12-Day Private Tailor-Made China Tour: Beijing – Xi’an – Chongqing – Zhangjiajie – Shanghai

Upon arrival in Beijing, your private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and settle in after your flight. If you arrive early, take a stroll around the neighborhood for your first glimpse of the city.

Begin at Tiananmen Square in the historic heart of Beijing. Continue to the Forbidden City, where grand gateways, spacious courtyards, and intricate architecture provide the setting for stories of the Ming and Qing emperors.

In the afternoon, take a rickshaw ride through Beijing’s traditional hutongs. Discover courtyard homes and narrow lanes that offer a glimpse of everyday life beyond the imperial palace walls.

Travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, where ancient ramparts and watchtowers wind across forested mountain ridges. Depending on your preferences and fitness level, explore on foot or use the cable car.

Return to the city in the afternoon to visit the Summer Palace. Stroll along the Long Corridor and the shores of Kunming Lake, taking in the beauty of this imperial garden.

Take a high-speed train to Xi’an in second class, watching the changing city and countryside scenery along the way. Upon arrival, your private driver will meet you at the station and transfer you to your hotel.

After some time to freshen up, explore Bell and Drum Tower Square and the lively Muslim Quarter. Follow your appetite and sample local favorites such as roujiamo, a savory meat-filled flatbread, or yangrou paomo, a hearty lamb soup with crumbled flatbread.

Visit the Terracotta Warriors and marvel at the vast underground army. Your guide will introduce the history of the Qin dynasty and explain the craftsmanship behind these remarkable figures.

Then join a clay warrior workshop to create a personal keepsake of your visit. Back in the city, walk along Xi’an’s ancient City Wall and enjoy views of the historic neighborhoods and modern city beyond.

Travel to Chongqing by high-speed train in second class. Upon arrival, meet your private driver and transfer to your hotel.

In the late afternoon, explore the bustling Jiefangbei shopping district before visiting Hongya Cave, known for its illuminated, multilevel buildings inspired by traditional stilt-house architecture. For dinner, you may choose to try Chongqing hot pot for a taste of the city’s bold flavors.

Spend the morning exploring Ciqikou Ancient Town, where stone-paved lanes, traditional shops, and teahouses reflect Chongqing’s local heritage.

Continue to the Liziba viewing platform to watch a train pass through a residential building, then ride the Yangtze River Cableway for elevated views of the river and city skyline. End the day with a leisurely stroll along Nanbin Road.

Take a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie in second class. Upon arrival, your private driver will meet you at the station and take you to your hotel in the Wulingyuan area.

The rest of the day is kept relaxed. Unwind at your hotel or explore the surrounding neighborhood at your own pace before the next day’s mountain adventure.

Spend the day exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Ride the Bailong Elevator up to Yuanjiajie, where towering sandstone pillars rise above deep, forested valleys.

Continue to Tianzi Mountain for sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. Transport within the park, walking routes, and rest stops can be arranged around your fitness level so you can enjoy the scenery at a comfortable pace.

After checking out, travel to Tianmen Mountain to admire its dramatic cliffs, mountain scenery, and the immense natural arch known as Tianmen Cave. Follow the mountainside walkways for views that offer a striking contrast to the sandstone pillars of the national forest park.

After your visit, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your private driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. Today’s sightseeing schedule and duration will be adjusted to suit flight times, weather, and park operations.

Begin at Yu Garden, where pavilions, rockeries, and ponds showcase the artistry of a classical Chinese garden. Then stroll through the surrounding Old Town to discover another side of Shanghai’s traditional character.

In the afternoon, explore lively Nanjing Road before walking along the Bund. Admire the historic waterfront buildings and the modern skyline across the Huangpu River. An optional evening river cruise offers another memorable perspective on the city’s illuminated landmarks.

Enjoy some free time, depending on your flight schedule, before your private transfer to the airport.

From ancient capitals and extraordinary landscapes to local neighborhoods and dazzling skylines, we hope these twelve days leave you with lasting memories of China.