Culture & Discovery - China🇨🇳

Culture & Discovery

China🇨🇳

15 Days Across China's Icons

This journey is designed as a moving portrait of China: imperial capitals, ancient merchant cities, mountain landscapes that feel almost surreal, and the electric pace of Shanghai. We start in Beijing for history and scale, cross the country by high-speed train through Pingyao and Xi'an, pause in Chengdu for its panda heritage, dive into the dramatic scenery of Zhangjiajie, and end in Shanghai with a final celebration together. All intercity trains in the itinerary are included. The only excluded activity is the Tianmen Mountain excursion.

Day 1

Saturday 24 October – Beijing arrival

Welcome to Beijing. After arrival and check-in, the first evening is all about easing into the rhythm of the trip: a first walk through the city lights, local flavors, and that exciting feeling that the adventure has officially started.

Day 2

Sunday 25 October – Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven

Today we step into imperial China. We explore the vast courtyards and ceremonial halls of the Forbidden City (included), then continue to the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests. It is a day of grand architecture, history, and powerful cultural symbols.

Day 3

Monday 26 October – Great Wall day

A signature day: we head out for our Great Wall and Summer Palace private tour (included). Walking the Mutianyu section of the Wall, surrounded by mountain ridges, is one of those true bucket-list moments. Later, we visit the elegant gardens and lakes of the Summer Palace before returning to Beijing.

Day 4

Tuesday 27 October – Beijing morning, train to Pingyao

After a final Beijing morning, we board our included train to Pingyao (about 4 hours). The mood shifts from capital-city grandeur to a slower, historic atmosphere as we arrive in one of China’s most fascinating ancient towns.

Day 5

Wednesday 28 October – Pingyao Ancient City

A full day inside Pingyao Ancient City, where stone lanes, traditional courtyards, and red lanterns make the city feel like a living time capsule. We take time to explore the old walls, local life, and hidden corners at a relaxed pace.

Day 6

Thursday 29 October – Train to Xi'an & Muslim Quarter

We travel to Xi'an by included morning train (around 3 hours), once the eastern gateway of the Silk Road. In the evening, we dive into the Muslim Quarter, a lively mix of street food, markets, and historic alleys full of energy and aromas.

Day 7

Friday 30 October – Terracotta Warriors

Today is one of the cultural highlights of the trip: the Terracotta Warriors excursion is included with entrance tickets, taking us to one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries. We also visit the Big Goose Pagoda area, connecting Xi'an’s imperial heritage with its spiritual and architectural legacy.

Day 8

Saturday 31 October – Chengdu pandas

We arrive in Chengdu in the morning by included high-speed train (around 3.5 hours), then enjoy a full guided panda day: transfer from hotel lobby, visit to Chengdu Panda Research Center (entrance tickets included), Wenshu Monastery, and People's Park, then transfer back to hotel.

Day 9

Sunday 1 November – Train to Wulingyuan & National Park Day 1

Morning included train from Chengdu to the Zhangjiajie area, then transfer from station to the National Forest Park main entrance. Included visits and tickets: Yuanjiajie (with Bailong Elevator one-way), local park shuttle, and Tianzi Mountain (cable car one-way). Overnight in Wulingyuan, surrounded by the dramatic landscapes that inspired fantasy worlds.

Day 10

Monday 2 November – National Park Day 2 & move to ZJJ City

Included second park day: meet at Wulingyuan hotel lobby, transfer to the National Forest Park, Golden Whip Stream hike (around 7 km, flexible pace), and Yellowstone Village (round-trip cable car with tickets included). After the program, we transfer to ZJJ City for the night and a more urban evening pace.

Day 11

Tuesday 3 November – Tianmen Mountain & move to Furong

Today centers around Tianmen Mountain, one of China’s most iconic viewpoints with dramatic cliffs and panoramic platforms (excursion excluded). In the afternoon, we transfer to Furong and stay overnight to enjoy the ancient town and its waterfalls lit up at night.

Day 12

Wednesday 4 November – Furong & train to Shanghai

After a morning in Furong, we take our included high-speed train to Shanghai (around 7 hours). Transfer from hotel to Furong railway station is included. It is a beautiful transition from mountain landscapes to China’s most international metropolis, where the final chapter of the trip begins.

Day 13

Thursday 5 November – Shanghai discovery day

A flexible discovery day in Shanghai. Explore modern districts and historic lanes, stop for cafés and local bites, and experience the city’s unique blend of tradition and futurism at your own pace.

Day 14

Friday 6 November – The Bund, Yu Garden & final banquet

We spend the day between Shanghai’s icons: The Bund’s classic waterfront skyline and the elegant atmosphere of Yu Garden. In the evening, we gather for a final banquet to celebrate the route, the memories, and the family we built along the way.

Day 15

Saturday 7 November – Departure

Early transfer to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) for departure flights. Time to head home with full camera rolls, new friendships, and the feeling of having crossed multiple worlds in one journey.