15 Days Grand China Group Tour with Panda & Avatar Mountains

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing Arrival

   Welcome to Beijing, China’s capital city! After you arrive at Beijing Airport, our local driver will meet you in the arrival hall with a welcome sigh "China Xian Tour" and take you to your hotel in the city center. The rest of the day is free for you to rest. If you’d like to explore nearby, your guide can give you some useful tips. Maybe you can enjoy the nightlife at Houhai bars and taste traditional Beijing dishes like roast duck and Zhajiangmian noodles with soybean paste.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Beijing

2. Day 2: Best of Beijing Trip
   Follow the Footsteps of Emperors from the Forbidden City to Summer Palace

   After breakfast, your first sightseeing day begins at Tian'anmen Square. Covering 440,000 square meters, it can hold one million people at once. Here, you’ll see the National Flag Pole, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, and Zhengyangmen Gate, arranged from north to south.

   A short walk brings you to the Forbidden City, also known as the “Palace Museum.” Once the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1911), it represents the finest example of ancient Chinese palace design. With your knowledgeable guide, you’ll learn key facts about why it was built, how it is big, how many rooms it has, and so on.

   In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to the Temple of Heaven, known for its distinctive architecture and beautiful decorations. This grand site was where Ming and Qing dynasty emperors held ceremonies to honor heaven and pray for good harvests. After that, go to the Summer Palace, covering 2.9 square kilometers. It was the Qing emperors’ favorite retreat during the summer. Admire the nice lake views, walk through the beautifully decorated long corridor, and see valuable cultural relics. If the weather is good, you may also take an optional boat ride on Kunming Lake (at an extra). During the day, you’ll also stop by a pearl factory to learn how pearls are grown and processed.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Beijing

   

3. Day 3: The Great Wall of Beijing
   Climb Mutianyu’s Watchtowers and Discover Its Stories and Role in History

   The highlight of today’s exploration is the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to drive there from your hotel, and along the way, your guide will share interesting facts about the wall’s construction. This section is known for its many watchtowers and lush greenery, so it is rather different from other parts of the Great Wall.

   You can hike up to the wall or take a cable car for a more relaxed ride (your guide will help you with the tickets). As you explore, learn about its importance and history - Who Built the Great Wall of China; The Great Wall Length and Dimensions; The Great Wall is Not Continuous... The guide will show you some of the best spots for memorable photos.

   After visiting the Great Wall, you’ll head back to your hotel to rest. On the way to the city center, stop at a jade workshop to see how jade is mined and carved.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Beijing

   

4. Day 4: High-speed Train from Beijing to Xi’an
   Explore Xi’an’s Lively Center and Try Delicious Local Snacks

   In the morning, be transferred to the train station for a high-speed rail to Xi’an. The trip takes about 5 hours. Upon arrival, your Xi’an local driver escorts you to your city center hotel for check-in procedure.

   Around 18:00, your guide will pick you up for an exciting food tour. First, you’ll visit the Bell and Drum Tower Square. The Bell Tower, over 600 years old, was once used to tell time. Just 220 yards west stands the Drum Tower, the largest in China. Your guide will share interesting stories about both landmarks.

   Then, walk about 5 minutes to Muslim Quarter, a lively food district that comes alive in the evening. Here you can find famous Shaanxi snacks such as Liangpi, Roujiamo, Biang Biang Noodles, Crumbled Flatbread in Mutton Soup, and beef or lamb skewers. You will be suggested dishes based on your taste. After that, drive back to your hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Snacks

   Accommodation: in Xi’an

   

5. Day 5: Tang Dynasty Culture Experience
   Visit Well-Known Landmarks and Admire Tang-Style Architecture

   After breakfast, drive about 1 hour northeast to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. These clay soldier were buried for over 2,200 years. Some farmers accidentally found them while digging a well in 1974. You’ll explore Pits 1, 2, and 3 for 2-2.5 hours. During the visit, you can find that each life-size warrior has a unique facial expression.

   After lunch, return to Xi’an city center to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, standing 64.5 meters tall in Daci'en Temple. Built in 652, it was designed to store Buddhist scriptures and statues brought back from India. Last, take a walk through the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City. This street reproduces the glory of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) through cultural performances and immersive landscapes. You can enjoy colorful night lights, meet people wearing traditional Hanfu, interact with performers, and taste various local snacks...

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Xi’an

   

6. Day 6: Xi’an’s Culture & Train to Chengdu
   Walk On China’s Biggest City Wall and Feel the Charm of Its Long History

   Today’s Xi’an trip starts at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, located inside Jianfu Temple. It is an important site from the Tang Dynasty in Chang’an (ancient name of Xi’an), alongside the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The pagoda and the bell together are known as the “Morning Bell of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda,” one of the famous “Eight Scenes of Guanzhong.” While in the area, you’ll also visit the Xi’an Museum, which holds over 100000 items, including valuable artifacts such as Tang tri-colored pottery, bronze Buddha statues, jade pieces, calligraphy, and paintings.

   After that, your guide will take you to the Ancient City Wall. Xi’an’s City Wall is one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China and a famous landmark. It forms a rectangle about 13.7 kilometers around and stands 12 meters tall. Walk or ride a bike along the wall, enjoying both Xi’an’s history and the view of the modern city.

   Before leaving Xi’an, visit Shuyuanmen Cultural Street. Named after the Guanzhong Academy, the top school in Shaanxi during the Ming and Qing dynasties, this street is filled with the scent of Chinese ink. Shops here sell antiques, calligraphy and paintings by famous artists, and more. After the visit, transfer you to the railway station for a bullet train to Chengdu, the hometown of panda. When you arrive, the local driver will escort you to a comfortable hotel for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

   

7. Day 7: Panda Visit in Chengdu
   Experience Slow-paced Life in Local Park and Food Street After Panda Visit

   After breakfast, your guide will take you to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the most important panda research center and home to over 240 giant pandas. Stroll along bamboo-lined paths and watch pandas of all ages rolling around, eating bamboo, or climbing trees. Don’t miss the chance to see the adorable panda cubs in the panda kindergartens. You can also visit the Panda Museum to learn fascinating facts about both beloved giant and red pandas. After that, have a short visit to Wenshu Temple, a peaceful Buddhist temple tucked away in Chengdu’s busy downtown.

   In the afternoon, visit People’s Park to experience Chengdu’s relaxed lifestyle. You can enjoy traditional tea, watch locals playing mahjong, napping or doing ear cleaning. Next, stroll along Jinli Street, lined with old buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Browse handicraft shops, taste some Sichuan snacks mainly featuring spicy flavor, and, if you would like, watch the famous face-changing opera (at your own expense). Drive you back after the visit.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

   

8. Day 8: Chengdu to Leshan, Drive Back
   Admire the World’s Tallest Stone Buddha Up Close or Get a Panoramic View

   In the morning, drive about 2 hours from Chengdu to the Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Carved into a riverside cliff, the world's largest stone Buddha is 71 meters tall, with 7-meter-long ears, a 14.7-meter-high head, and feet big enough to hold 100 people. Beside the statue is the Nine Bends Plank Road, a narrow cliffside path with steps leading from the head to the feet. You can walk for an up-close view, but queues are common during busy hours. To avoid waiting, a boat ride offers a full view from the river. This is optional at an extra fee, and your guide will help you with the ticket on site.

   After that, drive back to Chengdu for a visit to Wide and Narrow Alley, made up of three parallel alleys from the Qing Dynasty. It’s one of Chengdu’s most popular spots for visitors. Strolling along the old streets, you can discover small restaurants, handicraft shops, street food stalls, galleries, theaters, and more. Last, escort you back to your hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

   

9. Day 9: Chengdu to Chongqing by Bullet Train
   Photograph The Light Rail and Famous City Landmarks Shining at Night

   After breakfast, take a 1-hour high-speed train to the Mountainous City of Chongqing. The local guide will pick you up at the station and hold up a recognizable welcome sign. Begin your Chongqing exploration at Ciqikou Old Town, a 1,000-year-old area whose name means “porcelain.” Here, you can see traditional houses, old stone streets, the port, and historic temples. Take a pleasant walk through this “Little Chongqing,” browse local handicrafts, and watch vendors make flavorful snacks right in front of you.

   Next is one of Chongqing’s most unique sights. Your guide will point out the best spot to witness the light rail passing through the body of residential buildings at Liziba Station. After that, head to Jiefangbei Street, the first commercial pedestrian street in western China, where you can see shopping malls, snack stalls, and restaurants.

   The last stop is Hongya Cave, located where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet. It is well known for its stilted buildings (Diaojiaolou) and bright night lights. Walk along the riverside to enjoy views of Chongqing’s modern skyline. Explore the multi-level complex and even try Chongqing Hot Pot here if you like.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Chongqing

   

10. Day 10: Chongqing to Wulong Karst, Train to Zhangjiajie
    Explore Unique Karst Landscapes and Highland Grassland Views

    Today, we’ll drive about 2.5 hours for a nature getaway to Wulong Karst Geology Park. This site is famous for its natural bridges, caves and sinkholes. It also served as a filming location for the blockbuster movie Transformers IV.

    Your visit in the scenic spot begins with Xiannvshan (Fairy) Mountain Forest Park. The average altitude here is 1900 meters, with the highest peak reaching 2033 meters. It is known as the "Switzerland of the East" for its unique charm of high mountain grasslands, rare forests and snowy plains, and beautiful green forests and fields. The temperature in Fairy Mountain is 15 degrees Celsius, lower than that in the main urban area of Chongqing, earning it the nickname of "Summer Palace of Mountain City".

    After that, hop a sightseeing bus from Xiannvshan Tourist Center to the Three Natural Bridges, the largest natural bridge cluster in Asia. Here, you’ll see towering stone bridges and vast open caves. Take a sightseeing elevator down to the valley floor, where you’ll admire impressive karst mountains, beautiful waterfalls, and mysterious caves. Then, enjoy a hike past Tianlong Bridge (235 meters above your head), Qinglong Bridge (the largest vertical drop among the three), and Heilong Bridge (looking like a black dragon lurking on the top).

    After the visit, you will be transferred to Chongqing railway station for a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie. Once arrive, the Zhangjiajie driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel in Wulingyuan district for check-in.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan

    

11. Day 11: Zhangjiajie Avatar Exploration
    See the Real-Life Mountains That Inspired the Hallelujah Peaks in Avatar

    After breakfast, spend a whole day in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. As China’s first national forest park, the site is known for its towering quartz sandstone pillars. It includes several scenic areas, and today we'll focus on Tianzi Mountain and Yuanjiajie.

    Begin your visit with a ride on the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest and fastest outdoor lift. In just 66 seconds, it takes you from the valley bottom to the mountaintop. At Yuanjiajie, you’ll see its famous sandstone columns, often surrounded by mist, and explore the scenery that inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar. Stop at the Enchanting Platform for breathtaking views of hundreds of unique stone peaks. The No. 1 Bridge Under Heaven, a natural stone arch linking two peaks with a 5-meter-wide platform is a true geological wonder worth visiting.

    After that, transfer you to Tianzi Mountain, famous for its dense forest of stone pinnacles, earning it the nickname “Kingdom of Peaks.” Hard to imagine, but about 318 million years ago, this area was a deep sea. Later, tectonic movements lifted the seabed, and over time, weathering and gravity shaped the quartz sandstone layer into the peaks and valleys seen today. At Helong Park, you’ll reach one of the best viewing platforms, where you can admire the striking Imperial Brush Peak up close and spot the delicate Fairy Offering Flowers hidden among the many unusual sandstone formations. Take a cable car down the mountain after the visit.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan

    

12. Day 12: Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Fly to Shanghai
    Walk Across the World’s Highest and Longest Glass Bridge, Admire Caves Shaped By Water

    In the morning, your guide will take you to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, a place full of green plants, fresh air, waterfalls, streams, and springs, just like a huge natural oxygen bar. The highlight of this “landform museum” is Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, the longest and highest glass bridge in the world (370 meters long, relative height of 400 meters). Walking on it takes courage, but you’ll be rewarded with thrilling views of the canyon far below.

    Afterward, drive to Tianmen Mountain, close to the city center, and a must-see attraction in Zhangjiajie. It is named after its famous natural arch, Tianmen Cave. The mountain features a typical karst landscape shaped by erosion. Upon arrival, take the world’s longest high-altitude cable car - 7,455 meters long, straight to the top in 28 minutes. There, follow your guide to the Ghost Valley Plank Road, the Glass Skywalk, and Tianmen Mountain Temple. Finally, descend to Tianmen Cave and challenge yourself to climb the 999 steps leading up to it.

    After free exploration here, you will take the cable car down the mountain. There, your driver is waiting for you to escort you for a flight to Shanghai. In about 2.5 hours, land in Shanghai. The local driver will meet you with a welcome sign and then send you to your hotel in the city center for a good rest.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Shanghai

    

13. Day 13: Shanghai’s Essence
    Discover Shanghai’s Mix of Modern Life, Creativity, and History

    After breakfast, your guide will pick you up from your hotel for a full-day trip in Shanghai. The first stop is Yu Garden, a classic Jiangnan-style garden with fish ponds shining in the sunlight, vividly designed rockeries, and elegant pavilions. Then, the Bund is the most famous landmark in Shanghai. Here, you can enjoy the views of the Lujiazui skyline across the Huangpu River. Also, admire 52 European-style buildings, such as Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classical, Renaissance, and a combination of Chinese and Western styles.

    Continue to Nanjing Pedestrian Road, the city’s busiest shopping street, ideal for a casual stroll and to experience modern lifestyle of Shanghai. The last stop in the morning is Xintiandi, a residential district in the past. It features Shikumen style houses and has now become a dining, entertainment, and shopping center for young people, especially fashion enthusiasts and white-collar workers.

    In the afternoon, seek your inner peace in Jade Buddha Temple. This is a tranquil Buddhist temple allows tourists to briefly escape the hustle and bustle. Here you can see two jade Buddha statues, a 1.95-meter-tall sitting Buddha carved from a single piece of jade and a smaller reclining Buddha. Next, explore M50 Creative Park, once an old textile factory. Its most unique feature is the graffiti-covered street and open galleries. Then, head to 1000 Trees by Suzhou Creek, a striking building that looks like a green mountain from far away and a floating garden up close. There are 25,000 plants such as shrubs and vines grow on its tiered pillars. After all visits, your guide will take you to a tea house for a tea ceremony and also you can experience the culture behind Chinese tea.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Shanghai

    

14. Day 14: Shanghai Water Town
    Wander Ming-Qing Canals, Taste History Under Red Lanterns

    This morning, your driver will pick you up and drive for 1.5 hours to Zhujiajiao Water Town, "Shanghai's Venice". This thousand-year-old town fully preserves the Ming and Qing water town pattern. After arrival, the guide will take you to visit the Kezhi Garden, a blend of Chinese and Western architecture that took 15 years to build. Its highlights are the rare glass flower halls and horsehead wall group.

    Continue to visit Hexin Garden, a private garden from the Qing Dynasty. The environment inside the park is serene, and most of the buildings are symmetrical structures, showing the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient Chinese architecture.

    Take a stroll along Beida Street. This 'Shanghai's First Ming Qing Street' extends along the Caogang River, with century old sauce factories and tea houses densely distributed on both sides of the bluestone road. You can experience the snacks such as Lotus Root with Sweet Sauce and Zongzi.

    The scenery of the river reflected by the red lanterns in the evening is particularly enchanting. If you are interested, you are recommended to take a boat (at an additional cost) to shuttle through the waterway.

    After the tour, we will drive you back to the hotel. You can explore Shanghai's nightlife on your own during the remaining time.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Shanghai

    

15. Day 15: Shanghai Departure

    After breakfast, enjoy your free time at leisure. Your driver will pick you up at your hotel lobby and send you to the airport or train station for departure. This is the end of your 15 days China nature tour with Zhangjiajie. Safe travels!

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Shanghai