Meals:  Breakfast and lunch

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as The Kunlun Jing An, Hyatt on the Bund, Renaissance Shanghai Zhongshan Park Hotel, or similar

Shanghai wears its two identities, historic treaty port and futuristic metropolis, side by side, and today's touring takes in both. Begin at the Shanghai Museum, home to one of the world's finest collections of ancient Chinese bronzes, jades, ceramics, and paintings. Continue to Yu Garden, a masterpiece of classical southern Chinese garden design first laid out in 1577 by a Ming Dynasty official, its pavilions, rockeries, and ancient trees arranged with painterly precision.

In the afternoon, walk through a historic Shikumen neighborhood, where stone-gate lane houses reveal the blend of Chinese and Western influences that shaped modern Shanghai. End the day on the Bund, the city's grand colonial-era waterfront, where the stately facades of the former banking houses face the glittering towers of Pudong across the river in a single sweeping view that captures a century of Shanghai's story.

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Shanghai Museum:  Located on People's Square in the heart of the city, the Shanghai Museum is regarded as one of China's finest, a collection of more than one million objects spanning five millennia. Its galleries of ancient bronzes, ceramics, jades, calligraphy, and paintings are considered among the best in the world.

Yu Garden: Situated in Shanghai’s Old Town, Yu Garden was originally designed in 1577 AD by a powerful Ming Dynasty official. It features a stunning classical Chinese landscape filled with pagodas, pavilions, rockeries, fountains, ancient trees, and rare flowers.

Shikumen Neighborhood: This historic neighborhood reveals a fascinating fusion of Chinese and Western influences which have shaped modern Shanghai with stone-gate architecture.

The Bund:  The Bund: Colonial-era architecture faces Pudong’s futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River, creating one of Shanghai’s most memorable views.

Transfer via:  Domestic flight from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie (Duration: 2 hours)

Meals:  Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties or distinctive boutique properties such as Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel, No.5 Valley Lodge, or similar

This morning, leave the city behind and drive roughly 90 minutes west to Xitang Ancient Town, one of the loveliest of the ancient canal towns scattered across the countryside beyond Shanghai. Settled more than two thousand years ago, the town remains a place of whitewashed houses, covered riverside walkways, and weathered stone bridges arching over a web of nine canals.

The best way to see Xitang is from the water. Board a traditional wooden sampan and drift beneath the bridges, past temples and centuries-old residences that rise directly from the water's edge.

In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie, where your guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel.

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Xitang Ancient Town:  About 90 minutes' drive from Shanghai, Xitang is among the best-preserved of the region's ancient water towns. Nine canals divide the town into eight districts, stitched back together by dozens of stone bridges, and for centuries these waterways served as its main thoroughfares. Along the banks stand historic residences and temples, including the Temple of the Seven Masters.

Boat cruise at Xitang: Board a traditional wooden sampan and glide along Xitang's quiet canals, passing beneath ancient stone bridges and centuries-old waterside residences. It’s the way this town was meant to be seen.

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties or distinctive boutique properties such as Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel, No.5 Valley Lodge, or similar

Spend a full day in the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site encompassing more than 3,000 quartzite sandstone pillars, a landscape unlike anywhere else on Earth.

Ride the Bailong Elevator up to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, whose mist-wreathed pinnacles inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in James Cameron’s Avatar. See First Bridge Under Heaven before continuing by park shuttle to Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, rising to roughly 4,140 feet (1,262 m), where formations such as Fairy Maiden Presenting Flowers and Imperial Brush Peak overlook the surrounding valleys. Descend by cable car and finish the day in Ten-mile Gallery, a 3.6-mile (5.8 km) valley threaded by a clear stream, explored aboard an included round-trip sightseeing train.

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Please note: Private vehicles are not permitted inside the Scenic Area; travel between viewpoints is by the park's shuttle system. Your guide may adjust the order of visits to ensure the best possible experience.

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Zhangjiajie National Forest Park:   Located in the northwest of Wulingyuan, this park spans 4,300 hectares (about 10,600 acres). It was the first state-designated national forest park in China and only opened to tourists in the 1980s.

Yuanjiajie Scenic Area:  It is essentially a vast landscape of shrub- and tree-covered, platform-like blocks and obelisks, surrounding a hollowed-out valley floor with a pristine mountain stream running through its center. The mist-wreathed mountains of this region inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in James Cameron’s 2009 blockbuster Avatar, set in the fictional world of Pandora.

Tianzi Mountain: Located in the northern part of Wulingyuan Scenic Area in Hunan Province, Tianzi (Son of Heaven) Mountain Nature Reserve is one of the four scenic spots in Wulingyuan (three other spots are the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the Suoxiyu (Suoxi Valley)  Natural Resource Reserve and the Yangjiajie Scenic Area). It covers an area of 67 square kilometers (about 16,550 acres), and the highest peak is 1,262 meters (about 4,140 feet) above the sea level.

Ten-mile Gallery (Includes a round-trip sightseeing train): Located at the foot of Tianzi Mountain in the Suoxi Valley Nature Reserve, this scenic valley extends for approximately 3.6 miles (5.8 km). A stream runs through its center, framed by towering peaks and rock formations that resemble natural sculptures, including the Herb-Collecting Old Man and Immortals Worshipping Guanyin.

Transfer via: High-speed rail from Zhangjiajie to Changsha (Duration: 2-3 hours)

Meals: Breakfast and lunch

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Sheraton Changsha Hotel, Wanda Vista Changsha, or similar

This morning, visit Tianmen Mountain, whose name means "Heaven's Gate Mountain," a reference to the vast natural arch that pierces the rock halfway up its slope. Ascend by the 4.6-mile (7,455 m) cable car, among the longest in the world, a 30-minute ride that climbs from the town center to the summit at roughly 4,980 feet (1,518 m). At the top, those with a head for heights can walk the two glass skywalk sections bolted to the cliff face (access included). Park shuttles and the included seven-stage escalator connect Tianmen Cave with the mountaintop, according to the route assigned for the day.

After your exploration of Zhangjiajie, transfer to the railway station for your train to Changsha.

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Tianmen Mountain (Includes access to two glass skywalk sections, the cable car, and scenic minibuses):  Rising to approximately 4,982 feet (1,518.6 m), Tianmen Mountain is best known for Tianmen Cave, a vast natural arch set high on its mountainside. Its dramatic clifftop scenery, glass skywalks and sweeping views make it one of Zhangjiajie’s most memorable experiences.

Transfer via:  High-speed rail from Changsha to Guilin (Duration: 3.5 hours)

Meals:  Breakfast

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Sheraton Guilin Hotel, Shangri-La Guilin, or similar

After breakfast, board your high-speed train to Guilin. On arrival, your guide will meet you for a visit to Reed Flute Cave, known as "A Natural Palace of Art," where dramatic stalactites and stalagmites are theatrically illuminated and your guide will explain how these formations developed over hundreds of thousands of years. Afterward, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

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Reed Flute Cave:  Located 3.1 miles (5 km) from central Guilin, Reed Flute Cave is known for its vast chambers of stalactites and stalagmites, illuminated to reveal the dramatic shapes of these natural formations.

Transfer via: Li River cruise

Meals:  Breakfast and lunch

Accommodation: Handpicked distinctive boutique properties such as Yangshuo The Apsara Lodge, Yangshuo Mountain Retreat, or similar

Today you will take a relaxing Li River cruise down to the scenic town of Yangshuo. Along the way, immerse yourself in the dramatic landscape of clear water, karst hills, paddy fields, and rural villages.

Disembark in Yangshuo at around 1:30 pm to 2 pm (depending on the water condition) and stroll through lively West Street before transfer to your hotel. For the rest of the day, relax, indulge and explore your scenic surroundings.

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Li River Cruise:  Sail through one of China’s most celebrated landscapes, where karst peaks rise above clear water, riverside villages and patchwork farmland. The cruise typically lasts around four hours, depending on water conditions.

Transfer via:

Tour vehicle from Yangshuo to Guilin
Domestic flight from Guilin to Xi’an (Duration: 2 hours)

Meals:  Breakfast

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Sofitel Xian On Renmin Square, Sheraton Xi'an Hotel, Xi'an Tianlang Times Hotel, or similar

Depart early for the drive back to Guilin and your morning flight to Xi'an, China's ancient capital.

Upon arrival, your guide will meet you for a visit to the Ancient City Wall, one of the largest and best-preserved urban fortifications in the world, running 8.5 miles (13.7 km) around the old city. After that, check into your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure.

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Ancient City Wall:  One of the largest and best-preserved city walls in China, Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall extends 8.5 miles (13.74 km) around the old city. A walk along its broad ramparts offers views of the watchtowers, moat and surrounding neighborhoods, with a tangible sense of the city’s imperial past.

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch and a guided street-food tasting

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Sofitel Xian On Renmin Square, Sheraton Xi'an Hotel, Xi'an Tianlang Times Hotel, or similar

Unlike Zhangjiajie, which is known mainly for its natural wonders, Xi'an is world-famous for the extraordinary archaeological discovery of the Terracotta Warriors. This UNESCO World Heritage Site contains some 8,000 life-size soldiers and horses, created about 2,200 years ago to accompany Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China, after his death.

After marveling at the incomparable Terracotta Army, meander through the famous Muslim Quarter, which has been the center of the Muslim community in Xi'an for over 1,000 years. Explore the local culture and try some regional specialties, such as hand-pulled noodles, lamb skewers, and persimmon cakes.

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Terracotta Warriors:  Discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well, the Terracotta Warriors are among the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The three excavation pits cover about 5.4 acres (22,000 square meters) and contain around 8,000 life-size pottery warriors and horses. Each figure was individually crafted and arranged in battle formation to guard the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor.

Muslim Quarter: Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter is a lively historic neighborhood at the heart of the city’s Hui Muslim community. Wander its narrow lanes and browse its small shops, while discovering a community that has shaped Xi’an’s cultural life for more than 1,000 years.

Transfer via: High-speed rail from Xi’an to Beijing (Duration: about 4.5-6 hours)

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Wyndham Beijing North Hotel, Regent Beijing, Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, or similar

Board a morning high-speed train to Beijing.

On arrival, your guide will lead you through the Forbidden City, the vast imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties and the grandest intact palace complex in China, with some 600 years of history within its vermilion walls.

Before heading to your hotel, explore one of Beijing's well-preserved hutong neighborhoods by rickshaw, winding through the alleyways and courtyard homes where everyday Beijing life carries on much as it has for generations.

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Rickshaw Hutong Tour:  Explore one of Beijing’s well-preserved hutong neighborhoods by rickshaw. These narrow lanes and traditional courtyard homes offer a glimpse of everyday life in the old city and the communities that have shaped Beijing for generations.

The Forbidden City (Closed on Monday):  It is located in the center of Beijing, used to be the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties with a history of around 600 years. It is the largest intact palace complex in China.

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

Accommodation: Handpicked five-star properties such as Wyndham Beijing North Hotel, Regent Beijing, Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, or similar

Begin the day at the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors performed elaborate annual rituals to pray for a good harvest. Its circular Hall of Prayer is among the most beautiful structures in China.

Then drive about two hours to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a beautifully restored and less-crowded stretch winding 1.4 miles (2.3 km) along forested ridgelines, lined with closely spaced watchtowers. A round-trip cable car (included) carries you up to the ramparts, leaving you free to walk the wall at your own pace and take in sweeping views of the fortifications snaking across the mountains.

Prefer the open chairlift up or the toboggan run down? Both are available at Mutianyu. Please let us know your preferred option when booking, so we can make the appropriate arrangements on the day.

Return to Beijing this evening for a farewell dinner, a chance to reflect on the journey and share final stories.

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Temple of Heaven:  Built for the Ming and Qing emperors, the Temple of Heaven was where rulers came to perform annual ceremonies for a good harvest. Its graceful Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is one of Beijing’s most recognisable landmarks.

Great Wall (Mutianyu Section): One of the best-preserved sections of the Ming-era Great Wall, Mutianyu is set amid wooded mountains. Its closely spaced watchtowers and distinctive Zhengguan Terrace, where three towers stand side by side, set it apart from other sections of the wall.

Mutianyu Cable Car (Round-trip cable car included):  Round-trip cable car of Mutianyu Great Wall included. Chair-lift and Toboggan are also available. If you would prefer either alternative, please contact us at the time of booking so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Transfer via:  International flight , arranged on your own

Meals:  Breakfast

Accommodation: None

Enjoy the morning at leisure until you are taken to the airport for your flight. Thank you for traveling with us, and we wish you a pleasant flight. We hope to welcome you on another journey soon.

We understand that travel plans can change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be as fair and transparent as possible.

- More than 60 days before departure: 80% refund of the total trip cost; a 20% cancellation fee applies.

-59 to 35 days before departure: 50% refund of the total trip cost; a 50% cancellation fee applies.

-Within 34 days of departure: No refund can be issued; a 100% cancellation fee applies.

Cancellation requests must be received in writing. We recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance to help protect your trip investment in the event of unforeseen circumstances.