Explore more curated experiences in Beijing
View all Beijing tours15-Day China: Beijing·Shanghai·Chongqing·Zhangjiajie·Guilin
15-day trip from Beijing visiting Private Beijing Arrival Transfer, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City and Lunch Break and Drive to Badaling. Operated by 小麻雀旅游服务有限公司.
Highlights
- Explore Beijing’s Forbidden City, Great Wall, temples, and historic hutongs
15-Day China: Beijing·Shanghai·Chongqing·Zhangjiajie·Guilin: Key Facts
| Price | From $5707 per person |
|---|---|
| Duration | 15 days |
| Languages | English |
| Tour type | Guided Tour |
| Booking | Direct with the local operator — no OTA markup |
Choose from 1 available option
15-Day China: Beijing·Shanghai·Chongqing·Zhangjiajie·Guilin
Full description
A 15-day trip out of Beijing taking in Private Beijing Arrival Transfer, Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City, Lunch Break and Drive to Badaling and Explore the Badaling Great Wall. There are 39 stops in all.
The running order is Private Beijing Arrival Transfer, then Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City, then Lunch Break and Drive to Badaling, then Explore the Badaling Great Wall, then Temple of Heaven Morning Experience, and on from there.
The price covers private airport and train station pickup and drop-off services, Private air-conditioned transportation during the guided sightseeing days, Accommodation in selected 4-star hotels for 14 nights and Daily hotel breakfast and other meals specifically stated in the itinerary. It does not cover international flights to and from China, Chinese visa fees and other entry-document expenses and Meals and drinks not specifically stated in the itinerary, so budget for those separately. Two travellers pay $5707 together rather than $5707 each, because this is priced per party and not per head.
Tour Itinerary
The schedule below is a suggested plan and can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
Private Beijing Arrival Transfer
Meet your private driver at the selected pickup point in Beijing. Airport arrivals will be welcomed in the arrivals hall with a sign showing the lead traveler’s name and transferred by air-conditioned vehicle to the hotel. Guests already staying in Beijing will be collected from their hotel. After check-in, enjoy free time to rest, recover from the journey, or take a leisurely walk near the Temple of Heaven area. Dinner is at your own expense.
Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City
Meet your guide at the hotel and begin the day at Tiananmen Square. Continue through the monumental entrance of the Forbidden City and explore its imperial courtyards, ceremonial halls, and palace architecture. Learn about the emperors, court life, and major events that shaped Chinese history. Admission is subject to advance passport registration and ticket availability.
Lunch Break and Drive to Badaling
Take a lunch break at a local restaurant, with the option to try Beijing roast duck. Unless specifically included in the selected package, lunch is at your own expense. After lunch, travel by private air-conditioned vehicle to the Badaling section of the Great Wall. The drive usually takes around 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Explore the Badaling Great Wall
Walk along the restored ramparts of the Badaling Great Wall and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Your guide will introduce the wall’s history, defensive system, and watchtowers. A cable car or toboggan may be used to reduce walking time, but these services are not included unless stated in the selected option. Return to your Beijing hotel after the visit.
Temple of Heaven Morning Experience
Meet your guide at the hotel and visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. Walk through the historic complex and observe local residents practicing tai chi, dancing, and exercising in the park. Join a simple tai chi or qigong experience when available and learn about the site’s symbolic architecture.
Explore Beijing’s Historic Hutongs
Continue to Beijing’s traditional hutong neighborhoods and explore the narrow lanes, courtyard homes, and everyday local life. Enjoy a guided walk or rickshaw ride, depending on the confirmed itinerary, while your guide explains how these historic communities developed. Stop for photos and take a lunch break nearby.
Visit the Lama Temple
Visit the Lama Temple, one of Beijing’s most important Tibetan Buddhist temples. Walk through its peaceful courtyards and ornate halls, see traditional religious artwork, and learn about the temple’s history and spiritual significance. Please dress respectfully and follow the site’s photography and worship rules.
Discover the Summer Palace
Finish the day at the Summer Palace, the former imperial retreat beside Kunming Lake. Walk along the famous Long Corridor, admire traditional pavilions and landscaped gardens, and enjoy views across the lake. Your guide will explain how the royal family used this vast complex before returning you to the hotel.
Transfer to Beijing South Railway Station
After breakfast and hotel check-out, meet your driver in the lobby for a private transfer to Beijing South Railway Station. Your guide or driver will assist with luggage and direct you to the correct departure area. Please keep your passport accessible, as it is required to board the high-speed train.
High-Speed Train from Beijing to Shanghai
Travel from Beijing to Shanghai aboard a modern high-speed train. The journey usually takes around 4.5 to 5.5 hours, depending on the confirmed service. Relax and enjoy views of the Chinese countryside along the way. The exact departure time and seat information will be provided after the train tickets are issued.
Shanghai Arrival and Huangpu River Cruise
Meet your local driver or guide upon arrival at Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and transfer to your selected hotel for check-in. In the evening, enjoy a Huangpu River cruise and admire the illuminated skyline of the Bund and Pudong. A buffet dinner is included when stated in the confirmed option. Return to the hotel after the cruise.
Explore Yu Garden
Meet your guide at the hotel and begin the day at Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden known for its ponds, rockeries, pavilions, and traditional architecture. Walk through the peaceful courtyards and learn about the garden’s history before continuing into Shanghai’s lively old-town district.
City God Temple Area and Local Food
Explore the streets around the City God Temple, filled with traditional buildings, local snack shops, and small stores. Enjoy free time to taste Shanghai specialties and browse the market. You may try xiaolongbao at a nearby restaurant. Lunch and drinks are at your own expense unless included in the selected option.
Visit the Jade Buddha Temple
Visit the Jade Buddha Temple, an active Buddhist temple in central Shanghai. Admire its traditional halls, religious artwork, and famous jade Buddha statues while learning about Chinese Buddhist customs. Please dress respectfully, remain quiet inside the temple, and follow the site’s photography rules.
Nanjing Road and the Bund at Night
Continue to Nanjing Road, one of Shanghai’s best-known shopping streets, and enjoy free time to explore its historic buildings and modern stores. As evening approaches, walk along the Bund and admire the illuminated Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River. Return to the hotel after the visit.
Tianzifang and Huaihai Road
After breakfast, explore Tianzifang, a lively neighborhood of narrow lanes, art studios, cafés, and restored traditional houses. Continue to Huaihai Road for a relaxed walk through one of Shanghai’s best-known commercial districts. Enjoy free time for shopping, photography, and lunch at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.
Flight from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie
Check out of the hotel and meet your driver for a private transfer to the airport. The pickup time will be arranged approximately three hours before the scheduled departure. Fly from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie, with a typical flight time of around 2.5 hours. The exact airport, flight number, and departure time will be confirmed after ticket issuance.
Zhangjiajie Airport Pickup
Meet your local driver in the arrivals hall at Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport. Look for a sign displaying the lead traveler’s name, then travel by private air-conditioned vehicle to your selected hotel. After check-in, enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure and prepare for the following day’s mountain sightseeing.
Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie
Meet your guide at the hotel and travel by private vehicle to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Enter the scenic area and ride the Bailong Elevator up the towering sandstone cliffs. Enjoy wide views across the valleys before continuing to Yuanjiajie. Scenic-area shuttle buses may be used between attractions.
Explore Yuanjiajie’s Sandstone Peaks
Walk through Yuanjiajie and admire its dramatic sandstone pillars, deep valleys, and natural viewing platforms. See the famous Southern Sky Column and other landscapes commonly associated with the floating mountains in Avatar. Your guide will introduce the area’s geology, local legends, and best photography viewpoints.
Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area
After a lunch break, continue to Tianzi Mountain by scenic shuttle. Visit viewpoints overlooking the forest of stone peaks and see landmarks such as Imperial Writing Brush Peak and Fairy Presenting Flowers. Descend according to the confirmed route and return to your Zhangjiajie hotel in the late afternoon.
Ride the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car
Meet your guide at the hotel and travel to the Tianmen Mountain cable car station. Ride one of the world’s longest mountain cableways from Zhangjiajie city toward the summit, enjoying views of the surrounding peaks, valleys, and winding mountain road. The operating route may be adjusted according to weather and scenic-area conditions.
Glass Walkway and Tianmen Cave
Explore the mountaintop paths and viewing platforms with your guide. Walk along a glass walkway when open and suitable for the group, then continue toward Tianmen Cave, the enormous natural arch that gives the mountain its name. Depending on the confirmed route, elevators, escalators, shuttle buses, and mountain stairs may be used.
Furong Ancient Town Evening Tour
After a lunch break, travel by private vehicle to Furong Ancient Town, with a driving time of approximately two hours. Explore the historic streets, traditional Tujia-style buildings, and the town’s famous waterfall. Stay into the evening to see the illuminated riverside scenery and experience the local cultural atmosphere before returning to Zhangjiajie.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
Meet your guide at the hotel and travel by private vehicle to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. Walk across the famous glass bridge suspended above the canyon and enjoy views of the surrounding cliffs and forest. Continue through the scenic area according to the confirmed route. Elevators, slides, boat rides, and other optional activities are not included unless stated in the selected option.
Morong Miao Village Cultural Experience
After the Grand Canyon visit, travel by private vehicle to Morong Miao Village in western Hunan. Explore the village lanes and traditional stilted houses while learning about Miao customs, clothing, architecture, music, and daily life. Cultural performances or welcoming ceremonies may be available depending on the village schedule. Meals, souvenirs, and optional activities are not included unless stated in the selected option.
72 Wonder Tower Evening Visit
In the evening, visit the illuminated 72 Wonder Tower cultural complex. Admire its dramatic architecture, colorful lights, and lively nighttime atmosphere. Enjoy time for photography, local snacks, cultural performances, and independent exploration before returning to the hotel. Performance schedules and individual entertainment items may require separate payment.
Relaxed Morning and Departure from Zhangjiajie
Enjoy a relaxed morning at the hotel before checking out. Depending on the confirmed intercity schedule, meet your driver for a private transfer to the railway station or airport. Keep your passport accessible for boarding. The exact departure time, transport details, and meeting arrangements will be provided before the travel date.
Travel to Chongqing and Hotel Check-in
Travel from Zhangjiajie to Chongqing using the transportation confirmed for your departure date. Upon arrival, meet your local driver at the designated arrival point and transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle to the selected hotel. Complete check-in and take a short break before beginning the city sightseeing program.
Ciqikou, Liziba and Hongya Cave Night Views
Begin your introduction to Chongqing at Ciqikou Ancient Town, known for its traditional lanes, local snacks, and historic atmosphere. Continue to Liziba to see the famous monorail passing through a residential building. In the evening, visit Hongya Cave and admire its illuminated hillside architecture and river views before returning to the hotel.
Private Drive to Dazu
Meet your guide at the hotel and travel by private air-conditioned vehicle from central Chongqing to Dazu. The journey usually takes around two hours, depending on traffic. Your guide will introduce the history of the region and explain the day’s sightseeing arrangements along the way.
Explore the Dazu Rock Carvings
Explore the UNESCO-listed Dazu Rock Carvings with your guide. Admire detailed Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian sculptures carved into the cliffs and learn about their religious symbolism, artistic techniques, and historical background. Take a lunch break nearby and enjoy local cuisine at your own expense unless included in the selected option.
Jiefangbei and Chongqing Hotpot
Return to central Chongqing and explore the lively Jiefangbei pedestrian area, surrounded by shops, restaurants, and modern city landmarks. In the evening, experience Chongqing’s famous hotpot culture at a local restaurant. The meal is at your own expense unless specifically included in the confirmed option. Return to the hotel afterward.
Transfer to Chongqing Railway Station
After breakfast and hotel check-out, meet your driver in the lobby for a private transfer to the railway station. Please keep your passport accessible, as it is required for boarding. The exact station, pickup time, and train details will be confirmed after the high-speed train tickets are issued.
High-Speed Train to Guilin
Travel from Chongqing to Guilin by high-speed train. Relax during the journey and enjoy views of the countryside and mountain landscapes of southern China. The travel time and arrival station depend on the confirmed train service. Your seat and departure information will be provided before the travel date.
Guilin Arrival and Reed Flute Cave
Meet your local driver or guide at the railway station and transfer by private air-conditioned vehicle into Guilin. Visit Reed Flute Cave and admire its limestone formations, underground chambers, and illuminated stalactites and stalagmites. After the visit, continue to your selected Guilin hotel for check-in and enjoy the evening at leisure.
Private Drive to Longji Rice Terraces
Meet your guide at the hotel and travel by private air-conditioned vehicle from Guilin to the Longji Rice Terraces. The journey usually takes around two to three hours, depending on traffic and the selected village. Enjoy views of the countryside and learn about the ethnic communities living in the mountain region.
Ping’an Village and Rice Terrace Walk
Explore Ping’an Village and walk along mountain paths overlooking the layered rice terraces. Visit traditional wooden homes, learn about Zhuang culture, and stop at panoramic viewpoints for photographs. The route includes slopes, stone steps, and uneven paths, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Local Lunch and Return to Guilin
Take a lunch break in or near the village, with the opportunity to try local Zhuang-style dishes. Lunch is at your own expense unless included in the confirmed option. Afterward, travel back to Guilin by private vehicle and arrive at the hotel in the late afternoon or early evening.
Xingping Li River Scenic Cruise
Meet your guide at the hotel and travel by private vehicle toward Xingping. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Li River, surrounded by dramatic karst mountains, riverside villages, and bamboo-covered banks. See famous landscapes including Nine-Horse Fresco Hill and the scenery featured on the Chinese 20-yuan banknote.
Explore the Yangshuo Countryside
Continue into the Yangshuo countryside and enjoy free time among rice fields, villages, and limestone peaks. Depending on the confirmed option and local conditions, you may join an optional Yulong River bamboo-rafting experience or explore the countryside by bicycle. Optional activities are paid separately unless specifically included.
Impression Sanjie Liu Evening Show
After dinner or free time in Yangshuo, attend the Impression Sanjie Liu outdoor performance, staged against the natural backdrop of the Li River and karst mountains. Enjoy a large-scale production featuring music, lighting, local traditions, and performers from nearby communities. The show is subject to weather and operating schedules.
Elephant Trunk Hill and Guilin Highlights
After breakfast and hotel check-out, meet your guide and visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the symbol of Guilin, where the natural rock formation appears to drink from the Li River. Depending on your departure time, enjoy a short walk along the riverside or free time in central Guilin. You may also try local Guilin rice noodles at your own expense.
High-Speed Train to Guangzhou and Airport Transfer
After the visit in Guilin, transfer to Guilin Railway Station and board a high-speed train to Guangzhou. The journey usually takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on the confirmed service. Upon arrival in Guangzhou, meet your driver at the railway station and continue by private air-conditioned vehicle to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. The tour ends upon arrival at the airport. The exact train, station, and transfer details will be confirmed after ticket issuance.
Includes
- Private airport and train station pickup and drop-off services
- Private air-conditioned transportation during the guided sightseeing days
- Accommodation in selected 4-star hotels for 14 nights
- Daily hotel breakfast and other meals specifically stated in the itinerary
- Admission tickets to the attractions listed in the confirmed itinerary
- Domestic high-speed train tickets and internal flight tickets specified in the selected option
- Huangpu River cruise and included onboard dinner
- Tianmen Mountain cable car and Bailong Elevator tickets
- Li River sightseeing cruise
- Assistance with hotel check-in and intercity transfers
- 24-hour emergency contact support during the tour
- Multilingual guide services are available, with English provided by default. Please contact
Excludes
- International flights to and from China
- Chinese visa fees and other entry-document expenses
- Meals and drinks not specifically stated in the itinerary
- Optional activities, upgrades, and personal entertainment
- Great Wall cable car or toboggan unless specifically added to the selected option
- Yangshuo bamboo rafting, cycling, and other optional activities
- Personal expenses such as laundry, minibar, shopping, and telephone charges
- Travel insurance, medical expenses, and emergency evacuation costs
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Excess baggage fees
- Any expenses caused by flight delays, cancellations, severe weather, or other circumstances beyond the operator’s control
Important information
Meeting point
The operator confirms the exact meeting point and time once your booking is confirmed, and you will have it well before the day. If you would rather know before you book, message us on WhatsApp and we will ask them for you.
Know before you go
- Free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the activity starts