14-Day China Highlights Tour: Beijing, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie, Guilin & Shanghai

This 14-day natural wonders discovery tour covers the most important historical destinations and extraordinary scenery destinations in China. Discovery with fun. The advantage with comfort!

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.

Suggested 14-Day Itinerary

Itinerary Quick Look

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

• Your personal guide greets you at the airport with a warm smile, ensuring a seamless and welcoming start to your adventure.
• Relax in a private transfer to your selected hotel, where you can unwind after your journey.

---

Day 2: Imperial Treasures of Beijing

• Immerse yourself in local life at the Temple of Heaven, joining residents in their morning exercises before savoring an authentic local lunch.
• Dive deep into the Forbidden City with your guide, exploring hidden halls away from the crowds to uncover secrets of China’s imperial past.

---

Day 3: Hiking the Majestic Great Wall

• Embark on a breathtaking 5km hike from Jinshanling to Simatai West, where restored and wild wall sections offer unparalleled views and photo opportunities.
• Traverse over 15 distinct watchtowers, feeling the weight of history on this less-crowded, iconic section of the Wall.

---

Day 4: Royal Gardens & High-Speed to Xi’an

• Stroll through the serene Summer Palace, enjoying a relaxing boat ride and the beautifully painted ceilings of its legendary Long Corridor.
• Experience China’s modern efficiency firsthand on a smooth high-speed train journey to the ancient capital of Xi’an.

---

Day 5: The Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Walls

• Stand in awe before the ranks of the life-sized Terracotta Army and then try your hand at crafting your own miniature warrior in a local artisan’s cave dwelling.
• Cycle or walk along the magnificent, ancient City Wall for a unique perspective over old and new Xi’an.

---

Day 6: Xi’an’s History & Flavors to Zhangjiajie

• Delve into rich history at the museum and pagoda, then lose yourself in the vibrant aromas and tastes of the Muslim Quarter’s street food.
• Catch an evening flight to Zhangjiajie, the gateway to otherworldly mountain landscapes.

---

Day 7: Avatar’s Pandora on Earth

• Ride a cable car up Tianzi Mountain for surreal vistas of towering sandstone pillars piercing the clouds from the thrilling glass walkway.
• Walk among the soaring “Avatar Hallelujah Mountains” in the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, the very inspiration for the famous movie.

---

Day 8: Thrills Above the Clouds

• Take a heart-pounding walk on the glass pathway clinging to Tianmen Mountain’s cliff after riding the world’s longest alpine cable car.
• Test your courage on the world’s highest and longest glass bridge, suspended 300 meters above the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.

---

Day 9: Scenic Journey to Guilin

• Enjoy a day of scenic travel via high-speed train, watching the landscape transform from dramatic peaks to the serene limestone hills of Guilin.
• Meet your new guide upon arrival in the picturesque river city, ready for the next chapter of your journey.

---

Day 10: Guilin’s Natural & Ancient Charms

• Explore the dazzling, multi-colored stalactites of Reed Flute Cave and capture the iconic silhouette of Elephant Trunk Hill.
• Step back in time in Daxu Old Town, wandering ancient flagstone streets and hearing lasting stories from local residents.

---

Day 11: A Picturesque Li River Cruise

• Glide down the serene Li River on a premium 4-star cruise, past iconic karst peaks and bamboo groves—the essence of classical Chinese painting.
• Disembark in the beautiful town of Yangshuo and enjoy free time to soak in the laid-back atmosphere of your riverside retreat.

---

Day 12: Yangshuo Countryside & Fly to Shanghai

• Choose your own adventure exploring the idyllic Yulong River area by bike, moped, or car, interacting with locals amidst stunning pastoral scenery.
• After a peaceful morning, board your flight to the dynamic, cosmopolitan metropolis of Shanghai.

---

Day 13: Shanghai’s Past & Future

• Go beyond photos on our In-Depth Bund Discovery Tour, stepping into historic buildings to hear tales of Shanghai’s glamorous 1920s golden age.
• Soar to the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower for a staggering bird’s-eye view of the city’s incredible skyline and development.
• Enjoy a personalized “Icing-on-the-Cake” experience—your guide will tailor the perfect final afternoon, whether for art, fashion, relaxation, or unique local discoveries.

---

Day 14: Departure from Shanghai

• Enjoy a stress-free transfer to the airport with your guide and driver, concluding your remarkable two-week journey through China.

Every element of the tour above can be tailored. Feel free to tell us your ideas and we will be happy to make adjustments for you.

1. Extend the Tour

• Chengdu: add 2–3 days — giant pandas, Leshan Buddha and delicious food.
• Suzhou and/or Hangzhou: add 1–4 days — water towns, gardens, the Grand Canal, and West Lake.
• More destinations: Huangshan, Yunnan and Tibet. Inform us of your interests and we will offer you some recommendations.

2. Accommodation

Various types of accommodation are available:

• Famous 5-star hotel chains
• 4-star hotels in the best locations
• Good value 3-star hotels
• Boutique hotels that reflect the style of the region

Whatever your accommodation preferences are, our travel experts will seek out and find the perfect one for you.

3. Transportation

China is a huge country, so to make your travel experience more efficient, we usually arrange flights to connect to your destinations.

China’s high-speed rail network is a fast-paced way to travel. We recommend taking high-speed trains for journeys of less than 6 hours to interested customers — please tell us if you are one of them.

4. Meals

Vegetarian, halal, kosher, Indian, or gluten-free — all your dietary requirements can be taken care of by our experienced private guides. Let us know if you have any of these dietary requirements during your booking.

Lunches at popular local restaurants are included for you so you can taste authentic Chinese food. Your guide will assist you with ordering the dishes.

Tour Package Price: From US$3,429 per person

This starting price is based on a private tour for two people staying in 4-star hotels. The final price will vary depending on your customized program, travel date, group size, and hotel selection.

---

What’s Included

• Private Transfers
  Travel in a private, air-conditioned business car with ample space and large windows.
• Expert Guide
  Services of an English-speaking local guide.
• Activities & Accommodation
  All activities, hotels, and meals as specified in your itinerary.
• Inter-city Travel
  All domestic flights and train tickets between cities mentioned in the itinerary.
• 24/7 Support
  Round-the-clock helpline throughout your journey.