China’s Classics with Avatar Mountains

Discover China’s imperial history, ancient wonders, surreal natural landscapes, and modern city charm on this 12-day private journey through Beijing, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie, and Shanghai.

This thoughtfully designed itinerary combines China’s most iconic cultural landmarks with the extraordinary sandstone peaks of Zhangjiajie. From the Forbidden City, Great Wall, and Terracotta Army to Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, and The Bund, this journey offers a rich balance of history, scenery, and immersive local experiences.

The itinerary below is a suggested version and can be customized according to your interests, travel pace, and preferred style.

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Suggested 12-Day Itinerary at a Glance

Days	Destination	Highlights
Day 1–4	Beijing	Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, hidden halls, hutong alleyways, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall at Mutianyu, Summer Palace, Beijing roast duck
Day 5–6	Xi’an	Terracotta Army, traditional cave dwelling, make your own mini terracotta warrior, Xi’an City Wall, Xi’an Museum, Little Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter
Day 7–10	Zhangjiajie	Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain, Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, Bailong Elevator, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Baofeng Lake, Tianmen Mountain, world’s longest cable car, glass walkway, 99 Bends mountain road, Tianmen Cave
Day 11–12	Shanghai	The Bund, Shanghai Tower, Half-Day Customized Experience

Signature Experiences

Discover the Hidden Halls of the Forbidden City

Most tour groups only visit the six major halls along the central axis of the Forbidden City.

With your private guide, you will go beyond the standard route to explore hidden halls and lesser-known spaces. This deeper exploration offers a richer understanding of imperial history while allowing you to avoid the heaviest crowds.

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Walk on One of the Best-Rated Sections of the Great Wall

Visit Mutianyu, one of the most popular and best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China.

Walk at your own pace through the watchtowers and enjoy magnificent views of the wall winding across the mountains.

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Taste the Authentic Flavors of China

Savor crispy Beijing roast duck, learn how to make dumplings with a local family in Xi’an, and enjoy a variety of local snacks in Shanghai.

This culinary journey allows you to experience China through its most beloved traditional flavors.

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Unveil the Secrets of the Terracotta Army and Make Your Own Warrior

Your local guide will reveal the fascinating stories behind the world-famous Terracotta Army, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in history.

See the life-size warriors up close, learn how ancient craftsmen created them, and visit a traditional cave dwelling where you can make your own mini terracotta warrior.

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Cycle or Walk on Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall

Enjoy a different perspective of Xi’an by biking or walking along the historic Xi’an City Wall.

From above, take in sweeping city views while feeling the echoes of centuries of history.

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Discover the Hidden Stories of the Bund and Ascend Shanghai Tower

Step back into the golden age of the 1920s while exploring the historic The Bund.

Follow a route that few tourists discover on their own, see original architectural details, and hear fascinating stories rarely found in guidebooks.

Then ascend Shanghai Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of modern Shanghai.

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Enjoy a Half-Day Customized “Icing-on-the-Cake” Experience

After days of exploring China’s highlights, enjoy a personalized half-day experience designed around your interests.

Whether you want to relax, explore fashion, appreciate art, discover local customs, or shop for unique gifts, we can tailor an experience just for you. From trendy bars and art centers to beauty experiences and local cultural activities, your wishes can become part of the journey.

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Zhangjiajie Highlights

Witness Surreal Sandstone Peaks Straight Out of a Fantasy World

The iconic pillar-like formations of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park were shaped by centuries of erosion, creating a dreamlike landscape.

These dramatic peaks inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.

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Ascend the World’s Tallest Outdoor Elevator for Epic Views

Ride the thrilling Bailong Elevator, built directly into the side of a cliff.

Its height and speed make it an unforgettable experience, especially through the exposed glass viewing section.

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Soar Above the Clouds on the World’s Longest Cable Car

Take the spectacular cable car to the summit of Tianmen Mountain.

This breathtaking 30-minute ride offers panoramic views of dramatic cliffs, forests, and winding mountain roads far below.

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Enjoy a Relaxing Boat Ride on a Crystal-Clear Lake

Cruise across the tranquil waters of Baofeng Lake.

Along the way, admire the surrounding scenery and listen to enchanting folk songs performed by local minority singers.

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Capture Stunning Photos on the Longest & Highest Glass-Bottom Bridge

Walk across the famous Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, suspended 300 meters above the canyon.

This thrilling experience is one of the most photogenic highlights of Zhangjiajie.

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Suggested Itinerary

Day 1 — Beijing Arrival

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Welcome to Beijing.

Your private guide will greet you in the arrival hall. A comfortable private vehicle and experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel.

We aim to provide a smooth arrival and give you a wonderful first impression of China.

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Day 2 — Beijing | The Forbidden City and Hutong Alleyways

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your day at Tiananmen Square, one of the most symbolic landmarks in China.

Then continue to the magnificent Forbidden City, the largest and best-preserved imperial palace complex in China with over 500 years of history.

While most tour groups only visit the six main halls along the central axis, your private guide will take you to 12 carefully selected locations to explore hidden halls and lesser-known spaces.

Enjoy Beijing roast duck for lunch and watch the chef’s expert slicing technique while learning the traditional way to enjoy this famous dish.

Later, spend a relaxing afternoon exploring the charming hutong alleyways and discover the everyday life of old Beijing.

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Day 3 — Beijing | Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, visit the magnificent Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests.

If you arrive early, you may see local residents practicing tai chi, dancing, singing, and enjoying their morning activities.

In the afternoon, travel to the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu.

This section is one of the most scenic and best-preserved parts of the Great Wall. Walk along its watchtowers and enjoy spectacular views of the wall winding across the mountains.

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Day 4 — Beijing to Xi’an | Summer Palace and High-Speed Train

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit the elegant Summer Palace, a magnificent imperial garden that once served as the royal family’s summer retreat.

Admire its tranquil lakes, bridges, and traditional architecture.

Later, take a high-speed train to Xi’an, one of China’s most ancient capitals.

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Day 5 — Xi’an | Terracotta Warriors and Ancient City Wall

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today explore the incredible Terracotta Army, one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries dating back more than 2,000 years.

Your guide will reveal the fascinating stories behind this underground army and the ancient craftsmanship that created these life-size warriors.

Afterwards, visit a traditional cave dwelling, where you will learn how to make your own mini terracotta warrior.

Later return to the city to explore the Xi’an City Wall, one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China.

You may walk along the wall or rent a bicycle and ride around it while enjoying sweeping city views.

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Day 6 — Xi’an | Xi’an Museum and Muslim Quarter

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit the fascinating Xi’an Museum and the nearby Little Wild Goose Pagoda.

These historic sites offer a deeper understanding of Xi’an’s rich cultural heritage.

Later explore the lively Muslim Quarter, where narrow lanes are filled with local snacks, traditional markets, and the vibrant atmosphere of this historic trading district.

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Day 7 — Xi’an to Zhangjiajie | Flight Transfer

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today transfer to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie.

Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Rest well and prepare for the spectacular natural landscapes ahead.

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Day 8 — Zhangjiajie | Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today visit the famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

Take a cable car up to Tianzi Mountain, where you will see dramatic clusters of sandstone pillars rising above the forest.

In the afternoon explore Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, famous for inspiring the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.

Descend using the incredible Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor elevator built into a cliff.

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Day 9 — Zhangjiajie | Grand Canyon and Baofeng Lake

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit the stunning Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.

Here you will walk across the world-famous Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, suspended 300 meters above the canyon floor.

Later travel to the beautiful Baofeng Lake.

Enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the crystal-clear lake while listening to traditional folk songs performed by local minority singers.

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Day 10 — Zhangjiajie to Shanghai | Tianmen Mountain

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today explore the spectacular Tianmen Mountain.

Ride the world’s longest cable car from the city center to the summit and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views.

Visit the famous glass walkway, admire the dramatic cliffside scenery, and see the iconic 99 Bends mountain road below.

Climb the stairway to reach Tianmen Cave, a massive natural hole in the mountain known as “Heaven’s Gate”.

After the tour, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai.

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Day 11 — Shanghai | The Bund and Shanghai Tower

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Explore the historic The Bund and learn about its fascinating history during the golden age of the 1920s.

Enter several historic buildings and discover architectural details and stories rarely found in guidebooks.

Then ascend the magnificent Shanghai Tower for breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline.

In the afternoon enjoy a Half-Day Customized Experience, tailored to your interests — whether it is fashion, art, local culture, shopping, or relaxation.

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Day 12 — Shanghai Departure

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your guide and driver will meet you in your hotel lobby and transfer you comfortably to the airport.

We will assist with check-in and escort you to the correct security gate, ensuring your departure is smooth, easy, and stress-free.

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Tour Price

From US$XXXX  per person

Based on a private tour for 2 people with 4-star hotels.
Price varies depending on travel date, group size, and hotel selection.

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Price Includes

• Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver

• English-speaking local guide

• Hotels and meals listed in the itinerary

• Entrance tickets to attractions

• Flights or high-speed trains between cities

• 24/7 travel assistance during your trip