China Chronicles

Morning/Afternoon: Upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport, you'll be greeted by our representative. As you exit the airport, you'll get your first glimpse of this bustling metropolis, a city where ancient history and modern development coexist.

Evening: Transfer to your hotel in the heart of Beijing. After check-in, take some time to rest and acclimatize. Your guide will provide a brief orientation and overview of the exciting days ahead.

Dinner: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant, your first taste of authentic Chinese cuisine.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Beijing at your chosen hotel.

Morning: After breakfast at the hotel, begin your exploration of Beijing at 8:30 AM. Your first stop is Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square. Walk through this historic site, learning about its significance in Chinese history.

Next, enter the Forbidden City, the Chinese imperial palace from the Ming Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty. Spend about 2-3 hours exploring its vast complex of courtyards, palaces, and gardens.

Afternoon: Lunch at a local restaurant, sampling traditional Beijing cuisine.

After lunch, enjoy free shopping time at Hongqiao Market, known for its pearl jewelry. This is a great opportunity to practice your bargaining skills and pick up some souvenirs.

Evening: Return to the hotel to freshen up before dinner. Enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner, a must-try delicacy in Beijing.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Beijing.

Morning: Early breakfast at the hotel. At 7:30 AM, depart for the Great Wall at Badaling Section, about a 1.5-hour drive from Beijing.

Upon arrival, take the cable car up to the wall. Spend about 2 hours walking along this wonder of the world, taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Afternoon: Enjoy a comfortable lunch at the foot of the Great Wall.

After lunch, visit a Jade Factory to learn about the significance of jade in Chinese culture and watch artisans at work.

On the way back to the city, make a photo stop at the Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube, iconic structures from the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

End your afternoon with a visit to the Summer Palace, the largest and most well-preserved royal park in China. Explore its beautiful gardens, pavilions, and the famous Marble Boat.

Evening: Return to the hotel. Dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional Chinese cuisines.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Beijing.

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your Beijing hotel. Transfer to Beijing West Railway Station to board the high-speed train to Xi'an. The journey takes approximately 5-6 hours, offering a chance to see the Chinese countryside.

Afternoon: Arrive in Xi'an around 2:00 PM. Your local guide will meet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel.

After check-in and some rest, visit the ancient City Wall of Xi'an. You can choose to walk or rent a bike to explore this well-preserved fortification.

Evening: Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square. Enjoy the beautiful musical fountain show, which usually starts around 8:00 PM and lasts for about 20 minutes.

Dinner at a local restaurant, trying some Xi'an specialties like Biang Biang noodles or Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger).

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Xi'an.

Morning: Early breakfast at the hotel. At 8:00 AM, depart for the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, about an hour's drive from Xi'an city.

Spend about 2-3 hours exploring this incredible archaeological site. Your guide will explain the history and significance of these life-sized clay soldiers.

Afternoon: Lunch at a local restaurant near the Terracotta Warriors site.

After lunch, visit a terracotta figurine factory to see how these replicas are made.

Return to Xi'an city and, time permitting, take a quick tour of the Muslim Quarter, known for its vibrant street food scene and historic mosque.

Evening: Transfer to Xi'an Xianyang International Airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie.

Upon arrival in Zhangjiajie, transfer to your hotel.

Dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant, trying some local Hunan cuisine.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Zhangjiajie.

Morning: After breakfast, depart early for Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Take the Bailong Elevator, the world's highest outdoor lift, offering stunning views of the park's unique landscape.

Explore the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, which inspired the floating mountains in the movie "Avatar".

Afternoon: Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the beautiful scenery.

Continue your exploration of the park, including a walk on the Golden Whip Stream trail, surrounded by towering sandstone pillars.

Take a one-way cable car ride for panoramic views of the park.

Evening: Return to the hotel. Enjoy dinner at the hotel or a local restaurant.

Optional: Attend the "Charming Xiangxi" show, a performance showcasing the local culture and traditions (additional cost).

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Zhangjiajie.

Morning: After breakfast, check out from your hotel. Visit the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge.

Afternoon: Take the cable car up Tianmen Mountain. Walk on the glass skywalk along the cliff face and visit the "Heaven's Door", a natural arch in the mountain.

Late afternoon, transfer to Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport for your flight to Shanghai.

Evening: Arrive in Shanghai. Meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel.

If time permits, take a short walk along the Bund to see Shanghai's famous skyline illuminated at night.

Dinner at the hotel or a nearby restaurant.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Shanghai.

Morning: After breakfast, start your city tour with a visit to People's Square, the heart of the city.

Visit the Shanghai Museum, home to over 140,000 artifacts, including bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, and furniture.

Afternoon: Lunch at a local restaurant.

Visit a Pearl Factory to learn about freshwater pearl cultivation.

Ascend the Shanghai Tower, the world's second-tallest building, for breathtaking views of the city.

Evening: Take a stroll along the historic Bund area, admiring the colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers across the river.

Enjoy some free shopping time on Nanjing Road, one of the world's busiest shopping streets.

Dinner at a local Shanghainese restaurant.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Shanghai.

Morning: After an early breakfast, depart for Suzhou, often called the "Venice of the East" (about a 1.5-hour drive).

Visit the Lingering Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the finest classical gardens in Suzhou.

Afternoon: Lunch at a local restaurant in Suzhou.

Visit the Master of Nets Garden, another classical garden known for its use of space.

Explore Tongli water town, taking a relaxing boat ride through its canals and admiring the ancient bridges and well-preserved traditional houses.

Evening: Return to Shanghai.

Farewell dinner at a revolving restaurant with views of the city.

Accommodation: Overnight stay in Shanghai.

Morning: Breakfast at the hotel. Depending on your flight time, you might have some free time for last-minute shopping or relaxation.

Afternoon/Evening: Check out from the hotel. Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport for your departure flight.