14-Day China Tour with Zhangjiajie & Guilin Landscapes

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing Arrival

   Upon your arrival in Beijing, our private guide will pick you up for a seamless travel. Then you will be transferred to a downtown hotel by a comfortable van.

   If you are hunting for food, we have prepared a detailed guide to Beijing food. The juicy roast duck, fried bean sauce noodles, and sweet sesame cakes are waiting for your tasting. This is not only a trip on the tip of tongue, but also a special way to know about the authentic lifestyle in Beijing.

   Free time entertainment: Feel free to ask your personal travel consultant at any time, who will give tailored advice based on your interests and budgets.

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
2. Day 2: Beijing City Exploration
   A Glimpse of Beijing’s Heyday in the Qing Dynasty

   Today starts with a morning visit to the Temple of Heaven. When the sun casts its first ray on the blue glazed roof of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest, locals begin their morning exercise under ancient cedars. Some practice the soothing Tai Chi while some dance to the cheerful beat. Join them if you want to try.

   

   Travel to Tian’anmen Square then. It’s a witness of contemporary Chinese history. The red gate tower covered by a golden roof looks very solemn under the brilliant sky.

   The next stop is the Forbidden City. Most tour groups will finish exploring the central axis before one o’clock in the afternoon, so the number of tourists will significantly decrease by then. Walking through dozens of gates, you’ll see the Hall of Supreme Harmony standing on a white marble base. It’s the largest hall in the Forbidden City. Continue going north for more sights. Our guide will share many anecdotes about the royal harem.

   Later, take a rickshaw to explore the Hutongs surrounding Shichahai. The gray courtyards there hide the most vibrant living scenes of old Beijing.

   More fun activities:

   In the winding Hutongs, learn Chinese calligraphy, make dumplings yourself, or paint “Lord Rabbit”, a clay sculpture toy originating from old Beijing. Locals think it can dispel diseases and promote health. Nowadays, it’s also an auspicious cultural heritage.

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   4-star hotel in Beijing
3. Day 3: Beijing Great Wall Hiking
   An Unforgettable Trip to the Less-crowded Sections of the Great Wall

   We offer two Great Wall hiking options for you today, choose any one based on your interests:

   Option 1: Hike from Jinshanling to Simatai if you prefer the raw grandeur of the wild Great Wall. Throughout the 5-km-long journey, the rolling mountains are like waves framed by ancient walls. The damaged watchtowers, unrepaired wild walls, and the age-old bricks and stones in the wilderness will remind you of the unsettled history in the past.

   

   Option 2: Mutianyu is an ideal choice for a leisurely stroll and broad view. The walls are well preserved, winding through a sea of lush forests. The mountains change their colors with the seasons. Anytime you visit, it would be nice to take an easy walk to appreciate the splendid picture of this “dragon” blending with natural landscape.

   After the tour, our guide will lead you to a restaurant known only to locals to enjoy authentic Beijing Copper Hotpot. The fresh beef and mutton, served together with mellow sesame sauce, taste very delicious.

   Tips:

   1. Consider Simatai Great Wall if you want a more unique experience. It’s the only section open for night tours all year round. Sometimes there are even drone light shows and water dance shows.
   2. At Mutianyu, take a cable car up and down if you want to spare more time hiking the wall. Our guide can assist in purchasing tickets on site.

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   4-star hotel in Beijing
4. Day 4: Beijing to Xian by High-speed Train
   Tour Around the Summer Palace Like an Emperor

   The Summer Palace used to be a garden exclusive to the royal family. It perfectly integrates the refined elegance of southern gardens and the majesty of northern gardens.

   The 728-meter-long corridor inside once broke the Guinness World Records as the longest gallery in the world. While strolling along it, you can see the colorful paintings depicting different stories on each beam and column. This is also an excellent spot for taking photos of the lake, hill and pavilions.

   

   Looking down from the top of the Longevity Hill, the Kunming Lake feels like a wrinkling pearl. The Seventeen-Arch Bridge, spanning the east bank and Nanhu Island, is lined by 544 exquisite stone lions on both sides.

   In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Xi’an. Our professional driver will welcome you at the station and accompany you to the hotel in the city center.

   Option: In the Summer Palace, you can choose to take a boat tour on the Kunming Lake for a close view of the architectural complex surrounding the Longevity Hill.

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   4-star hotel in Xi'an
5. Day 5: Xian Terracotta Army Tour
   Awe-inspiring Underground Army & Enchanting Tang Dynasty Life

   Today, our guide will lead you to dive into the fascinating culture of Xi’an deposited in its long history.

   The Terracotta Warriors, often regarded as the eighth world wonder are a real eye-opener. More than 8,000 life-size pottery figurines are arrayed into different military formations in the three pits. From generals to soldiers, the facial expression, headgear and armor of each figurine are unique and lifelike.

   

   Drive back downtown to ascend the largest Ming Dynasty City Wall in China. This ancient military defence system is 13.74km in length. Riding a bike on the wall, you will encounter ancient arrow towers on one end, while on the other end are bustling modern city scenes.

   In Xi’an, no trip is complete without going to the Datang Everbright City, which represents the prosperous era of the Tang Dynasty amid dazzling lights. The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a prominent landmark here, whose initial design was introduced from India along with Buddhism.

   

   The Tang style pavilions are outlined by yellow lights. Fountains pop up to different heights in accordance with the volume of visitors’ shouting. A tumbler girl dressed in Tang costume spins round and round. They all make your trip more unforgettable.

   Optional activities:

   • Attend a special handicraft class near the Terracotta Warriors. Make a small pottery figurine under the guidance of a professional craftsman. Take it home for a lifetime memory.
   • Try on Tang Dynasty costumes and makeup and mingle with the crowds, as if you are traveling back to an ordinary night a thousand years ago.

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   4-star hotel in Xi’an
6. Day 6: Xi'an to Zhangjiajie by Flight
   Feast Your Eyes on Precious Cultural Relics

   Freshen up and go to Xi’an Museum (closed on Mondays). It houses over 130,000 cultural relics. A knowledgeable guide will show you around to admire the treasures such as Han Dynasty jade carvings and Tang Dynasty tri-color glazed pottery.

   Then take a slow walk inside the yard. The old trees and lawns make the yard feel even more peaceful. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda glows softly in the mild sunlight. Take a halt under the mottled tree shades to feel the ticking of time.

   

   Head to the very center of Xi’an - the Bell Tower and Drum Tower Square. The Bell Tower boasts a history of over 600 years. Up to now, it’s the largest and best-preserved bell tower in China.

   A 5-minute walk will take you to the Muslim Quarter. It’s literally a food paradise gathering almost all kinds of street foods in Xi’an. Don’t forget to sample Chinese hamburger and Biangbiang noodles.

   At the end of the tour, go to the airport accompanied by our guide for the flight to Zhangjiajie.

   Insider travel tip: Enter the Great Mosque in the Muslim Quarter for a brief tour if possible. It differs from other mosques in the classical Chinese style. As soon as you step into the mosque, you’ll feel as if you have entered a Chinese garden.

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   4-Star Hotel on Zhangjiajie
7. Day 7: Zhangjiajie Natural Landscape
   One Day Exploring the Avatar Mountains

   Our amazing wonderland tour today starts from the Tianzi Mountain. It’s known as a “natural bonsai museum” that offers different scenery throughout the four seasons. As the sightseeing cable car slowly goes up, the unique landform evolved from underwater sedimentary rocks 380 million years ago gradually comes into your view.

   The Imperial Brush Peak towers up into the clouds like a huge pen. The diagonally opposite peak looks like a young fairy scattering flowers into the world of men. The Immortal Bridge, aka the First Bridge Under Heaven, spans across sheer cliffs...Every spot is a testament to the geological legends taking place in thousands of years.

   

   After lunch, head to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area located within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. More than 3,000 quartz sandstone pillars stand there, forming a spectacular maze of peaks. They are the prototype for the hanging mountains in the movie Avatar.

   Ride the Bailong Elevator to feel the lightning fast speed. With a vertical drop of 326 meters, it can transfer visitors to the mountaintop at the speed of 5 meters per second. In the evening, enjoy the magnificent scene of the sunset covering the peaks with golden gauze.

   We’ll send you to the hotel after the tour.

   Tips: You can opt to take a cable car or Bailong Elevator down the mountain to save strength.

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   4-Star Hotel on Zhangjiajie
8. Day 8: Zhangjiajie Canyon Adventure
   Hold Your Breath - One Day in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Tianmen Mountain

   Enjoy the fresh air in Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. It’s such a vast natural oxygen bar with luxuriant vegetation, waterfalls, streams and springs.

   Do take a walk on the thrilling Glass Bridge of Zhangjiajie. It’s the world’s longest and tallest glass bridge. Summon up your courage! Feel the fast heartbeat while appreciating the gorgeous scenery under your feet.

   

   Drive to the Tianmen Mountain Forest Park near the city center, which is named after the natural wonder of “Tianmen Cave”. Reach the summit by the world’s longest high-altitude cable car. Stroll on the Guigu Plank Road and glass walkway, and then visit Tianmen Temple following the guide.

   Take the escalator down to Tianmen Cave, the highest karst cave piercing a mountain in the world. Challenge yourself to conquer the 999 steps. In China, 999 is an auspicious number meaning long-lasting and supreme. But visitors over 70 years old are not advised to try because of the steep gradient.

   Night Option: Watch the awesome performance of Tianmen Fox Fairy set in real-time landscape. It tells the story about the touching love between a human guy and a fox.

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   4-Star Hotel on Zhangjiajie
9. Day 9: Zhangjiajie to Guilin by High-speed Train

   Say goodbye to Zhangjiajie after breakfast. Our driver will send you to the train station for a high-speed train bound for Guilin.

   Suggested train number: D3967/07:12-14:13

   Note: There are no direct flights between Zhangjiajie and Guilin, but there is a high-speed train every day, with a duration of about 7 hours.

   Transport ideas: Alternatively, you can fly from Zhangjiajie to Changsha, and then switch to a high-speed train to Guilin. No matter which way you choose, our driver will pick you up at the train station in time and take you to the downtown hotel.

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   4-star hotel in Guilin
10. Day 10: Guilin’s Landmarks & Ancient Town
    One Day Highlights Tour in Guilin

    Our local tour guide will meet you in the hotel lobby this morning. Then head to Ludi Cave, a natural art treasure filled with unique stalagmites and stalactites. Under the colorful lights, it feels like a luxurious underground palace made by gems and corals.

    Note: The cave keeps a constant temperature of 16°C all year round. Take a thin coat to keep warm. Wear non-slip shoes to cope with the wet and slippery ground.

    Next, drive to the Elephant Trunk Hill in approximately half an hour. As its name suggests, the hill looks like a huge elephant drinking water by the river.

    

    
    Tip: The Sightseeing Platform No. 1 is the best spot for capturing a full-length picture of the “elephant”.

    A one-hour drive will take you to Daxu Ancient Town. It has a history of over 1,800 years and once was a gathering place for merchants. Stroll on the aged stone-paved path, holding a cup of coffee in hand. How cozy it is!

    The tour guide will take you into a small restaurant on the street to see the chef skillfully boiling rice noodles and cutting ingredients. Order a bowl of steaming Guilin rice noodles soaked in savory soup and topped with sour beans and fried soybeans. They truly show the most authentic flavor of Guilin.

    We’ll accompany you to the hotel after the tour ends.

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    4-star hotel in Guilin
11. Day 11: Guilin to Yangshuo by Cruise
    Travel in a “Painting” on the Cruise to Yangshuo

    This morning, a four-star cruise ship will slowly take you into the picturesque scenery of the Li River. As the ship glides downstream, the azure water ripples gently and the odd peaks are unveiled one after another. It seems that you are travelling in a picture. Our guides will show you where the most famous attractions are, including the Nine-Horse Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal (background scene of China’s 20-yuan note). He/she will also tell the interesting stories behind them.

    It’s highly recommended to taste the fish and shrimps freshly caught from the river. They are especially delicious when cooked with refreshing beer.

    Four hours later, the ship will dock at Longtoushan Pier. Our guide will escort you to the hotel in Yangshuo and help to check in.

    

    After a short break, wander around Yangshuo West Street. When the night falls, the stone-paved road is illuminated by neon lights and lanterns. Various languages surround you. The aroma of beer and grilled skewers wafts in the air. Enjoy a good night in a lively pub or handicraft shops.

    Optional activities:

    • Appreciate the performance of Impression Liu Sanjie. It adopts the Li River and surrounding peaks as the backdrop. The cast contains over 600 actors who are local fishermen and villagers. They wear ethnic costumes, portraying traditional scenes of daily life and farming. The duration is 70 minutes.
    • For a fulfilling afternoon in Yangshuo, you can try attending local cooking classes, farming in fields, and even rock climbing.

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    4-star hotel in Guilin
12. Day 12: Yangshuo Back to Guilin, Fly to Shanghai
    Yangshuo Countryside Escape & Beer Fish

    Enjoy the tranquil life in the countryside of Yangshuo. Cycle through the lush rice fields and karst hills on the bank of Yulong River. You may see farmers working in the fields and even communicate with them.

    After the ride, experience a relaxing bamboo rafting following our guide. The river is so clear that you can even see the bottom. The green bamboos and karst peaks leave their shadows on the water surface. As the raft sails forward, ripples spread farther and farther. It’s a true pleasure to travel through this picturesque landscape.

    Note: Children below 1 meter and seniors over 70 years old are not recommended to take part in these activities for safety’s sake.

    Beer Fish is the signature dish in Yangshuo. We’ll enjoy it for lunch at a restaurant favored by locals. The crispy fish skin is coated with thick sauce. The meat tastes fresh and spicy, without any fishy smell.

    

    Drive to Guilin airport in the afternoon and take a two-hour flight to Shanghai.

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    4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
13. Day 13: Shanghai Day Tour
    Check in at the Iconic Landmarks of Shanghai

    The Bund is your first destination in Shanghai. It seems like a bridge connecting the city’s past and future. On one side stand the century-old buildings of various styles, while on the other side the towering skyscrapers outline the skyline.

    Official data indicates that Shanghai has more than 10,000 cafes, more than any other city in the world. Next, we’ll linger in two to three branded cafes, enjoy coffee, and start a leisurely city walk.

    Wander around Wukang Road with a cup of coffee in hand. The sun shines on the roadside old buildings through plane tree leaves. No one is in a hurry. Just slow down to feel life itself.

    Take a fast escalator and rise to the clouds in a sense of slight weightlessness. When the door opens again, you are already in the sightseeing hall of Shanghai Tower - the tallest building in this city. The Huangpu River winds its way beneath your feet. The architectural complex in the Bund, the intertwined roads, and the model-like cars are all before your eyes.

    

    Have some free time in the afternoon! You can go shopping at the malls on West Nanjing Road or Xujiahui. We’ll provide a shopping map guide for you. Or spend the rest of the day in Zhujiajiao Water Town, the “Venice in Shanghai”.

    Optional night activity:

    Board the Huangpu River Cruise for an immersive experience blending Shanghai’s historical sense and modern prosperity.

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    4-Star Hotel in Shanghai
14. Day 14: Departure from Shanghai

    To make full use of your time, it’s better to book an afternoon flight. In this way, you can enjoy a free morning to go shopping or wandering around the city.

    We’ll arrange a chauffeured car to transfer you to the airport upon your schedule. Have a smooth journey! Thanks for choosing China Xian Tour.

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