Diversity China Featuring Chongqing, Zhangjiajie & Wangxian Valley

Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is left open to recover from the journey or ease into the rhythm of the city.

The day begins inside the Forbidden City, a vast imperial palace complex of courtyards, halls, and gates that once served as the center of imperial China. Then walk to nearby Jingshan Park for open views across the palace rooftops and the historic layout of central Beijing.

Later, the experience continues in the hutong neighborhoods of Xicheng District, visiting former residences and courtyard homes of historical figures, many of which reflect a refined blend of traditional Chinese and Western architectural styles. Wander through atmospheric hutong lanes and gain deeper insight into life and culture of old Beijing, before concluding with a short traditional Peking Opera performance, where you'll be served a simple local drink.

The day opens at the Temple of Heaven, a vast imperial ceremonial complex of circular halls and open parkland. Locals can often be seen practicing tai chi, playing music, and engaging in daily leisure activities beneath ancient cypress trees.

Continue to Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most scenic and well-preserved sections near Beijing. Stone watchtowers rise along forested mountain ridges, while long stretches of wall follow the contours of the landscape. From the top, you will gain a sense of the immense scale of this ancient fortification as it stretches across ridge after ridge.

This morning is dedicated to exploring the Summer Palace, a lakeside retreat of pavilions, covered walkways, and landscaped gardens once used by China's emperors and their court during the warmer months.

Then, board a high-speed train to Xi'an, a journey of approximately 5.5 hours. Xi'an reflects its dynastic heritage through its well-preserved ancient city walls, historic streets, and a rich historical legacy shaped by successive imperial capitals.

The exploration starts at the Terracotta Warriors, where excavation pits reveal rows of life-sized figures standing in formation, each with distinct facial expressions and intricate details that reflect the remarkable scale and artistry of the project.

Later, return to the Xi'an City Wall for a cycling experience on top of the historic fortifications. The route circles above the old city, with open views across traditional neighborhoods inside the walls and the modern skyline stretching beyond.

A visit to a local family in Xi'an offers a direct insight into everyday life and local cuisine, through hands-on preparation of simple home-style dishes such as dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, and seasonal meals shared over lunch. Depending on the schedule, it may also include a visit to a local market to select fresh ingredients.

In the afternoon, travel by high-speed train from Xi'an to Chengdu, a journey of approximately 4 hours. Upon arrival in Chengdu, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel.

At the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, you enter a dedicated center for giant panda conservation. The base is also home to red pandas and other endangered species. Early mornings are typically when pandas are more active, offering a better chance to observe their natural behaviors across bamboo-lined habitats.

The tour continues to People's Park, a lively public space where you can take part in a mahjong experience, as well as enjoy a traditional tea tasting experience, surrounded by shaded walkways and a relaxed everyday rhythm. Later, explore Kuanzhai Alley, a restored historic street of courtyard-style buildings, boutique shops, and casual street activity that reflects a more contemporary layer of Chengdu's urban life.

Travel by high-speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing, a journey of approximately 2 hours, passing from open plains into the mountainous landscape of southwest China.

In Chongqing, experience the Liziba monorail as it passes directly through a residential building, a striking moment that reflects the city's multi-level transportation systems. Next, head to Eling Second Factory, a former industrial complex now reimagined with studios, galleries, and creative spaces spread across terraced levels with open views over the city.

Afterward, enjoy a traditional Chongqing hotpot dinner, known for its bold flavors and lively dining energy. In the evening, visit Hongya Cave, a multi-level complex built into the hillside, illuminated as the riverfront comes alive with light and movement.

Begin the day at Baixiangju, a tightly packed residential complex filled with stairways, narrow passages, and stacked walkways weaving between homes, creating a vivid scene of everyday life unfolding across multiple levels of the hillside. The exploration continues at Kuixing Building, a multi-level urban junction with pedestrian bridges, elevated paths, and street crossings intersecting in unexpected ways above the surrounding city. The route then leads to Jiefangbei, the city's central commercial district with busy streets, retail activity, and the bustle of city life.

In the afternoon, board a high-speed train from Chongqing to Zhangjiajie, a journey of approximately 2.5-3 hours.

Enter Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a vast landscape where dense forest gives way to towering sandstone peaks rising abruptly from the valley floor, creating a sense of striking scale and natural drama.

Explore Yuanjiajie after ascending via the Bailong Elevator, a glass-sided lift built into the cliff face that rises directly from the valley floor to the mountain-top viewpoints. Continue to Tianzi Mountain, featuring dramatic cliffs, forested peaks, and panoramic viewpoints, together with Yuanjiajie forming some of China's most surreal natural scenery.

A ride on the Ten-Mile Gallery sightseeing train reveals quieter stretches of the valley floor beneath the surrounding mountains.

Follow the paths of Golden Whip Stream, a scenic valley route winding beside clear water, dense forest, and towering rock walls rising overhead. The slower pace and shaded landscape offer a very different perspective from the elevated viewpoints of the previous day.

The route unfolds further at Huangshi Village, one of the park's earliest developed scenic areas, known for wide mountain views stretching across sandstone formations, forested ridges, and distant horizons.

Travel by high-speed train from Zhangjiajie to Shangrao in approximately 6 hours before continuing by road to Wangxian Valley.

Upon arrival, the mountain settlement unfolds across steep cliffs and narrow valley terrain, with wooden structures and pathways built directly into the rock face. After dark, the entire valley transforms as warm lights spread across the mountainside, gradually revealing the cliffside settlement against the darkened valley.

Spend the morning exploring Wangxian Valley at a relaxed pace, moving through old-style streets, local snack stalls, and quieter corners of the valley before transferring to Shangrao Railway Station and boarding a high-speed train to Shanghai in approximately 3 hours.

Begin the morning along the Bund, facing the skyline across the Huangpu River, followed by a walk through Yu Garden with its classical pavilions, rockeries, and winding corridors, before continuing to Xintiandi. At DJI's flagship store, take part in an indoor drone experience, with the opportunity to operate the drone under staff guidance.

In the afternoon, experience an autonomous vehicle ride through selected urban routes before ending the day at the Shanghai Museum East, with contemporary exhibition spaces presenting a broader perspective on Chinese art, history, and material culture.

At the appropriate time, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. The journey concludes with lasting impressions of imperial capitals, futuristic skylines, dramatic landscapes, and the remarkable contrasts that define contemporary China.