China’s Icons & the Avatar Mountains

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you’ll visit a Jade Factory to learn about the importance and culture of this stone in China. Afterwards, head to the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall. This part of the wall began construction in the 7th century to protect the Chinese empire from invaders and is still a must-see today.

Later, transfer to the train station to catch a bullet train to Xi’an.* When you arrive, you’ll transfer to the hotel for check-in. Overnight stay in Xi’an.

*The bullet train from Beijing to Xi’an takes about 4–5 hours. Your guide will accompany you to the platform in Beijing, and another guide will meet you at Xi’an station. There is no guide on the train, and Wi-Fi is not available onboard.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you’ll explore one of the world’s most important archaeological finds: the Terracotta Warriors, along with their troops, horses, and chariots arranged in battle formation. This is a great chance to uncover the secrets of this army with your guide: How were the warriors made? How are they preserved? What were their original colours?

After the visit, stop by a terracotta workshop to learn about the traditional techniques used in their creation.

Finally, visit the Great Mosque and the Muslim Quarter, where you’ll have some free time for shopping or tasting local dishes. The day ends with a transfer to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie.* Once you arrive, transfer to the hotel. Overnight stay in Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie.

*There are no direct flights from Xi’an to Zhangjiajie from 15 October to 31 March. During this period, you will fly from Xi’an to Changsha, followed by a bus transfer to Zhangjiajie.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, you’ll start by visiting Baofeng Lake, located at the top of Baofeng Mountain. Take a boat trip and admire its crystal-clear waters and the surrounding peaks. These sandstone mountains are tall, narrow, and steep, covered in vegetation, and seem to almost rise out of the mist. It’s no surprise that the unique landscape inspired the floating mountains of Pandora in James Cameron’s 2009 film Avatar.

Next, visit a 75-meter waterfall and see giant salamanders. We recommend joining our optional afternoon tour to the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and the Grand Canyon.* Overnight stay in Zhangjiajie.

*Optional Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and Grand Canyon Tour: Visit the world’s highest and longest glass bridge, holding 10 world records. Walking across the bridge, you’ll feel like you’re floating among white clouds and reaching for the sky. Then, take the elevator down and zoom into the canyon on a slide or fly across on a zipline. Explore the canyon on foot, following a sparkling stream surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic cliffs. The adventure finishes with a boat ride out of the canyon.

Breakfast at the hotel. The day is yours to explore at your own pace. We recommend joining our optional tour of Zhangjiajie National Park.* Overnight stay in Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie.

*Optional Zhangjiajie National Park Tour: This was China’s first national forest park, covering 480,000 square metres. You’ll ride the famous Bailong Elevator and visit stunning sights like Yuanjiajie, the First Heaven’s Bridge, Avatar’s Hallelujah Mountain, the Lost Souls Platform (Mihun Tai), Tianzi Mountain, Yubi Feng, Helong Park, and the Fairies Spreading Flowers. You’ll come down the mountain on a scenic cable car ride (the route may be reversed depending on the season).

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you have a free day to relax or explore at your own pace. We recommend joining our optional Tianmen Mountain tour.* In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Overnight stay in Shanghai.

*Optional Tianmen Mountain Tour: Named after the natural karst cave Tianmen, this mountain features the world’s longest cable car, which takes you from the city centre up to the peaks. You’ll visit Tianmen Cave, the 99 Bends, the Glass Skywalk, the Cliff-Hanging Walkway, and Yunmeng Fairy Peak, and return by shuttle bus.

Breakfast at the hotel. Today, enjoy a walking tour along Nanjing Street and the Bund to take in Shanghai’s modern views. Then visit a Silk Factory to see how these beautiful fabrics are made. Next, head to the Old City Bazaars near Yuyuan Garden, where you’ll find plenty of interesting souvenirs and spots serving typical Shanghai dishes.

We recommend joining our optional afternoon Shanghai city tour.* In the evening, you could also enjoy a fantastic acrobatic show.** Overnight stay in Shanghai.

*Optional Visit to Shanghai Museum and Pudong: This includes a visit to the Shanghai Museum, famous for its extensive cultural collection. Afterwards, explore the Pudong area with included entry to Jinmao Tower.

**Optional Chinese Acrobatic Show: Experience one of the world’s oldest performing arts and immerse yourself in a night of culture and entertainment.

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the day exploring at your own pace. We recommend joining our optional visit to the Gardens of Suzhou* and a night cruise on the Huangpu River.** Overnight stay in Shanghai.

*Optional Full-day Trip to Suzhou with Boat Tour: Travel to Suzhou, one of China’s most famous historic and cultural cities, known as the “Venice of the East.” First, visit the Lingering Garden, showcasing the Chinese skill in blending art, nature, and architecture. Then, explore the Suzhou Museum, noted for its modern architecture and antiques collection. Later, enjoy a boat ride along the Pingjiang River in the Old Town. Before returning to Shanghai, see Wumen Bridge and the Prince Zhong Mansion.

**Optional Huangpu River Night Cruise: Take in the city skyline from the comfort of a river cruise and enjoy a night with spectacular views of Shanghai.