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14-Day Natural Wonders Tour: Beijing, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Shanghai

Customisable Itinerary
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Trip Overview

Journey through China’s timeless wonders on an expertly guided adventure. Walk through Beijing’s historic Tiananmen Square, marvel at the Forbidden City, and savor authentic roast duck. Trek the serene Jinshanling Great Wall and relax at the Summer Palace. In Xi’an, stand before the Terracotta Army, craft your own warrior, and cycle atop ancient city walls. Experience Zhangjiajie’s dramatic pillar mountains, ascend Tianmen Mountain by cable car, and brave the glass bridge. Cruise the Li River past Guilin’s limestone peaks to Yangshuo’s lush countryside. Conclude in Shanghai, exploring tranquil Yuyuan Garden and enjoying sweeping city views from Shanghai Tower.

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Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Beijing

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Arrival in Beijing

Welcome to China! Upon your arrival in Beijing you will be met at the airport transferred to your hotel. The drive takes around 1.5 hours. Check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day. You are free to relax or explore at your leisure.

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    Accommodation

    Beijing Peace Hotel 4 star

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Beijing Daxing International Airport to Peace Hotel - Peace Palace Ballroom

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    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 2

Beijing Imperial Highlights: Tiananmen, Forbidden City & Culinary Experience

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Beijing Imperial Highlights: Tiananmen, Forbidden City & Culinary Experience

This guided tour lasts eight hours, starting at 9 am and ending at 5 pm. Visit Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven, two important landmarks in Beijing. Explore the Forbidden City with the Emperor's Tour for a deeper understanding of its history. Lunch is provided at popular local restaurants, offering a taste of regional cuisine. The day concludes with a Beijing Roast Duck dinner, allowing you to experience one of the city's most famous dishes.

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    Accommodation

    Beijing Peace Hotel 4 star

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    Activities

    Tiananmen Square

    Temple of Heaven

    Discover the Forbidden City via Our Emperor's Tour

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    Restaurants

    Beijing Roast Duck

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    Meals

    Breakfast, lunch and dinner

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    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 3

Jinshanling Great Wall Trek: Rugged Trails & Ancient Watchtowers

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Jinshanling Great Wall Trek: Rugged Trails & Ancient Watchtowers

Venture beyond the ordinary and set out on a thrilling trek along the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, just 2½ hours from Beijing. Tackle rugged paths and steep ascents as you navigate over 15 distinct watchtowers, each whispering tales of ancient dynasties. Encounter both meticulously restored stretches and wild, crumbling ruins cloaked in mystery. Capture sweeping vistas that shift with the seasons, and let every step fill you with the exhilaration of discovery on this unforgettable three-hour adventure.

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    Accommodation

    Beijing Peace Hotel 4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Hike the Photogenic Section of the Great Wall at Jinshanling(5km,3 hrs) (3 hours)

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Beijing

    Chengde

Day 4

Summer Palace Serenity & Beijing Culinary Delights before Travelling to Xi'an

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Summer Palace Serenity & Beijing Culinary Delights before Travelling to Xi'an

Explore the grandeur of the Summer Palace, just 15 kilometres from central Beijing and China’s largest and best-preserved imperial park. Enjoy a guided walk through its lakes, gardens, and historic pavilions, including a boat ride and a visit to the Garden of Virtue and Harmony.

Savour authentic Beijing cuisine at selected local restaurants, with your guide recommending dishes such as roast duck, Mongolian hot pot, and noodles with soybean paste.

In the afternoon, catch a train to Xi'an.

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    Accommodation

    Eastern House4 star

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    Activities

    Summer Palace

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Peace Hotel - Peace Palace Ballroom to Beijing Station West Street

    Train from Beijing to Xi'An

    Private Driver from Xi'an Railway Station to Eastern House

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Beijing

    Xi'an

Day 5

Xi’an Heritage: Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Wall

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Xi’an Heritage: Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Wall

Visit the Terracotta Army Museum in the morning to see thousands of life-sized clay soldiers buried with China’s first emperor in 206 BC. Afterwards, visit a local cave dwelling where a craftsman demonstrates how to make a small terracotta warrior, offering a hands-on cultural experience.

Return to the city to explore the Ancient City Wall, which has protected Xi’an for around 600 years. Walk or cycle along the top for clear views of the city and its daily life.

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    Accommodation

    Eastern House4 star

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    Activities

    Xian City Wall with Bicycle

    Terracotta Army

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Xi'an

Day 6

Xi’an Cultural Immersion & Evening Flight to Zhangjiajie

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Xi’an Cultural Immersion & Evening Flight to Zhangjiajie

Learn to make traditional Chinese dumplings, or jiaozi, with local hosts in a one- to two-hour hands-on class. Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a 7th-century Buddhist site with statues and murals, and explore a nearby shop selling Chinese zodiac items and calligraphy. Tour the Hanyang Tomb, an underground Han Dynasty museum about 20 km from Xi’an. Walk through Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, a lively area for local food and souvenirs. In the evening, transfer to the airport and catch a flight to Zhangjiajie, where you will be met and taken to your hotel.

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    Accommodation

    Pullman Zhangjiajie4 star

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    Activities

    Cooking dumplings

    Big Wild Goose Pagoda (South Gate)

    Han Yangling Mausoleum

    Muslim Quarter

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    Transportations

    Plane from Xi'An to Zhangjiajie

    Private Driver from Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport-Parking Lot to Pullman Zhangjiajie

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Xi'an

    Zhangjiajie

Day 7

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Glass Elevator, Peaks & Hallelujah Mountains

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Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Glass Elevator, Peaks & Hallelujah Mountains

Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Hunan, known for its unique pillar-like rock formations and over 90% forest coverage. Ride the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest and fastest glass lift, rising 335 meters in two minutes for impressive views. Take the cable car up Tianzi Mountain to see its iconic scenery and natural platforms. Visit Yuanjiajie to view the Hallelujah Mountains and First Bridge. Dress warmly, as temperatures can be cold at higher altitudes.

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    Accommodation

    Pullman Zhangjiajie4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (incl. Bailong Elevator & Tianzi Mountain Cable Car)

    One way cable car to Mt.Tianzishan

    Yuanjiajie (include the Hallelujah Mountains)

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Zhangjiajie

Day 8

Tianmen Mountain & Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge Adventure

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Tianmen Mountain & Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge Adventure

Ascend Tianmen Mountain and experience the heart of Zhangjiajie. Glide above dramatic cliffs and forests on the world’s longest cable car, a 30-minute journey from the city centre. At the top, choose to climb the Stairway to Heaven’s 999 steps or take the mountain escalator. Walk the Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway, suspended 1,430 metres above the ground, for breathtaking views. Dress warmly, as temperatures can vary.

Then step onto the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, the world’s longest and highest, suspended 300 metres above the canyon floor.

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    Accommodation

    Sunshine Hotel Zhangjiajie4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Tianmen Mountain (Glass Walkway & Cable Car)

    Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Zhangjiajie

Day 9

Zhangjiajie to Guilin by Train

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Zhangjiajie to Guilin by Train

Start your day with a transfer to the train station for your departure. On arrival in Guilin, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel. You have the rest of the day free.

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    Accommodation

    Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel4 star

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    Transportations

    Train from Zhangjiajie to Guilin

    Private Driver from Xi'an Railway Station to Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel

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    Meals

    Breakfast

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    Destinations

    Zhangjiajie

    Guilin

Day 10

Guilin Caves, Landmarks & Ancient Town Exploration

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Guilin Caves, Landmarks & Ancient Town Exploration

Reed Flute Cave is located 5 kilometers northwest of Guilin and is the largest cave in the area. Named after the reeds at its entrance, the cave stretches 240 meters with a tour route of about 550 meters. Inside, you’ll see impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and colorful rock formations. The visit takes 40 minutes and involves climbing steps in dim lighting. Elephant Trunk Hill, at the junction of two rivers, is 55 meters high and resembles an elephant drinking. Daxu Ancient Town, 18 kilometers away, features preserved buildings and old bluestone streets.

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    Accommodation

    Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel4 star

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    Activities

    Reed Flute Cave

    Elephant Trunk Hill

    Daxu Ancient Town Maozhou Island

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Guilin

Day 11

Travel from Guilin to Yangshuo by River Cruise

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Travel from Guilin to Yangshuo by River Cruise

Go on a captivating four-hour Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo aboard a newly operated four-star vessel, offering a comfortable setting for up to 80 passengers. Marvel at dramatic limestone peaks, tranquil bamboo groves, and vibrant scenes of rural life, from farmers in rice paddies to water buffaloes wading in the river. Savor a delightful buffet or semi-buffet lunch, thoughtfully curated to local standards, ensuring a satisfying dining experience as you glide past these iconic landscapes.

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    Accommodation

    Yangshuo Mountain Retreat4 star

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    Activities

    Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Guilin to Li River Cruise Ticket Office

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Guilin

Day 12

Yangshuo Countryside Cycling & Journey to Shanghai

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Yangshuo Countryside Cycling & Journey to Shanghai

Venture into the heart of Yangshuo’s countryside, where dramatic karst peaks and emerald rice paddies create a dreamlike landscape. Cycle along winding paths for 10–12 kilometres, weaving through bamboo groves and reflective waters. If cycling isn’t for you, an electric vehicle or a leisurely hike is available at no extra cost.

Continue with a transfer from Yangshuo to Guilin, a drive of around 90 minutes. In the late afternoon, catch a flight to Shanghai, where a driver will take you to your hotel on arrival.

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    Accommodation

    Sunrise On The Bund Hotel5 star

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    Activities

    Yangshuo Countryside Visit

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Yangshuo Mountain Retreat to Guilin

    Plane from Guilin to Shanghai

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

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Guilin

    Shanghai

Day 13

Shanghai Highlights: Yuyuan Garden & Tower Skyline Experience

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Shanghai Highlights: Yuyuan Garden & Tower Skyline Experience

Go on a personalized half-day “Icing-on-the-Cake” experience in Shanghai, where your private guide tailors every moment to your preferences—whether you seek relaxation, art, shopping, or vibrant nightlife. Wander through Yuyuan Garden, a serene Ming Dynasty oasis with rockeries, pavilions, and tranquil ponds, surrounded by bustling markets offering local snacks and unique souvenirs. Ascend Shanghai Tower to its 118th-floor observation deck, marveling at panoramic city views from the world’s second-tallest building, featuring the fastest elevators and modern design. Meals are included.

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    Accommodation

    Sunrise On The Bund Hotel5 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Half-Day Customized Icing-on-the-Cake Experience

    Yu Garden

    Shanghai Tower(including 118th Floor Observation Deck)

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Shanghai

Day 14

Departure Day

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Departure Day

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, followed by check-out. You will then be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

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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

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    Destinations

    Shanghai

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What’s included?

  • 13 nights accommodation
  • 24 activities
  • 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches and 1 dinner
  • 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