14 Days China Private Tour of Beijing-Zhangjiajie-Xi’an-Chengdu-Guilin-Shanghai

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing Arrival

   Hello, guys! Welcome to Beijing for this carefully designed two-week tour in China! Upon arrival, your private driver will pick you up at the exit of the Arrival Hall and escort you to the hotel in the downtown area. After check-in, have the rest of the day at your leisure to explore the capital city.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Beijing

2. Day 2: Beijing Highlights Tour
   Explore the Historical Landmarks of Beijing

   Your first day in Beijing begins after breakfast. The tour guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer you to the center of Beijing to visit Tian'anmen Square. The square covers an area of 440,000 square meters and can accommodate one million people at the same time. You will be guided to see the National Flag Pole, the Monument to the People's Heroes, Chairman Mao's Memorial Hall, and the Zhengyangmen Gate from north to south.

   Continue walking a short distance to the Forbidden City. Aka the "Palace Museum", it used to be the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368-1911) and is the essence of ancient Chinese palace architecture. Learn some basic facts from your well-informed tour guide, such as when it was built, why it was built, and how many rooms it has.

   

   After lunch, move on to the Temple of Heaven, famous for its meticulous layout, unique architecture, and magnificent decoration. This grand complex was built for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to offer sacrifices to heaven and pray for good harvests.

   Then, be transferred to visit the Summer Palace. With an area of 2.9 square kilometers, this palace was the best place where the emperors of the Qing Dynasty spent their summers. Here you will enjoy the amazing lake view, explore the exquisite long corridor, appreciate precious cultural relics... In addition, you can take a boat ride to enjoy Kunming Lake (optional, if the weather permits).

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Beijing

   

3. Day 3: Beijing Great Wall
   Enjoy a Great Wall Hike and Admire the Olympic Sites from Outside

   The highlight of today's Beijing trip is the Mutianyu Great Wall. From your hotel, the car ride takes 1.5 to 2 hours, during which, your guide will tell you the facts about the construction of the Great Wall. Mutianyu Great Wall has dense enemy buildings and high vegetation coverage, which is not found in other sections of the Great Wall.

   You will hike up to the Great Wall or you can choose to go up in a more relaxing way - cable car to the Great Wall. Learn about its history and importance over the centuries while exploring the wall. Your tour guide will point out some of the best locations for you to take unforgettable photos.

   After the Great Wall hike tour, we return to the hotel for a good rest. On the way back to the downtown center, we will admire the Bird's Nest and Water Cube which were built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Walk around the outside of the building to appreciate the unique design and take some pictures.

   In the evening, you will be arranged to enjoy the delicious Beijing Roast Duck dinner in Quanjude.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: in Beijing

   

4. Day 4: Beijing to Zhangjiajie Tour by Flight
   Have a gGlimpse of the Beijing People's Lifestyle

   After breakfast, you will be taken to the charming Beihai Park, which is absolutely a nice place to relax and enjoy yourself! It is one of the oldest, most complete, most comprehensive and representative royal gardens in China. You will have lots of opportunities to take great photos of the lovely lake and historic buildings. There are also boat rides available if you like (optional).

   Hutongs in Beijing are full of history. Today you will feel the charm of the hutongs in the Shichahai Scenic Area. Taking a rickshaw to ride along the ancient alleys, you will learn more about the background information of the Hutongs, experience authentic old Beijing life, and witness the blending of tradition and modernity. Pay a visit to a local family in the Hutong and enjoy a homemade lunch with the friendly family. It will be a great chance for you to have a glimpse of the local people's lifestyle.

   

   Later, continue your Beijing tour to Lama Temple, also called Yonghe Palace. It is a rare Tibetan Buddhist royal temple in Beijing. In history, this was the residence of Emperor Yongzheng and the birthplace of Emperor Qianlong. Your private guide will lead you to visit many precious ancient buildings and cultural relics preserved in the temple.

   Last, we will escort you to the airport for an evening flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, a local driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate and transfer to a local hotel for check-in. Have a good rest for tomorrow!

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Area

   

5. Day 5: Zhangjiajie Nature Tour
   Experience Walking on the Longest and Highest Glass Bridge

   After breakfast, meet your guide and the driver who will pick you up from the hotel lobby and directly head to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. It is a landform museum of Zhangjiajie, integrating mountains, rivers, and caves. In the valley, you can see monkeys jumping and birds singing, and the reflection of green and steep mountains in the clear water.

   Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, a highlight of the Canyon, is the longest and highest glass bridge in the world with a length of 430 meters. You can have a panoramic view of flying waterfalls, lush forests, and running streams when walking on the transparent glass floor.

   After that, you will be transferred for a 1 hour and 20 minutes' ride to the famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Here you can enjoy a 2-hour hike along the  Golden Whip Stream. It is one of the most beautiful sites in Zhangjiajie. Just listen to the murmurs of the stream, stroll along the valley, and stop to watch the fish swimming in the crystal-clear water. After the whole day tour, board the private car back to the hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Area

   

6. Day 6: Zhangjiajie to Xian Tour by Flight
   Explore the Famous Hallelujah Mountains

   Today's China private tour in Zhangjiajie continues in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, starting at Tianzi Mountain. Take a sightseeing bus to the mountain top. You will witness rugged rocks and a forest of stone peaks. One of the spectacular sights is the sea of clouds after rain if you are lucky. After the visit, take a cable car down the mountain.

   

   Next, go to explore Yuanjiajie, the inspiration for Hallelujah Mountain in the super famous movie Avatar. You can experience the Bailong Elevator, the highest and heaviest outdoor elevator in the world. When you step out of the elevator, a magical landscape painting will unfold in front of you. The massive quartz-sandstone pillars are just towering over you or next to you.

   Finish all the activities and transfer to Zhangjiajie airport for an evening flight to Xian. Upon arrival, our local driver will transfer to a local hotel for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Xian

   

7. Day 7: Xian Essence Tour
   Marvel at the Ancient Wonders in Xian

   Meet your private tour guide and begin your Xian tour at the Terracotta Army. Known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, the Terracotta Warriors slept under the ground for 2,200 years before the accidental discovery by local farmers who were digging wells. The life-size clay warriors differ from one another in clothing, hairstyle, posture, and facial expression. Since its opening to the public in 1979, it has attracted millions of people from all over the world each year. You will be guided to visit Pit 1, 2, and 3.

   

   After lunch, continue your visit to Huaqing Palace which used to be the royal bathing spot in the Tang Dynasty and here you will learn the moving love story of Emperor Xuanzong and his concubine Lady Yang.

   Later, drive back to the downtown area to Bell and Drum Tower Square, which is located in the very center of the city and is considered the symbol of this old capital. Walking forward, you will come to the Muslim Quarter where you will find many special local products and authentic local snacks. You can enjoy preserved meat, casserole, and various noodles, and purchase some Terracotta Warriors imitations as souvenirs.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Xian

   

8. Day 8: Xian to Chengdu Tour by High-speed Train
   Exploring the World Heritage Sites in Xian

   As one of the most famous historical cities, Xian has lots of interesting places to go! Today you will explore the must-see sights in the Xian downtown area.

   The first site will be Big Wild Goose Pagoda. On the way to the attraction spot, your guide will introduce the history and culture of this ancient city for you to catch a glimpse of the reason why so many well-known relics were discovered on this land. Big Wild Goose Pagoda was originally built to hold Buddhist sutra and figurines of the Buddha that Xuanzang brought back from India in the Tang Dynasty, 652 A.D. Now there is a big square divided into North Square and South Square, surrounding the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. It’s busier in the evening when many activities with Tang elements are held by local amateurs.

   

   Afterward, transfer you to visit the Ancient City Wall, a military defensive system in old times. You can optionally ride a bike on the top of the City Wall and enjoy the amazing view of the entire area inside the City Wall.

   In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Chengdu. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to a local hotel for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

9. Day 9: Chengdu to Guilin Tour by Flight
   A Day with Pandas and Relaxing Tea Time

   Your China tour package in Chengdu takes you to visit the cute pandas in the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. It is well known for the protection and breeding of the endangered giant pandas which are unique to China. The base is definitely a highlight for most visitors to Chengdu. There are adorable pandas everywhere. You can watch them eating bamboo, playing with each other, and of course, sleeping. Your tour guide will navigate you through the huge area, share some information about the pandas, and help you take amazing photos.

   

   Afterward, enjoy some relaxing tea time in Renmin Park. Renmin Park is a perfect place to do people-watching. Here you can enjoy a cup of tea in a nice tea house and watch local people while away the time with various activities such as playing cards, doing Tai Chi, playing mahjong, dancing, and napping.

   Later, follow your guide to explore the local food and culture in Kuanzhai Alley, which has a long history and dates back to the Qing Dynasty. Now the old alleys have been converted into one of the top attractions in Chengdu. Strolling along the streets, you still can see many well-preserved Qing Dynasty buildings. In addition to appreciating the traditional architecture, you also can savor some local delicacies. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Chengdu will surprise you with its delicious food.

   Last, take an evening flight to Guilin.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Guilin

10. Day 10: Guilin Longji Rice Terraces Tour
    Take a Leisure Hike in the Rice Terraces with a Long Hair Show

    After breakfast, meet your Guilin guide and drive to the painting-like Longji Rice Terraces, which has thousands of years of history. It is hard to believe that the minority people were able to bring the remote mountains under cultivation by the slash-and-burn method over 2,000 years ago. Now the rice terraces not only feed the local people but also provide the people around the world a retreat from everyday life.

    

    Arrive at Longji Terraces Scenic Area, you will enjoy the one-of-a-kind Long Hair Show performed by Yao Minority women in Huangluo village, which was awarded the “World's Longest Hair Village” by Guinness World Records. Famous for their long and shiny hair, the women of Huangluo cut their hair only once in their lives upon turning 18. In addition to that, you can also have a glimpse of the Zhuang and Yao minority people's lifestyles.

    After enjoying the spectacular rice terraces, the fragrant bamboo-tube-cooked rice will be waiting for you. The soaked rice is put inside a fresh bamboo tube, and the mouth of the tube is plugged with fresh leaves. The rice will be ready after cooking over a fire for about half an hour. When you cut open the bamboo tube by using a knife, the delicate fragrance will greet your nostrils.

    Finish the sightseeing, and transfer back to your hotel.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Guilin

    

11. Day 11: Guilin to Yangshuo Tour by Cruise
    Hop on a Li River Cruise and Enjoy a Countryside Cycling

    Today is the highlight of your Guilin tour as you will embark on a ship to cruise down the picturesque Li River!

    Taking the cruise on the Li River, you will admire the picturesque scenery of this land with a harmonious combination of green hills, rivers, lakes, and fields. But its beauty is not like a still painting, it’s alive when vivid – brisk bamboo rafts leaving wrinkles on the water and cormorants hovering under the working fishermen…

    Our guide will uncover the hidden history and culture behind the natural screen before you during your cruise. You will learn from the local expert about how the city formed and developed and how local people manage their lives along the famous Li River.

    

    Friendly Tips:

    • The Li River Cruise takes around 4 hours, and you will be staying on the boat to enjoy the scenery for most time, so a 3-star boat included would be adequate according to most tourists' experience.
    • You are suggested to have a good breakfast at your hotel and take some snacks as there will be only a simple box lunch provided on the boat.

    After the 4-hour cruise, you will disembark at Yangshuo. Follow your guide to explore the famous Yangshuo West Street to admire the antique buildings and local crafts, hang out in bars and coffee shops, and try some delicious local snacks.

    Optional night activity: If you are looking for a worthwhile activity tonight, the wonderful Impression Show of Liu Sanjie is great! The stage is set on the Li River, and most of the 600 performers are fishermen from nearby villages. Through this amazing show, you will learn about the legendary Liu Sanjie and learn something about the Zhuang people's culture.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Yangshuo

12. Day 12: Guilin to Shanghai Tour by Flight
    Visit the Guilin City Landmarks

    After breakfast, take all your belongings and check out the hotel as you will be departing Guilin at the end of the tour.

    Driving around 1.5 hours from Yangshuo to Guilin City, start your Guilin city tour with the amazing Reed Flute Cave. The cave got its name because there were reeds at its entrance and people could make flutes by using the reeds. Walking into the cave, you will be surrounded by all kinds of stalactites, stalagmites, stone columns, flowers, and curtains created by water erosion and carbonate deposition day after day and year after year.

    After that, move on to the Elephant Trunk Hill. The hill got its name from the shape of an elephant sipping water by the riverside. You will see a round opening between the elephant’s trunk and legs, and it has the beautiful name of Water Moon Cave. You can take beautiful pictures to record a pleasant time at this extraordinary place.

    After lunch, take a flight to Shanghai.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Shanghai

    

13. Day 13: Shanghai Highlights Tour
    Embark on a Journey of Shanghai's Past and Present

    In the morning, our English-speaking tour guide will pick you up from the downtown hotel. Your Shanghai exploration begins with the famous Yuyuan Garden. It is a famous classical garden which was originally built by the owner as a place for his parents to enjoy a tranquil and happy time in their old age. Nearby is the lively Yuyuan Market. Here you can get everything from traditional Chinese crafts like chopsticks, fans, and pottery to local delicacies such as steamed buns, crab shell cake, and pork chop with rice cakes.

    After that, move on to Shanghai Museum. The museum houses millions of collections and especially features bronze wares, porcelain works, paintings, and calligraphy works.

    

    After lunch, take a guided tour of the Former French Concession, the largest and most prosperous concession among all the four French concessions in old China. Here your tour guide will reveal a history of humiliation and you will see many old beautiful European-style buildings that look very charming hidden in the shade of French parasol trees.

    The next stop will be the Shanghai World Financial Center. It is said that the building looks like a bottle opener from outside. You will have a chance to see for yourself and go up to the 100th floor to have a marvelous panoramic view of the Huangpu River. Walking on the 55-meter-long transparent sightseeing corridor will be an exciting experience.

    Last, enjoy your sightseeing in one of the landmarks of Shanghai - the Bund. Admire buildings of various styles, enjoy the beautiful Huangpu River, and listen to your guide explaining its history. After a leisurely walk, the guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Shanghai

    

14. Day 14: Shanghai Departure

    Today is your final day of this 14-day China tour of Beijing-Zhangjiajie-Xian-Chengdu-Guilin-Shanghai. You have the morning free to relax at your own pace.

    Your driver will then escort you to the airport for your onward journey to your next destination. Thank you for choosing China Xian Tour. We are always here serving you and hope to see you again!

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A