【Exploring China's Ultimate Diversity: From Imperial Wonders to Natural Marvels】10-Day | Beijing, Xi

DAY 1Arrival in Beijing and Transfer to Hotel Your English-speaking guide will greet you at the arrivals hall and escort you directly to your hotel. Check in and take some time to recover from any jet lag.

DAY 2Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, The Temple of Heaven In the morning, you will visit Tian'anmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares. Continue northwest to the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site constructed in the early 15th century during the Ming Dynasty, which served as the imperial residence for over 500 years. Your guide will unveil the stories behind the emperors and concubines who once resided within its walls. Today's lunch will be served at a local restaurant, where you will savor Beijing Roast Duck. After lunch, enjoy a leisurely visit to the Temple of Heaven, where Chinese emperors once worshiped. Wander through the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Circular Mound Altar, and the Imperial Vault of Heaven as you immerse yourself in the history of this ancient religious complex. Take time to explore the surrounding Tiantan Park, with its beautiful green spaces, scenic walking paths, and tranquil retreat from the bustling city. Conclude your visit to the Temple of Heaven as the guide takes you back to your hotel. Dinner will be on your own.

DAY 3The Mutianyu Great Wall, Hutong Walking Tour Following an enjoyable breakfast at the hotel, you will proceed to visit the Mutianyu Great Wall. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is ranked top on TripAdvisor among all the Great Wall sections, for its picturesque scenery and beautifully-restored architecture. It is about a 1.5-hour drive from downtown Beijing. In order to save time for you, we arrange a round-trip cable car to ascend and descend the Wall, instead of spending about 40 minutes climbing steps. At the Wall, you have free time to walk around, after your guide does some introductions. The cable car ascends to and descends from tower 14. Hike “the most beautiful and interesting part of the Great Wall” — between the 14th and 23rd watch towers — acknowledged by hikers as "the golden route". Today's lunch will be served at a local restaurant, where your guide will assist you in selecting dishes according to your preferences. After lunch, the guide will lead you to the Hutongs in Beijing's Dongcheng district for a walking tour, where you'll also have the opportunity to learn about applying Peking Opera facial makeup. Hutongs are historic alleyways flanked by traditional single-story courtyard houses, relics of old Beijing that are rapidly fading. As you wander through these narrow paths, you can visit local residents to experience the traditional lifestyle and learn about the preservation of these unique homes and their culture. In a workshop within the hutongs, you'll also learn how to create Peking Opera masks. Additionally, you can ascend the Bell Tower to enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the hutongs. After concluding the hutong tour, the guide will accompany you back to the hotel for some rest, with dinner on your own.

DAY 4Summer Palace, Beijing’s New CBD Skyline, Beijing to Xi'an Today marks the final day of your Beijing journey. After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you'll head out to explore the Summer Palace. The Summer Palace is the largest and most impeccably preserved royal park in China. Renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance, the Palace has profoundly influenced Chinese horticulture and landscape design, earning the title 'The Museum of Royal Gardens'. After touring China’s ancient royal gardens, your guide will introduce you to modern Beijing and its striking new CBD skyline. You will lunch at China’s first "smart restaurant," experiencing cutting-edge technology. The waiting area resembles a theater where you can enjoy cooking-themed video games with other guests, ensuring you remain entertained. Following lunch, you will proceed to board a high-speed train from Beijing West to Xi'an North railway station at approximately 3:00 PM. The final booking confirmation will detail the train number and departure times.

DAY 5Terracotta Army Deep Dive, The Muslim Quarter After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you're about to begin your day's tour. Your guide picks you up from the hotel, and you set off to visit and explore the Terracotta Army. The Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang is situated at the northern foothills of Mount Li in Lintong District, Xi'an, approximately 37.5 kilometers from the city center. It takes roughly 1.5 hours to reach the site from central Xi'an. Here, you will explore the Terracotta Warriors, experience Qin Dynasty artifacts, and partake in a restoration activity. Follow a professional guide to explore the three pits of the Terracotta Warriors. At a nearby museum, get an up-close look at the first batch of restored warriors, including the renowned First Warrior, and learn about the visionary curator's initial restoration efforts. Then, in the conservation lab, touch authentic Qin Dynasty artifacts, deepening your connection to history. Finally, participate in a hands-on mini restoration experience guided by professional conservators, and take home your creation as a unique memento. After concluding your visit to the Terracotta Warriors, the guide will arrange lunch for you at a nearby restaurant. Following lunch, you will return to Xi'an's city center and visit the Muslim Quarter. Located 100 meters west of the Bell Tower in downtown Xi'an. This 500-meter-long avenue, paved with bluestones, is lined with unique stalls, souvenir shops, cafés, and bars, predominantly operated by Muslim locals. Once the cycling tour of the city walls concludes, the day's excursion will come to an end, and your guide will escort you back to the hotel for some rest.

DAY 6Small Wild Goose Pagoda and Xi'an Museum, Xi'an to Zhangjiajie After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, your guide and driver will escort you to visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, the Xi'an Museum, and the Muslim Quarter. The guide will arrange for lunch at a local restaurant based on today's tour schedule. The Small Wild Goose Pagoda is a multi-eaved, square brick structure with fifteen stories. Originally standing at 46 meters, it now measures 43.3 meters due to the loss of its steeple. Intricate carvings adorn the lintel, depicting arhats and grass motifs, showcasing the exquisite artistry of the early Tang Dynasty. You will have the opportunity to ring the bell for blessings and good fortune. Xi'an Museum, located near the pagoda, it offers a comprehensive reflection of the rich history of Xi'an, seamlessly integrating the Small Wild Goose Pagoda— a national key cultural protection unit— with the historic structures of Jianfu Temple and a modern cultural relics exhibition hall. Upon concluding the tour, your guide and driver will escort you to Xi'an Xianyang Airport, where you will board a flight to Zhangjiajie. You will arrive at Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport around 4 PM, where your guide will meet you. After being greeted by your guide, you will head to a local restaurant for dinner. Following the meal, you will be taken to your hotel, and after assisting with the check-in process, you can retire to your room for rest.

DAY 7Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (incl. Bailong Sightseeing Elevator & Tianzi Mountain Cable Car), Yuanjiajie (include the Hallelujah Mountains) After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, you will set off for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to begin your day's journey. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is a celebrated tourist destination, known for its pillar-like rock formations resulting from years of erosion. The park boasts a forest coverage of over 90% and features areas such as Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie. The Bailong Sightseeing Elevator is the world's tallest and fastest of its kind, offering breathtaking views of the sandstone peak forest. Standing at 335 meters high, its four transparent elevators can accommodate 3,000 people per hour. The ascent to the summit takes just two minutes. Tip: During peak periods, waiting for the elevator might take up to two hours. Your guide will arrange the schedule to avoid these busy times. Tianzi Mountain is renowned for its four natural wonders: mist-shrouded peaks, the magnificent sunrise, enchanting moonlit nights, and snow-capped winter landscapes. There are over 80 natural platforms offering breathtaking views. Enjoy a relaxing cable car ride to Tianzi Mountain, taking in the stunning scenery along the way. Today's lunch is arranged at a local specialty restaurant, where your guide will recommend the regional delicacies. After finishing lunch, you will continue the tour of the forest park and proceed to the Yuanjiajie in the afternoon. Yuanjiajie is situated in the northern part of Zhangjiajie National Park, famed for its Hallelujah Mountain, named after the floating rocks in "Avatar." Capturing the "Number One Bridge Under Heaven" from the "Viewing Bridge Platform" adds to the charm. The afternoon is the ideal time for photographing Yuanjiajie. At the end of the day’s itinerary, you will return to the hotel to rest.

DAY 8Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Tianmen Mountain (Tianmen Cave), Zhangjiajie to Shanghai After savoring breakfast at the hotel and checking out, you will set off to visit the renowned Glass Bridge, a transparent walkway providing breathtaking views of the canyon below. Cameras can now be taken onto the bridge. However, certain items are prohibited: metal-tipped walking sticks, drones (in accordance with scenic area regulations), metal hard objects, items weighing over 250 grams, and oversized handbags and backpacks. Lunch today will be arranged at a local restaurant nearby. In the morning, visit Tianmen Mountain. Enjoy a 30-minute scenic ride on the world's longest cable car, transporting you from the city to the summit. Considered the 'soul' of Zhangjiajie, Tianmen Mountain is the highest peak in the region. It offers breathtaking vistas of graceful ancient trees, karst formations, and winding roads carved into the cliffsides. Explore Tianmen Cave, a natural karst cave in the mountain that offers impressive views of the surrounding landscape. The Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway, nestled within China's Tianmen Mountain National Park, ranks among the world's most elevated observation platforms, projecting dramatically from a sheer cliff at 1,430 meters. This 1.6-meter-wide, 60-meter-long glass path offers visitors an exhilarating thrill and unobstructed views of the landscape below as they tread carefully upon it. It has been compared to the Grand Canyon Skywalk in Arizona, USA. After concluding the journey, you will proceed to Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport to catch a flight to Shanghai. Following a flight of approximately two hours, you will arrive at Shanghai Pudong Airport, where your guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel. After assisting with the check-in process, you may retire to your room to relax. You've had a long day.

DAY 9Shanghai in Progress (visit Shanghai Tower and the Bund in-depth), Yuyuan Garden Your local guide will lead you to ascend Shanghai's tallest building, the Shanghai Tower, offering a monumental view over the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and a sweeping panorama of the city. Amidst the bustling crowds, board a public ferry across the Huangpu River, drifting slowly from the modernity of Pudong to the historical depths of old Shanghai, crafting the latest chapter of its story. Begin your historical journey at the Bund, the landing site of foreigners centuries ago. Each building narrates tales of its golden era, and you'll discover the traces of time etched into its structures, reflecting the ebb and flow of history. Wander through alleys to observe local life, where residents cope with the city's housing pressures by dwelling in confined spaces. Take a moment to relax in a restaurant, savoring exquisite Shanghai delicacies. You'll also have the chance to experience China's most popular method of ordering takeout. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant near The Bund. Here, you can savor a wide range of cuisines. After lunch, continue your tour with an afternoon visit to Yuyuan Garden. With a history exceeding 400 years, the Yuyuan Garden offers a wealth of attractions—from the dragon-lined walls and ancient trees to tranquil paths and historic halls filled with valuable antiques. After concluding today's tour, the guide will escort you back to the hotel for some rest.

DAY 10Transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport In accordance with your departure flight schedule, your guide will arrive at the hotel at the agreed-upon time to escort you to Shanghai Pudong International Airport, where you will board your flight and conclude your journey through China.