17-Day Beijing, Xian, Yangtze River Cruise, Zhangjiajie, Guilin and Shanghai Tour

Upon your flight's arrival, your tour guide will be waiting for you in the airport's arrival hall. They will greet you warmly, holding a nameplate for easy identification. A private van and driver will be ready to transfer you comfortably to your hotel.

The Forbidden City, the former imperial palace, is a treasure trove of history and artifacts. Our guided tour takes you beyond the tourist crowds to explore lesser-known gems and hear fascinating tales of ancient emperors and their families. Learn about the most accomplished and the most eccentric rulers, and uncover the secrets of Cixi, the powerful empress dowager who shaped the destiny of the empire.

Next, you'll visit the Temple of Heaven, a magnificent complex where Ming and Qing emperors performed annual rituals to honor Heaven and ensure bountiful harvests. The centerpiece is the circular altar, a symbol of the harmonious relationship between heaven and earth.

The Great Wall of China is a global icon, and the Mutianyu section offers a truly unforgettable experience. Less crowded than other popular sections, Mutianyu boasts breathtaking views and easy access via round-trip cable car. As you ascend to the watchtowers, you'll be captivated by the stunning scenery: lush forests, towering peaks, and sweeping valleys.

Then, explore the disappearing world of Beijing's hutongs. These historic alleyways, lined with traditional courtyard houses, offer a glimpse into old Beijing's way of life. You'll wander through narrow streets, visit a local family, and learn about the efforts to preserve this unique culture and architecture.

Before heading to Xi'an, you will visit the Summer Palace in the morning. It is the museum of Royal Gardens. Its Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, Marble Boat, and Suzhou Street are the highlights with the combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural richness.

The high speed train journey to Xi'an takes about 5 hours to travel across more than 165 kilometers at an average speed of 250 km/h.

The Terracotta Warriors are a must-see attraction in Xi'an. While you can find plenty of information online about these incredible sculptures, our tour will reveal the hidden stories behind their creation. How did ancient craftsmen achieve such a feat of making more than 8,000 life-sized warriors in 11 years? Learn about the innovative techniques used to sculpt, paint, and preserve the clay figures. You will have the opportunity to try your hand at sculpting terracotta warriors in a local workshop, gaining a deeper appreciation for the skills.

Next, let's walk on the Ancient City Wall for a stunning panoramic view of the Xi'an, including the Bell Tower, Drum Tower, and Muslim Quarter.

Conclude your Xi'an adventure with a culinary feast in the Muslim Quarter. This vibrant neighborhood offers a tantalizing array of local delicacies. Foodies will be in paradise, savoring the iconic rou jia mo, lamb skewers, beef noodles, and more.

Today, you will fly to Zhangjiajie in the afternoon. Before that, you will climb up to the top of Big Wild Goose Pagoda to take in the city's skyline and surrounding landscape. Though it can be a bit steep, but the view from the top is well worth it.

Flight from Xi'an to Zhangjiajie takes nearly 2 hours. Your guide from Zhangjiajie will be waiting at the airport to transfer you to your hotel.

Zhangjiajie's natural wonders are truly awe-inspiring. Witness the ethereal mist that envelops the mountain peaks, and the vibrant hues of sunrise and sunset. Explore the numerous platforms, each offering unique perspectives of the magnificent scenery.

Experience the thrill of the Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest and fastest sightseeing elevator. This glass-enclosed marvel transports you 335 meters to the top in just two minutes.

The iconic pillar formation of Tianzi Mountain served as the inspiration for the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. It is also a popular spot for watching sunrise and sunset, as the changing light creates dramatic and colorful displays.

Known for the deep gorges, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon is great for nature lovers and adventure seekers. The world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge is located here. Walking on the bridge offers a thrilling and unforgettable experience.

And a scenic walkway, also called a ten-mile gallery, that winds through the canyon. You will see the surrounding mountains and waterfall with good views.

Then, discover the serene beauty of Baofeng Lake. Nestled in a picturesque basin, the tranquil lake offers a peaceful escape. Enjoy a 30-minute wooden boat on the crystal clear waters, immersing yourself in the enchanting melodies of traditional folk songs performed by local musicians.

Only two high speed trains are serving the route from Zhangjiajie to Guilin. You will board an early morning train today, using 7 hours.

Your first destination is the Reed Flute Cave, which is a natural limestone cave with a variety of stalagmites and stalactites. Their intricate formations and colorful lighting make the cave more interesting.

Get ready for a touch of exercise on our trip to Ping'an Zhuang Village in Longsheng! Nestled in the mountains, this charming village is home to over 200 people and boasts terraced rice fields. You will be guided to two viewpoints to witness the magnificence of the landscape from different angles.

Join a friendly minority family to learn how to prepare bamboo-tube rice, a local delicacy, using authentic techniques. Explore their wooden home and gain insights into the lives of the mountain people.

Taking a Li River cruise is a relaxing and unforgettable way to experience the natural beauty. Along the river, you will encounter charming fishing villages nestled among the mountains. Watch as locals go about their daily lives, and perhaps even catch a glimpse of water buffalo grazing in the fields. Enjoy the peacefulness and tranquility as you glide along the water.

Next, explore Yangshuo's idyllic countryside after disembarking. Your guide will lead you on a 1.5-hour cycling tour through the countryside covering about 10 kilometers, where oddly shaped hills pierce the sky and rice paddies cascade down the slopes.

Return to Guilin for the night, and prepare for your flight to Chongqing the next day. If you prefer to extend your stay in the picturesque countryside of Yangshuo, please let your travel consultant know.

It takes about 4 hours to transfer from Guilin to Chongqing by high speed train. Upon arrival, your guide will escort you to the wharf, where you'll board a Yangtze River Cruise. Enjoy three nights of breathtaking scenery as you cruise along the river.

Your cruise will begin with a captivating stop at Fengdu Ghost City, a renowned destination famous for its unique theme of death and the afterlife. Here you will see a fascinating blend of Taoist mythology, folklore, and cultural traditions. For example, the "Hell Gates" are elaborate structures designed to depict the various levels of hell and the punishments associated with them. The "Tower of Ghosts" is said to be a place where the souls of the dead gather before their final judgment.

Following this, you will have ample time to relax and unwind on the cruise. Enjoy a variety of cultural events and live performances while cruising along the Yangtze River.

Your cruise will pass through the Qutang Gorge and Wu Gorge today. Qutang Gorge is the shortest of the three gorges. It is characterized by towering cliffs and narrow passages. It's known for its dramatic scenery and ancient temples.

Wu Gorge is the longest one, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, including towering mountains, lush forests, and charming villages. It's a popular spot for hiking and photography.

After a three-night cruise, you'll disembark at Yichang Port. You'll have the opportunity to visit the Three Gorges Museum for 1-2 hours. From there, you'll embark on a high-speed train journey to Shanghai, which takes approximately 8 hours. If you prefer to fly to Shanghai, we can customize the itinerary to accommodate your preference.

Discover the fascinating story of Shanghai's rise to the skies, a tale of ambition, innovation, and architectural marvels that transformed the city into a metropolis on the planet. Soar to the top of the iconic Shanghai Tower and venture to the dazzling skyscrapers. Next, embark on a leisurely public ferry along the Huangpu River. As you approach the Bund, take time to explore its architectural treasures - a stunning collection of historic buildings that whisper stories of Shanghai's golden age. Wander deeper into the city's character-filled streets, where a hidden alley might reveal the charm of Old-world Shanghai.

Zhujiajiao Water Town is 15 km far away from Shanghai's city center. It is a charming historical town lined with traditional houses, temples, and bridges. You'll be guided to visit the Helong Art Gallery, Chenghuang Temple, and Kezhi Garden, which are the three cultural attractions.

Your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel to assist with your airport transfer and flight. The guide will accompany you through the airport process, providing assistance up to the security checkpoint. They will then bid you farewell as you proceed through security.