China Tour with Zhangjiajie from Hong Kong

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Hong Kong

  Welcome to Hong Kong! Upon arrival, be met and driven to the hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day. Have a good rest at the hotel to recover from your journey or start your exploration of the city on your own.

  • Hong Kong

• Day 2: Hong Kong

  An amazing city with excellent public transportation, a large number of English speakers, and ubiquitous English signs, Hong Kong is a wonderful place for you to explore on your own. You could have a relaxing walking tour of the city, soak up the stunning views of Victoria Harbor by taking the famed Star Ferry, ride the Peak Tram up to the Victoria Peak for a photogenic view of the entire city, shop in one of the malls, or dine at a local dim sum restaurant. In the evening, enjoy A Symphony of Lights, a breathtaking light show at the harbor.

  • B
  • Hong Kong

• Day 3: Hong Kong - Shanghai

  Continue exploring this cosmopolitan city until you go to the airport on your own for the flight to Shanghai. When you arrive, you'll be met by your private guide and escorted to the hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

  • B
  • Shanghai

• Day 4: Shanghai, the Bund and Yu Garden

  Today you'll explore some of the most iconic sights of Shanghai. Begin with a visit to the Shanghai Museum (closed on Mondays) that houses an incredible collection of ancient Chinese artifacts: bronzes, jades, paintings, sculptures, etc., all of which are excellently displayed. Then step back to the Ming dynasty with a walk through the Yu Garden, a classical garden built in the 16th century, and the nearby Yuyuan Market that sells everything from everyday items to tea, Chinese seals, and antiques. Stop by a silk workshop where you can learn about how silk is made from cocoons. Afterward, tour the Former French Concession, now a popular spot for shopping, dining, or strolling through its tree-lined avenues. Continue to the Bund where you'll feel as if you were back to Shanghai in the 1920s as you can see all types of colonial-era houses: Gothic, Romanesque, Renaissance and Baroque. End today's tour at the Shanghai Tower which has the highest observation deck in the world and offers amazing views of Lujiazui and the Huangpu River.

  Optional: The Acrobatic Show is strongly recommended for a memorable night in Shanghai.

  • B L
  • Shanghai

• Day 5: Shanghai - Zhangjiajie

  After breakfast, take a drive (around 1.5 hours) to Xitang Ancient Town, a quaint water town dating back to 771 BC. You will take a mesmerizing boat ride on the canals and soak up the views. Afterward, be escorted to the airport and fly to Zhangjiajie. When you land at the airport, your local guide will be awaiting you and ready to take you to the hotel.

  • B
  • Zhangjiajie

• Day 6: Zhangjiajie, Yuanjiajie Scenic Area

  After breakfast, head to Wulinyuan Scenic Area where you will spend the whole day. First, take the Bailong Elevator up to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area which feels like a surreal world with thousands of towering pinnacles that are said to have been the inspiration for James Cameron's blockbuster Avatar. Then, visit the Tianzi Mountain Natural Reserve (with a cable car up and down) where you can marvel at the stone bridge formed naturally between two peaks called the First Bridge under the Sun, and see spectacular pinnacles including Fairy Maiden Presenting Flowers, and Imperial Brush Peak. End the trip at Ten-mile Gallery (including round trip train), a 6-km long valley that has beautiful peaks on both sides and a stream running through.

  • B L
  • Zhangjiajie

• Day 7: Zhangjiajie - Xi'an, Tianmen Mountain

  In the morning, drive about 15 minutes to Baofeng Lake. It is a freshwater lake that offers lovely views of the surrounding mountains. You can take a boat ride to enjoy the scenery. After that drive back to the hotel for a break. In the afternoon, tour Tianmen Mountain, which literally means "heaven's gate mountain" as there is a huge natural cave halfway up the mountain. It is considered one of the world's most beautiful mountains and the symbol of Zhangjiajie. The cable car (7,455 m long), which is said to be the longest in the world, will take you to the top within 30 minutes.

  After the tour, you'll be taken to the airport (20-min drive) for your flight to Xi'an.

  • B L
  • Xi'an

• Day 8: Xi'an, Terracotta Warriors and Muslim Street

  After breakfast, visit the imposing Terracotta Warriors, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. They are life-size clay soldiers created 2,200 years ago to accompany Emperor Qinshihuang after his death. Meander through the famous Muslim Street, which has been the center of the Muslim community in Xi'an for over 1,000 years. Next, tour the well-preserved Drum Tower, the largest of its kind in China, dating back to 600 years ago. It's possible to admire the ancient folk music in the tower.

  Optional: See the fabulous Tang Dynasty Show that showcases the music and dance of the most prosperous dynasty.

  • B L
  • Xi'an

• Day 9: Xi'an - Beijing, the Ancient City Wall

  This morning, you will spend about an hour learning how to practice Tai Chi, which lasts about one hour. Your Tai Chi master will explain to you the basics including how to move the hand, leg and waist, which is both fun and relaxing. After that, enjoy cycling on the Ancient City Wall, China's best-preserved and most complete city wall. During the cycling trip, you can stop for photos or to soak up the wonderful views of the surroundings.

  In the afternoon, take the high-speed train (about 4.5-6 hours) to Beijing. Once you arrive, your private guide there will pick you up and drive you to check into your hotel.

  • B
  • Beijing

• Day 10: Beijing, the Forbidden City

  After breakfast, visit the enormous Tiananmen Square, one of the largest and most visited public squares in the world, covering 109 acres, with a capacity of around 600,000 people. Continue to the Forbidden City that was home of Ming and Qing emperors for centuries and now houses China's most famous museum - the Palace Museum which boasts some of the most valuable exhibits in Chinese history. After that, head to the Summer Palace, an escape for emperors to cool off in hot months. You can walk around and see the beautiful temples, pavilions, bridges, theatres, etc., or take a boat trip on one of the lakes to enjoy the views. Finally, tour a pearl store where you have the chance to tailor-make your perfect pearl.

  Optional: Watching the Legend of Kung Fu Show could be a wonderful way to spend the evening hours.

  • B L
  • Beijing

• Day 11: Beijing, the Great Wall

  In the morning, tour the Temple of Heaven, the most important temple for emperors in Ming and Qing dynasties as they came to worship heaven once a year for bountiful harvests. You may see many senior Beijingers there, some just hanging around, some practicing Tai Chi, others playing cards, or singing traditional songs. Afterward, take a private transfer (1.5-hour drive) to the awe-inspiring Great Wall at Mutianyu. This part of the wall stretches 1.4 miles, with 22 blockhouses and watchtowers which offer splendid views of the meandering Great Wall and the surrounding mountains.

  • B L
  • Beijing

• Day 12: Beijing, Departure

  Today you are saying goodbye to China. Enjoy some free time on your own until you're taken to the airport for your flight. We thank you for traveling with us and wish you a pleasant flight.

  • B