12-Day Beijing-Xi'an-Zhangjiajie-Shanghai Tour
Embark on a captivating 12-day Beijing, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, and Shanghai Tour, designed to showcase China's remarkable historical, cultural, and natural wonders. From Beijing's imperial landmarks and the Terracotta Warriors of Xi'an to the awe-inspiring landscape of Zhangjiajie and the dynamic skyline of Shanghai, this tour offers a balanced blend of ancient history, stunning natural beauty, and modern innovation. Immerse yourself in China's diverse offerings with expert guides, private transfers, and top-tier accommodations for a seamless, enriching experience.
Itinerary
Our thoughtfully planned 12-day China tour ensures you make the most of your time in China's most iconic cities, offering rich cultural experiences that will leave a lasting impression:
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing - Gateway to a Timeless Adventure
Arrive in Beijing, China's capital, where your adventure begins. Depending on your time of arrival, your guide will pick you up at the airport and escort you to your elegant inner-city hotel. End your day with a delicious Peking Duck welcome dinner, a must-try in Beijing.
- Meals: Dinner
- Transportation: Private transfer from airport to hotel
Day 2: Beijing's Imperial Grandeur and a Journey Through History
Discover the majesty of Beijing, starting with Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square, followed by the iconic Forbidden City, where you'll explore its intricate architecture and rich imperial history. In the afternoon, visit the serene Temple of Heaven, once a sacred site for emperors to pray for good harvests. Wrap up your day with flavorful Beijing dumplings, a traditional culinary staple of Beijing.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 3: The Great Wall and Summer Palace
Begin your day at the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known for its breathtaking views and tranquil setting. Stroll along this ancient marvel and take in the lush surroundings. For lunch, savor a traditional Beijing noodle dish before heading to the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through its stunning gardens, pavilions, and the serene Kunming Lake, once a royal retreat. End the day with a lively and delicious hot pot dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 4: Explore the Old Beijing & Hutongs
Today, immerse yourself in the traditional culture of Beijing. Explore the Hutongs, narrow alleys lined with old courtyard homes. Ride a rickshaw to visit the Yonghe Lama Temple and learn about Tibetan Buddhism. Then, stroll around Qianmen Street, an ancient commercial street where you can shop for local souvenirs and enjoy street food.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 5: From Beijing to Xi'an - The Terracotta Warriors' Ancient Legacy
This morning before catching a flight to Xi'an, visit the National Museum of China, one of the largest museums in the world, housing over a million historical artifacts. Transfer to the airport and catch a flight to Xi'an, the ancient capital of China and home to the Terracotta Warriors. After check-in to the hotel of the city heart, spend your rest of the time exploring the Xi'an Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in China, and enjoy a leisurely walk around the old city center.
- Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight from Beijing to Xi'an, private transfers upon arrival
Day 6: Terracotta Army and Shaanxi's Rich Heritage
After breakfast, your guide and driver will take you to the world-renowned Terracotta Army Museum, built by Emperor Qin Shihuang to protect him in the afterlife. Marvel at the 8,000 life-size warriors, horses, and chariots, each uniquely hand crafted with incredible artistry. After lunch, visit the Shaanxi History Museum, home to a vast collection of artifacts showcasing the region's rich history and cultural heritage. Conclude your day with a stroll through the vibrant Muslim Quarter. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, sample a variety of local snacks, and experience the unique blend of history, culture, and cuisine.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 7: Enter the World of Avatar
Fly from Xi'an to Zhangjiajie, famous for its towering sandstone pillars that inspired the movie Avatar. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and take a relaxing evening to explore the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO-listed site. Known for its stunning landscapes, this park is home to the Hallelujah Mountains, which look like floating peaks amidst the mist.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight from Xi'an to Zhangjiajie, private transfers upon arrival
Day 8: Tianmen Mountain and Glass Bridge
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up for a breathtaking visit to Tianmen Mountain, one of the world's most stunning mountains. Begin with a 30-minute ride on the world's longest cable car (7,455 meters), offering spectacular views of Heaven's Door and the winding Avenue toward Heaven with its 99 dramatic turns. At the summit, visit Tianmen Temple, a serene Qing Dynasty-style Buddhist structure surrounded by lush forests. Descend by escalator to Tianmen Cave, or "Heaven's Door," a towering natural arch rising 131.5 meters between two peaks—the highest of its kind in the world. End the day by taking the cable car down and transferring to Wulingyuan for an overnight stay.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 9: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Explore Local Villages
Today, we will head to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon for an unforgettable experience on the world's highest and longest Glass Bridge. Suspended 300 meters above the canyon and stretching 430 meters, the transparent bridge offers breathtaking views and a thrilling sense of floating in the air. After conquering the Glass Bridge, unwind with a scenic cruise on Baofeng Lake. Surrounded by lush greenery and towering stone peaks, this serene lake is perfect for relaxation. Enjoy the stunning reflections of the peaks and the melodic folk songs performed by local minority artists as you drift along the tranquil waters.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 10: Zhangjiajie to Shanghai – The Bund & Yu Garden
Fly from Zhangjiajie to Shanghai, China's cosmopolitan economic powerhouse. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and head straight to The Bund, a famous waterfront area lined with colonial-era buildings offering a striking contrast to Shanghai's modern skyline. Then, visit Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden filled with pavilions, rockeries, and koi-filled ponds, providing a peaceful retreat in the middle of the bustling city. Finish the day by browsing Yuyuan Bazaar for souvenirs and street food.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transportation: Flight from Zhangjiajie to Shanghai, private transfers upon arrival
Day 11: Culture, Cuisine, and Skyline Wonders
Spend the day exploring the cultural heart of Shanghai. Start with a visit to the French Concession, a charming neighborhood filled with tree-lined streets, colonial-era architecture, and boutique shops. For lunch, enjoy Shanghai's famous dumplings (Xiaolongbao). Spend the afternoon exploring the charming lanes of Old Shanghai before heading to Shanghai Tower, the city's third-tallest building, to catch a stunning sunset from its observation deck. End the day with an elegant dinner featuring Shanghai's signature braised pork belly and take a stroll along Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 12: Departure from Shanghai
On your final day in Shanghai, your guide will meet you at the hotel and escort you to the serene Jade Buddha Temple in the morning—a tranquil oasis in the bustling city and home to around 70 resident monks. Alternatively, enjoy some free time for last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Afterward, a private transfer will take you to the airport for your departure flight for your onward journey.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver to the airport
Accomodations
You may choose 5-star or 4-star accomodations for your journey. The following list is a sample of hotels you may stay in. An alternative hotel of similar grade may be chosen if the following hotels are not available. All of our accomodations are carefully selected for comfort and convenience.
5-Star Hotels List:
- Beijing
- JW Marriott Hotel Beijing
- The Regent Beijing
- Xi'an
- Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square
- Hilton Xi'an
- Zhangjiajie
- Neodalle Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan
- Wyndham Garden Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain
- Shanghai
- Hilton Shanghai City Center
- Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre
4-Star Hotels List:
- Beijing
- Novotel Peace Hotel
- Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town
- Xi'an
- Holiday Inn Xi’an Big Goose Pagoda
- Mercure Xi’an on Renmin Square
- Zhangjiajie
- Lanting Elegant Restaurant Hotel
- Pullman Zhangjiajie
- Shanghai
- Novotel Shanghai Atlantis
- 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 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
