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11-Day China Golden Triangle with Zhangjiajie and Water Town

Customisable Itinerary
4.9 • 2 travellers have booked with Jessy F.

Trip Overview

Explore China’s remarkable blend of ancient tradition and natural beauty as you journey from Beijing to Shanghai. Begin in the capital, where a private guide leads you through Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the city’s historic hutongs by rickshaw. Hike the quieter Jinshanling section of the Great Wall and visit the Temple of Heaven before boarding a high-speed train to Xi’an. Marvel at the Terracotta Army, sample local snacks on Muslim Street, and cycle atop the ancient city wall. Fly to Zhangjiajie to witness dramatic sandstone pillars, ride the Bailong Elevator, and ascend Tianmen Mountain. Conclude in vibrant Shanghai, strolling the Bund, exploring Yu Garden, and discovering the tranquil water town of Zhujiajiao.

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Itinerary

Day 1

Welcome to Beijing

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Welcome to Beijing

When you arrive in Beijing, a guide will meet you at the airport. You will then be driven to your hotel in a private car. The drive usually takes about an hour. During this time, the guide will give you a brief introduction to the city. Check into your hotel and relax. You have the rest of the day free to explore at your leisure.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Beijing Chongwenmen Tongpai Hotel

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Beijing Daxing International Airport to Beijing Chongwenmen Tongpai Hotel

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 2

Forbidden City and Hutong Rickshaw Tour

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Forbidden City and Hutong Rickshaw Tour

Start your visit at Tiananmen Square, then walk to the Forbidden City. See its large courtyards and detailed ancient buildings while hearing about China’s past rulers. After your tour of the Forbidden City, ride a rickshaw through the Hutongs. These narrow alleys show the traditional side of Beijing, where you can observe daily life and local culture.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Beijing Chongwenmen Tongpai Hotel

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tiananmen Square

    Forbidden City

    Hutong

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 3

Hike the Jinshanling Great Wall

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Hike the Jinshanling Great Wall

Today’s tour visits the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, known for its scenic views and quieter atmosphere away from the city. You can choose to hike along this part of the Wall for about three to four hours, depending on your preference and energy level. After the hike, you will travel back to downtown Beijing by car, where you will spend the night.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Beijing Chongwenmen Tongpai Hotel

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Great Wall, Jinshanling

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beijing

    Chengde

Day 4

Visit the Temple of Heaven before the Train to Xi’an

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Visit the Temple of Heaven before the Train to Xi’an

Start your day at the Temple of Heaven, a historic location where emperors once held ceremonies. Walk through the nearby park filled with old pine trees, where you can see locals exercising and playing traditional games. After lunch, go to the railway station and board a high-speed train to Xi’an. When you arrive, a local guide will greet you at the station and escourt you to your new hotel. Check in and relax.

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    Accommodation

    Eastern House

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Temple of Heaven

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from Beijing to Xi'An

    Private Driver from Xi'an Railway Station to Eastern House

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beijing

    Xi'an

Day 5

Explore Terracotta Army and Local Snacks Tasting

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Explore Terracotta Army and Local Snacks Tasting

Visit the Terracotta Army, which has been buried for over 2,200 years. Each figure is unique, displaying different details and expressions. In the afternoon, return to Xi’an and walk along Muslim Street. Here, you can try local foods such as hand-pulled noodles and Roujiamo, a Chinese-style burger. You can also enjoy drinks like pomegranate juice or homemade yogurt.

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    Accommodation

    Eastern House

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Terracotta Army

    Muslim Street Xi'an

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Xi'an

Day 6

Cycle on Xi’an City Wall before Flight to Zhangjiajie

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Cycle on Xi’an City Wall before Flight to Zhangjiajie

Walk or cycle on Xi’an’s 600-year-old City Wall to see the city center and bustling streets. Before going to the airport, visit the nearby Hanyang Tomb to view exhibits about ancient Xi’an’s military, political, and daily life. Afterward, fly to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel, which is located in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, known for its natural beauty.

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    Accommodation

    Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan

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    Activities

    The Ancient City Walls of Xi’an

    Han Yangling Mausoleum

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Plane from Xi'An to Zhangjiajie

    Private Driver from Zhangjiajie to Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Xi'an

    Zhangjiajie

Day 7

Zhangjiajie National Park Highlights

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Zhangjiajie National Park Highlights

Explore Zhangjiajie National Park and see its distinctive landscapes. Take the Bailong Elevator up the cliffs and ride a cable car to the peaks of Tianzi Mountain. Travel through the valleys on a scenic train and shuttle bus. View the sandstone pillars and visit the area known as “Avatar Mountain,” with its tall, jagged spires. A guide will accompany you throughout the day to help you discover the park’s main sights and features.

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    Accommodation

    Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan

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    Activities

    Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Zhangjiajie

Day 8

Tianmen Mountain Adventure and Fly to Shanghai

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Tianmen Mountain Adventure and Fly to Shanghai

Ride the region’s longest cable car to Tianmen Mountain, covering eight kilometers in about 30 minutes. Walk on glass pathways for views of the cliffs below. Tianmen Mountain stands at around 1,518 meters and is known for its large natural cave called the “Heavenly Gate.” After your visit, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. When you arrive, a local guide will take you to your hotel for check-in.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sunrise On The Bund Hotel5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tianmen Mountain

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Tianmen Mountain to Airport North Road

    Plane from Zhangjiajie to Shanghai

    Private Driver from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Luxury

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Zhangjiajie

    Shanghai

Day 9

Walking the Bund with City Views

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Walking the Bund with City Views

Start your day with a walk along the Bund, where a guide explains the history of the riverside buildings and you can see the Huangpu River. Next, visit Yu Garden to explore its paths, halls, and ponds, all reflecting traditional design. Walk through the Former French Concession, passing by tree-lined streets, small shops, and cafés. Finish at Shanghai Tower, where the observation deck offers views of both historic and modern Shanghai.

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    Accommodation

    Sunrise On The Bund Hotel5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    The Bund

    Yu Garden

    Former French Concession

    Shanghai Tower

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Shanghai

Day 10

Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour

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Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour

After breakfast, take a one-hour drive to Zhujiajiao, a historic riverside town. The town is over a thousand years old. Walk along its narrow streets and cross stone bridges. You will see calm waterways and traditional Jiangnan-style houses. The setting is peaceful and reflects the local culture. Zhujiajiao’s old architecture and quiet environment make it a good place to experience the history and daily life of the region.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sunrise On The Bund Hotel5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Shanghai to Zhujiajiao

    Private Driver from Zhujiajiao to Shanghai

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Shanghai

Day 11

Farewell to Shanghai

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Farewell to Shanghai

After breakfast, you can take your time getting ready. When you are prepared to leave, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel. They will then take you to the airport for your return flight home. This process is designed to be comfortable and efficient, ensuring you arrive at the airport on time for your departure.

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Luxury to Shanghai Pudong International Airport

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    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Shanghai

Share With Your Partners

Download this trip itinerary as a PDF and start planning your next trip offline!

What’s included?

  • 10 nights accommodation
  • 16 activities
  • 10 breakfasts
  • Airport transfer
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Alcohol beverages
  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits

Notes

Inclusions:
 Entrance fees for the scenic spots as listed in the itinerary.
 Flights as listed in the itinerary: Xi’an - Zhangjiajie, Zhangjiajie –
Shanghai, airport tax and fuel fee included.
 Trains as listed in the itinerary: Beijing – Xi’an.
 10 nights 4-star accommodation.
 English-speaking guides for sightseeing as listed in the itinerary.
 Meals: 10 breakfasts.
 One bottle of drinking water per person per day.
 Private transfers between airport, hotels, and sightseeing sites while
taking the sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary.

Exclusions:
 International flight.
 Visa application & visa fee.
 Gratuities to the guides and drivers.
 Travel insurance.
 Personal expenses or any other item not listed in the itinerary.
 Excess baggage charge for flight.
 Optional activities either recommended by tour guides or out of your own
interests.