Beijing, Zhangjiajie, Sichuan & Shanghai Grand Journey

Upon arrival in Beijing, your private driver will meet you outside the baggage claim area. During the transfer, your driver will introduce some of Beijing’s major landmarks and their historical background.

After settling in, begin exploring the heart of the capital at Tiananmen Square and the magnificent Forbidden City, discovering the architecture and imperial heritage of historic Beijing.

In the evening, explore Nanluoguxiang and continue towards Shichahai, where traditional hutongs, lakeside scenery and lively neighbourhood streets provide a more relaxed introduction to old Beijing.

Travel to the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the most scenic sections of the Great Wall around Beijing.

Walk along the historic fortifications surrounded by densely forested mountains and enjoy panoramic views across the surrounding landscape.

Later, visit the Summer Palace, celebrated for its elegant combination of classical gardens, imperial architecture, Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake.

In the evening, head to Sanlitun and experience the modern, energetic side of Beijing through one of the capital’s best-known nightlife and lifestyle districts.

Visit the Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing’s most important historic ceremonial complexes.

Admire landmarks including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests and the famous Echo Wall, while learning about the rituals once performed here by Chinese emperors.

In the afternoon, fly from Beijing to Zhangjiajie.

Upon arrival, your private driver will meet you and introduce the region’s major attractions during the transfer.

In the evening, explore the illuminated 72 Tujia Stilted Buildings and Dayong Ancient City, enjoying the distinctive night-time atmosphere and an introduction to western Hunan culture.

Travel into the Wulingyuan Scenic Area and ride the spectacular Bailong Elevator high into the mountains.

Explore Yuanjiajie, home to the dramatic sandstone formations associated with the floating mountains seen in Avatar, including the famous Hallelujah Mountain scenery.

Continue to Yangjiajie and visit the Tianbo Mansion Viewing Platform, overlooking steep walls of sandstone peaks.

Later, walk beside the peaceful Golden Whip Stream, following a forest trail surrounded by clear water, lush vegetation and towering rock formations.

Continue exploring the spectacular landscapes of Wulingyuan.

Visit Tianzi Mountain, where panoramic viewpoints overlook thousands of sandstone peaks rising through the surrounding valleys and clouds.

Continue to Ten-Mile Gallery, where you may take the sightseeing train or enjoy a leisurely walk through the valley.

Distinctive sandstone formations line the route, creating the impression of travelling through a traditional Chinese landscape painting.

Explore Tianmen Mountain, one of western Hunan’s most famous natural landmarks.

Ride the long mountain cableway through the clouds and look down over the spectacular 99-Bend Road.

Walk along the cliffside Glass Skywalk and Guigu Cliffside Path, visit the enormous natural Tianmen Cave, and experience the famous 999-step Stairway to Heaven.

In the afternoon, travel to Fenghuang Ancient Town.

As evening falls, walk beside the Tuojiang River and explore Hongqiao Bridge, the stepping stones, Wanming Pagoda and traditional stilted houses.

Enjoy the beautifully illuminated ancient-town scenery and the romantic atmosphere of western Hunan after dark.

Begin the morning beside the Tuojiang River, when soft mist and quieter streets create a particularly atmospheric view of Fenghuang.

Spend time exploring the historic streets and visit the Former Residence of Shen Congwen.

You may also experience traditional Miao clothing photography, browse local handicrafts and discover regional flavours and everyday culture.

Later, travel to Zhangjiajie or Jishou Railway Station and take a high-speed train to Chengdu, beginning the Sichuan section of the journey.

Spend a relaxed day exploring central Chengdu.

Begin at Kuanzhai Alley, where traditional courtyards, grey-brick architecture and contemporary boutiques reveal the contrast between old and modern Chengdu.

Continue to Wuhou Shrine, an important historic site associated with the Shu Han kingdom and the history of the Three Kingdoms period.

In the evening, explore Jinli Ancient Street, where traditional-style architecture, local shops and illuminated lanes create a lively atmosphere.

Along the way, discover classic Sichuan flavours such as Zhong dumplings and dan dan noodles.

Travel by train towards the Jiuzhaigou region.

After arrival and some time to settle in, begin exploring the beautiful Shuzheng Lakes.

A series of vivid blue and turquoise lakes spreads through the valley, connected by streams and calcium-rich shallows.

Surrounded by forests and mountain scenery, the reflections of trees and water provide an atmospheric introduction to Jiuzhaigou’s famous landscapes.

Spend the full day exploring Jiuzhaigou National Park and its spectacular Y-shaped system of valleys.

Visit Five Flower Lake, famous for its remarkable mixture of emerald green, deep blue and golden colours. Beneath the exceptionally clear water, submerged trees and natural mineral formations create an almost surreal landscape.

Continue to Long Lake, Jiuzhaigou’s largest high-altitude lake, surrounded by forests and mountain peaks.

Later, visit Nuorilang Waterfall, where a broad curtain of water cascades dramatically through the valley.

Walk along the forest pathways at a relaxed pace, allowing plenty of time to appreciate Jiuzhaigou’s lakes, waterfalls and mountain scenery.

Travel to the spectacular Huanglong Scenic Area.

Explore its world-famous travertine pools, where mineral-rich water has created terraces of clear turquoise, blue and golden pools over thousands of years.

The constantly changing light and surrounding mountain scenery highlight the extraordinary geological character of this high-altitude landscape.

After exploring Huanglong, return to the Jiuzhaigou area for a relaxing evening.

The region is located at high altitude, so visitors should move gradually, remain aware of possible altitude discomfort and carry suitable cold-weather and sun protection equipment. The source itinerary also recommends keeping supplemental oxygen available if needed.

Take an early train back to Chengdu and enjoy some time to rest after the highland portion of the journey.

In the afternoon, visit Du Fu Thatched Cottage, surrounded by peaceful gardens and bamboo groves and closely associated with one of China’s most celebrated Tang dynasty poets.

Continue to Qingyang Palace, a historic Taoist temple with centuries of cultural heritage.

In the evening, visit Jiuyan Bridge, where riverfront lights, bars and lively streets reveal Chengdu’s relaxed night-time atmosphere.

Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in the morning.

Arriving earlier in the day offers a better opportunity to see the giant pandas during their more active hours as they eat bamboo, climb and explore their surroundings.

In the afternoon, fly from Chengdu to Shanghai.

After arrival and time to settle in, take an evening walk along the Bund.

Admire the historic international architecture lining the waterfront and the illuminated skyscrapers across the Huangpu River, marking the beginning of the final metropolitan chapter of the journey.

Spend the day exploring Shanghai’s signature city landmarks.

Walk along the Bund, where grand historic buildings reflect more than a century of Shanghai’s international history.

Continue to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and experience one of the city’s busiest shopping and commercial districts.

Later, visit Lujiazui and admire Shanghai’s iconic cluster of skyscrapers.

Take a traditional ferry across the Huangpu River, enjoying the contrast between historic Puxi and the futuristic towers of Pudong from the water.

Begin in the tree-lined streets of Wukang Road, where historic villas and elegant architecture preserve the romantic character of old Shanghai.

Continue to Yu Garden, exploring its traditional pavilions, rockeries and classical Jiangnan garden design.

Walk through the surrounding City God Temple neighbourhood before heading to Tianzifang, where old lanes and Shikumen buildings have been transformed into creative shops and cafés.

Finish at Xintiandi, where restored Shikumen architecture blends with contemporary restaurants, boutiques and modern urban culture.

Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Shanghai.

Browse for local souvenirs featured in the itinerary, including classic White Rabbit candy and traditional butterfly pastries, taking home a final taste of the city.

Later, transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule.

This concludes the 16-day journey through Beijing, Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang, Chengdu, Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong and Shanghai, bringing together imperial history, dramatic mountain landscapes, Sichuan culture, giant pandas and modern metropolitan China.