China Golden Triangle & Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Your remarkable China expedition, brimming with cultural treasures and natural wonders, initiates in the vibrant city of Shanghai. Upon landing, a friendly guide will welcome you, ensuring a smooth transition to your centrally-located hotel in a private vehicle. The rest of the day is yours to relax and acclimate at your leisure.

Your exploration kicks off at the Shanghai Museum, where you'll be captivated by an extensive array of ancient Chinese treasures, including bronzes, jades, paintings, and sculptures. Then, step back in time as you stroll through the Yu Garden, a 400-year-old masterpiece of traditional Chinese garden design that stands out among its southern Yangtze counterparts. Next, shift gears to the lively Yuyuan Market, where a vibrant medley of goods awaits your discovery. As you continue your journey, meander through the Former French Concession and the Bund, where the city's historic allure is palpable. Conclude your day with a breathtaking ascent to the top of the Shanghai Tower, where you'll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the Huangpu River that will leave you spellbound.

For those seeking an exhilarating evening, the Acrobatic Show in Shanghai is not to be missed. This spectacular performance is highly recommended and available at a modest additional cost.

Just beyond the bustling cityscape of Shanghai, a collection of idyllic water towns awaits your discovery, with Xitang standing out as an emblematic gem. Begin your day by bidding farewell to your hotel and embarking on a scenic drive, estimated to be around 1.5 hours, to the historic Xitang Ancient Town. This charming settlement, with roots stretching back to 771 B.C., offers a serene retreat where you can glide along its tranquil canals on a boat, immersing yourself in the enchanting vistas.

Following your visit to Xitang, you'll be guided to Shanghai's airport for your onward journey to Zhangjiajie. Upon your arrival, you'll be greeted by a local guide who is eager to welcome you and will escort you to your hotel, ensuring a smooth transition to the next leg of your adventure.

Zhangjiajie's breathtaking vistas have catapulted it to fame, drawing throngs of visitors from across the globe annually. Start your day with a hearty breakfast before setting off for the Wulinyuan Scenic Area, where you'll dedicate the entire day to exploring its wonders. Board the Bailong Elevator, whisking you upwards to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, a realm of ethereal beauty marked by towering stone pillars that are rumored to have sparked the creative vision behind James Cameron's hit film, Avatar. From there, hop on a public shuttle bus that will transport you to the Tianzi Mountain Natural Reserve, where you can feast your eyes on the First Bridge Under the Sun, as well as the majestic formations such as Fairy Maiden Presenting Flowers and Imperial Brush Peak.

Finally, descend via cable car and make your way to the Ten-mile Gallery, a serene 6-kilometer valley flanked by picturesque peaks and cradled by a tranquil stream. Here, you'll bring your day's adventure to a peaceful close.

The translucent waters of Zhangjiajie are a sight that should not be missed. A brief drive will lead you to the tranquil Baofeng Lake, where the mirror-like surface reflects the grandeur of the encircling mountains. Gliding across the lake on a boat offers an unparalleled way to take in the serene surroundings. In the afternoon, you'll make your way to the awe-inspiring Tianmen Mountain, so named for the vast natural opening that appears as a portal to the heavens. Aboard the 7,455-meter cable car, which was the longest in the world until 2021, you'll ascend to the peak in a mere 30 minutes, offering a thrilling ride with unparalleled views.

After a day filled with unforgettable experiences in Zhangjiajie, you will head to the airport to catch your flight to Xi'an.

Start your journey by visiting the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an. These lifelike clay figures crafted approximately 2,200 years ago, were designed to guard the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, in the afterlife. Following your awe-inspiring encounter with the Terracotta Army, wander through the bustling Muslim Quarter, a cultural hub for the Muslim community in Xi'an for over a thousand years. Here, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant Muslim culture and indulge in a variety of tantalizing local delicacies. Continue your journey to the ancient Drum Tower, a 600-year-old architectural gem that stands as one of the most expansive and well-maintained of China's historical drum towers.

For those eager to delve deeper into the annals of ancient Chinese history, the Tang Dynasty Show is an enchanting evening option. This cultural spectacle offers a window into the music and dance of China's golden age, allowing you to experience the opulence and grandeur of the Tang Dynasty firsthand.

This morning, dedicate approximately one hour to mastering the fundamentals of Tai Chi under the guidance of a skilled Tai Chi master. Delve into the intriguing and calming aspects of this traditional Chinese martial art. Following this, indulge in a leisurely bike ride along the Ancient City Wall, renowned as the most extensive and well-preserved of its kind in China. In the afternoon, embark on a high-speed train journey to Beijing, which typically takes between 4.5 to 6 hours. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a personal guide who will assist you in settling into your hotel.

Start your adventure in Beijing at Tiananmen Square, home to significant structures like the Great Hall of the People. Move on to the Forbidden City, now the Palace Museum, brimming with priceless historical pieces. Then, explore the tranquil Summer Palace, dotted with exquisite temples and pavilions. As night falls, consider treating yourself to a Kung Fu Show, an optional extra that offers a captivating display of martial arts prowess.

Begin your adventure with a tranquil visit to the Temple of Heaven, a sacred site where emperors of the Ming and Qing eras annually sought divine blessings for a fruitful harvest. You will see the architectural grandeur that symbolizes the heavens and earth, and the emperor's connection to them. Afterward, set off on a picturesque drive through the Beijing countryside, a journey of approximately two hours, leading you to the majestic Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Here, you'll discover a quieter expanse of the Wall, extending over 1.4 miles and adorned with 22 watchtowers and fortresses. Each vantage point unveils a majestic panorama of the snaking Wall against the backdrop of the verdant mountains.

As your journey in China draws to a close, take this opportunity to indulge in some personal leisure time before your departure. When the time comes, you'll be escorted to the airport to catch your flight home. We extend our heartfelt thanks for choosing to travel with us and hope your flight is as delightful as the memories you've made. Safe travels and we look forward to welcoming you back to explore more of China in the future.