11-Day China Nature & Culture Tour
- From $2,358
- 11 Days
- Beijing
- Shanghai
Tour Highlights
- Trace China’s ancient glory at the Forbidden City and Great Wall in Beijing.
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an.
- Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Zhangjiajie, inspiration for the “floating mountains” in Avatar.
- Feel the pulse of modern China in the dynamic metropolis of Shanghai.
Tour Details
11-Day China Culture & Nature Tour
Beijing - Xi'an - Zhangjiajie - Shanghai
2 persons minimum
$2,358
This 11-day, 4-city itinerary is a grand showcase of China’s most remarkable wonders:
Beijing – witness the miracles created by ancient emperors.
Xi’an – uncover the buried treasures of Chinese civilization.
Zhangjiajie – marvel at nature’s divine masterpiece.
Shanghai – glimpse into the futuristic vision of China.
Ideal for travelers seeking an immersive and diverse experience that blends history, culture, and natural beauty, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through China’s top highlights — with Zhangjiajie elevating the adventure to a whole new level.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival in Beijing
Welcome to China! Your guide will meet you at Beijing Airport and escort you to your hotel.
As the capital of China, Beijing has transformed into a vibrant modern metropolis, yet traces of its ancient past still abound. Today, you may rest or start exploring this vast city at your own pace.
Suggested hotels: Beijing Belt Hotel, Tiantan Hotel, Tianlun Songhe Hotel (Wangfujing) or similar.
Day 2 – Forbidden City & Hutongs
After breakfast, visit Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Then explore the highlight of the day — the Forbidden City, the world’s largest and best-preserved imperial palace complex. For over 500 years, it was home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Despite centuries of renovations, its original layout remains intact.
After lunch, experience Beijing’s hutong culture: ride a rickshaw around Shichahai Lake, stroll along Yandai Xiejie creative street, and try your hand at Peking Opera mask painting in a nearby studio by Prince Gong’s Mansion. Wander through narrow alleys lined with traditional courtyard houses and feel the rhythm of old Beijing.
Dinner: Not included.
Hotel: Same as previous night.
Day 3 – Great Wall & Summer Palace
After breakfast, visit the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most scenic and well-preserved sections, popular among international travelers. Ride a cable car to the top and enjoy sweeping views of the majestic wall snaking across the mountains.
After lunch, head to the Summer Palace, China’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Centered on Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, it was modeled after Hangzhou’s West Lake and incorporates classical Jiangnan landscape design, creating a perfect harmony of nature and art.
Dinner: Not included.
Hotel: Same as previous night.
Day 4 – Temple of Heaven & Train to Xi’an
After breakfast, begin your day at the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of architecture where emperors once held ceremonies to pray for good harvests. Stroll through the peaceful park, visit the Circular Mound Altar and Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, and watch locals doing morning exercises.
After lunch, take a high-speed train to Xi’an, one of China’s most ancient capitals. The journey takes about five hours. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and check in to your hotel. In the evening, you may enjoy a relaxed walk or sample local snacks.
Optional: Night visit to Bell & Drum Tower Square and Muslim Street (try the famous Jiasan Soup Dumplings).
Dinner: Not included.
Hotel: Grand Hancity Hotel Xi’an or similar.
Day 5 – Terracotta Warriors & Big Wild Goose Pagoda
After breakfast, drive to the outskirts of Xi’an to see one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries — the Terracotta Army. Each warrior, horse, and chariot was individually sculpted with unique facial expressions and intricate details, standing in battle formation to guard the first emperor’s tomb.
After lunch, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a 1,300-year-old Buddhist landmark and symbol of Xi’an.
Dinner: Not included.
Hotel: Grand Hancity Hotel Xi’an or similar.
Optional: Stroll through Datang Everbright City and catch the “Splendid Tang Secret Box” performance if available.
Day 6 – Xi’an to Zhangjiajie
After breakfast, visit a local Xi’an family for a hands-on Chinese cooking experience. Under the friendly host’s guidance, learn to make handmade noodles, dumplings, or other regional dishes. Enjoy a warm meal together, sharing stories and laughter around the family table.
After lunch, explore the Ancient City Wall, which has protected Xi’an for more than six centuries and still encircles the old town.
In the evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, your local guide will greet you and take you to your downtown hotel.
Dinner: Not included.
Hotel: Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel or similar.
Day 7 – Wulingyuan Scenic Area
After breakfast, spend a full day exploring the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a natural labyrinth of more than 3,000 sandstone pillars.
Ride the eco-bus to the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest and fastest outdoor lift, which rises from the valley floor to the summit in just 1.5 minutes.
Continue hiking in Yuanjiajie, the inspiration for Avatar’s floating “Hallelujah Mountains.” The 150-meter-high Southern Sky Column shoots straight up from the canyon below—an awe-inspiring sight. Then visit the Back Garden viewing terrace for breathtaking panoramas of the forest of peaks.
After lunch, take a shuttle to Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, named after Xiang Dakun, a Tujia chieftain from the early Ming Dynasty. Walk to the Helong Park viewing deck for grand views of the unique stone pinnacles, and admire the sea of rocks rising from mist-filled valleys at Dianjiang Platform.
End the day aboard the Ten-Mile Gallery mini-train, gliding through scenery that feels like a living ink painting. Return to your hotel for rest.
Dinner: Not included.
Hotel: Pullman Zhangjiajie or similar.
Day 8 – Glass Bridge & Baofeng Lake
After breakfast, head to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon to walk across its world-famous Glass Bridge. Suspended 430 meters long and 300 meters high between two cliffs, it is the longest and highest of its kind on earth. Standing on the transparent floor feels like floating in mid-air, with the entire canyon unfolding beneath your feet.
After lunch, visit Baofeng Lake for a tranquil boat ride surrounded by emerald waters and dramatic peaks. Listen to traditional songs of local ethnic minorities and soak in the peaceful beauty of nature.
Dinner: Not included.
Hotel: Pullman Zhangjiajie or similar.
Day 9 – Tianmen Mountain & Flight to Shanghai
After breakfast, begin your adventure on Tianmen Mountain, the highest peak in Zhangjiajie. Take the world’s longest cableway—7 kilometers of breathtaking views over the misty peaks.
At the summit, walk along the thrilling glass skywalk, feeling as though you are treading on clouds. Continue to the Tianmen Cave, the world’s highest natural arch through-mountain cave.
After lunch, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel.
Dinner: Not included.
Hotel: Metropark Jiashen Hotel Shanghai or similar.
Day 10 – Shanghai City Tour
After breakfast, begin your tour of Old Shanghai. Hidden amid the city’s bustle lies a peaceful oasis — Yu Garden, a classic Ming-dynasty garden of pavilions, ponds, and winding corridors. Afterward, explore the nearby City God Templearea and sample authentic local snacks such as the famous crab-roe xiaolongbao from Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant.
Next, visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center to view a spectacular miniature model of the city and learn about its evolution — a fascinating “window into Shanghai.”
In the afternoon, ascend to the 118th-floor observation deck of the Shanghai Tower, soaring more than 630 meters high, for a panoramic view of the glittering skyline — a fitting finale to your day. The Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China.
Dinner: Not included.
Hotel: Metropark Jiashen Hotel Shanghai or similar.
Day 11 – Departure
After breakfast, transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule, marking the end of your unforgettable journey through China.
Departure tips: For international flights from Pudong Airport, please arrive at least three hours before departure.
Thank you for choosing us and allowing us to share this journey with you. As the Chinese saying goes, “Yi Lu Ping An”— wishing you a safe and pleasant journey home. We look forward to welcoming you back soon to discover even more of China’s wonders!
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
