Don't miss the breathtaking Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway, a 1430-meter-high observation platform that provides thrilling views of the mountains below, resembling the Grand Canyon Skywalk.
Our guide will help you transfer from your hotel to Beijing Capital Airport for departure with independentcar/van and guide.
Tour Price
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
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: cht-cx-21