13 Days Incredible China Tour with Zhangjiajie Mountains & Guilin Landscape

Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, China's capital. Our team will greet you at the airport/train station exit and escort you to a carefully selected downtown hotel for check-in.The rest of the day is free for you to rest from jet lag or explore the area near your hotel at your own pace.

Arrival Ideas:

Beijing is well connected by air and high-speed rail, with two international airports operating global and domestic flights from most Chinese cities. You can also take high-speed trains to Beijing from Xian (4-5hrs), Shanghai (4.5-6hrs) and Zhengzhou (2.5-3hrs).

Free Time Ideas:

Feel free to ask your guide for tailored free time tips based on your schedule and personal interests.

After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel to start the day at Tian'anmen Square. As the world's largest public square and a symbol of China, it has been the site of many major historical events.

Walk across the square to enter the Forbidden City. This massive complex is the world's largest palace and was once home to 24 emperors. It contains over 8,700 rooms and is remarkably well-preserved.

You may enter through the Meridian Gate and follow the central axis. This route ensures you see the most important halls and treasures while your guide shares stories of the imperial families who lived here.

Later, take a short walk up to Jingshan Park. From the top of the hill, you can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the Forbidden City's yellow-tiled roofs and the modern Beijing skyline beyond.

In the afternoon, explore the local side of the city in the Hutongs. Take a traditional rickshaw ride through these narrow alleys to see traditional courtyard homes and browse small, unique shops.

Optional Activity:

Try the world-famous Peking Roasted Duck for dinner at the historic Quanjude (全聚德) restaurant. Your guide can assist with reservations.

This morning, drive northwest for about 2 hours (73km) to the Mutianyu Great Wall. This section is famous for being well-restored while hosting fewer crowds than other areas. It features 23 original Ming-era watchtowers along the ancient mountain ridges.

Take a cable car to the 14th watchtower to start your walk. You will explore the western route, where the wall winds through lush forests of pines and cypresses. The scenery here is particularly impressive due to the high density of original stone towers and battlements.

If you are feeling energetic, hike up to the 20th watchtower. This is the highest accessible point at Mutianyu, offering a sweeping view of the wall stretching toward the horizon. It is the perfect spot for panoramic photos of this engineering marvel.

After your descent, return to downtown Beijing. Stop briefly at the Olympic Park for exterior photos of the Bird's Nest and Water Cube. These architectural landmarks hosted both the 2008 Summer Olympics and the 2022 Winter Games.

Finally, your private transfer will take you back to your hotel for a well-earned rest. Your guide can provide recommendations for local dining options nearby if you wish to explore the neighborhood this evening.

After breakfast, drive to the Summer Palace, known as the "Museum of Royal Gardens." This expansive imperial site once served as a summer retreat for royal families to escape the city heat.

Explore the temples, pavilions, and bridges that make this garden a masterpiece of landscaping. A leisure walk here offers hilltop views and serene lake vistas that resemble a scene from a traditional Chinese painting.

Following the tour, your driver will escort you to the railway station for a high-speed train to Xian (approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours).

Welcome to Xian, the ancient capital of 13 Chinese dynasties. Upon your arrival, our team will meet you at the station exit and provide a private transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will meet you for a 1-hour drive (40km) to the Terracotta Army Museum. This site is one of the world's most significant archaeological finds, built by Emperor Qin Shihuang to guard his tomb.

You will first explore Pit 1, the largest vault. It houses over 6,000 life-sized soldiers and horses standing in battle formation. The sheer scale and the distinct facial features of each statue reflect the incredible skill of ancient artisans.

Next, visit Pit 2 to see specialized units, including kneeling archers, cavalry, and chariot arrays. You will get a close-up look at the weapons and armor used over 2,000 years ago. (Note: If you are interested, you can join a workshop to learn how to make your own mini terracotta warrior.)

After lunch, return to the city center to visit the Ancient City Wall. As one of the oldest and best-preserved defensive systems in China, it offers a clear contrast between the historic gates and the modern skyline.

Take a leisurely walk along the wide top of the wall. From this elevated vantage point, you can view the deep moats, watchtowers, and the bustling life of the old city below.

In the late afternoon, head to the Muslim Quarter. This lively neighborhood is a hub of culture and local life. Wander through the narrow streets to discover unique snacks, traditional crafts, and the vibrant atmosphere of Xian's Islamic heritage.

Morning: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda & Hanfu Experience

After breakfast, your guide will take you to visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda , a Tang Dynasty landmark and one of Xian's most recognizable symbols. Located in Da Ci'en Temple, it was built in 652 AD to store Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuan Zang.

Take your time exploring the pagoda grounds and the surrounding square. Then, step back in time with a Hanfu experience. You'll be fitted in traditional Chinese clothing - flowing silk robes and classic accessories included. Walk through the temple gardens and pagoda grounds dressed in Hanfu while your guide points out the best spots for photos.

Afternoon: Flight to Zhangjiajie

After the tour, your guide will escort you to the airport for a flight to Zhangjiajie (about 2 hours). Welcome to Zhangjiajie, where the floating mountains from Avatar come to life.

Upon arrival, our team will greet you at the airport and take you to your hotel in downtown Zhangjiajie. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or explore on your own.

After breakfast, head into the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, home to over 3,000 towering sandstone pillars. Your guide will lead you to the Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor lift, which whisks you to the mountain peaks in just 90 seconds.

Spend the morning exploring Yuanjiajie, the primary inspiration for the "Hallelujah Mountains" in the movie Avatar. You will see the South Sky Pillar, a 150-meter vertical monolith, and visit the Enchanting Platform for views of hundreds of stone spires rising from the valley.

Later, take a sightseeing bus to Tianzi Mountain. Visit He Long Park and the Dianjiang Terrace to overlook the "West Sea Stone Forest." This area is famous for its dense clusters of jagged rocks that often appear to float above the canyon mist.

The final stop is the Ten-mile Gallery. You will ride a small electric train through the valley, passing unique rock formations and lush greenery. The scenery here is often compared to a traditional Chinese ink painting unfolding before you.

After the tour, your driver will take you back to your hotel for a well-earned rest. Your guide can provide recommendations for local Tujia-style dining options in the evening.

Morning: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge

After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon for the Glass Bridge experience. Suspended between two cliffs, the bridge stretches 430 meters across and hangs 300 meters above the canyon floor—making it the longest and highest glass bridge in the world.

Walking on the transparent surface feels like floating in mid-air. Below your feet, you can see straight down to the lush valley and rocky terrain. The panoramic views of the entire canyon are stunning from every angle.

Afternoon: Baofeng Lake

After the glass bridge, continue to Baofeng Lake for a scenic boat cruise. Surrounded by green forest and unusual stone peaks, the lake offers a peaceful contrast to the morning's thrills.

As the boat glides across the calm water, you'll see the reflection of the surrounding peaks and hear folk songs performed by local minority singers. It's a relaxing way to end the day.

This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the train station for a high-speed train to Guilin (about 7.5 hours). Sit back and enjoy the changing scenery as you travel south.

Upon arrival in Guilin, your guide will meet you at the train station and escort you to your hotel in the downtown area. After check-in, the rest of the day is free to explore on your own.

Take a leisurely walk along Binjiang Road by the Li River, or head out to taste Guilin's famous rice noodles at a local shop - a perfect introduction to the city's flavors.

After breakfast, drive about 1 hour to the pier to begin your Li River Cruise. This 84-kilometer stretch is celebrated as one of the world's top "watery wonders" by National Geographic.

The 4.5-hour cruise takes you deep into the heart of Guilin's scenery. You will pass towering limestone peaks, grazing water buffalo, and small villages where farmers still work the fertile riverbanks.

Upon arrival in Yangshuo, your driver will meet you at the dock and transfer you to your hotel. After a short rest, head out to explore the Yangshuo Countryside, famous for its "postcard-perfect" rural views.

You can choose to explore by bike or rent an electric scooter. The paths lead you through lush rice paddies and quiet hamlets, offering a close-up look at the unique karst landscape away from the main tourist roads.

Later, take a leisurely stroll through West Street, the vibrant heart of Yangshuo. This area is a unique fusion of Western and Chinese cultures, packed with cafes, bars, and local craft shops.

Whether you want to grab a coffee, sample authentic local snacks, or simply soak up the energetic nightlife, West Street is the perfect place to spend your evening before returning to your hotel.

Morning: Guilin Highlights

After breakfast, transfer back to Guilin for more exploration. Start at Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin. This limestone formation sits where the Li River meets Peach Blossom River, and it really does look like a giant elephant drinking from the water.

Next, visit Reed Flute Cave , a classic karst cave filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Some formations resemble animals, others look like plants. Colored neon lights illuminate the caverns, making you feel like you're walking through a crystal palace.

Afternoon: Flight to Shanghai

After the tour, our team will transfer you to the airport for a flight to Shanghai (about 2.5 hours). Welcome to Shanghai, China's most international and dynamic city. Upon arrival, your Shanghai guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in downtown Shanghai.

The rest of the evening is free - perhaps take a stroll along the Bund or explore the neighborhood near your hotel.

This morning, visit the Shanghai Museum. The building's unique shape - a round top on a square base - symbolizes the ancient Chinese concept of "round sky, square earth." Inside, you will explore a collection of 120,000 relics spanning 5,000 years. Don't miss the Exhibition Hall of Bronze, featuring the 3,000-year-old Da Ke Ding (food vessel) and the Bianzhong of Marquis Su of Jin (ancient musical bells).

Your second stop is the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China. Take the high-speed elevator to the 118th-floor observatory (546 meters high) for a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of modern Shanghai.

Next, head to Yu Garden, a celebrated classical garden hidden in the city center. Walk through its tranquil pavilions and admire the intricate rockeries and traditional carvings that date back to the Ming Dynasty. Outside the garden, explore Yuyuan Bazaar. This is a fun, lively area to sample local Shanghai snacks, such as steamed soup dumplings, or browse for traditional handicrafts and souvenirs.

In the afternoon, take a stroll along Nanjing Road. This famous pedestrian street is lined with a mix of historic shops, modern brands, and busy cafes, leading you directly toward the riverfront.

Reach The Bund, Shanghai’s most iconic landmark. Known as an "Exhibition of International Architecture," it features 52 historic buildings. From here, you can overlook the Huangpu River and the futuristic skyscrapers of the Pudong skyline.

After breakfast, enjoy some free time in Shanghai to explore on your own. Pick up last-minute souvenirs, stroll through a nearby neighborhood, or simply relax before your journey continues.

When you're ready, your guide will escort you to the airport or train station for your flight or high-speed train to your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your 13 days China tour. We're always here to help and look forward to welcoming you again on your next trip to China or Asia. Safe travels!