16-Day Ultimate China Highlights Tour: Beijing, Xi'an, Chongqing, Zhangjiajie & Shanghai

Your China journey kicks off with two world-famous landmarks: Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square, and the Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved imperial palace complex on earth.

Next, we will head to Jingshan Park, located right beside the Forbidden City’s exit. Climb its man-made stone hill for a sweeping bird’s-eye view over the entire Forbidden City and its iconic central axis.

We will have lunch at a local restaurant featuring authentic Beijing cuisine. Afterwards, we’ll wander through Beijing Hutongs — age-old residential alleys that preserve traditional local lifestyle.

Today your destination is Mutianyu Great Wall. You may hike up the ramparts or take a cable car to admire breathtaking vistas of this ancient architectural wonder.

Back in downtown Beijing, we will stop for photos at the futuristic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, the landmark venues built for the 2008 Olympic Games.

Please pack your luggage in advance today. After your sightseeing tour, we will transfer you to the railway station to board a high-speed train bound for Xi'an.

You will first visit the Temple of Heaven, an imperial complex where emperors once held rituals to pray for bumper harvests. If you arrive early enough, you can watch local seniors practicing tai chi here, and you are welcome to join them for a try.

After the visit, you will be escorted to Beijing Railway Station. You may purchase packaged snacks to serve as your lunch on the train before departure. Your local guide in Xi'an will meet you upon your arrival and pick you up.

First, we will visit the Terracotta Army, one of the world’s most extraordinary archaeological discoveries. You will marvel at thousands of life-sized clay sculptures including warriors, horses and chariots. A shuttle golf cart is available to help you tour the sprawling site conveniently.

Later, we will drop by a nearby craft workshop to learn the craftsmanship of terracotta figurine making, and you can make your own small terracotta piece as a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

We will then travel back to central Xi'an to visit the Ancient City Wall. Cycling around the wall is offered as an optional activity. In the late afternoon, we will head to the North Square of the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a perfect photo spot showcasing this important Buddhist architectural masterpiece.

This is your final day in Xi'an. Before departure, you will visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved ancient Buddhist temple complex. During your visit, you can watch a traditional Chinese shadow puppet performance.

You will then be transferred to the railway station to take a high-speed train to Chongqing. Upon arrival, your local Chongqing guide will pick you up and check you into your hotel.

Today, your guide will take you to discover iconic urban attractions in Chongqing. We start our trip at Ciqikou Ancient Town, where you can meander along old stone lanes, immerse yourself in traditional Bayu culture. Next, we will go to Liziba Light Rail Station to witness the spectacular sight of a light rail train passing directly through a residential building.

After lunch, we will visit Chongqing Zoo, where you can see a wide variety of rare wild animals including giant pandas. This zoo houses one of the largest populations of captive giant pandas among urban zoos worldwide, second only to the two major panda bases in Chengdu.

As night falls, stroll around Hongyadong Folk Culture Zone, wander amid brightly lit stilt houses, taste various street foods, and admire the stunning night scenery of this mountain city to wrap up your day.

Today we will trace Chongqing’s long history through its historic sites. We begin at the Eighteen Stairs, walking along winding stone staircases that weave through old residential neighborhoods.

We will then wander through Shancheng Lane, following cliffside paths with panoramic views of the Yangtze River and traditional stilted buildings.

Later, we will visit Laojun Cave, a Taoist temple perched on Nanshan Mountain offering sweeping city views over Chongqing.

To finish the day, we will explore Huangjueya Old Street, appreciating its literary ambiance and well-preserved traditional architecture.

You may get up late and enjoy a leisurely rest today. Afterwards, your guide and driver will transfer you to the high-speed railway station for your train ride to Zhangjiajie. Your local guide and driver in Zhangjiajie will meet you upon arrival and take you to your hotel.

Today we will ride the Bailong Elevator to explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The towering stone peaks here inspired the design of the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie Avatar.

We will then take a cable car up to Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve, featuring towering mountain peaks, vast valleys and primeval forests. If you are lucky, you may catch sight of a spectacular sea of clouds rolling over the mountains.

We start the day at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, the longest and highest glass pedestrian bridge in the world. Afterwards, we will travel to Baofeng Lake for a relaxing boat cruise amid breathtaking natural scenery.

The rest of your day will be at your own disposal for leisure and relaxation.

After breakfast, you will spend the whole day exploring Tianmen Mountain and its six iconic scenic highlights: Heaven’s Gate Cave, Tianmen Mountain Cableway, Tongtian Avenue, Glass Walkway, Ghost Valley Plank Path and Tianmen Mountain Temple.

Today you will travel to Furong Town, a charming ancient riverside settlement famous for its grand cascading waterfall flowing through the old town, time-honored wooden stilt houses and ethnic Tujia folk customs. Later, you will continue your journey to Fenghuang Ancient City, renowned for its winding Tuojiang River, hanging riverside dwellings, ancient stone bridges and rich Miao and Tujia ethnic cultures. You can have lunch either in Furong Town or Fenghuang Ancient City, and your guide will offer tailored recommendations based on your taste and preferences.

You will spend the night in Fenghuang Ancient City, where you can fully appreciate its enchanting night views. We suggest you pack your luggage tonight in preparation for an early-morning high-speed train trip to Shanghai tomorrow.

Today your driver will pick you up and transfer you to the high-speed railway station near Fenghuang Ancient City to board a high-speed train heading for Shanghai. The entire train journey lasts roughly 9 hours. Your local guide and driver in Shanghai will greet you upon arrival and escort you to your hotel.

Today you will enjoy a full-day Shanghai city tour. We first head to Huangxing Park to experience ordering food delivered by autonomous drones. Next, we visit the Jade Buddha Temple and take a stroll in Yu Garden to soak up the city’s traditional heritage. Later, you will ascend Shanghai Tower to enjoy a panoramic bird’s-eye view across the metropolis.

Afterwards, you can walk along the Bund, Shanghai’s iconic riverfront promenade, then wander down Nanjing Road, a bustling commercial thoroughfare beloved by both local residents and travelers.

After breakfast, you have free time for last-minute shopping or relaxing. A driver will transfer you to either Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to catch your outbound international flight, marking the end of your unforgettable trip across China.