Splendid China Tour: Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Xi’an, Beijing

🌟 About This Trip

This 10-day China getaway combines the most popular attractions in Shanghai, Xi’an, and Beijing, with an adventure to the mysterious Avatar mountains of Zhangjiajie. After marveling at Shanghai’s skyscrapers, take a mesmerizing boat ride on the canals in Xitang Ancient Town. Fly to Zhangjiajie to unveil the magic Avatar mountains, and then move on to Xi’an to discover the famous Terracotta Warriors. Experience a Taichi class and enjoy cycling on Xi’an’s ancient city wall before going to Beijing to visit the Great Wall and Forbidden City.

🗓️ Itinerary Summary

Day	Place	Highlights
1 – 3	Shanghai	Shanghai City Tour with the Bund, Xitang Ancient Town
4 – 5	Zhangjiajie	Avatar Mountains at Wulingyuan and Tianmenshan
6 – 7	Xi’an	Terracotta Warriors, City Wall Cycling, Taichi Experience, Muslim Quarter
8 – 10	Beijing	Mutianyu Great Wall, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace

🏛️ Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Shanghai

Your splendid China tour with cultural and natural highlights starts from Shanghai. Upon arrival in this mesmerizing city, you will be warmly greeted by your guide and transferred to your downtown hotel in a private car. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure.

Accommodations: Shanghai

Day 2: Highlights in Shanghai

Shanghai perfectly integrates its old and new glamour. Begin at the Shanghai Museum to admire ancient artifacts, then visit the 400-year-old Yu Garden. Explore the bustling Yuyuan Market, wander through the Former French Concession and the Bund, and conclude the day atop the Shanghai Tower for an amazing view of the Huangpu River.

Optional: The Acrobatic Show in Shanghai is highly recommended for a wonderful night out.

Meals: B, L | Accommodations: Shanghai

Day 3: Shanghai – Zhangjiajie, Xitang Ancient Town

Drive 1.5 hours to Xitang Ancient Town, a quaint water town dating back to 771 B.C. Enjoy a mesmerizing boat ride on its historic canals. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie, where your local guide will meet you.

Meals: B | Accommodations: Zhangjiajie

Day 4: Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountain

Head to the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Take the Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie, the inspiration for the floating mountains in Avatar. Later, ride the shuttle to Tianzi Mountain to see the “Imperial Brush Peak” and finish at the scenic Ten-mile Gallery valley.

Meals: B, L | Accommodations: Zhangjiajie

Day 5: Zhangjiajie – Xi’an, Tianmen Mountain

Enjoy a serene boat ride on Baofeng Lake. In the afternoon, visit Tianmen Mountain via the world-famous 7,455-meter cable car to see the “Heaven’s Gate” cave. In the evening, fly to the ancient capital of Xi’an.

Meals: B, L | Accommodations: Xi’an

Day 6: Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an

Discover the Terracotta Warriors, a lifelike clay army created 2,200 years ago. Afterward, explore the historic Muslim Quarter and visit the 600-year-old Drum Tower to experience ancient folk music.

Optional: The Tang Dynasty Show is an excellent option for a night of prosperous imperial music and dance.

Meals: B, L | Accommodations: Xi’an

Day 7: Practice Tai Chi, Bullet Train to Beijing

Learn the basics of Tai Chi from a local master this morning. Afterward, enjoy cycling on the Ancient City Wall. In the afternoon, take a high-speed train (4.5–6 hours) to Beijing and check into your hotel.

Meals: B | Accommodations: Beijing

Day 8: Beijing City Tour

Start at Tiananmen Square and enter the Forbidden City, the former home of Ming and Qing emperors. Later, visit the Summer Palace to explore its exquisite temples and enjoy a walk around Kunming Lake.

Optional: A Kung Fu Show is a wonderful way to spend your evening in Beijing.

Meals: B, L | Accommodations: Beijing

Day 9: China Great Wall in Beijing

Visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once worshiped for bountiful harvests. Then, drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall to explore this less-frequented section and its 22 watchtowers, offering splendid views of the meandering fortifications.