12 Days Beijing, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie & Shanghai
Tour Overview
Experience the very best of China in one extraordinary 12-day journey. From the imperial grandeur of Beijing's Forbidden City to the adorable giant pandas of Chengdu, the otherworldly sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie, and the glittering skyline of Shanghai โ this tour is China's greatest hits album. Perfect as a Silk Road extension or standalone adventure.
Trip Highlights
- Walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu
- Explore the Forbidden City & Tiananmen Square
- Meet giant pandas at Chengdu Research Base
- Hike Zhangjiajie's Avatar Mountains
- Walk the world's longest glass bridge
- Admire Shanghai's Bund & Pudong skyline
- Savor Sichuan hotpot & Beijing roast duck
- Ride the world's fastest train: Shanghai Maglev
Day-by-Day Itinerary
- 1Day
Arrive in Beijing
Airport pickup and transfer to your 4-star hotel. Evening welcome dinner featuring authentic Beijing roast duck at a historic restaurant.
- 2Day
Beijing โ Tiananmen & Forbidden City
Morning at Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square. Spend the afternoon exploring the Forbidden City โ 980 buildings, 9,999 rooms, 500 years of imperial history. Evening stroll through Wangfujing Night Market.
- 3Day
Beijing โ Great Wall at Mutianyu
Journey to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall โ less crowded, beautifully restored, with stunning mountain views. Take the cable car up and toboggan down! Afternoon visit to the Summer Palace.
- 4Day
Beijing โ Temple of Heaven & Hutong
Morning at the Temple of Heaven where locals practice tai chi. Rickshaw ride through traditional hutong alleys with a family visit. Afternoon flight to Chengdu (2.5 hrs).
- 5Day
Chengdu โ Pandas!
Early start to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding โ watch pandas at their most active during breakfast. Afternoon at Jinli Ancient Street and a traditional Sichuan tea house.
- 6Day
Chengdu โ Leshan Giant Buddha
Day trip to Leshan to see the world's largest stone Buddha (71m tall), carved into a cliff face in the 8th century. Evening Sichuan hotpot dinner โ the real deal!
- 7Day
Chengdu ✈ Zhangjiajie
Morning flight to Zhangjiajie (1.5 hrs). Afternoon visit to Tianmen Mountain โ ride the world's longest cable car and walk the famous glass skywalk clinging to a cliff face.
- 8Day
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Full day in the park that inspired Avatar's floating mountains. Hike the Golden Whip Stream, take the Bailong Elevator (world's tallest outdoor lift), and explore Yuanjiajie's panoramic viewpoints.
- 9Day
Zhangjiajie โ Grand Canyon & Glass Bridge
Walk across the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge spanning the Grand Canyon. Afternoon at Baofeng Lake for a tranquil boat ride. Evening flight to Shanghai.
- 10Day
Shanghai โ The Bund & Pudong
Morning at the Bund promenade with views of colonial architecture and Pudong's futuristic skyline. Visit Yu Garden, a 16th-century masterpiece. Afternoon at Shanghai Tower (632m) observation deck.
- 11Day
Shanghai โ Free Day
Free day to explore at your own pace. Options: French Concession walking tour, Shanghai Museum, Propaganda Poster Art Centre, or shopping on Nanjing Road. Ride the Maglev train to Pudong Airport (431 km/h)!
- 12Day
Depart Shanghai
Airport transfer for your departure flight. Take home memories of China's greatest hits. 再见!
What's Included
11 nights 4-star hotel accommodation (twin-share)
English-speaking guide throughout
All domestic flights (Beijing-Chengdu, Chengdu-Zhangjiajie, Zhangjiajie-Shanghai)
Private air-conditioned vehicle & driver
Meals as indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
All entrance fees & listed activities
Airport transfers on arrival & departure
Travel insurance (China domestic)
What's Excluded
International flights to/from China
Chinese visa fees
Personal expenses & tips
Single room supplement ($520)
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! This tour pairs perfectly with our 7-13 day Silk Road tours. We recommend starting or ending in Xi'an for a seamless connection.
This is a private tour โ just you and your travel companions. Flexible dates, customizable itinerary.
The Chengdu Panda Base offers excellent viewing. For an extra fee, you can also volunteer as a panda keeper for a day (advance booking required).
China's Greatest Hits, One Unforgettable Journey
From imperial palaces to panda cubs, floating mountains to futuristic skylines. Let us craft your perfect China experience.
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