12-Day China Odyssey: Culture, Nature & Heritage
- From $2,498
- 12 Days
- Beijing
- Shanghai
Tour Highlights
- Trace the glory of imperial China at the Forbidden City and Great Wall in Beijing.
- Discover the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Get close to giant pandas at Chengdu’s famous breeding base.
- Marvel at Zhangjiajie’s surreal sandstone peaks, inspiration for Avatar’s floating “Hallelujah Mountains.”
- Experience both the timeless charm and modern pulse of Shanghai.
Tour Details
12-Day China Odyssey: Culture, Nature & Heritage
Beijing - Xi'an - Chengdu - Zhangjiajie - Shanghai
2 persons minimum
$2,498
Tour Overview
Experience the best of China on this 12-day journey through its most iconic cities and landscapes. From Beijing’s Forbidden City and Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors of Xi’an, encounter the country’s rich imperial legacy. Meet the adorable giant pandas in Chengdu, marvel at the breathtaking sandstone peaks of Zhangjiajie that inspired Avatar, and end your adventure in vibrant Shanghai, where tradition meets modern innovation — a perfect blend of culture, nature, and discovery.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Beijing
Focus: Adjust to time zone · Light activities
Welcome to China! Your local guide meets you at Beijing airport and escorts you to the hotel. As China’s capital, Beijing blends ancient heritage with fast-moving modern life. Enjoy free time to relax or explore nearby sights at your own pace.
Accommodation: Beijing Belt Hotel / Tiantan Hotel / Sunworld Dynasty Hotel or similar
Day 2 – Forbidden City & Hutong Culture
After breakfast, visit Tian’anmen Square, the world’s largest public square, followed by the Forbidden City, the grand imperial palace of 24 emperors spanning more than 500 years.
After lunch, experience the charm of old Beijing with a rickshaw ride through Shichahai Hutongs, a Peking Opera mask-painting workshop near Prince Gong’s Mansion, and a stroll along Yandai Xiejie Street for local snacks and handicrafts.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included Dinner: on your own
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Day 3 – Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace
After breakfast, drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a scenic and less-crowded area popular with international visitors. Take a cable car to the top for sweeping mountain views.
After lunch, explore the Summer Palace, China’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden built around Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included Dinner: on your own
Accommodation: Same as Day 1
Day 4 – Temple of Heaven & High-Speed Train to Xi’an
Start the day at the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming architecture where emperors prayed for good harvests. Enjoy a peaceful walk among locals practicing Tai Chi and folk dances.
After lunch, board a high-speed train to Xi’an (about 5 hours). Meet your local guide upon arrival and transfer to the hotel.
Optional evening stroll: visit the Bell & Drum Tower Square and Muslim Quarter for authentic street food such as Jiasan Soup Dumplings.
Accommodation: Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel or similar in Xi’an
Day 5 – Terracotta Warriors & Big Wild Goose Pagoda
After breakfast, head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Terracotta Army, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world. Admire the lifelike clay soldiers, horses, and chariots—each with unique expressions and details—standing in battle formation.
After lunch, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved Buddhist site built over 1,300 years ago.
In the evening, consider strolling through the vibrant Tang Paradise (Grand Tang Everbright City) to see light shows and street performances (check schedule for “Secret of the Great Tang” show).
Dinner: Not included
Accommodation: Same as above
Day 6 – Xi’an Local Family Cooking Experience & Train to Chengdu
Enjoy a unique home-cooking experience with a local family — learn to make handmade noodles, dumplings, or Xi’an dishes under your host’s guidance and share your creations together.
After lunch, visit the Ancient City Wall, the most complete city fortification in China.
In the late afternoon, take a high-speed train to Chengdu (approx. 3.5 hours). Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation: Dorsett Chengdu Hotel or similar
Day 7 – Chengdu Panda Base & Local Culture
After breakfast, drive to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, home to over 100 pandas. Watch them play, eat bamboo, and nap — a delight for all visitors.
Continue to Wenshu Monastery, Chengdu’s best-preserved Buddhist temple, then relax in People’s Park, where you can sip jasmine tea and watch locals playing mahjong.
In the afternoon, wander Jinli Ancient Street, filled with traditional snacks, crafts, and folk performances that reflect the spirit of old Sichuan.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included Dinner: on your own
Accommodation: Dorsett Chengdu Hotel or similar
Day 8 – Flight to Zhangjiajie · Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie. Your guide meets you upon arrival for a leisurely afternoon visiting the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.
Walk across the world-record-holding Glass Bridge — the longest and highest of its kind — suspended 300 meters (984 ft) above the canyon floor for breathtaking views.
Return to your hotel to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s exploration of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included Dinner: on your own
Accommodation: Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel or similar
Day 9 – Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Yuanjiajie · Tianzi Mountain · Ten-Mile Gallery
Spend a full day exploring the stunning Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Heritage site of over 3,000 sandstone pillars.
Take the Bailong Elevator — the world’s fastest outdoor lift — up to the Yuanjiajie area, filming site of Avatar’s“Hallelujah Mountains.” Marvel at the 150-meter-tall Southern Sky Pillar and the lush natural bonsai landscape.
After lunch, continue to Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, famed for its mist-covered peaks and dramatic cliffs. Visit Helong Park and Dianjiang Terrace for breathtaking views over the “West Sea Stone Forest.”
End the day with a relaxing mini-train ride through the Ten-Mile Gallery, a scenic corridor that feels like gliding through a traditional Chinese ink painting.
Accommodation: Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel or similar
Day 10 – Tianmen Mountain · Fly to Shanghai
After breakfast, take the world-longest cableway to the summit of Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie’s highest peak. Walk along the thrilling Glass Skywalk and visit the giant natural arch of Tianmen Cave, known as the “Heaven’s Gate.”
After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your local guide will greet you and escort you to the hotel.
Optional: Evening Huangpu River Cruise to admire Shanghai’s skyline.
Accommodation: Shanghai Metropark Hotel / Jin Jiang Hotel or similar
Day 11 – Shanghai City Highlights
After breakfast, explore Yu Garden, a masterpiece of classical Ming-style landscaping. Wander through the adjacent Chenghuangmiao Bazaar for traditional snacks such as Nanxiang crab soup dumplings.
Visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, featuring an impressive scale model of the entire city.
In the afternoon, ascend to the 118th floor observation deck of Shanghai Tower — China’s tallest building — for sweeping views across the Huangpu River and Pudong skyline.
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch included Dinner: on your own
Accommodation: Same as Day 10
Day 12 – Departure from Shanghai
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Tips: For international departures from Pudong (PVG), please arrive 3 hours before your flight.
Thank you for choosing to travel with us — we wish you a safe journey home and hope to welcome you back to discover more of China’s wonders soon!
Meals: Breakfast included
All domestic flights and high-speed train tickets as listed in the itinerary
All admission fees, entrance tickets, and activity costs as specified in the itinerary
Services of an experienced English-speaking local guide throughout the journey
Comfortable hotel accommodation based on double occupancy, as indicated in the itinerary
Daily meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner), with complimentary bottled drinking water
Private transportation with air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver for all scheduled tours and transfers
Airport transfers upon arrival and departure as noted in the itinerary
International flights to and from China
Chinese visa fees and any related travel documentation
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone, minibar, or optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Meals not specified in the itinerary
Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers
