11 Days China Exploration Tour of Beijing Chengdu Xian Zhangjiajie

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing Arrival

   So happy to see you on our 11-day China Exploration Tour! Upon your arrival at Beijing airport / train station, our local driver will pick you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board with your name and transfer to the downtown hotel for check-in. Free and easy on your arrangement for the rest of the day.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: Overnight in Beijing

2. Day 2: Beijing Highlights Tour
   Visit the World Heritage sites in Beijing

   At 8:00 roughly in the morning, your English-speaking tour guide will pick you up from the downtown hotel. You will start the China tour in Beijing with the largest city square in the world - Tian'anmen Square. The square has a very important role in China’s history. You can wander around the square and take in the rich history from your tour guide.

   Then follow your private guide into the incredible Forbidden City, which was once the royal palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties with more than 70 palaces and over 9,000 rooms. It is one of the largest and most well-preserved ancient wooden structures in the world.

   

   After lunch, continue your visit to the Temple of Heaven, listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1998. This grand complex was built for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to offer sacrifices to heaven and pray for good harvests.

   Last, enjoy the amazing royal garden in Summer Palace. This palace was the best place where the emperors of the Qing Dynasty spent their summers. Here you can enjoy the amazing lake view, explore the exquisite long corridor, appreciate precious cultural relics, step on the elegant stone bridge, see high old trees, etc.

   

   Optional Night Activity (optional):

   Chinese Kung Fu has a very wide influence in the world, and most foreigners know Kung Fu from Jackie Chen and Bruce Lee’s films. Today you can enjoy a superb Kung Fu show at a nice theater. The entire cast is very professional and talented which combines fantastic martial arts, challenging acrobatics, and a wonderful story.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Beijing

3. Day 3: China Great Wall Tour in Beijing
   Capture the Magnificent Scenery of the Mutianyu Great Wall

   Today will be the highlight of your Beijing tour as you will be hiking on the famous world heritage Mutianyu Great Wall. It would be around 2 hours' driving.

   Built in the early Ming Dynasty in 1368 and stretching for 5400 meters, Mutianyu Great Wall is the most scenic part of the Chinese Great Wall.  You will witness a unique landscape in each season thanks to its ninety percent vegetation. If pure hiking is too much for you, there are also options of cable car and toboggan to see the spectacular scenery from different angles (optional).

   

   After a Chinese-style lunch, you will be transferred to Ming Tombs - Dingling Mausoleum, a shared tomb by Emperor Wanli and his two empresses, which is the only excavated tomb among the thirteen tombs of the Ming Dynasty. The mausoleum was built from 1584 to 1590, and the emperor was only 28 years old when its construction was complete. Your tour guide will tell you some information about the emperor and the Ming Dynasty and lead you to the underground palace.

   On the way back to Beijing, you’ll have an exterior visit to the marvelous Bird's Nest and Water Cube, which were built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Beijing

   

4. Day 4: Beijing to Chengdu Tour by Flight
   Enter the Life of Old Beijing Locals

   After breakfast, you will be taken to the charming Beihai Park, which is absolutely a nice place to relax and enjoy yourself! It is one of the oldest, most complete, most comprehensive, and representative royal gardens in China. You will have lots of opportunities to take great photos of the lovely lake and historic buildings. There are also boat rides available if you like (optional).

   Hutongs in Beijing are full of history. Today you will feel the charm of the hutongs in the Shichahai Scenic Area. Taking a rickshaw to ride along the ancient alleys, you will learn more about the background information of the Hutongs, experience authentic old Beijing life, and witness the blending of tradition and modernity. Pay a visit to a local family in the Hutong and enjoy a homemade lunch with the friendly family. It will be a great chance for you to have a glimpse of the local people's lifestyle.

   In the afternoon, you will be escorted to take an afternoon flight to Chengdu. Upon arrival, a local private driver in Chengdu will pick you up from the exit gate and then transfer you to the hotel for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Chengdu

   

5. Day 5: Chengdu Panda Tour
   Get Up Close and Personal with China's National Treasure Panda

   In the morning, your China tour package in Chengdu takes you to visit the cute pandas in the exciting Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, which is well known for the protection and breeding of the endangered giant pandas that are unique to China. There are adorable pandas everywhere. You can watch them eating bamboo, playing with each other, and sleeping. Your tour guide will navigate you through the huge area, share some information about the pandas, and help you take amazing photos.

   

   Then, continue your visit to Wenshu Temple which was built in the Sui Dynasty with a long history. The temple is still operating and frequented by local people who come to pray and relax themselves. It is a good place to learn Buddhism.

   Later, enjoy some relaxing tea time in Renmin Park. Renmin Park is a perfect place to do people-watching. Here you can enjoy a cup of tea in a nice tea house and watch local people while away the time with various activities such as playing cards, doing Tai Chi, playing mahjong, dancing, and napping.

   Last, go to explore the bustling Jinli Pedestrian Street, a must-see place in Chengdu. You can see that the buildings here are built in Qing Dynasty style, and meandering through the street gives people the feeling of traveling back in time. You can enjoy shopping and taste some yummy food that you have never seen before.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Chengdu

   

6. Day 6: Chengdu to Xian Tour by High-speed Train
   Marvel at the Tallest Stone Buddha in the World

   Today, you will have a Chengdu to Leshan tour for a visit to the amazing Leshan Giant Buddha. Drive around 2 hours from Chengdu city, and you can enjoy the urban scenery on the way.

   Regarded as the tallest stone Buddha in the world, the Leshan Giant Buddha was carved out of a cliff face 1300 years ago. When you look up at it from its toes, it’s hard to imagine how ancient Chinese people built this massive statue. Climb up the stairs to the top of the mountain to enjoy the wonderful scenery. The stairs may seem intimidating, but the hiking is well worth the time and effort.

   

   Friendly Tips: There are 2 ways to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha - climbing up the mountain or taking a cruise along the river to take a far view of it. Climbing up the mountain was included in the package as most tourists prefer this way. Taking a cruise is optional. If you would like to take a cruise instead of climbing up the mountain, or if you want to try both these 2 ways, just ask your tour guide for assistance.

   After that, you will take a high-speed train to Xian.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xian

7. Day 7: Xian History Tour
   Explore Xian History from the Qin to the Ming and Qing Dynasties

   Your Xian tour leads you to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Known as "the Eighth Wonder of the World", it was found by four local farmers while drilling a well in 1974. Now it is the No.1 attractive site in Xi’an. The museum includes Pit 1 (the largest pit), Pit 2, Pit 3, and the exhibition hall of the chariots and horses. You will stay in the museum for 2-2.5 hours. Listening to the explanation from the expert tour guide, you will learn the hidden story of those live-sized sculptures and the history of their owner.

   

   After lunch, drive back to the downtown area to visit the Xian City Wall. It is the most completely preserved and the largest city wall in China. You can ride a bike on the city wall (optional).

   Next, take a nice stroll down Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street. This quaint street lined with many shops selling the four basic items for Chinese calligraphy (writing brush, ink stick, ink slab, and paper) is different from any other streets in Xian. If you are interested in Chinese arts and crafts, you can pick some souvenirs here.

   Then, follow your tour guide to visit Yongxingfang Food Street. The street is an amazing place to sample some delicious local food. There are plenty of food options. If you are the kind of person who likes to try all kinds of new food, this street will not disappoint you.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xian

   

8. Day 8: Xian to Zhangjiajie Tour by Flight
   Admire Buddhist Architecture and Taste Muslim Snacks

   As one of the most famous historical cities, Xian has lots of interesting places to go! Today you will explore the must-see sights in the Xian downtown area.

   Firstly, take a guided tour of Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It was originally built to hold Buddhist sutra and figurines of the Buddha that Xuanzang brought back from India in the Tang Dynasty, 652 A.D. Now there is a big square divided into North Square and South Square, surrounding the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The design of the buildings and statues is in Tang style, showing people the ever glory of that great time.

   

   Continue your tour in Xian to Bell and Drum Tower Square, which is located in the center of the city and is considered the symbol of this old capital. You can take some pictures here. Walk forward to the Muslim Quarter where you will find many special local products and authentic local snacks.

   After all the visits, take an afternoon flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, a local driver will pick you up and escort you to the well-selected hotel for check-in. Have a good rest for tomorrow!

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Area

   

9. Day 9: Zhangjiajie Adventure Tour
   Challenge Yourself to Walk the World's Highest Glass Bridge

   After breakfast, meet your guide and the driver who will pick you up from the hotel lobby and then start your China Zhangjiajie tour to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. It is a landform museum of Zhangjiajie, integrating mountains, rivers, and caves. In the valley, you can see monkeys jumping and birds singing, and the reflection of green and steep mountains in the clear water.

   Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, a highlight of the Canyon, is the longest and highest glass bridge in the world with a length of 430 meters. You can have a panoramic view of flying waterfalls, lush forests, and running streams when walking on the transparent glass floor.

   

   After that, you will be transferred for a 1 hour and 20-minute ride to the famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Here you can enjoy a 2-hour hike along the  Golden Whip Stream. It is one of the most beautiful sites in Zhangjiajie. Just listen to the murmurs of the stream, stroll along the valley, and stop to watch the fish swimming in the crystal-clear water. After the whole day tour, board the private car back to the hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Area

10. Day 10: Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountain Tour
    Discover Avatar Mountains in the Real World

    Today's China private tour in Zhangjiajie continues in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, starting at Tianzi Mountain. Take a sightseeing bus to the mountain top. You will witness rugged rocks and a forest of stone peaks. One of the spectacular sights is the sea of clouds after rain if you are lucky. After the visit, take a cable car down the mountain.

    

    Next, go to explore Yuanjiajie, the inspiration for Hallelujah Mountain in the super famous movie Avatar. You can experience the Bailong Elevator, the highest and heaviest outdoor elevator in the world. When you step out of the elevator, a magical landscape painting will unfold in front of you. The massive quartz-sandstone pillars are just towering over you or next to you.

    Finish all the activities, and transfer you to Zhangjiajie downtown area for overnight.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: Overnight in Zhangjiajie Downtown Area

    

11. Day 11: Zhangjiajie Departure
    Experience the Longest Cableway in the World

    After breakfast, follow your guide to explore another highlight of Zhangjiajie - the Tianmen Mountain National Park. Firstly, drive to the cableway base for you to take the cable car up to the top. With a length of 7445 meters, the Tianmen Mountain cableway is regarded as the longest cableway in the world. The one-way cable car ride takes about 28 minutes. The half-hour ride is an excellent chance to see the picturesque scenery of the mountain

    Arriving at the mountain top, you will first visit Tianmen Temple. The temple was built in the Ming Dynasty and is the Buddhist activity center in the western Hunan Province.

    

    Next, take a walk on the vertiginous Sky Walk built with transparent glass. For some people, it is a test of courage! Then, move to the Tianmen Cave (Heaven's Door Cave). This natural stone archway is 131.5 meters high and 57 meters wide. It will take about half an hour to walk up the cave through the 999 steps.

    Last, take a shuttle bus down to the mountain foot by the 99-bend Road – the scenic round hill road. You'll be dropped off at Zhangjiajie Airport/train station for departure. Your 11-day China tour from Beijing to Zhangjiajie comes to an end here.

    Note: In winter, Tianmen Cave and Sky Walk may be closed due to heavy snow or severely cold weather. Your private guide and travel consultant will adjust your itinerary accordingly.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A