Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Yunnan & Beijing Grand Journey

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

After settling in, take a leisurely walk along the Bund, where historic international architecture lines the Huangpu River.

Ride the Huangpu River ferry and admire the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui from across the water.

Continue to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, experiencing the lively commercial atmosphere of central Shanghai and discovering local Shanghainese flavours.

Visit Yu Garden, one of Shanghai’s most celebrated classical gardens, before exploring the surrounding City God Temple area.

Continue to Wukang Road and Anfu Road, where historic villas, tree-lined streets, cafés and creative boutiques reveal Shanghai’s more artistic and relaxed side.

In the evening, enjoy panoramic views of the illuminated Lujiazui skyline before preparing for the following morning’s flight to Zhangjiajie.

Fly from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie.

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

Ride the spectacular Bailong Elevator into the heart of Yuanjiajie, where towering sandstone pillars create one of Zhangjiajie’s most famous landscapes.

See the peak associated with the floating mountains from Avatar before continuing to Yangjiajie and the Tianbo Mansion Viewing Platform, overlooking dramatic walls of sandstone peaks.

Finish the day with a peaceful walk along Golden Whip Stream, surrounded by forests, clear water and towering rock formations.

Explore Tianzi Mountain and admire the famous Imperial Brush Peaks, where slender sandstone formations rise dramatically from the mountain landscape.

Continue to the peaceful Golden Whip Stream, following forest paths beneath old trees and twisting vines.

Later, ride the sightseeing train through Ten-Mile Gallery, where distinctive formations such as the Herb-Collecting Old Man and Three Sisters Peaks line the valley.

In the evening, you may choose to attend a traditional western Hunan cultural performance featuring Tujia music, dance and regional folk traditions.

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

Ride the long mountain cableway above the valleys 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.

After arrival, walk along the Tuojiang River and explore Hongqiao Bridge, the stepping stones, Wanming Pagoda and the traditional riverside stilted houses.

As night falls, enjoy the ancient town illuminated by thousands of lights.

Begin the morning beside the Tuojiang River, when the ancient town is quiet and often covered in a soft layer of mist.

Spend time exploring Fenghuang’s old streets, traditional lanes and the Former Residence of Shen Congwen.

You may also experience traditional Miao clothing photography, browse for local handicrafts and discover regional specialities.

Later, return to Zhangjiajie and fly to Kunming, beginning the Yunnan section of the journey.

Take a relaxing walk through Green Lake Park, where calm water, greenery and seasonal birdlife reflect Kunming’s reputation as the “City of Eternal Spring.”

Continue to the historic Yunnan Military Academy, learning about its role in China’s modern history.

Later, take a high-speed train to Dali.

In the evening, explore Renmin Road and Foreigner Street in Dali Ancient Town and enjoy the town’s laid-back atmosphere, music and softly illuminated streets.

Spend the day exploring the landscapes around Erhai Lake.

Cycle along the Erhai Ecological Corridor and stop at the popular Panxi S-Bend, known for its peaceful lakeside scenery.

Continue to Xizhou Ancient Town, where traditional Bai architecture and local community life offer an authentic introduction to Dali culture.

Later, visit the picturesque lakeside town of Shuanglang.

Throughout the day, enjoy sweeping views of the Cangshan Mountains and the blue waters of Erhai Lake.

Spend the morning wandering through Dali Ancient Town, walking along stone-paved streets between traditional Bai residences and historic gateways.

In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Lijiang.

After arrival, explore Lijiang Ancient Town and stroll through Sifang Street in the evening, experiencing lively lanes, traditional architecture and Naxi culture.

Take the cable car up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and ascend to Glacier Park, reaching an elevation of approximately 4,680 metres.

Admire the dramatic snow-covered peaks, glaciers and high-altitude scenery.

After descending, continue to Blue Moon Valley, famous for its vivid turquoise water surrounded by forests and mountains.

Visitors should prepare warm clothing, sun protection and oxygen supplies and move at a relaxed pace while adapting to the altitude.

Spend the morning exploring Lijiang Ancient Town.

Visit Mufu Mansion, see the town’s landmark waterwheel and learn about the history and culture of the Naxi people.

In the afternoon, continue to the quieter Shuhe Ancient Town before visiting Baisha Ancient Town, known for its traditional architecture and more authentic village atmosphere.

Return in the evening for a relaxed rest before the following day’s flight to Beijing.

Say goodbye to Yunnan and take a direct flight from Lijiang to Beijing.

After arrival, explore historic Qianmen Street, walking beneath traditional archways and through old neighbourhood streets.

Discover classic Beijing flavours and experience the lively everyday atmosphere of the capital while gradually adjusting to the cooler and drier northern climate.

Spend the day exploring the magnificent Forbidden City.

Advance online reservation with passport information is required, with the source itinerary recommending booking approximately ten days ahead.

Follow the central imperial route through the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony and Hall of Preserving Harmony.

Continue through the Palace of Heavenly Purity, Palace of Earthly Tranquillity and the eastern and western residential palaces while learning about Ming and Qing imperial traditions.

Later, climb to Wanchun Pavilion in Jingshan Park for panoramic views across the Forbidden City.

In the evening, explore Wangfujing Commercial Street.

Travel to the Badaling Great Wall in the morning.

Walk along the ancient stone fortifications and historic watchtowers as the wall stretches across the surrounding mountain ridges.

From the higher sections, enjoy panoramic views and experience the scale and defensive architecture of this extraordinary landmark.

In the afternoon, return to Beijing’s old neighbourhoods.

Explore Nanluoguxiang, Yandai Xiejie and the lakeside area around Houhai, walking among courtyard houses, tea shops, creative boutiques and historic hutongs.

Walk through the beautifully painted Long Corridor, climb Longevity Hill and enjoy views across Kunming Lake.

The combination of gardens, pavilions, temples and waterways reveals the sophistication of Qing dynasty imperial landscape design.

In the afternoon, visit the ruins of the Old Summer Palace and learn about its former splendour and complex history.

In the evening, return to the Qianmen area for a relaxed exploration of local streets and traditional Beijing culture.

Begin the final day at the Temple of Heaven and admire the magnificent Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, one of Beijing’s most recognisable historic structures.

Continue to the Lama Temple and the historic Imperial College, before taking a leisurely walk through Wudaoying Hutong.

Spend some final time browsing for souvenirs and local products before transferring to the airport according to your flight schedule.

This concludes the 16-day journey through Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang, Yunnan and Beijing.