14-Day Beijing-Zhangjiajie-Chongqing-Yichang-Shanghai Tour
Embark on an unforgettable 14-day journey through China’s most iconic and breathtaking destinations, blending rich culture, stunning landscapes, and memorable travel experiences. From the historic streets of Beijing to the dramatic landscapes of Zhangjiajie and the grandeur of the Yangtze River, this tour is a deep dive into China’s best. Your journey includes private tour guides in China, ensuring an immersive experience, with a dedicated driver to explore the cities in comfort. Explore Beijing’s imperial past, experience Zhangjiajie’s natural wonders, cruise down the mighty Yangtze River, and uncover the cultural delights of Shanghai. All while enjoying gourmet meals, selected accommodations, and local cultural experiences, perfect for all types of travelers.
Itinerary
Our thoughtfully planned 14-day China tour ensures you make the most of your time in China's most iconic cities and natural landscapes, offering rich cultural experiences that will leave a lasting impression:
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing – Imperial Welcome
Arrive in Beijing and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Take time to rest and relax, ensuring you are fully energized for the days ahead. In the evening, enjoy an dinner at a high-end restaurant serving Beijing Duck and other local delicacies. This is the start of your tour, so indulge in the city’s finest offerings.
- Meals: Dinner
- Transportation: Private transfer from airport/railway station to hotel
Day 2: Exploring the Imperial Capital
Begin your exploration with a visit to the monumental Tian'anmen Square, the world’s largest public square, and learn about its profound significance in Chinese history. Continue to the Forbidden City, the ancient palace that was home to 24 emperors over 500 years. Explore the halls and courtyards, delving into China’s ancient imperial past. Finish the day with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for bountiful harvests, and enjoy a dinner at a renowned local restaurant.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional guide
Day 3: Great Wall and Summer Palace
Your journey continues with a visit to the majestic Great Wall of China at Mutianyu, where you’ll have ample time to walk along this ancient wonder. Later, enjoy a visit to the Summer Palace, an imperial garden with stunning landscapes, temples, and architecture. Take a private boat ride on the Kunming Lake, once the favorite past time of ancient emperors. Conclude the day with a traditional Chinese opera performance and a private dinner in a scenic location, with a view of the city’s skyline.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional guide
Day 4: Beijing to Zhangjiajie – Explore Nature’s Masterpiece
Take a morning flight to Zhangjiajie, home to the otherworldly landscapes that inspired the movie Avatar. You’ll arrive and check into your hotel before embarking on a day of exploration. Visit the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its pillar-like rock formations. Take a walk along the iconic Glass Bridge, the world’s longest and highest glass bridge, for breathtaking views of the valleys below.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight from Beijing to Zhangjiajie, private vehicle with guide
Day 5: Explore Zhangjiajie’s Natural Wonders
Today, continue exploring Zhangjiajie with a visit to Tianmen Mountain, also known as the "Heaven’s Gate Mountain," famous for its huge natural arch. Ride the cable car to the summit, where you’ll get panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a scenic walk along the Skywalk, a glass walkway on the cliffside. In the evening, enjoy a quiet, luxurious dinner overlooking the stunning scenery.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional guide
Day 6: Zhangjiajie to Chongqing – Explore the Mountain City
Fly to Chongqing, a city known for its dramatic terrain and rich cultural history. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring the Ciqikou Ancient Town, a historic area with traditional architecture, shops, and restaurants. As you stroll the streets, marvel at the unique mountain-city architecture wonder of Chongqing. Have dinner at a scenic restaurant offering local hotpot specialties - try it at the same spicy level as the locals if you're up for a challenge!
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight from Zhangjiajie to Chongqing, private vehicle with guide
Day 7: Discover Chongqing’s Unique Charm
Spend the day exploring Chongqing, one of China’s most vibrant cities. Visit Hongya Cave, a picturesque area built into the cliffs along the Yangtze River, offering beautiful views. Explore Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its ancient Buddhist sculptures. In the evening, take a relaxing cruise along the Yangtze River before dinner at a local restaurant.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional guide
Day 8: Embark on the Yangtze River Cruise
After breakfast, board your Yangtze River cruise. Settle into your private suite, and get ready for an unforgettable journey down the magnificent Yangtze. Enjoy the passing scenery of the Three Gorges, known for their picturesque beauty. Participate in optional onboard cultural activities, including cultural performances and cooking classes.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private transfer to cruise port
Day 9: Yangtze River Cruise – Shibaozhai and Scenic Views
Today’s itinerary takes you to Shibaozhai, one of the most iconic sites along the river. This hilltop temple, perched high on the cliffs, offers a breathtaking view of the Yangtze below. You’ll be guided through its ancient structure, which features vibrant Buddhist statues and intricate carvings, as well as impressive architecture. After exploring Shibaozhai, return to your cruise ship for a relaxing afternoon on deck, enjoying panoramic views of the river’s rugged gorges.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Cruising on the Yangtze
Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise – Fengdu Ghost City
Today, your Yangtze River cruise brings you to Fengdu Ghost City, a mysterious and fascinating site located on the northern banks of the Yangtze River. Known as the “City of Ghosts,” this ancient complex of temples and statues represents Chinese concepts of the afterlife and the spiritual journey. Return to the cruise to enjoy fine dining with a selection of international and Chinese cuisines, and optionally participate in an interactive cultural session onboard, where you can learn about the history and significance of the Three Gorges area.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Cruising the Yangtze
Day 11: Yangtze River Cruise – The Three Gorges and Three Gorges Dam
Today marks the highlight of your Yangtze River cruise as you pass through the world-renowned Three Gorges, the heart of the Yangtze River. The Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge are dramatic and awe-inspiring natural wonders that you’ll experience up close as your cruise ship find its way through the winding passages. The sheer cliffs and lush mountainsides create an unforgettable landscape, providing a perfect backdrop for scenic photos.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Cruising the Yangtze
Day 12: Disembark in Yichang – Flight to Shanghai
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Disembark your cruise in Yichang and take a private transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, enjoy a guided tour of the Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront promenade, where colonial-era architecture meets modern skyscrapers. Visit Yu Garden and explore its serene landscape. In the evening, wander through Yuyuan Bazaar, where you can savor delicious street food and shop for unique local treasures.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transportation: Flight from Yichang to Shanghai, followed by a private vehicle for sightseeing
Day 13: Explore Shanghai – Culture and Shopping
Start your day with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, renowned for its world-class collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts. Then, enjoy leisure time at Nanjing Road, the city’s iconic shopping street. Next, visit the futuristic Shanghai Tower to take in breathtaking views of the city skyline. For dinner, indulge in an upscale dining experience at one of Shanghai’s renowned restaurants before concluding the day with a scenic cruise along the Huangpu River.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional guide
Day 14: Departure from Shanghai
On your final day, enjoy some leisure time in Shanghai. You may choose to visit the Jade Buddha Temple, one of the city’s most revered landmarks, or take a last stroll along the Bund to capture final photos of the iconic skyline. Afterward, your private guide will transfer you to the airport or railway station for your departure.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transportation: Private transfer to airport or railway station
Accommodations
You may choose 5-star or 4-star accommodation and cruise ships for your journey. The following list is a sample of hotels and cruises you may stay in. An alternative hotel or cruise of similar grade may be chosen if the following hotels or cruises are not available. All of our accommodations and cruises are carefully selected for comfort and convenience.
5-Star Hotels and 5-Star Cruise Ships List:
- Beijing
- The Peninsula Beijing
- Waldorf Astoria Beijing
- Rosewood Beijing
- Chongqing
- The Ritz-Carlton, Chongqing
- JW Marriott Hotel Chongqing
- InterContinental Chongqing
- Yangtze River Cruise Ships
- Yangtze Explorer
- Century Legend
- Yangtze Gold 2
- Shanghai
- Four Seasons Hotel Shanghai
- The Ritz-Carlton, Shanghai
- Shanghai JW Marriott Hotel
4-Star Hotels and 4-Star Cruise Ships List:
- Beijing
- Beijing Marriott Hotel City Wall
- Novotel Beijing Peace
- Holiday Inn Express Beijing Dongzhimen
- Chongqing
- Crowne Plaza Chongqing
- Hilton Chongqing
- Wyndham Grand Chongqing
- Yangtze River Cruise Ships
- Century Sky
- Victoria Jenna
- President No. 7
- Shanghai
- Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
- Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
Inclusion/Exclusion
- What's Included:
- Panda Tourism's expert travel director and skilled professional driver
- Luxury 5-stars hotels with proven quality or comfortable high-end 4-stars hotels
- Inclusive of porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel service charges, tips, and local taxes covered
- Daily breakfasts and up to half of your evening meals included
- Iconic sightseeing highlights plus unexpected extras
- Audio headsets for special destination tours
- Private premium transportation coach/vehicle
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Optional experiences and plenty of leisure time
- Flights and train rides within China included
- What's Not Included:
- International flights to and from China
- China visa fees
