Beijing, Xi’an, Guilin, Zhangjiajie and Shanghai

Your driver will meet you at Beijing Airport and take you to your hotel to check in. The remainder of the time is yours to rest and settle in.

Begin your morning at the Temple of Heaven, an ancient complex where Chinese emperors once offered their prayers. From there, take a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s traditional *hutongs* (alleys), stopping along the way to visit a local family and experience the authentic daily life of the residents in these historic neighborhoods. After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, head to Tiananmen Square, then explore the Forbidden City—one of the largest ancient wooden architectural complexes you will ever see.

Gallery: Forbidden City 1Forbidden City 2

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Head to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and take the cable car up and down. Have lunch at the foot of the Wall, then drive to the city center to take photos at the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube (venues from the 2008 Olympics). You will return to your hotel in the late afternoon.

Gallery: Mutianyu Great Wall 1Mutianyu Great Wall 2

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In the morning, you can explore the Summer Palace and, if you wish, go boating on the lake. After lunch, you will head to the train station to take a high-speed train to Xi’an. Your new guide will meet you at the station and take you to your hotel to settle in for the night.

Gallery: Summer Palace 1Summer Palace 2

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Your day begins at Xi’an’s ancient city walls, where—if you wish—you can cycle along the top of the ramparts. Next, you will head to the Terracotta Army; however, you will first make a stop at a pottery workshop to craft your very own miniature terracotta warrior. After lunch, you will spend time exploring the archaeological site itself. Later in the afternoon, you will return to the city center to take a stroll through Bell Tower Square before heading back to your hotel for the night.

Gallery: Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an 1Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an 2

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You will enjoy a leisurely morning, free to explore the area on your own. Meet your guide at the hotel at check-out time, then head to the Gao Family Courtyard on Muslim Street to tour this historic residence and learn about the tradition of shadow puppetry. Next, proceed to the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda to take photos and watch the fountain show. Afterward, you will travel to the airport to catch a late-afternoon or evening flight to Guilin.

Gallery: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda 1Giant Wild Goose Pagoda 2

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Drive approximately two hours to the Longji Rice Terraces, where you can admire the scenic landscapes. Enjoy lunch at Ping'anzhuang Village, which serves traditional bamboo-cooked dishes. In the afternoon, you can take a stroll through the Yao and Zhuang villages as well as the rice paddies. You will return to Guilin around 5:00 PM.

Gallery: Longji Terraced Fields

Embark on a scenic cruise along the Li River from the pier, a journey lasting approximately four hours, en route to Yangshuo. Along the way, you will witness spectacular limestone karst mountains. Upon arriving in Yangshuo, take some time to stroll around the famous West Street at your own pace. Afterward, you will be driven back to Guilin for an overnight stay.

Gallery: YangshuoLi River Cruise

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After breakfast, visit Elephant Trunk Hill—the symbol of Guilin—and then explore the Reed Flute Cave, known for its colorful rock formations. Have lunch at a local restaurant, then head to the train station to catch a bullet train to Zhangjiajie. Your guide will meet you there and escort you to your hotel.

Gallery: Reed Flute Cave 1Reed Flute Cave 2

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Spend the entire day exploring Tianmen Mountain, discovering six distinct areas: the Cable Car Ride, the Glass Skywalk, Tianmen Temple, the Bonsai Garden, Tianmen Cave, and the Avenue to Heaven. On your return journey, you may stop at the Tujia Ethnic Minority Cultural Park to learn about local ethnic culture and architecture. If you are interested, an optional evening performance of *Tianmen Fox Fairy* is also available.

Gallery: Tianmen Mountain 1Tianmen Mountain 2

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Take the Bailong Elevator up to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, renowned for the "Hallelujah Mountains" featured in *Avatar* and a natural stone bridge. Explore the Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve by electric shuttle, admiring the majestic mountains, valleys, and forests. You may also opt to take a mini-train ride through the Ten-Mile Gallery (at an additional cost) to admire its unique rock formations before returning.

Gallery: Tianzishan Nature Reserve 1Tianzishan Nature Reserve 2

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After breakfast, visit the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge—the longest and highest glass bridge of its kind. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then explore Baofeng Lake, a scenic spot featuring waterfalls and crystal-clear waters. While taking a boat ride across the lake, you will have the opportunity to learn about traditional Tujia folk songs. Afterward, transfer to Zhangjiajie Airport to catch an evening flight to Shanghai.

Gallery: Baofeng Lake 1Baofeng Lake 2

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Stroll through the historic *Shikumen* lanes to admire local life and Shanghai's unique architecture. Visit the centrally located Yuyuan Garden—a classic Chinese garden—as well as the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar situated along the nearby Old City God Temple Street. After lunch, visit the Shanghai History Museum located within the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, then take the elevator up to the second observation sphere to enjoy panoramic views. Drive through the modern skyline of Lujiazui, concluding the tour at the Bund.

Gallery: The BundYu Garden

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Your wonderful China journey comes to an end today. When you are ready, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and transfer you to the airport for your homeward flight. Wishing you a pleasant journey!