Tour Code: TC-BXZGS-411-16D
Beijing, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie, Guilin&Yangshuo, Shanghai
Come with a picture of China in mind. Let the stories behind its landmarks, the people you meet, and the small moments along the way bring that picture to life. Leave with a perspective of your own.
Arrive in Beijing, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to relax, recover from the flight, and settle in at your own pace before the journey begins.
Accommodation: Beijing
Oriental Mao Hotel, SciTech Hotel, or similar
Morning:
Begin the day at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the most impressive and scenic stretches near Beijing. Take the cable car up for an easier ascent, then walk along the ancient ramparts as they rise and fall across the mountain ridges. With its watchtowers, sweeping views, and powerful sense of scale, Mutianyu offers one of the most memorable introductions to China’s history and landscape.
Afternoon:
Later, return to the city and stroll through the Olympic Park, where the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube stand as two of modern Beijing’s most recognizable landmarks. Their bold architecture and open setting reveal a very different side of the capital, adding a contemporary contrast to the historic grandeur of the morning.
Accommodation: Beijing
Hotel: Oriental Mao Hotel, SciTech Hotel, or similar
Meals: Hotel breakfast included
Morning:
Start the day at Tiananmen Square, a landmark that reflects the scale and symbolism of modern China. Then continue into the Forbidden City, where a walk along the central axis reveals the grandeur of the Ming and Qing imperial court through vast courtyards, ceremonial halls, and centuries of palace history.
Afternoon:
Later, head to Jingshan Park and climb to the summit for one of Beijing’s most rewarding panoramic views. From the top, the sweeping rooftops of the Forbidden City unfold below, offering a striking perspective on the scale, symmetry, and legacy of the old imperial capital.
Accommodation: Beijing
Hotel: Oriental Mao Hotel, SciTech Hotel, or similar
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Morning:
This morning, visit either the Summer Palace or the Temple of Heaven, depending on the final arrangement. Whether through the elegance of imperial gardens and lakeside scenery or the solemn symbolism of an important ceremonial site, the visit offers further insight into Beijing’s royal heritage and the refined aesthetics of traditional Chinese design.
Afternoon:
Later, transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train to Xi’an. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and escorted to your hotel for check-in.
Accommodation: Xi’an
Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Xi’an, Eastern House Xi’an, or similar
Meals: Hotel breakfast included
Morning:
Begin the day at Little Wild Goose Pagoda, a quietly elegant landmark that offers a more contemplative side of Xi’an. With its long history and distinctive character, it reflects the spiritual legacy of the ancient city and remains one of its most atmospheric historic sites. Just beside it, Xi’an Museum provides a deeper introduction to the city’s past through a rich collection of artifacts unearthed across the region, helping trace Xi’an’s development through successive dynasties.
Afternoon:
Later, continue to the Bell and Drum Towers, two of Xi’an’s most recognizable symbols, where the city’s historic rhythm and urban character come vividly into view. Afterwards, head to the Muslim Quarter, where lively lanes, local snacks, and everyday street scenes reveal a more grounded and flavorful side of Xi’an, full of energy, texture, and local life.
Accommodation: Xi’an
Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Xi’an, Eastern House Xi’an, or similar
Meals: Hotel breakfast included
Morning:
This morning, visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, one of China’s most extraordinary archaeological sites and a lasting symbol of the Qin Empire’s power and ambition. Standing before these life-sized figures offers a striking sense of the scale, discipline, and vision behind China’s first unified dynasty.
Afternoon:
Later, walk along Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall, where sweeping views reveal the layout and character of the old city below. In the evening, continue to Datang Everbright City, a lively cultural district inspired by the grandeur of the Tang dynasty. With its illuminated streets, traditional-style architecture, and vibrant night atmosphere, it offers a memorable and immersive close to the day.
Accommodation: Xi’an
Hotel: Four Points by Sheraton Xi’an, Eastern House Xi’an, or similar
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Morning:
Fly to Zhangjiajie this morning. Upon arrival, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to the city by private vehicle, where the landscape begins to shift from historic capitals to one of China’s most dramatic natural regions.
Afternoon:
Later, head to Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, one of Zhangjiajie’s most spectacular highlights. Ride the 7.5-kilometer cable car high above the mountains, with sweeping views over the famous road below as it twists through 99 sharp bends. At the summit, step onto the glass skywalk suspended along the cliff face, where the vast drop below creates a thrilling sense of height and exposure. Continue to Tianmen Cave, a remarkable natural arch set into the mountain and often known as the “Gate to Heaven,” where your guide will introduce the area’s striking karst landscape and geological character.
Evening:
In the evening, visit the 72 Wonder Towers, a visually dramatic landmark known for its bold architectural style and lively local atmosphere. Illuminated after dark, it offers a distinctive cultural experience and a memorable first night in Zhangjiajie.
Accommodation: Zhangjiajie
Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan, or similar
Meals: Hotel breakfast included
Morning:
This morning, take the Bailong Elevator up into the heart of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and begin exploring the dramatic sandstone landscape that has made the area famous around the world. In Yuanjiajie, the towering pillar formations rise steeply from the valleys below, creating the otherworldly scenery that inspired the floating mountains seen in Avatar. Continue on to Yangjiajie, where cliffside paths, rugged ridgelines, and striking rock formations reveal an even wilder side of Zhangjiajie’s mountain scenery.
Afternoon:
Later, visit Tianzi Mountain, one of the park’s most celebrated panoramic areas. Here, distinctive formations such as Imperial Brush Peaks and Fairy Scattering Flowers stand against a vast backdrop of layered mountains, offering some of the most sweeping and memorable views of the entire journey.
Accommodation: Zhangjiajie
Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan, or similar
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Morning:
This morning, take the cable car up to Huangshizhai, one of the classic viewpoints in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. From here, the landscape opens into a sweeping panorama of forested peaks, deep valleys, and striking rock formations, offering a powerful sense of the scale and beauty of the park. As you explore, your guide will also share some of the legends and stories associated with these dramatic mountains.
Afternoon:
Later, enjoy a walk along Golden Whip Stream, where clear water, lush vegetation, and towering cliffs create one of the most peaceful and picturesque settings in Zhangjiajie. Continue to the Ten-Mile Gallery and take the sightseeing train through this scenic valley, where unusual rock formations and layered mountain views give the landscape an almost storybook quality.
Accommodation: Zhangjiajie
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan, or similar
Meals: Hotel breakfast included
Morning:
This morning, travel to Furong Town, a distinctive old settlement dramatically built around a waterfall. As you walk between cascading water, stone lanes, and traditional stilted houses, you will see how the town’s setting brings together natural scenery and everyday life in a way that feels both unusual and deeply atmospheric.
Afternoon:
Later, continue to Phoenix Ancient Town, often regarded as one of China’s most poetic historic towns. Stroll along its stone-paved streets, explore its riverside quarters, and gain a deeper sense of the local Miao and Tujia cultural heritage that still shapes the character of the town today.
Evening:
In the evening, enjoy a relaxed walk through the old town as lights begin to glow along the Tuojiang River. Reflections of the stilt houses shimmer across the water, creating one of the most romantic and memorable night scenes of the entire journey.
Accommodation: Fenghuang Ancient Town
Hotel: Sulv Lianhua Hotel, or similar
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Morning:
This morning, travel to the railway station in Phoenix Ancient Town and board the high-speed train to Guilin. As the journey continues south, the scenery gradually shifts from the misty landscapes of western Hunan to the graceful countryside and karst region for which Guilin is so well known.
Afternoon:
Arrive in Guilin in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel for check-in and a short rest. Later, visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the city’s most recognizable landmark, where the unusual rock formation has long been seen as a symbol of Guilin. Afterwards, take a walk through East-West Lane, a historic quarter that blends traditional architecture, local life, and a relaxed city atmosphere.
Evening:
In the evening, head to the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area to see the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas illuminated after dark. Reflected on the water, they create one of Guilin’s most elegant and memorable night views.
Accommodation: Guilin
Hotel: SYYF Hotel (Guilin Shiyuyuanfang), Lijiang Waterfall Hotel, or similar
Meals: Hotel breakfast included
Morning:
This morning, board a premium cruise for one of the most celebrated sections of the Li River, where Guilin’s signature karst scenery unfolds in a calm and unhurried rhythm. As the boat glides past limestone peaks, riverside villages, and mirror-like reflections on the water, the landscape feels like a traditional Chinese painting slowly coming to life. Along the way, you will pass some of the river’s most iconic views, long admired for their beauty, balance, and poetic atmosphere.
Afternoon:
After arriving in Yangshuo, continue to Silver Cave, an impressive limestone cavern known for its shimmering stalactites, stalagmites, and dramatic underground formations. Under carefully designed lighting, the cave reveals a striking world of texture and color, offering a very different but equally memorable side of Guangxi’s natural beauty.
Evening:
In the evening, you may choose to attend the optional Impression Liu Sanjie show, a large-scale open-air performance set against the natural landscape. Using the river and surrounding hills as its stage, the production brings together local culture, music, light, and visual artistry in a setting that feels both theatrical and uniquely tied to Yangshuo itself.
Accommodation: Yangshuo
Hotel: Green Lotus Hotel Yangshuo, New West Street International Hotel, or similar
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Morning:
This morning, enjoy a bamboo rafting experience on the Yulong River, where calm water, karst peaks, and pastoral scenery come together in one of Yangshuo’s most iconic landscapes. Drifting gently downstream, you will see a quieter and more intimate side of the region, where the rhythm of the countryside feels beautifully unhurried. Afterwards, continue with a ride through the Ten-Mile Gallery, passing country lanes, rice fields, and village scenes that offer a closer connection to everyday life in rural Yangshuo.
Afternoon:
Later, head to the Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains Viewpoint, one of the area’s most sought-after panoramic spots in recent years. From this elevated vantage point, layers of karst hills, farmland, waterways, and scattered villages unfold into a scene that closely resembles a classical Chinese landscape painting. On a clear day, the depth and balance of the view make it one of the best places to appreciate—and photograph—the natural beauty that has made Yangshuo so enduringly admired.
Accommodation: Guilin
Hotel: SYYF Hotel (Guilin Shiyuyuanfang), Lijiang Waterfall Hotel, or similar
Meals: Hotel breakfast included
Morning:
This morning, travel by private vehicle from your hotel in Yangshuo to Guilin Airport for your flight to Shanghai, marking the transition from China’s poetic river landscapes to one of its most dynamic and cosmopolitan cities.
Afternoon:
Upon arrival, begin your Shanghai visit at Yu Garden, a beautifully preserved classical garden that reflects the elegance and refinement of traditional Jiangnan design. Later, take a walk along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, where historic city atmosphere, local life, and modern commercial energy come together in one of Shanghai’s best-known districts.
Evening:
In the evening, head to the Bund for a stroll along the Huangpu River. Here, the grand waterfront buildings of old Shanghai glow against the night sky, while across the river the illuminated skyline of Lujiazui rises in dramatic contrast, with landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower creating one of the most iconic city views in China.
Accommodation: Shanghai
Hotel: Intercity Hotel Shanghai Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street The Bund, or similar
Meals: Breakfast and dinner
Morning:
Spend the morning on Wukang Road, one of Shanghai’s most characterful streets, where historic residences, leafy sidewalks, and a distinctly nostalgic atmosphere reveal the city’s elegant early 20th-century side. As you stroll through the neighborhood, you will see the iconic Wukang Building and have time to browse boutique shops, cafés, and photogenic corners that give the area its creative and refined appeal.
Afternoon:
Later, continue to Lujiazui, Shanghai’s most recognizable modern skyline district, where landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Tower rise above the Huangpu River. Depending on the final arrangement, ascend either the Oriental Pearl Tower or Shanghai Tower for sweeping views across the city. Afterwards, head to Xintiandi, where restored Shikumen architecture meets stylish restaurants, bars, and contemporary urban life, creating one of Shanghai’s most distinctive blends of heritage and modernity.
Accommodation: Shanghai
Hotel: Intercity Hotel Shanghai Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street The Bund, or similar
Meals: Hotel breakfast included
After breakfast, enjoy some free time at your own pace before your private transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. Your 16-day journey through China comes to an end here, with lasting memories of imperial cities, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant local culture.
Accommodation: None
Meals: Hotel breakfast included
Carefully selected local 5-star hotels are arranged in Beijing, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Shanghai, while in Phoenix Ancient Town, you will stay at a carefully selected boutique guesthouse chosen for its local character and atmosphere.
Final hotel details will be confirmed before departure, and room upgrades or alternative options can be arranged based on your preferences and budget.
Professional English-speaking guides will be arranged according to the itinerary to assist with sightseeing, transfers, and on-the-ground coordination throughout the trip.
Guide arrangements are organized based on the destinations and services included in the itinerary, helping each part of the journey run smoothly and clearly.
China visa application and related fees are not included.
International transportation to and from China is not included in the tour price. We are happy to assist with flight recommendations or booking arrangements to help ensure a smooth connection with your itinerary.
Comprehensive international travel insurance is not included.
The travel accident insurance included during your trip in China does not replace full international travel insurance.
Guests are advised to arrange suitable coverage before departure.
Any experiences, tickets, or transportation not specified in the itinerary are not included.
Optional shows, special experiences, or upgrades arranged during free time may incur additional costs.
Personal expenses such as shopping, individual purchases, and discretionary spending are not included.
Gratuities for your guide and driver are not included and remain at your discretion.
This tour is manageable for most travelers with a reasonable level of mobility, but it does include walking, steps, and sightseeing in scenic areas such as Zhangjiajie, Phoenix Ancient Town, and Yangshuo. Travelers who prefer a slower pace should let us know in advance so we can help advise on the most suitable travel style.
This itinerary includes moderate daily walking, especially at historical sites, old towns, and scenic areas. Some destinations, particularly Zhangjiajie and Phoenix Ancient Town, involve more walking than major cities, so comfortable shoes are strongly recommended throughout the journey.
Yes. While most destinations on this tour use carefully selected 5-star hotels, in Phoenix Ancient Town we arrange Sulv Lianhua Hotel or a similar boutique-style hotel, selected for its local character, comfortable stay, and convenient access to the old town.
Yes, it can be a good choice for older travelers visiting China for the first time, especially those looking for a broader introduction to the country’s history, scenery, and cultural highlights. However, the itinerary does include some walking, steps, and full sightseeing days in scenic areas such as Zhangjiajie, Phoenix Ancient Town, and Yangshuo. Travelers who prefer a slower pace and more flexibility may find the private tour option more comfortable.
The hotels listed are our preferred or reference properties. If a listed hotel is unavailable for a particular departure, a hotel of a similar 5-star standard will be arranged instead. Final hotel details will be confirmed before departure.
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16-Day Classic China Tour: Imperial Cities, Avatar Mountains and Li River Scenery
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