China Nature & History Discovery

The guide will meet you at the hotel lobby after breakfast and let’s start today’s sightseeing from Tiananmen Square, one of China’s most significant landmarks, renowned for hosting major national events. Successively passing by the Memorial Hall of Chairman Mao and the 38-meter-high (125-foot) Monument to the People's Heroes, we’ll finally arrive at the grand Tiananmen Tower.

Passing through the tower gate, we’ll reach the Forbidden City, the world’s largest royal palace, equivalent to 100 football fields, which was once the home of 24 emperors from 1368 to 1911 AD. You could peek at the royal life by wandering through grand palaces with golden roofs and red pillars. You may be surprised to notice that it is completely treeless on the square where the Three Great Halls are situated. It is a deliberate design to eliminate potential hiding spots for assassins. While at the north end of the complex, you’ll eventually discover the meticulously constructed Imperial Garden with rare vegetation and wired rockeries, which served as a tranquil retreat where the emperors and his consorts could stroll, relax, and escape the formalities of court life.At noon, an a la carte lunch will be arranged for you at a lovely local restaurant, valued at CNY 150 (USD 21) per person and included in our price. You’ll have a chance to taste Beijing’s most iconic dish: Peking Duck. The reddish-jujube-hue roast duck will be sliced into pieces and served with paper-like pancakes. Roll the duck with sweet bean sauce, fresh cucumber strips, and scallions, and take a bite; the combination of crispness and tenderness is sure to amaze your taste buds.

In the afternoon, continue to the Temple of Heaven. Among all the buildings, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvest is the most popular, where the emperor held heaven worship ceremonies in lunar January to pray for good weather and abundant crops in the coming year. Besides historical buildings, you can also encounter many locals doing Tai Chi or playing musical instruments.

★ Experience Chinese High-tech: Autonomous Driving

During a 20-minute ride, you’ll witness how the vehicle navigates on its own, from making simple turns to handling more complex tasks like stopping at traffic lights and yielding to pedestrians. The car is equipped with premium amenities such as massage seats and an on-demand music system, allowing you to sit back and personalize your ride. This experience offers you a fascinating glimpse into the cutting-edge technology of autonomous transportation, surely leaving you with a memorable and novel impression.

Finally, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and drive directly to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved sections of Great Wall of China. Follow the guide to board the pre-arranged cable car to ascend to the wall, where you can touch its weather-worn stones and take in breathtaking views of the forested mountains around. Adventurers can hike to Tower 20, the highest point of Mutianyu. The one-way trek takes approximately 1.5 hours and rewards you with a panoramic vista of the Great Wall winding across the ridges like a Chinese dragon. After visiting, you may choose to descend via cable car, or for a more thrilling descent, take the toboggan down through lush forest all the way to the foot of the mountain. 

 Why Choose Mutianyu?
Mutianyu boasts a vegetation coverage rate of over 96%, offering greener and more scenic views compared to other sections. Its slopes are more gradual, making the climb less strenuous and suitable for visitors of different ages. Moreover, due to the distant location, it is less crowded, providing a more peaceful and immersive experience.

In the afternoon, let’s return to the city center. On the way, we’ll pass by the grand Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) and finally stop at Shichahai, a vibrant area where modern commerce blends seamlessly with Beijing's traditional lanes, known as Hutongs. Hop on a rickshaw and ride through narrow alleyways illuminated by neon lights, experiencing the captivating contrast between historical charm and contemporary energy. Also, step into a traditional courtyard residence for a glimpse into authentic local life.

At the end of the day, the guide and the driver will convoy you to the hotel. If you want to explore more about the lively nightlife at your own pace, you can stay longer and return to the hotel on your own. Just unwind at a trendy hutong bar with a cocktail in hand while listening to the live music, or taste local street snacks, such as candied haws or chewy glutinous rice rolls dusted with soybean flour.  

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, our guide and the driver will pick you up from the hotel and accompany you to the last destination in Beijing - the Summer Palace, one of China's largest and most well-preserved royal resorts, mainly composed of Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill. Along the lake shore, the Long Corridor stretches with red railings and green columns. The walkway is adorned with more than 14,000 traditional Chinese paintings, depicting landscapes, natural motifs, and Chinese mythologies. At the end of the corridor, you’ll see the majestic Tower of Buddhist Incense standing midway up the Longevity Hill. This three-story octagonal tower, crowned with gleaming yellow glazed tiles, shines brilliantly under the sun. If time permits, you may climb to the tower for a panoramic view over Kunming Lake.

Afterwards, the guide and the driver will escort you to the railway station to catch the high-speed train to Xi’an. Arrive in about 5 hours, and your Xi’an guide and driver will pick you up and transfer you to the hotel. For dinner, you can head to the vibrant Muslim Quarter on your own to hunt for local food, such as Cold Noodles, Mung Bean Cake, and sweet, sticky rice cake with jujubes.

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, your guide and driver will escort you on a one-hour ride to the Terracotta Army Museum. In 246 BC, Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, ascended to the throne and began constructing his mausoleum, which took 39 years to complete. Over 8,000 life-sized terracotta figures were buried to protect the emperor in his afterlife. The army remained hidden for more than 2,000 years until 1974, when local farmers accidentally found several broken clay figures while digging a well. This remarkable discovery revealed one of the greatest archaeological treasures of the 20th century. Today, you can explore three excavated pits where the soldiers stand in battle formation, accompanied by terracotta horses and chariots, as if ready for combat. In the museum’s latest exhibition, you can also encounter the reconstructed figures with their original painted colors.

Getting out from the museum, we have arranged a famous local restaurant for you to taste the most authentic street food, such as Chili Oil Noodles, Cold Noodles, and Chinese Hamburger. You can try according to your own taste and the recommendations from the guide.

★ Make Your Own Mini Terracotta Figure

Next, you’ll have the opportunity to sculpt your own terracotta figure in a local workshop. Using the same type of clay that once crafted the ancient Terracotta Army, you’ll learn to knead, shape, and carve under the guidance of an experienced artisan. This hands-on session offers a memorable and immersive way to engage with Chinese culture, and you could take home a unique handmade souvenir that you created yourself.

In the afternoon, we’ll convoy you to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in the downtown. Built in 652 AD under the guidance of the renowned monk Xuanzang, this pagoda stands as a testament to both faith and gratitude. Legend has it that while pilgrimaging to India in search of Buddhist scriptures, Xuanzang lost his way in the desert, and a wild goose guided him to safety, so he built the pagoda as an appreciation. On the square south of the pagoda stands a bronze statue of Xuanzang, where you can capture a photo of both the pagoda and its revered builder. At the end of the day, your guide and the driver will transfer you back to the hotel. 

 Free Time Suggestion:
To the south of the pagoda lies the vibrant Great Tang All Day Mall, an area bustling with energy, especially after dark. If you want, you may extend your evening to explore this lively district and experience Xi’an’s nightlife on your own. Highlights include the magnificent Water Dance & Light Show and behavioral art.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, the guide and the driver will accompany you to the South Garden of the City Wall Park. Stretching along the ancient moat and shaded by lush trees on both banks, it serves as a popular gathering place for locals. You may encounter the elders doing morning exercise or strolling with their birds, offering a wonderful opportunity to interact with the residents and gain insight into their daily lives.

Then, ascend the Xi’an City Wall, a fortification built between 1370 and 1378, which is now a vantage point overlooking both old and modern Xi’an. To preserve the old city landscape, buildings circled by the wall are generally low-rise, many of which feature a postmodern design blended with traditional Chinese flying eaves, while outside, contemporary skyscrapers soar. Follow the guide to climb up from the South Gate, you’ll be perfectly positioned to overlook the city’s central axis and the iconic Bell Tower. For a more interesting experience, consider cycling on the centuries-old wall, and our guide can assist you with bicycle rental at your own expense.

In the afternoon, the guide and the driver will see you off at the railway station, where you will board the 5.5-hour high-speed train to Chongqing. As soon as you arrive, your Chongqing guide and the driver will offer you a station-hotel transfer. After check-in, have a good rest to get prepared for tomorrow’s sightseeing. 

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, your experienced guide and the driver will pick you up and escort you to the Chongqing Zoo to watch the pandas, who are at their most energetic in the morning. No one can resist these black-and-white, chubby giants. You can observe them munching on bamboo, climbing trees, or rolling playfully on the ground. 

★ "Eating" Light Rail at Liziba Station

Chongqing, often called China’s “8D Magical City,” is famous for its multi-level and multi-dimensional transportation systems. At Liziba Light Rail Station, you can see a train passing directly through a residential building. The viewing platform also offers you a chance to take creative forced-perspective photos of “eating” the train. For an even closer look, simply cross the street to the building opposite the platform and go up to the 4th or 6th floor.  

Afterwards, the guide will accompany you to experience a unique local transportation, the Yangtze River cable car. These “aerial buses” glide smoothly across the river in just 10 minutes, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the winding Yangtze below and the modern East Water Gate Bridge. Besides, you can overhear locals chatting in dialect in the cabin, a small window into local life. After disembarking, continue to the Longmenhao Old Street, Chongqing’s best preserved cultural and historical block. Wander along its lanes, and trace over 200 historical structures that blend the West and East architectural styles from the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, these structures house trendy cafes, restaurants, and boutiques, infusing the area with new energy. Climbing higher, you’ll catch a panoramic view of the old quarter contrasted against the modern skyline. 

Later, let’s head to Hongya Cave, one of Chongqing’s most iconic nightscape attractions. The 11-story stilted structure has already been a bustling commercial district in the first half of the 20th century, and is dubbed “Little Hong Kong.” Those looking for nightlife can find plenty of bars, while food lovers can easily treat their palates with a variety of local delicacies. If you want something unique, head up to the 11th floor at dusk to watch the splendid sunset over the Yangtze River. Around 6:30 PM, the entire building will be illuminated with golden lights, creating a magical scene reminiscent of the world in the film Spirited Away. You can view the fully lit structure and take a panoramic photo from the opposite side of the road. Finally, your guide and driver will escort you back to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

Our guide and the driver will offer you a morning train station see-off service. A 2-hour high-speed train will transfer you to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, the local guide and the driver will escort you to the hotel in a private car. After check-in, let’s head to the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to take a leisurely hike along the Golden Whip Stream.

The crystal-clear water winds between weird rock formations, some of which resemble a golden whip or lovers gazing at each other. The path alongside the stream allows you to wade in the shallow water at any time. You can try catching fish among the rocks or even discover crabs hiding underneath. Thanks to the well-preserved ecosystem, the area is also home to diverse wildlife, where you may even spot monkeys playing near the water. Finally, we will transfer you back to the hotel.
► Tips:
1. The full trial is 7 km (4.3 miles) long and takes about three hours one-way. We’ll focus on the most scenic 1–2 km (3-6 mi) section, but we can accompany you through the entire route if you prefer. 
2. Anti-slip, waterproof trail shoes, suitable for wet conditions, are recommended. Also, don’t forget insect repellent, as mosquitoes are common in the forest. 
3. Although the monkeys here are not aggressive, it is better to keep your water, snacks, and valuables in your bag to avoid being snatched. 

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to be mouth-opened by the extraterrestrial karst landscape of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park? Our guide and the driver will accompany you to enter this park, which is like a portal to the mythical world of Pandora in the movie Avatar. Let’s ascend by Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor lift, which offers a thrilling ascent of 326 meters in just 90 seconds, delivering a cinematic experience flying on the back of a banshee. Through the three transparent sides of the elevator, you can see the panoramic view of quartz-sandstone pinnacles rushing past as if you're traveling through a tunnel of time. 

When arriving at the top, we’ll enter Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, the real-world inspiration of the Hallelujah Mountains in the movie. Perched 1,074 meters above sea level, this region is considered the green heart of the park. From the viewing decks, you can gaze upon stone pillars towering over 150 meters high, rising like an array of natural skyscrapers in the deep ravines. 

Next, the guide will accompany you to take the eco-bus of the park to Yangjiajie Scenic Area. Compared to Yuanjiajie, it is quieter and retains a more pristine, mystical ambiance. Its most stunning landscape is the Natural Great Wall, a series of majestic cliffs formed by quartz sandstone, dating back 380 million years. Eroded by natural forces, they are finally shaped into walls that resemble the man-made Great Wall you have visited in Beijing. Before dusk, we’ll arrive at Tianzi Mountain, the most spectacular peak in the park. As daylight fades, mist will rise between its rock pillars, and the warm glows filtering through the haze create an otherworldly scene. Finally, a 10-minute cable car that offers a sweeping view of the entire canyon will bring a thrilling finale to the day. After descending the mountain, the guide and driver will transfer you back to the hotel.

► Note: Zhangjiajie has become increasingly popular in recent years, so expect significant crowds during peak seasons, particularly on Chinese holidays. Be prepared for long lines at the entrance, cable cars, and elevators. Sometimes, you may have to stand on the shuttle buses within the park for short rides between scenic spots. Thank you for your understanding!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Refreshing after a night’s rest, the guide and the driver will whisk you away from the hotel to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon with a 40-minute car ride. Here, you’ll step on the world’s longest and highest Yuntiandu Glass Bridge. Suspended at an altitude of 300 meters and stretching 430 meters, the transparent walkway offers a thrilling 360-degree view of the ravine below, surely an adrenaline-pumping experience. 

In the afternoon, we’ll probe into Tianmen Mountain, the tallest peak in Zhangjiajie, with a round-trip cable car. Spanning 7 km (4.3 mi), it is the world’s longest aerial tramway. As you ascend from the city center, urban scenery gradually gives way to forest-clad mountains. Looking down, you’ll see the 99 bends of the mountain road twisting like a giant serpent. In 30 minutes, you’ll get out of the cabin at the Air Garden on the summit, a flat expanse shaped by weathering and covered in lush vegetation. 

Then, the guide will accompany you to experience the exciting Glass Skywalk and then take the 7-level escalator to the mountain’s most iconic natural landmark, Tianmen Cave. During sunset, golden light streams through the vast arch, casting on the rock as if opening the gateway to heaven. Afterwards, descend via the 999-step staircase, which is believed to bring blessings and good luck. Finally, an express cable car will transfer you to the foot of the mountain, where we’ll hop on the private car to get to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, the guide and the driver will transfer you to the railway station for the 7-hour high-speed train to Guilin. Upon arrival, your private guide and driver will give you a warm greeting at the exit and help you check into the handpicked hotel. Then, the rest of the day is for your own arrangement.

 Free Time Suggestion:
If you’d like to hang around, consider visiting the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas on your own. The Sun Pagoda is made of bronze and holds the title of the world’s tallest copper tower, while the Moon Pagoda is crafted from glazed tiles. As night falls, both of them will be illuminated, the bronze one in gold and the tiled one in silver, shimmering like the Sun and Moon side by side over the lake. You can stroll along the lakeside and admire the scenic nightscape.

Meals: Breakfast

★ Cruise along Li River to Admire Karst Mountains 

Meet with your guide at the hotel lobby in the morning, and embark on a 4-hour boat journey, where you’ll drift past breathtaking karst mountains before arriving at a tranquil riverside village in Yangshuo County. Winding through lush farmland and dramatic limestone peaks, the Li River unfolds like a jade-green ribbon. Its scenery is so iconic that it is depicted on the CNY 20 banknote. You can prepare a bill to match the printed image with the real view. Along the way, let your imagination roam with the flow, and try to find rock formations that resemble camel humps or galloping horses. If you're lucky, you may even see local fishermen casting nets from bamboo rafts on the water surface. 

After disembarking in Yangshuo, hop on a bicycle to explore the serene countryside, where ancient water wheels stand quietly in paddies, with a backdrop of the rolling hills. If it happens to be March, the paths will be flanked by fields overwhelmed with brilliant yellow rape flowers. Just feel free to talk with local residents, and most of them will be happy to share their daily life stories.

Finally, a 1.5-hour private car drive will convoy you back to Guilin, with a stop at the Elephant Trunk Hill. True to its name, the hill resembles an elephant drinking from the river with its trunk. Standing at the viewing platform, you’ll capture the full vista of the “stone elephant”. Before dusk, the guide and the driver will transfer you to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

A morning sightseeing to Reed Flute Cave, accompanied by our guide and the driver, will bring your journey in Guilin to a perfect close. Named after the reeds that once concealed its entrance, the cave is celebrated for its glittering stalactites, stalagmites, and stone pillars formed over 180 million years. Illuminated by colorful lights, the cave creates a scene straight out of a fairy tale. Stepping in, you’ll find formations resembling the Statue of Liberty, pines, or lion prides. The most famous section is the “Crystal Palace”, where stalactites hang like crystal chandeliers from the ceiling. Enhanced by blue lights, this chamber creates the illusion of an enchanting underwater world.   

Then, the guide and driver will transfer you to the railway station for your 3-hour high speed train to Hong Kong. Importation Note:
Our guide and transportation service will end here. You’ll have two days to enjoy independent exploration in Hong Kong, staying in the well-located hotel we have included for you. Don’t worry about not having a guide. This is our carefully designed plan to save you money. As an international metropolis, Hong Kong boasts a highly developed transportation system, and English is widely spoken, making independent travel convenient and enjoyable. The travel suggestions we provide below can also help you complete your trip very well. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our travel advisors at any time.

Upon arrival at Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, please manage your own way to your hotel. You can either take a taxi (relatively expensive) or the subway. Follow the signs to Austin Station of the Tuen Ma Line subway. Take one stop to East Tsim Sha Tsui station, and a 10-minute eastward walk will finally lead you to the pre-booked hotel.

► Tips for Hong Kong:
1. Transportation: Hong Kong's MTR subway system offers extensive coverage throughout the city. After arriving at West Kowloon Station, you can easily purchase a tourist Octopus Card (priced at HK$39, approx. US$5) from a vending machine. It can be used on the MTR trains, buses, trams, and even at convenience stores. A single journey typically ranges from HK$5-55 (approx. US$0.6-7), depending on the distance. A daily budget of around HK$150 (US$19) should be sufficient for transportation.
2. Payment Method: Major credit cards, including American Express, Visa, and MasterCard, are widely accepted in hotels, supermarkets, and restaurants. For small vendors and local markets, it's advisable to carry some cash in Hong Kong dollars, which can be withdrawn with a credit card from ATMs.

Meals: Breakfast

This is a full day of free time for you to explore this dynamic metropolis at your own pace. As a vivid mix of glowing neon lights, dazzling billboards, and bustling department stores, Hong Kong always serves as a backdrop in Hollywood films. This blend of Eastern nostalgia and Western modernity gives the city its unique character. 

A morning trip to Victoria Peak is highly recommended. Since it is one of Hong Kong’s most popular attractions, you are advisable to set off early to avoid crowds. You can reach the summit either by direct bus or by taking the Peak Tram. At the top, make your way to the highest viewing platform, Sky Terrace 428, for a 360-degree view of the lush green peaks, Victoria Harbor’s vibrant waters, and the striking skyline. 
► FYI: Victoria Peak is also an ideal spot for sunset and night views. Consider visiting late afternoon if you wish to see the city illuminated after dark. The last tram departs at 11:00 PM, and most bus services end around midnight.

If you’re eager to experience the Hong Kong seen in films, begin your afternoon with a walk south from Mong Kok toward Victoria Harbor. Along the way, you’ll pass through lively local markets offering a glimpse into local life, as well as stylish boutiques and vibrant street art that reflect the city’s contemporary energy. Be sure to sample authentic local snacks from street stalls, such as stinky tofu, fish balls, and fish siu mai, for a true taste of Hong Kong.

Upon arrival at the harbor, head to the Avenue of Stars, where handprints of famous actors, including Jackie Chan, are embedded along the railings. Try to find his imprint and pose for a photo with it. Afterwards, you can take the Star Ferry from the pier near the avenue. Sit on the upper deck on the starboard side during the 8-10 minutes’ ride, where you can frame the Ferris wheel and skyline together in photos.

As evening falls, the skyscrapers are illuminated, and you can take a relaxing stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the harbor breeze and soaking in the dazzling night views. If lucky, you might even catch a special drone light show over the harbor.

Meals: Breakfast

This is the end of your 2 weeks China tour with Zhangjiajie. Please check out at the hotel according to your flight time and then head to the airport by yourself. Subway is a very economical and convenient option: take the Tuen Ma Line, transfer to the Tung Chung Line, and finally board the Hong Kong Airport Express to reach the airport. The total fare is approximately HK$73 (US$9). Wish you a smooth and pleasant journey!

If you plan to extend your travels to Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, or South Korea, feel free to reach out to us. We’d be delighted to help you customize your next itinerary.

Meals: Breakfast