15 Days Beijing-Xian-Chengdu-Guilin-Zhangjiajie-Shanghai Group Tour

After breakfast, begin your full-day exploration of Beijing’s magnificent imperial heritage and cultural treasures.

Your first stop is the iconic Tian’anmen Square, the symbolic heart of modern China and one of the largest public squares in the world. Surrounded by monumental buildings and historical landmarks, the square has witnessed many important moments in Chinese history and offers excellent photo opportunities.

Next, walk into the legendary Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved imperial palace complex in China. Serving as the home of 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing dynasties, this UNESCO World Heritage Site features grand halls, golden rooftops, magnificent courtyards, and countless historical treasures. As you walk along the central axis of the palace complex, your guide will introduce fascinating stories about imperial life, royal ceremonies, and ancient Chinese architecture.

Later, climb up to Jingshan Park, located directly behind the Forbidden City. From the top of the hill, enjoy a spectacular panoramic view over the sea of golden palace roofs and the modern skyline of Beijing beyond.

In the afternoon, continue to the elegant Summer Palace, once the royal family’s summer retreat. Known as the “Museum of Royal Gardens,” the palace features beautiful lakes, pavilions, bridges, temples, and landscaped gardens. Stroll along the famous Long Corridor, admire Kunming Lake, and experience the peaceful beauty of traditional Chinese garden design.

After the tour, return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Beijing

Today you will visit one of the greatest wonders in human history — the magnificent Mutianyu Great Wall.

After breakfast, drive about 1.5 to 2 hours from downtown Beijing to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, renowned for its beautiful scenery, fewer crowds, and well-preserved Ming Dynasty architecture. Surrounded by lush forests and rolling mountains, this section offers one of the most picturesque Great Wall experiences in China.

Take the cable car up to the mountain and begin your unforgettable walk along the ancient stone pathways. Explore the watchtowers, admire panoramic mountain views, and experience the grandeur of this incredible defensive structure that stretches across northern China for thousands of miles. Adventurous travelers can continue hiking toward higher watchtowers for even more breathtaking scenery and memorable photographs.

After descending from the Great Wall, return to downtown Beijing. Along the way, stop for exterior photos of the famous Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube, two iconic venues built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and later reused during the 2022 Winter Olympics.

The Bird’s Nest impresses visitors with its striking steel structure, while the glowing Water Cube showcases modern architectural innovation and futuristic design.

After the tour, transfer back to your hotel and enjoy a restful evening in Beijing.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Beijing

After breakfast, your group will be escorted to the railway station for a comfortable high-speed train journey from Beijing to Xian, one of China’s most ancient capitals. The train ride takes approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours and offers a convenient way to experience China’s modern transportation system while enjoying views of the countryside along the way.

Upon arrival in Xian, your local guide and driver will meet you at the station and transfer you to the city for sightseeing. As the capital of 13 ancient dynasties and the eastern starting point of the Silk Road, Xian is one of the most historically important cities in China.

In the afternoon, visit the famous Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic landmark of Xian and an important symbol of the Tang Dynasty. Built in AD 652 within the peaceful Da Ci’en Temple complex, this elegant seven-story pagoda was constructed to store Buddhist scriptures brought back from India by the legendary monk Xuanzang. The pagoda is closely connected with the famous Chinese classic Journey to the West and reflects the prosperity and international influence of Tang-era China.

Later, continue to the lively Muslim Quarter, the most vibrant food and cultural district in Xian. This bustling neighborhood is home to the local Hui Muslim community and is filled with traditional snack shops, restaurants, souvenir stalls, and historic architecture. As you stroll through the busy streets, you can sample famous local specialties such as Roujiamo, Biangbiang noodles, Yangrou Paomo, grilled kebabs, and many other authentic snacks.

After the tour, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Xian

Today you will discover the most famous historical treasures of Xian, including one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries.

After breakfast, drive about one hour to the legendary Terracotta Warriors Museum, built near the mausoleum of China’s first emperor, Qin Shihuang. Buried underground for over 2,000 years, the Terracotta Army was created to guard the emperor in the afterlife and remains one of the most astonishing archaeological finds in human history.

Explore the enormous excavation pits where thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and chariots stand in battle formation. Each warrior features unique facial expressions, hairstyles, and armor details, showcasing the extraordinary craftsmanship of ancient China. Your guide will explain the history behind Emperor Qin’s unified empire and the significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After lunch, return to downtown Xian to visit the impressive Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved city walls in China. Originally built during the Ming Dynasty, the wall completely surrounds the old city center. Walk along the massive stone ramparts and enjoy panoramic views where ancient architecture blends harmoniously with modern urban life.

Next, admire the historic Bell Tower or Drum Tower, two iconic landmarks located in the heart of Xian. These magnificent Ming Dynasty structures once served as important timekeeping centers for the ancient city. In the evening, the surrounding square becomes beautifully illuminated, creating a vibrant atmosphere perfect for photos and leisurely walks.

After the tour, return to your hotel for rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Xian

fter breakfast, transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train journey from Xian to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and the hometown of China’s beloved giant pandas. The train ride takes approximately 3 to 4 hours and offers a comfortable and scenic travel experience through central China.

Upon arrival in Chengdu, your local guide will meet you at the train station and escort you to your downtown hotel. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, tea culture, and world-famous cuisine, Chengdu is one of China’s most enjoyable and livable cities.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. You may choose to visit a traditional tea house, stroll through local streets, or taste authentic Sichuan dishes such as spicy hotpot and classic Chengdu snacks. In the evening, travelers can also choose to enjoy an optional Sichuan Opera performance featuring the famous face-changing show, fire-spitting acts, and traditional folk music.

Enjoy a relaxing evening and prepare for tomorrow’s exciting panda adventure.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Chengdu

Today is one of the most memorable days of the tour as you meet China’s national treasure — the adorable giant panda.

After breakfast, drive to the famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, located just outside the city center. The base is home to more than 100 giant pandas and is one of the world’s most important panda conservation and research centers. Visiting in the morning gives you the best chance to see the pandas when they are most active.

Walk through the bamboo-filled pathways and observe giant pandas eating, climbing trees, playing, and relaxing in their spacious habitats. You may also see red pandas wandering through the greenery. Your guide will introduce the life cycle, conservation efforts, and fascinating habits of these rare animals. During certain seasons, visitors may even see newborn panda cubs in the nursery houses.

In the afternoon, continue to the remarkable Sanxingdui Museum, one of China’s greatest archaeological discoveries. The museum showcases mysterious relics from the ancient Shu Kingdom dating back over 3,000 years. Explore impressive collections of bronze masks, towering statues, gold artifacts, jade objects, and ceremonial relics unlike anything found elsewhere in China.

The most famous exhibits include the massive Bronze Standing Figure, the Bronze Sacred Tree, and the mysterious protruding-eye bronze masks. These extraordinary discoveries reveal the brilliance of an ancient civilization that once thrived in Sichuan long before many well-known Chinese dynasties.

After the museum visit, return to downtown Chengdu and enjoy a leisurely walk along Jinli Old Street, a lively cultural street filled with traditional Sichuan-style architecture, local snacks, tea houses, handicrafts, and folk performances. The glowing lanterns and vibrant atmosphere make it one of the best places to experience Chengdu’s local culture and nightlife.

During peak tourist seasons, if Sanxingdui Museum tickets are unavailable, the itinerary may be adjusted to a Chengdu city tour including Chengdu Museum, Kuanzhai Alley, and Renmin Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Chengdu

After breakfast, transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train journey from Chengdu to Guilin, a city world-famous for its spectacular karst landscapes and poetic scenery. The journey takes approximately 5 to 6 hours. In some cases, a domestic flight may be arranged instead for greater convenience.

Upon arrival in Guilin, your driver will meet you and escort you to begin your sightseeing tour. Guilin has inspired Chinese poets and painters for centuries and is often praised as having “the finest scenery under heaven.”

Your first stop is the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin. Located at the meeting point of the Li River and Peach Blossom River, this natural limestone formation resembles a giant elephant drinking water from the river. Walk around the scenic area and admire the famous Water-Moon Cave, where the reflection in the river creates the image of a full moon beneath the elephant’s trunk.

Next, explore the magical Reed Flute Cave, known as the “Palace of Natural Arts.” Inside the cave, discover an underground world filled with spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, and illuminated rock formations created over millions of years. Colorful lighting transforms the cave into a dreamlike landscape, showcasing formations with imaginative names inspired by legends and natural scenery.

After the tour, transfer to your hotel in Guilin and enjoy a relaxing evening surrounded by the city’s peaceful atmosphere and beautiful river scenery.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Guilin

Today you will experience the breathtaking natural beauty of the world-famous Li River, one of China’s most iconic landscapes. After breakfast, drive to the cruise pier and begin a relaxing sightseeing cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo.

During the approximately 4.5-hour Li River Cruise, enjoy stunning views of limestone karst peaks, winding rivers, bamboo groves, peaceful villages, and green rice fields that resemble a traditional Chinese painting. Along the riverbanks, you may spot fishermen on bamboo rafts, grazing water buffaloes, and local farmers working in the countryside. This unforgettable scenery has inspired poets, painters, and photographers for generations.

Asia Odyssey Travel thoughtfully prepares a customized lunch experience for guests to enjoy during the cruise while admiring the magnificent landscapes.

Upon arrival in Yangshuo, transfer to your hotel for a short rest before exploring the beautiful rural countryside surrounding the town. Depending on your preference, you may discover the area by walking, bicycle, or scooter. Ride through quiet country roads lined with rice paddies, limestone hills, rivers, and charming local villages.

The peaceful countryside scenery offers a perfect opportunity to slow down and fully appreciate rural southern China. The idyllic atmosphere, combined with dramatic karst mountains and winding rivers, creates one of the most relaxing and photogenic experiences of the tour.

Later, stroll along the lively West Street, the most famous pedestrian street in Yangshuo. Blending Chinese and international influences, the street is filled with cafes, restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, and local snack vendors. Enjoy the energetic atmosphere and vibrant nightlife while exploring this charming riverside town.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Yangshuo

After breakfast, transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train journey to Zhangjiajie, one of China’s most spectacular natural destinations. The train journey takes approximately 7 hours and allows you to travel comfortably across southern China’s scenic landscapes.

Upon arrival in Zhangjiajie, your local driver will greet you at the station and escort you to your hotel. Located in northwestern Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie is internationally famous for its towering sandstone pillars, deep valleys, misty mountains, and extraordinary landscapes that inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.

The rest of the day is free for you to relax after the train journey or explore the local area at your own pace. You may choose to walk around the city center, taste Hunan cuisine, or simply enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere before beginning your Zhangjiajie adventure tomorrow.

Zhangjiajie is also home to the Tujia ethnic minority culture, adding unique local traditions, architecture, and customs to the region’s breathtaking scenery.

Enjoy a restful evening and prepare for the unforgettable natural wonders ahead.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Zhangjiajie

Today you will explore the incredible landscapes of Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its thousands of towering sandstone pillars, deep ravines, and mist-covered mountain scenery.

After breakfast, take a sightseeing bus into the national park and ride the famous Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor glass elevator. In just a short time, the elevator carries you from the valley floor to the top of the mountain, offering spectacular panoramic views along the way.

Your first major stop is Yuanjiajie, the most famous scenic area in Zhangjiajie and the inspiration for the floating “Hallelujah Mountains” in the movie Avatar. Walk along scenic pathways suspended among dramatic rock pillars and admire the surreal landscape that appears almost otherworldly.

Visit the legendary South Sky Pillar, a towering stone column rising vertically from the valley floor, and stop at the breathtaking Enchanting Platform, where countless sandstone peaks stretch into the distance like a sea of stone forests. Explore the peaceful Back Garden area, known for its lush vegetation and natural beauty.

Later, continue by sightseeing bus to Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, named after a Tujia ethnic leader from the Ming Dynasty. Tianzi Mountain is famous for its magnificent sea of clouds, sharp stone peaks, and panoramic mountain views.

Walk through scenic viewpoints including He Long Park and Dianjiang Terrace, where you can overlook dramatic valleys, layered mountain ranges, and the spectacular West Sea Stone Forest. The constantly changing mist and clouds create a magical atmosphere that makes every viewpoint unique.

After a full day of exploration, return to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Wulingyuan

After breakfast, your guide and driver will escort you to the spectacular Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, home to the world-famous Glass Bridge. Suspended dramatically between two cliffs, the bridge stretches 430 meters in length and stands about 300 meters above the canyon floor. Walking across the transparent glass skybridge is both thrilling and unforgettable, offering breathtaking panoramic views of steep cliffs, deep valleys, waterfalls, and lush forests below. It is one of the most exciting experiences in Zhangjiajie and a must-visit attraction for adventure lovers and photography enthusiasts.

As you stroll across the bridge, enjoy the sensation of “walking in the sky” while admiring the magnificent natural scenery surrounding the canyon. The area’s towering sandstone formations, winding streams, and dense greenery create a stunning landscape unlike anywhere else in China.

After the exciting glass bridge experience, continue to the peaceful Baofeng Lake, often praised as one of the most beautiful lakes in Zhangjiajie. Surrounded by emerald mountains and uniquely shaped stone peaks, the lake offers a completely different atmosphere - calm, scenic, and relaxing. Board a sightseeing boat and cruise gently across the crystal-clear waters while appreciating the reflections of the dramatic cliffs and forests mirrored on the lake surface.

During the cruise, local ethnic minority singers may perform traditional folk songs, adding cultural charm to the natural scenery. The tranquil environment, fresh mountain air, and picturesque landscapes make Baofeng Lake an ideal place to relax after the thrilling canyon adventure.

After the tour, transfer back to your hotel in Wulingyuan for a restful evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Wulingyuan

After breakfast, begin your unforgettable exploration of Tianmen Mountain, one of China’s most breathtaking mountain landscapes and a world-famous landmark in Zhangjiajie. Known for its dramatic cliffs, thrilling skywalks, and legendary “Heaven’s Door,” Tianmen Mountain offers a perfect combination of natural wonder and adventure.

First, take the famous Tianmen Mountain Cable Car, the longest high-mountain cableway in the world, stretching over 7,400 meters from downtown Zhangjiajie to the mountain summit. During the approximately 30-minute ride, enjoy spectacular aerial views of forests, cliffs, winding mountain roads, and the famous 99-Bend Road leading toward Tianmen Cave.

Upon reaching the summit, explore the mountain’s scenic cliffside pathways and admire incredible panoramic views over Zhangjiajie’s surrounding peaks and valleys. Visit the peaceful Tianmen Temple, a Buddhist temple hidden among the mountains and forests, where traditional architecture blends harmoniously with the tranquil natural environment.

Next comes the most thrilling part of the tour - the famous Glass Skywalk. Built along the edge of the cliff, the transparent walkway hangs thousands of feet above the valley floor, creating the unforgettable sensation of walking in midair. Continue along the dramatic Cliff-Hanging Walkway, carved directly into the mountain’s vertical rock face, offering extraordinary views and exciting photo opportunities.

Later, descend via escalator through the mountain to reach the spectacular Tianmen Cave, also called “Heaven’s Door.” This enormous natural archway between two towering peaks rises over 130 meters high and is considered one of the world’s highest natural cave openings. Standing beneath the massive opening, visitors can fully appreciate the grandeur and mystery of Tianmen Mountain.

After completing the tour, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival in Shanghai, your local driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your downtown hotel for check-in.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Shanghai
Transportation: Private Vehicle, Flight

Today you will spend a full day exploring the dynamic contrast between old and new Shanghai, where modern skyscrapers stand beside classical gardens and historic architecture. Known as the “Paris of the East,” Shanghai perfectly blends Eastern traditions with international influences.

After breakfast, begin your tour in the modern Pudong district, home to Shanghai’s iconic skyline. Visit the magnificent Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China and the second tallest skyscraper in the world. Featuring a unique twisting architectural design, the tower rises 632 meters above the city. Take one of the world’s fastest elevators to the observation deck on the 118th floor and enjoy spectacular panoramic views over the Huangpu River, the Bund, and the futuristic skyline of Shanghai.

Next, visit the renowned Shanghai Museum, one of the finest museums in China. Designed in the shape of an ancient bronze ding vessel, the museum symbolizes the traditional Chinese philosophy of “round sky and square earth.” Inside, admire impressive collections of ancient bronzes, ceramics, jade, calligraphy, paintings, coins, and ethnic minority artifacts that showcase thousands of years of Chinese civilization and artistic achievement.

Continue to the beautiful Yu Garden, a classical Ming Dynasty garden hidden within bustling downtown Shanghai. Wander through elegant pavilions, koi ponds, rockeries, corridors, and traditional Chinese architecture while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Outside the garden, explore the lively Yuyuan Bazaar, where traditional shops, local snacks, souvenirs, tea houses, and handicrafts create a vibrant old-Shanghai atmosphere.

Later, take a leisurely walk along the famous Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Shanghai’s busiest shopping street filled with department stores, boutiques, restaurants, cafés, and neon lights. The energetic atmosphere reflects the city’s modern commercial spirit.

Finally, head to the legendary Bund, Shanghai’s most iconic waterfront promenade. Lined with historic European-style buildings from the colonial era, the Bund offers stunning views across the Huangpu River toward Pudong’s futuristic skyscrapers. It is one of the best places to experience Shanghai’s unique fusion of history, culture, and modern development.

After the tour, return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Shanghai
Transportation: Private Vehicle

Today marks the end of your unforgettable 15 Days China Dream Tour. After breakfast, enjoy some free time at your own pace before your scheduled transfer to the airport or train station for your onward journey.

Depending on your departure time, you may choose to relax at the hotel, enjoy a final stroll around Shanghai, visit nearby cafés or shopping areas, or simply take in the vibrant atmosphere of this international metropolis one last time.

Your driver will escort you to Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, or the train station according to your travel arrangements, ensuring a smooth and comfortable departure experience.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China adventure. From the imperial wonders of Beijing and Xi’an to the adorable pandas of Chengdu, the karst landscapes of Guilin, the Avatar-like mountains of Zhangjiajie, and the cosmopolitan charm of Shanghai, this journey has showcased the incredible diversity of China’s culture, history, and natural beauty.

We hope to welcome you again for another unforgettable journey across China and Asia in the future. Safe travels and best wishes on your next adventure!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: None
Transportation: Private Vehicle