China Top City Tour: Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Guilin Shanghai

Start your day at Tiananmen Square, where you can catch the national flag-raising ceremony and admire landmarks like the Great Hall of the People. Then explore the Forbidden City, home to emperors for over 500 years, with highlights such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Exit through the north gate and climb Jingshan Park for panoramic views.

In the late afternoon, take a Hutong tour by rickshaw or on foot, visiting traditional courtyard homes and learning about local life. If time allows, enjoy tea tasting or dumpling-making. End the day with a hearty Beijing dinner and perhaps a stroll through a night market or park before returning to your hotel.

Begin with an early morning drive from Beijing to the scenic Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known for its stunning views and fewer crowds. Take a cable car up for an easy ascent, then explore ancient watchtowers and enjoy a leisurely walk along the wall’s winding path. After soaking in the panoramic mountain scenery and history, descend by cable car and have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, head back to Beijing and visit Olympic Park. Stroll through the spacious grounds and snap photos of iconic landmarks like the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, both legacies of the 2008 Olympics. After your walk, return to your hotel or explore nearby spots at your own pace.

Begin your day at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Stroll through the vast park, admire the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, and watch locals practicing tai chi or playing traditional instruments. Next, head to the Summer Palace, a stunning imperial garden with lakes, pavilions, and the famous Long Corridor – perfect for a peaceful walk and panoramic lake views.
 
In the afternoon, explore the contemporary side of Beijing at the 798 Art Zone, a vibrant district filled with galleries, street art, and trendy cafés housed in repurposed factories. End the day at Shichahai Scenic Area, a charming area of lakes and historic Hutongs. Enjoy a relaxing walk, sip tea at a lakeside teahouse, or take a short boat ride.

After breakfast, take high-speed train to Xian. Your first day in Xian starts with a visit to the Terracotta Warriors, life-sized clay soldiers guarding Emperor Qin Shihuang’s tomb, showcasing ancient military power and artistry. Then explore Dacien Temple and the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, symbols of Xian’s Buddhist heritage.

In the evening, stroll through the vibrant Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, where dazzling lights and lively culture bring history to life in a festive atmosphere.

On your final day in Xian, begin at the Xian Museum, where the serene Small Wild Goose Pagoda is located. This Tang Dynasty Buddhist landmark is celebrated for its elegant architecture and spiritual significance. Explore the museum’s extensive collection of over 130,000 relics, offering insight into the city’s rich history and Buddhist heritage.

Afterwards, enjoy a walk or bike ride along the well-preserved Ancient City Wall, taking in panoramic views of Xi’an. Conclude your day in the lively Muslim Quarter, where bustling streets, vibrant markets, and diverse local flavors create a perfect mix of history, culture, and street-life energy, leaving you with lasting memories of the city.

This morning, fly to Guilin and embark on a scenic Li River cruise from Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo, lasting about four to five hours. Enjoy comfortable seating and a boxed lunch onboard as you pass iconic karst landscapes like Elephant Trunk Hill and Nine Horses Fresco Hill.

Upon arrival at Yangshuo’s Longtoushan Pier, just steps from lively West Street, take an evening stroll to savor freshly brewed ginger tea, sample local specialties such as beer fish, or relax in a cozy bar with live music, immersing yourself in the vibrant local atmosphere.

Drive back to Guilin and begin your exploration with a visit to Elephant Trunk Hill, a natural limestone karst formation that resembles a giant elephant drinking from the Li River. This iconic landmark, rising about 55 meters above the water, features the Water-Moon Cave beneath the “trunk”, where moonlight reflects magically on the river surface. The hill is topped by the Ming Dynasty Puxian Pagoda, adding historical charm to the stunning scenery.

Afterward, continue to the Reed Flute Cave, famous for its mesmerizing stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by vibrant colored lights, creating an otherworldly atmosphere for your Guilin tour.

Fly to Zhangjiajie and start with a thrilling ride on the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor glass lift, soaring 326 meters in 1.5 minutes. Enjoy panoramic views of sandstone pillars and the “Avatar Mountains”.

Then take a sightseeing bus to Tianzi Mountain, famous for dramatic peaks and misty vistas. Conclude with a scenic cable car descent, capturing stunning panoramas of this spectacular region.

Start your day with a thrilling walk across the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, suspended 300 meters above the canyon floor. Stretching 430 meters long and 6 meters wide, this transparent bridge offers breathtaking views of the karst landscape that inspired the “Avatar Mountains”.

Then, ride the world’s longest cableway, spanning 7,455 meters, to Tianmen Mountain’s summit. Finish with a walk along the Ghost Valley Plank Road, a narrow cliffside path with stunning panoramic vistas.

Start your day at Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden featuring tranquil ponds, elegant pavilions, and beautifully landscaped courtyards. Explore the nearby City God Temple (Chenghuang Miao) area, where traditional architecture meets bustling local markets and street food stalls.

Next, stroll along Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s premier shopping street, filled with shops, boutiques, and local snacks. Continue to Xintiandi, a vibrant district blending historic Shikumen architecture with modern cafés, restaurants, and boutiques. In the evening, enjoy a Huangpu River night cruise, taking in the stunning views of Shanghai’s illuminated skyline, from historic Bund buildings to futuristic skyscrapers, and experience the city’s lively, modern spirit.

Start your day at the Shanghai Museum (East Building), exploring its extensive collections that showcase 5,000 years of Chinese art and culture. Then head to the Shanghai Tower, one of the world’s tallest buildings, and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Afterward, visit Binjiang Avenue, also known as the “New Bund,” which offers scenic riverside views directly across from the historic Bund, making it a perfect spot to admire Shanghai’s modern skyline and vibrant riverside atmosphere.

In the morning, your driver will take you to Shanghai airport, helping with your bags and ensuring everything goes smoothly for your departure. We hope you had a wonderful time and look forward to seeing you again on your next journey to China. Have a safe and comfortable flight!