15-Day China Tour: Beijing, Zhangjiajie, Nanjing & Shanghai

Morning:

• Great Wall of China (Mutianyu or Badaling Section): After an early breakfast, embark on a visit to the Great Wall of China. You’ll choose between the Mutianyu or Badaling sections of the wall, both of which are famous for their views and historical significance.
  • If you visit Mutianyu, you will enjoy the spectacular scenery of the wall snaking through the mountains, and you can take the cable car or hike up to the wall.
  • Badaling is more crowded but is also one of the most well-preserved and accessible sections, ideal for a longer walk along the Wall. The hike offers breathtaking panoramic views.

Afternoon:

• Ming Tombs: After exploring the Great Wall, head to the Ming Tombs (about 1.5 hours from the Wall). The tombs are the final resting place of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. You’ll visit Changling Tomb, the largest and most impressive tomb, and take a walk along the Sacred Way, a path lined with statues of animals and officials. The Sacred Way offers a serene, historical experience as you walk in the footsteps of the past emperors.

Evening:

• Peking Duck Dinner: No trip to Beijing is complete without trying Peking Duck, a famous dish known for its crispy skin and tender meat. You’ll enjoy this classic meal at a traditional Beijing restaurant like Quanjude or Da Dong.
• Evening Performance: Consider ending the evening with a cultural performance. You can opt for a Peking Opera or a spectacular acrobatic show to get a taste of Chinese traditional arts.

Morning:

• Temple of Heaven: Start your day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s most iconic landmarks. The Temple of Heaven was once used by emperors to pray for a good harvest. The vast complex features the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, a symbol of Chinese architecture. You can also stroll around the park and enjoy watching locals practicing Tai Chi or playing traditional Chinese games.

Afternoon:

• Summer Palace: Head to the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. This magnificent area features beautiful Kunming Lake, Longevity Hill, and pavilions that once served as the royal retreat. Take a boat ride across the lake to reach Longevity Hill, where you can climb up to the Tower of Buddhist Incense for panoramic views of the palace grounds.
• Explore the Long Corridor, a 700-meter-long walkway adorned with thousands of painted scenes. It’s the longest corridor in any garden in the world!

Evening:

• Lama Temple (Yonghe Lamasery): In the evening, visit the Lama Temple, one of Beijing’s most important Tibetan Buddhist temples. It’s famous for its stunning architecture and the giant Maitreya Buddha statue carved from a single piece of sandalwood. This temple offers a peaceful atmosphere and is a great place to reflect.

Morning:

• Beihai Park: Visit Beihai Park, one of the oldest imperial gardens in Beijing. It’s a quiet, beautiful place to take a leisurely stroll around Beihai Lake. You can take a boat ride to the White Pagoda on the hill for a panoramic view of the city.

Afternoon:

• 798 Art District: Head to the 798 Art District, an eclectic neighborhood that was once a military factory and is now the center of Beijing’s modern art scene. It features contemporary art galleries, exhibition spaces, and cafes. You can explore large-scale sculptures, murals, and installations created by Chinese and international artists.

Evening:

• Wangfujing Street: Spend the evening in Wangfujing Street, Beijing’s lively commercial center. Enjoy shopping for souvenirs, clothes, and local goods, and try some street food like fried silkworms or candied fruits. This area is a great way to immerse yourself in the city's modern and traditional aspects.

Morning:

• Hutongs: Today, you will explore Beijing’s Hutongs (traditional alleyways). Take a rickshaw ride through the narrow streets to discover old courtyard homes that have been a part of Beijing for centuries. Some tours will also include a stop at a traditional Siheyuan, a four-sided courtyard house that’s typical of the region.

Late Morning:

• Forbidden City: Spend the rest of your morning visiting the Forbidden City, the imperial palace complex that was home to 24 emperors over 500 years. Wander through its vast halls and courtyards and learn about the lives of the emperors and their court. Key highlights include the Hall of Supreme Harmony and Imperial Garden.

Afternoon:

• After visiting the Forbidden City, you’ll have a brief break before transferring to Beijing Capital International Airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie. Take a flight to Zhangjiajie and, upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Evening:

• Check-in to your hotel in Zhangjiajie and relax after your journey. If time permits, you can take a short walk around the city or enjoy a peaceful evening in your hotel.

Morning:

• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: After breakfast, embark on a full day trip to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, one of the most famous natural parks in China. This park is known for its towering sandstone pillars, which inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.
• Begin by taking the cable car to the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, which offers stunning panoramic views of the park and the unique peaks that rise dramatically from the valley. These peaks, over 200 meters tall, are the iconic structures that inspired James Cameron’s Avatar.
• Hike or take a shuttle to the Southern Sky Column, a famous rock formation, and enjoy amazing photo opportunities.

Afternoon:

• Visit Golden Whip Stream, a peaceful trail along a river that winds through the forest, offering close-up views of the towering pillars and lush greenery. You’ll be surrounded by nature as you walk along the crystal-clear stream, making it a serene experience.
• Explore the Four Maiden Peaks, another area known for its breathtaking views and photo-worthy landscapes.

Evening:

• Return to Zhangjiajie: After a full day of exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, return to your hotel in Zhangjiajie city center. Have dinner at a local restaurant serving regional specialties, such as sour fish soup or Zhangjiajie-style tofu.

Morning:

• Tianmen Mountain: Today, visit Tianmen Mountain, one of the most famous mountains in Zhangjiajie. Take the world’s longest cable car ride up to the mountain, offering incredible views as you ascend the steep cliffs. The cable car ride lasts about 30 minutes and covers a distance of over 7 kilometers.
• At the top of the mountain, you’ll witness the famous Heaven's Gate, a natural arch in the mountain, standing over 130 meters high. You can walk through this arch and enjoy panoramic views of the valley below.
• Hike along the Skywalk, a glass-floored walkway that lets you look straight down to the valley below. This exhilarating experience offers a sense of walking in the clouds and a unique perspective of the mountain's beauty.

Afternoon:

• Tianmen Temple: After enjoying the glass walkway and the amazing views, visit Tianmen Temple, a Buddhist temple nestled into the mountainside. Here, you can explore the peaceful surroundings, offering a calm and reflective atmosphere.
• Heavenly Stairs: For those who are up for a challenge, climb the Heavenly Stairs—a set of 999 steps leading to the top of the mountain. The stairs are steep, but the views from the top are worth the effort.

Evening:

• Return to Zhangjiajie: After exploring Tianmen Mountain, return to your hotel in Zhangjiajie for a relaxed dinner. If you’re interested in the local culture, you can visit a local market or enjoy some entertainment in the evening.

Morning:

• Drive to Fenghuang Old Town: After breakfast, depart for Fenghuang Old Town, a picturesque ancient town approximately 3.5 hours away from Zhangjiajie by car. The journey takes you through beautiful mountain scenery, with occasional glimpses of the Tuojiang River.

Afternoon:

• Fenghuang Old Town Exploration: Upon arrival, check into your hotel and start exploring the charming Fenghuang Old Town, also known as Phoenix Ancient Town. This town is known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and traditional wooden houses.
• Visit Hong Bridge, one of the town's landmarks, which offers great views of the river and surrounding buildings. Take a boat ride along Tuojiang River for a unique perspective of the town.

Evening:

• Old Town Evening Stroll: In the evening, stroll through the town’s East Gate Tower area, where you’ll find ancient city walls, temples, and traditional shops. You can enjoy the tranquility of the river at night and try local snacks like smoked duck or river fish.

Morning:

• Morning Exploration of Fenghuang: Start the day with a walk through Fenghuang Old Town, visiting Qiao’s Family Compound—a well-preserved example of traditional Chinese architecture. It’s a great spot to learn about local history and culture.
• Continue exploring the narrow alleyways and vibrant markets, where you can shop for local handicrafts like Miao embroidery or handmade jewelry.

Afternoon:

• Drive back to Zhangjiajie: After your visit to Fenghuang, drive back to Zhangjiajie, which takes about 3.5 hours. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and relax.

Evening:

• Leisure Time: After a long day of travel, spend the evening at leisure. You can enjoy a nice dinner in Zhangjiajie, perhaps trying more of the local specialties or simply relaxing at your hotel.

Morning:

• Flight to Shanghai: After breakfast, transfer to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport for your flight to Shanghai. The flight is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours.

Afternoon:

• Arrival in Shanghai: Upon arrival in Shanghai, your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Check in and relax for a while.
• Spend the afternoon exploring The Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade. Walk along the Huangpu River, where you can admire the city’s colonial-era architecture on one side and the towering skyscrapers of Lujiazui on the other.

Evening:

• Huangpu River Cruise: In the evening, take a Huangpu River Cruise to enjoy the stunning skyline of Shanghai lit up at night. You’ll get to see both the Bund area and the futuristic skyline of the Lujiazui Financial District, home to the Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl Tower.
• Dinner: After the cruise, enjoy dinner at one of Shanghai’s famous restaurants. Consider trying xiao long bao (soup dumplings) or other Shanghai specialties.

Morning:

• Shanghai Tower: After breakfast, begin your exploration of Shanghai by visiting the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world. Take the high-speed elevator to the observation deck, located on the 118th floor, for stunning panoramic views of the city.
• Lujiazui Financial District: Spend time exploring the Lujiazui Financial District, Shanghai's financial hub, and home to iconic skyscrapers like the Shanghai World Financial Center and Jin Mao Tower.

Afternoon:

• Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden): Head to Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden located in the heart of Shanghai. Wander through beautifully landscaped pavilions, ponds, and rockeries. Explore the Yuyuan Bazaar for traditional Chinese souvenirs, snacks, and crafts.
• City God Temple: Visit the nearby City God Temple, an ancient Taoist temple with ornate architecture and rich cultural history. Explore the surrounding area, which offers a glimpse of old Shanghai, with its narrow lanes and traditional architecture.

Evening:

• Xintiandi District: In the evening, visit Xintiandi, a fashionable district known for its Shikumen (stone gate) architecture. It’s a vibrant area for dining, shopping, and entertainment. Enjoy dinner at one of the trendy restaurants offering modern Shanghai cuisine or international fare.
• Night Views of the Bund: After dinner, stroll along the Bund and enjoy the view of the illuminated Lujiazui skyline. The area is especially beautiful at night, with the city’s colonial buildings on one side and the futuristic skyscrapers of Lujiazui on the other.

Morning:

• Nanjing Road: Begin your day with a visit to Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets. Spend time exploring the wide range of shops, from luxury boutiques to local stores selling traditional goods. This area is great for souvenirs, fashion, and electronics.
• People’s Square: At the west end of Nanjing Road, visit People’s Square, an important public space surrounded by museums and cultural landmarks.

Afternoon:

• Shanghai Museum: Spend your afternoon at the Shanghai Museum, which is renowned for its collection of Chinese art, including ceramics, bronzes, jade, and ancient Chinese coins. The museum’s design is inspired by the ancient ding tripod, an important symbol in Chinese history.
• Fuxing Park: After the museum, take a walk through Fuxing Park, a beautifully landscaped French-style park located in the heart of the city. It’s a peaceful place where locals practice Tai Chi, play cards, or enjoy a leisurely stroll.

Evening:

• Shanghai Acrobatics Show: In the evening, enjoy a dazzling Shanghai Acrobatics Show or another performance at a local theater. The acrobatic shows in Shanghai are known for their gravity-defying stunts and precision, and they’re a perfect way to end your day.

Morning:

• Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art: After breakfast, head to the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA), one of the best places to explore modern Chinese art and culture. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions and collections showcasing works by both Chinese and international artists.
• Tianzifang: Explore Tianzifang, a trendy arts and crafts area in the former French Concession. It’s a charming district filled with galleries, boutiques, cafes, and creative spaces housed in old Shanghai-style buildings. You’ll find plenty of opportunities to shop for unique art pieces and souvenirs.

Afternoon:

• Jing’an Temple: Visit Jing’an Temple, a beautiful and historic Buddhist temple located in the heart of Shanghai. The temple is known for its ornate architecture and serene atmosphere, and it’s a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
• Jing’an Park: After your visit to the temple, take a stroll through Jing’an Park, a well-maintained urban park where locals gather to relax, play chess, or practice traditional Chinese exercises.

Evening:

• Oriental Pearl Tower: In the evening, visit the Oriental Pearl Tower, one of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks. Take the elevator to the top for spectacular night views of the city’s skyline. You can also experience the Shanghai History Museum located at the base of the tower.

Morning:

• High-Speed Train to Nanjing: After breakfast, take the high-speed train from Shanghai to Nanjing. The journey takes about 1.5-2 hours, and the trains are fast and comfortable.
• Arrive in Nanjing: Upon arrival in Nanjing, you will be greeted by your guide and transferred to your hotel for check-in.

Afternoon:

• Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge: Begin your exploration of Nanjing with a visit to the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, an engineering marvel and an iconic structure in China. Walk across the bridge for amazing views of the river and the city.
• Confucius Temple (Fuzimiao): After visiting the bridge, head to the Confucius Temple Area in Nanjing. This district is home to the Confucius Temple and a bustling market filled with traditional shops, local delicacies, and souvenirs. The area is beautifully lit up at night, making it a great place for an evening stroll.

Evening:

• Dinner by the River: Enjoy dinner at a riverside restaurant with views of the Yangtze River. The restaurants here offer traditional Nanjing cuisine, such as salted duck and duck blood soup.

Morning:

• Visit Nanjing Museum: After breakfast, spend the morning exploring Nanjing Museum, one of the largest museums in China. The museum’s vast collection covers Chinese art, history, and culture, with a special focus on Nanjing’s rich heritage.
• Zhonghua Gate: After the museum, head to Zhonghua Gate (also known as the China Gate), one of the best-preserved city gates in China. The gate is part of the old city wall and provides excellent views of the city and its surroundings.

Afternoon:

• Lunch: Have lunch at a local restaurant, enjoying more of Nanjing’s unique cuisine.
• Return to Shanghai by Train: After lunch, take a high-speed train back to Shanghai for your departure. The train journey takes about 1.5-2 hours.

Evening:

• Departure from Shanghai: Depending on your flight time, you may have some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing before heading to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your departure flight.