Family Tour for Older Kids & Teens: Zhangjiajie & Panda Experience

Your Shanghai city tour starts at the Bund, a must-see spot for everyone visits the city. It never feels dull and is the perfect place for a memorable family photo. Then slow down at Yu Garden, a serene example of classical Chinese landscaping. Before leaving, stop by a Suzhou silk workshop to see how silk is made.

Old Shanghai comes alive as you enter Fuxing Park, watch locals dance, play cards, or exercise here, then stroll over to the local market near Bugaoli to explore and sample local snacks.

The last stop for today is the Shanghai Museum East. Kids can step into an interactive zone designed just for young visitors, while adults admire ancient calligraphy, paintings, and other thousand‑year‑old Chinese treasures.

Just an hour from Shanghai, Zhujiajiao feels like a different world. Old stone bridges, white-walled houses, and canals that have been here for centuries replace the city towers. A wooden boat ride takes you past homes where people still live along the water, hanging laundry and tending small gardens. It's a real town going about its day.

You'll have some time to wander before heading to the airport for an evening flight to Zhangjiajie. Your guide and driver will be waiting when you land to take you straight to your hotel.

Today is the day everyone's been waiting for. Your guide will take care of the shuttle bus arrangements between the main areas, so you can stay focused on the scenery and the fresh mountain air.

Your first stop is the Bailong Elevator, a glass lift that climbs the cliff face and gets you to the top in under two minutes. It's a quick ride, and the view opens up as soon as you step out. From there, walk along the ridge at Yuanjiajie, with sandstone pillars spreading out on both sides. The landscape here looks surreal, which is exactly what the filmmakers thought when they used it as inspiration for Avatar.

Mount Tianzi comes next, with wide views across the peaks, followed by a cable car descent. The Ten Mile Gallery is a flat ride through the valley on a small train, a chance to sit and still take in the surrounding rock formations.

Start early with a visit to Huanglong Cave, an underground limestone cave with rock formations, underground rivers, and a hanging waterfall. The pathways are well lit and easy to follow, so you can walk through at a comfortable pace.

Later, head to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Take an easy hike through the forest, the trail is mostly shaded and follows the river, with a few gentle ups and downs along the way. The glass bridge comes at the end of the hike. It's suspended high above the canyon and you'll get a clear view straight down. The experience is exciting, a bit daring, and every angle makes for a photo worth keeping.

This morning, a long cable car ride will take you from the city up far into the peaks of Tianmen Mountain. At the summit, follow the narrow glass walkway built along the cliff edge. For many people, looking straight down through the transparent floor is exactly what makes the experience unforgettable.

In the afternoon, fly to Chengdu, where life moves at a gentler rhythm. Best known for its giant pandas, fiery Sichuan cuisine, and laid-back teahouse culture, the city offers a refreshing change of pace.

Spend the day at Shenshuping Panda Base with a closer look at what goes into caring for China's beloved giant pandas. During this hands-on program, you'll watch the pandas during feeding time, learn about their daily routines, and see the work involved in protecting this endangered species.

Under the guidance of the panda keepers, you'll help prepare food, cut bamboo, and take part in simple tasks from the daily care routine. It is a fun and meaningful experience for families, giving children and adults a better understanding of these gentle animals.

Before leaving the base, you'll receive a panda care certificate as a special keepsake to remember the experience.

Today is all about experiencing Chengdu like a local. Start the morning at Wangjianglou Park, a quieter spot in Chengdu away from the city's bustle. Relax beneath the shade of bamboo, listen to the rustling leaves, sip a cup of local tea at a traditional teahouse, and watch locals practicing calligraphy in use of water, or other morning exercises.

Later, board a high-speed train to Xi'an, a comfortable journey of about four hours. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel.

Today, visit Terracotta Warriors, Xi'an's most famous archaeological wonder. As you walk among life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots, you'll notice remarkable details that showcase the extraordinary craftsmanship of more than 2,000 years ago. Families don't have to worry about history feeling dry. Your guide, experienced in leading family tours, knows how to turn historical stories into engaging experiences that keep both kids and adults interested.

Afterward, return to the city and explore the lively Muslim Quarter. The bustling streets, tempting aromas, and local crowds quickly shift the day's focus from ancient history to everyday life. It's the perfect place to sample Xi'an's signature foods, including hand-pulled biang biang noodles and roujiamo (Chinese-style meat sandwiches). It's recommended to order a few dishes to share so your whole family can taste a wider variety of local favorites.

Before boarding the high-speed train to Beijing, spend some time unwinding on the Xi'an Ancient City Wall. The wide ramparts offer sweeping views of both the historic old city and the modern buildings. If you're feeling energetic, you can even cycle along the wall for a fun family experience.

The high-speed train journey to Beijing takes about 6 hours. Since this is a private tour, the itinerary is flexible. If you'd prefer to fly instead, simply let your travel expert know. Upon arrival in Beijing, your private guide will meet you and take you to your hotel.

Start your time in Beijing with its greatest landmark, the Forbidden City. Inside this vast palace complex, the layout of every hall and courtyard reflects the order and traditions of China's imperial court. Rather than trying to see everything, follow your guide along the highlights route, so you can focus on its most impressive architecture and fascinating stories.

Later, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once held ceremonies to pray for good harvests. After exploring these historic landmarks, follow your guide into one of Beijing Hutongs, the traditional neighborhoods where generations of local families have lived. As you stroll through the narrow, winding lanes, you'll get a closer look at everyday life and experience a more authentic side of Beijing.

Set out early and head to the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, about a 2.5-hour drive from Beijing. Quieter than the better-known sections, Jinshanling has a more rugged character.

The changing scenery keeps the hike interesting, with every climb revealing another ridgeline stretching into the distance. Walk at your own pace, stopping whenever a view catches your eye. By late afternoon, return to Beijing after spending the day exploring one of the Wall's most rewarding sections.