Itinerary Details

Discover the Hidden Halls in the Forbidden City

While most tour groups only visit the six halls on the central axis, your private guide will take you to the hidden halls for a deeper understanding of the history and dodge the crowds.

Walk on a Top-Ranked Part of the Great Wall

The Great Wall at Mutianyu is ranked top among all parts of the Great Wall on TripAdvisor. Walk leisurely through the watchtowers, enjoying a superb view of the Mutianyu Great wall snaking across the mountains.

Unveil the Secrets of the Terracotta Army

Unveil some secrets of the Terracotta Army. See the life-size warriors at the site, get to know how ancient craftsmen made them. 

Meet the lovely pandas in the Panda Breeding and Research Center

It is best to go early in the morning to see the pandas feeding at around 9:30am, when they are most active during the day.

Witness the Closest Things on Earth to the Hallelujah Mountains

Marvel at the sandstone peaks which are said to be the inspiration for Avatar's Hallelujah Mountain.

Walk on the World's Longest and Highest glass-floored bridge

Challenge yourself on the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. Let your heart race with this adrenaline pumping Activity.

Discover the Prosperity of the Bund

The Bund in Shanghai is a captivating blend of old and new, where the grand neoclassical architecture of the past faces the shimmering glass towers of Pudong, casting golden reflections onto the Huangpu River, especially enchanting at sunrise or under the soft glow of evening lights.

Itinerary Quick Look

We’re happy to tailor this 2-week private tour to match your interests. Please note that the time frame is for reference only and may vary due to traffic conditions on the day of your tour.

Day 1   Arrival in Beijing

Airport Pickup: You will be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel in downtown Beijing to check in and rest.

Hotel Recommendation: Stay at a premium hotel in the city center, close to major attractions for convenient sightseeing.

Free Time: In the evening, take a leisurely walk around Wangfujing Pedestrian Street, enjoying the city’s night view or sampling Beijing's famous snacks.

Day 2  Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City – Hutong Alleyways

Tiananmen Square (Morning): Start your day with a visit to Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest city square and a symbol of Beijing.

Forbidden City (Midday): Enter the Forbidden City to explore the grandeur of China’s imperial palace from the Ming and Qing dynasties. A guided tour is recommended, and it takes about 3 hours to visit.

Peking Duck Lunch: Enjoy an authentic Peking Duck lunch at renowned restaurants like Quanjude or Da Dong.

Hutong Alleyways (Afternoon): In the afternoon, explore Beijing’s traditional Hutongs, where you can take a rickshaw ride to experience the local way of life and see the traditional courtyard houses.

The hidden hall of the Forbidden City

Day 3  Mutianyu Great Wall – Summer Palace

Mutianyu Great Wall (Morning): After breakfast, depart from the city center for a 2.5-hour drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. This part of the wall offers beautiful scenery and fewer crowds. You can hike or take a cable car. Allocate about 4 hours for this visit.

Lunch: Enjoy a local meal (at your own expense) near the Great Wall.

Summer Palace (Afternoon): After returning to the city, visit the Summer Palace, a grand imperial garden featuring serene lakes and classical Chinese architecture, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

Return to Hotel: Return to the hotel for dinner and relaxation.

Day 4: Lama Temple – Beihai Park

Lama Temple (Morning): Start your day with a visit to Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple), a stunning Tibetan Buddhist temple known for its intricate architecture and serene atmosphere. Take your time to explore its halls and admire the impressive Buddha statues.

Beihai Park (Afternoon): After lunch, visit Beihai Park, one of the oldest and most well-preserved imperial gardens in China. Stroll around the beautiful lake, explore the gardens, and visit the White Pagoda, offering panoramic views of the area.

Day 5  Temple of Heaven – High-Speed Train to Xi’an

Temple of Heaven (Morning): After breakfast, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors prayed for good harvests. Famous for its architectural and historical significance, the visit takes around 2 hours.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant.

Beijing West Railway Station: Around 12:55 PM, you will be transferred to the railway station to take a high-speed train to Xi’an (approximately 5.5 hours).

Arrival in Xi'an: Upon arrival around 17:08 PM, you’ll be picked up and transferred to your hotel in downtown Xi’an.

Optional: Enjoy the Legend of the Camel Bells, a performance in the evening.

The High-speed Train

Day 6  Terracotta Army – Xi’an Ancient City Wall – Great Mosque – Muslim Quarter

Terracotta Army Museum (Morning): In the morning, head to Lintong to visit the world-famous Terracotta Army Museum, where you can discover the grandeur of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang. The tour lasts about 3 hours.

Xi'an Ancient City Wall (Afternoon): Return to the city to explore the well-preserved Ming Dynasty City Wall. You can walk or rent a bike to ride along the wall and enjoy panoramic views of Xi'an.

Great Mosque: Visit the Great Mosque, one of the oldest and most famous Islamic structures in China, combining Chinese and Islamic architectural styles.

Muslim Quarter: In the evening, explore the Muslim Quarter, where you can taste local Muslim street food such as lamb skewers, roujiamo (meat sandwiches), and noodles.

Optional: Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show in the evening.

The Terracotta Army

Day 7  Big Wild Goose Pagoda – Hanyangling Tomb – Fly to Chengdu

Big Wild Goose Pagoda: Visit the iconic landmark to explore Xi'an’s history and Buddhist influence.

Hanyangling Tomb: Explore the mausoleum of Emperor Jing of Han and learn more about Han Dynasty history and culture.

Flight to Chengdu: Depart from Beijing at 16:50 and arrive in Chengdu at 18:35. And then you’ll be transferred to the hotel.

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda

Day 8: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding – People's Park

Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (Morning): Start your day early at the Chengdu Panda Base, where you can observe adorable giant pandas in their natural habitat. Enjoy the sight of playful panda cubs and learn about conservation efforts for these endangered species. Capture memorable photos and immerse yourself in this unique wildlife experience.

Lunch: After your panda encounter, enjoy a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling local Sichuan cuisine known for its bold flavors and spices.

People's Park (Afternoon): In the afternoon, visit People's Park, a popular recreational area where locals gather. Stroll through the lush gardens, enjoy a traditional tea at a local tea house, and experience the vibrant culture of Chengdu, often referred to as the "land of abundance." Engage with locals practicing tai chi or singing.

Return to Hotel: After a day of exploration, return to your hotel for dinner and relaxation.

Day 9: Leshan Giant Buddha – Tea Village

Leshan Giant Buddha (Morning): Depart for a day trip to Leshan, home to the UNESCO-listed Leshan Giant Buddha. Marvel at this monumental statue carved into a cliff face and enjoy the scenic views of the confluence of the Minjiang, Dadu, and Qingyi rivers. Allocate around 2-3 hours for your visit to fully appreciate this historical and cultural landmark.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Leshan, trying regional specialties, including Leshan spicy fish and Sichuan hotpot.

Tea Village (Afternoon): After visiting the Giant Buddha, head to a nearby tea village where you can learn about tea production and enjoy a tea tasting session. Discover the rich history of Chinese tea culture and sample various types of green tea and black tea. Explore traditional tea houses and local crafts.

Return to Chengdu: Head back to Chengdu in the evening and relax at your hotel.

Day 10: Flight to Zhangjiajie-Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Flight to Zhangjiajie: Depart from Chengdu on an 8:10 AM flight and arrive in Zhangjiajie at 9:30 AM.

Airport Pickup: Upon arrival, you will be greeted at the airport and transferred to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning landscapes.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Morning and Afternoon): Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, famous for its spectacular sandstone pillars and breathtaking landscapes, which inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar. You can hike or take the park’s scenic cable cars to enjoy panoramic views of the unique rock formations and lush greenery. Allocate sufficient time to visit highlights like Tianmen Mountain and Golden Whip Stream.

Hotel Check-in: After a day of exploration, check into your hotel in Zhangjiajie for dinner and relaxation.

Day 11: Tianmen Mountain – Glass Skywalk

Tianmen Mountain (Morning): Start your day with a visit to Tianmen Mountain, a stunning natural attraction located just outside Zhangjiajie. Begin your adventure by taking the world’s longest and highest cable car ride, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape as you ascend the mountain. Upon reaching the summit, explore the various walking trails and scenic spots that showcase the unique beauty of this area, including lush forests and spectacular cliffs.

Tianmen Cave: Don’t miss the famous Tianmen Cave, also known as Heaven’s Gate, a natural rock arch that stands 1,500 meters above sea level. Climb the 999 steps to reach this iconic landmark and enjoy panoramic views of the Zhangjiajie region.

Lunch: After exploring Tianmen Mountain, enjoy a local lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling dishes that reflect the Hunan cuisine, known for its bold flavors and spiciness.

Glass Skywalk (Afternoon): Experience the thrill of walking on the Glass Skywalk, an exhilarating pathway that clings to the side of the mountain. This transparent walkway offers stunning views of the valleys below and is a perfect spot for photography. Walk along the Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk, which is about 60 meters long and provides an unforgettable experience for adrenaline seekers and nature lovers alike.

Return to Zhangjiajie City: After your adventure on the Glass Skywalk, take some time to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings before heading back to Zhangjiajie city. And then have a rest in your hotel.

The Glasswalk in Zhangjiajie

Day 12  Flight to Shanghai – Free Time

Arrival in Shanghai: Take a flight at 11:55 to Shanghai, arriving at 14:00, and then be transferred to the hotel. We recommend booking your stay near The Bund or Nanjing Road.

Free Time: After checking in, take the rest of the day to explore at your own pace. You can stroll along the bustling Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, lined with a variety of stores, restaurants, and cafes.

Day 13  The Bund – Chenghuang Temple – Yu Garden – French Concession (Tianzifang & Xintiandi) – Huangpu River Cruise

The Bund (Morning): Start your day with a refreshing morning walk along The Bund, the famous waterfront area lined with colonial-era buildings and stunning views of the modern skyscrapers in Pudong, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Tower. It’s a great spot for photos and to feel the pulse of the city. You can also visit some of the iconic buildings like the Peace Hotel or the Customs House.

Chenghuang Temple (Mid-Morning): Head to Chenghuang Temple (City God Temple), a significant Taoist temple and marketplace in the old city. The temple itself is a great place to explore traditional Chinese architecture and religious culture. The surrounding bazaar offers a variety of snacks, souvenirs, and local crafts.

Yu Garden (Midday): Located next to Chenghuang Temple, Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. Stroll through its serene landscapes, ancient pavilions, rockeries, and ponds, taking in the peace and beauty of one of Shanghai's most treasured historic sites. A visit here can offer insight into Chinese garden art and design.

Lunch Recommendation: Have lunch at a nearby restaurant offering traditional Shanghainese cuisine. Popular dishes include xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried dumplings), and lion's head meatballs.

Tianzifang (Afternoon): In the afternoon, visit Tianzifang, located in the French Concession. This maze of narrow alleyways is home to trendy boutiques, art galleries, cafes, and craft shops. It offers a unique blend of old-world charm and modern creativity, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.

Xintiandi (Late Afternoon): From Tianzifang, head to Xintiandi, a pedestrian street known for its stylish mix of old Shikumen architecture and modern cafes, restaurants, and shopping. It’s a popular spot to relax, people-watch, and grab a coffee or tea. The area also offers historical significance, as it’s where the First Congress of the Chinese Communist Party was held in 1921.

Huangpu River Cruise(Evening): In the evening, enjoy a Huangpu River Cruise. This scenic boat ride offers breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline, with the modern skyscrapers of Pudong on one side and the historic buildings of The Bund on the other. The city is beautifully illuminated at night, creating an unforgettable experience as you glide along the river.

The Buildings on the Bund

Day 14   Departure from Shanghai

Airport Transfer: Depending on your flight time, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure, concluding your 2-week journey.