Discover China’s rich history, vibrant culture and spectacular landscapes on this 14-day journey. Explore Beijing’s imperial landmarks and the Great Wall, encounter Xi’an’s famous Terracotta Army, and marvel at Zhangjiajie’s iconic Avatar mountains and spectacular glass bridge. Step back in time in the ancient towns of Furong and Fenghuang, discovering the traditions of the Tujia and Miao minorities. Conclude in Shanghai, where historic charm meets modern city life.
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Beijing: Discover China’s imperial heritage at the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven, and admire the spectacular Great Wall at Mutianyu.
Terracotta Army, Xi’an: Explore the extraordinary collection of life-size terracotta warriors and horses created to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang.
Giant Panda Research Base: Meet China’s beloved giant pandas and learn about conservation efforts.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – The Avatar Mountains: Marvel at the dramatic sandstone pillars, lush valleys and breathtaking viewpoints of one of China’s most spectacular natural landscapes
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge: Experience the impressive canyon scenery and the thrill of crossing its famous glass bridge, suspended high above the landscape.
Shanghai: Experience the contrast between traditional and modern China, from the elegant Yu Garden and Jade Buddha Temple to the historic former French Concession, with its stylish shops, restaurants and lively streets.
Day 1: ARRIVAL BEIJING
Arrival in Beijing. You will be met by your driver and transferred by private car (without a guide) from the airport to your hotel. Check-in time is after 12:00 noon. Meals at leisure. Your hotel is located very close to Xiushui Market (Silk Market), approximately a 5-minute walk away, so you may visit the market if time permits.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 2: BEIJING
Breakfast at your hotel. Meet your guide in the hotel lobby at around 08:30. Take public transport (metro or bus) to the Temple of Heaven. The Temple of Heaven is one of Beijing’s most visited monuments. Its magnificent triple-roofed structure with blue glazed tiles symbolizes the relationship between the human and divine worlds. In addition to the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, visit the Circular Mound Altar and the Echo Wall. In the temple park, local residents enjoy leisure activities every day, including singing, dancing, chess and ground calligraphy. Do not miss the “love corner,” where elderly parents exchange information about their unmarried children in the hope of finding them partners. Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the city center by public transport (metro and public bus). First, take the metro to Tian’anmen Square and the Forbidden City, a consummate example of the architectural classicism of the Ming Dynasty. Return to your hotel.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 3: BEIJING
Breakfast at your hotel. Meet your guide at the hotel at around 08:30, then transfer for a morning excursion to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, located 80 km north of the city and less visited than other sections. Walk up and down (cable car available at an additional cost, payable locally). Lunch at a local restaurant on site. Return to the city and continue with a visit to the Summer Palace, the last imperial garden of the Qing Dynasty. Outside view of the Olympic sites: the Bird’s Nest and the Water Cube.
Overnight in Beijing.
Day 4: BEIJING – XI’AN (6 hrs by high-speed train; included)
Breakfast at your hotel. Morning at leisure. Meet your guide at the hotel around noon (your guide will confirm the meeting time one day in advance according to the train schedule), then transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Xi’an (journey approximately 4.5 to 6 hours depending on the train). On arrival in Xi’an in the late afternoon or early evening, you will be met by your local guide. Transfer to your hotel for check-in.
Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 5: XI’AN
Breakfast at your hotel. Day at leisure. Optional sightseeing of the Xi’an City Wall, the former residence of the Gao family and the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, including lunch and dinner, is available (payable locally).
Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 6: XI’AN
Breakfast at a local restaurant. Meet your guide at the hotel at 08:30. Transfer to the Terracotta Army, consisting of 6,000 cavalrymen and infantrymen. In the site’s three pits, you can admire thousands of life-size statues seemingly frozen in time, guarding the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Exhibition halls also display a fine collection of precious objects, including a remarkable bronze chariot. Lunch featuring Xi’an specialties: noodles and roujiamo. Return to Xi’an city and visit a jade workshop. Stroll through the Muslim Quarter and visit the Great Mosque, whose architecture is in Chinese style and set within a beautiful square courtyard.
Overnight in Xi’an.
Day 7: XI’AN – CHENGDU (4 hrs by high-speed train; included)
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the station and take a high-speed train to Chengdu (approximately 4 hours), the capital of Sichuan province, a region famous for its chilli and cuisine. Lunch on board at your own expense. Arrive around noon and meet your French-speaking guide. Visit People’s Park, where locals relax and socialise in a teahouse in the park. Enjoy a cup of tea and a short rest, then visit Wenshu Temple, a peaceful Buddhist temple showcasing Sichuan-style architecture, followed by a walk through the pedestrian district. Transfer to your hotel and check in. Dinner at your own expense, be sure to try Sichuan hot pot, a local speciality.
Overnight in Chengdu.
Day 8: CHENGDU
Breakfast at your hotel. Day at leisure. Optional excursion to visit the Giant Buddha, Lingyun Temple and the ancient village of Huanglongxi, is available (payable locally).
Overnight in Chengdu.
Day 9: CHENGDU – ZHANGJIAJIE (5 hrs by high-speed train; included)
Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to the Giant Panda Research Base, where you can meet these endearing animals, including newborn and baby pandas. Lunch at a local restaurant, then transfer to the station and take a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie (approximately 5 hours). On arrival, meet your English-speaking guide and transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Zhangjiajie.
Day 10: ZHANGJIAJIE
Breakfast at the hotel. First visit Yuanjiajie Park via the Bailong Elevator, including Mihun Stage, the First Bridge under Heaven and the Hallelujah Mountains. Lunch at a local restaurant, followed by travel on a scenic area shuttle to Tianzi Mountain (Emperor Mountain), renowned for its towering sandstone pillars, sea of clouds and spectacular panoramic views. Enjoy splendid views of unusual rock formations, steep cliffs and mist-shrouded clouds. Continue with a visit to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, a natural museum of Zhangjiajie’s landforms. Return to the hotel. Dinner at your own expense.
Overnight in Zhangjiajie.
Day 11: ZHANGJIAJIE – SHANGHAI (2hrs by flight; included)
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, visit Tianmen Mountain (Heaven’s Gate). Tianmen Mountain is regarded as the symbol and soul of Zhangjiajie and is the first mountain recorded in Zhangjiajie’s history. Lunch at a local restaurant. Then walk across the longest glass bridge, spanning two cliffs in the Grand Canyon. It is 430 metres long and 6 metres wide, suspended 300 metres above the ground. Dinner at your own expense. Transfer to the airport for an evening flight to Shanghai. On arrival, meet your French-speaking guide and transfer to the hotel.
Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 12: SHANGHAI
Breakfast at your hotel. Visit the Yu Garden, a treasure of artistic refinement, followed by a walk through the old city. After lunch visit a silk workshop. In the afternoon, enjoy an in-depth visit to the Bund and a walk through the former French Concession.
Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 13: SHANGHAI
Breakfast at your hotel. Day at leisure. Optional excursion to Suzhou is available (payable locally).
Overnight in Shanghai.
Day 14: SHANGHAI DEPARTURE
Breakfast at your hotel. Free time depending on your flight schedule. Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport for your return flight.
Comfortable and light clothing is best suited to travel in the warm months and warm clothing in the colder months in China. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or sparse clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Sun protection, sunglasses and a hat can be very useful during your stay.
