Cultural and Natural China Tour
Experience the best of China with our 15-day tour of Shanghai, Kaifeng, Zhengzhou, Kunming, Zhangjiajie, and Hangzhou. Explore ancient cultural sites, marvel at stunning landscapes, and unwind in picturesque cities. Discover the wonders of China in this unforgettable journey.
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.
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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Tour 'Wow' Points
Enjoy a Peaceful Boat Ride Through Zhujiajiao Water Town
Marvel at the Famous Hallelujah Mountain in the Movie "Avatar"
Explore the Stone Forest of Kunming
Witness the Famous West Lake of Hangzhou
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 Shanghai. 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 evolution of Shanghai, starting at the historic Bund. Follow your guide through hidden alleys, witnessing locals adapting to urban housing stress. Relish Shanghai snacks at a Michelin-starred restaurant and experience authentic takeout customs.
Cross the Huangpu River on a public ferry to reach Pudong New Area, where modern Shanghai thrives. Ascend Shanghai Tower for incredible city views or choose another towering structure.
Visit the Jade Buddha Temple, showcasing precious statues from Burma. Marvel at the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall's forward-looking displays, including a grand city model. Unearth Shanghai's captivating blend of culture, history, and future aspirations on this unforgettable journey.
Step back in time as you cruise along the river through Zhujiajiao Ancient Town. This fan-shaped water town boasts centuries of history, featuring beautiful examples of Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture and 36 ancient stone bridges that have retained their original allure.
Explore four must-see attractions during your visit, including the ancient pharmacy Tongtianhe, the historic Post Office, the serene Yuanjin Temple, and the exquisite Kezhi Garden. Marvel at the intricate details and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of this captivating destination.
Discover the allure of Daxianggguo Temple, one of China's most famous Buddhist temples. Its rich history spanning several centuries has generated numerous legends, dramas, and fictions, making it renowned both in China and internationally. Immerse yourself in the captivating stories of Xiang Couple, Mother Buddha, and Lu Zhishen pulling out a tree, adding to the temple's legendary allure.
Explore the iconic Kaifeng Iron Pagoda, a magnificent 13-story pagoda with a remarkable history of 1000 years. Regarded as the Beautiful Pagoda under the heavens, it stands as a symbol of Kaifeng City and captivates visitors with its architectural beauty and cultural significance.
Visit the Dragon Pavilion, named after the tablet "Huang Di Wan Sui" (Long Live the Emperor) housed within. This exquisite pavilion holds great historical significance. Today, the surrounding Longting (Dragon Pavilion) Park has grown into Kaifeng's premier scenic attraction, drawing visitors from around the world. It's a must-visit spot in Kaifeng, allowing you to delve into the city's captivating heritage and create lasting memories.
Explore Kaifeng's Western Shore Theme Park, a sprawling historical cultural theme park spanning almost 400,000 square meters. Inspired by Zhang Zeduan's renowned painting, "The MILLENNIUM CITY PARK," this park vividly brings to life the social life and architecture of the Northern Song Dynasty. Don't miss the museum dedicated to the city's Jewish history.
Visit the Memorial to Lord Bao, an impressive temple commemorating the famous official from the Song Dynasty. It stands out for its scale, extensive materials, and influence, located next to Yanqing Temple and Lord Bao Lake.
Experience Kaifeng Hall, the court of administration and justice during the Song Dynasty. This reconstructed complex covers 10 acres and comprises 50 buildings, including the Major Hall, Plum Hall, and a Taoist Temple. Witness captivating performances and learn about the legendary Lord Bao's pursuit of justice.
Explore the magnificent Yang Family Compound, a masterpiece of architecture built by Song dynasty military officials. Located on the northern bank of the Lake of Yang Family in Kaifeng City, it spans 2.6 hectares and features distinct eastern, western, and middle yards.
Stroll down the enchanting Song Dynasty Imperial Street in Kaifeng City's northern section of Zhongshan Street. Immerse yourself in the history and vibrant atmosphere of this ancient street.
Discover the treasures of Kaifeng Museum, spanning 16,000 square meters with 13 exhibition halls. The museum showcases over 50,000 exquisite pieces, including pottery, porcelain, and Chinese paintings.
Experience the awe-inspiring majesty of the Yellow River, considered the cradle of Chinese culture. Explore the Yellow River Scenery Area and be captivated by the grandeur and vastness of China's mother river.
Discover the revered Native Place of Emperor Huangdi, a site that holds great significance in ancient Chinese history. Visit this sacred place, just a short drive from Zhengzhou, and delve into the rich cultural heritage of this legendary emperor. Immerse yourself in history as you explore one of Zhengzhou's top ten tourist attractions.
Located 90 km southeast of Kunming, the Stone Forest is a stunning natural phenomenon shaped over millions of years. Explore the karst landscapes and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Sani people. Their colorful embroidery and traditional dances against the backdrop of breathtaking scenery will leave a lasting impression.
Discover Kunming's largest temple with over 1,200 years of history. Join the list of distinguished Buddhist temples in China and witness its grandeur. Don't miss the notable ceremony held here in 1956 to welcome and consecrate the Buddha's tooth.
Located 37km west of downtown Kunming near Dianchi Lake, the Dragon Gate in Western Hill is an incredible complex of grottoes, sculptures, corridors, and pavilions. Carved between 1781 and 1835 by a Taoist monk and his team, this site offers an unforgettable experience.
Take the Xishan Chairlift for stunning views as it connects Xvguang Pavilion and Yingxi Pavilion. This 20-minute ride offers a chance to admire the Taoist Grottoes at the Dragon Gate. Use the chairlift for a quicker and easier way down the hill.
At Kunming Old House Restaurant, located near the Bird and Flower Market, you can enjoy authentic Yunnan cuisine. The main building, dating back to 1852, exemplifies the courtyard design of the era. Experience the flavors of Yunnan in this historic setting.
In Zhangjiajie, you will visit the National Forest Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Marvel at the unique pillar-like formations shaped by erosion over time. Explore the park's vast forest-covered area, including Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie, Jinbian Stream, and Wulongzhai.
Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting nearby villages inhabited by Tujia, Bai, Miao, and Hui people. Please note that accommodations and meals in mountain areas like Zhangjiajie and Huangshan are simple. Adjust your expectations accordingly for the best experience. Get ready to be captivated by the breathtaking landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Today, our guide will lead you to visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, which is a stunning natural attraction that has recently been developed into a wonderland for visitors. It offers a combination of majestic mountains, flowing streams, intriguing caves, towering cliffs, and lush forests. One of the highlights of this scenic area is the world's longest and highest glass bridge. Imagine the thrill of walking on this bridge, suspended 300 meters above the ground! It's definitely an experience you wouldn't want to miss during your tour.
If walking on the glass bridge isn't your cup of tea, don't worry. We have an alternative route that allows you to still enjoy the attraction without stepping on the glass bridge. However, if you decide to take on the adventure, please note that for safety reasons, carrying a camera on the bridge is not allowed. You can, however, bring your cellphone or GoPro to capture those unforgettable moments.
Visit the Tianmen Mountain, the awe-inspiring heart of Zhangjiajie! As the highest peak in the area, this majestic mountain offers unrivaled views of ancient trees, stunning karst formations, and scenic roads carved into cliff sides. Hop on the world's longest cable car ride, a thrilling 30-minute journey from the city center, and ascend to the mountain's summit.
At 1430 meters above ground, you'll find the renowned Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway, a remarkable observation platform that extends from a sheer cliff. This narrow 1.6-meter-wide, 60-meter-long glass walkway offers brave souls not only breathtaking views of the mountains below but also the exhilaration of treading nervously above such heights. Some have even likened this experience to the famous 'skywalk' at the Grand Canyon in Arizona, USA.
Don't miss the chance to explore this remarkable natural wonder in China. Savor the beauty and thrill of Tianmen Mountain, an experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories.
Explore the mesmerizing West Lake, an iconic symbol of Hangzhou and a place of tranquility. Stroll along the tree-lined walkways, admire the picturesque views, and don't miss Fairy Island to witness the breathtaking Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, one of the Ten Best Views of West Lake.
Immerse yourself in the spiritual ambiance of Lingyin Temple, one of China's most esteemed Buddhist temples. Marvel at the magnificent pagodas and Buddhist grottoes that adorn the temple grounds. Explore the legendary Feilai Feng (Flying Peak), where numerous enchanting Buddha images are intricately carved. Visit the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, Grand Hall of the Great Sage, Hall of the Medicine Buddha, Sutra Library, and the Hall of the Five Hundred Arhats.
Immerse yourself in Hangzhou's vibrant tea culture and tantalizing cuisine on this unforgettable day. We'll start at Meijiawu Tea Village, the birthplace of West Lake Dragon Well tea. Learn the art of tea picking from a local farmer and witness the intricate process of stir-frying tea leaves. Master the art of brewing a perfect cup of tea before bidding farewell to the village.
Next, we'll drive to Zhi Wei Guan Restaurant, renowned for its fusion of traditional and modern recipes. Indulge in their famous specialties like Zuiji, a dish of chicken preserved in alcohol, and savor the internationally acclaimed fried cod and West Lake fish. Don't miss the lotus roots with sweet glutinous rice, a favorite among food lovers seeking authentic Hangzhou cuisine.
Our guide will help you transfer from your hotel to Shanghai Pudong 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-8