11-Day Beijing-Xian-Zhangjiajie-Shanghai Private Tour

Your professional guide will be waiting for you at the airport arrival hall, holding a personalized welcome sign with your name. You will then be escorted by private vehicle to your carefully selected hotel. During the drive, your guide will provide a brief introduction to Beijing’s history and culture. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from your journey, or take a leisurely stroll to get a first feel for this ancient capital.

Today’s adventure begins at Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing and the largest city-center square in the world. From here, you can view the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Great Hall of the People.

Next, you will enter the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) from the north side of the square. This royal palace complex of the Ming and Qing Dynasties is the world’s largest and best-preserved wooden structure. Your guide will share fascinating hidden details, such as the small doors under the steps of the Palace of Heavenly Purity—once used as quick passages for eunuchs and maids, and as drainage outlets during heavy rain. Legend has it that the young Emperor Tianqi even played hide-and-seek here.

★ Welcome Lunch: Exquisite A La Carte with Peking Roasted Duck

At noon, enjoy a welcome lunch valued at RMB 150 per person at a popular local restaurant (not a tourist trap). The legendary Peking Roasted Duck is a must-try specialty. Your guide will assist with ordering and recommend authentic dishes tailored to your taste. In the coming days, you will also savor Xian’s local snacks and Shanghai’s refined cuisine.

In the afternoon, head to Shichahai to experience the authentic vibe of old Beijing. We have arranged a 40-minute Rickshaw Tour through the labyrinthine Hutongs. You will also visit a traditional Siheyuan (courtyard house) to chat with a local family and gain insight into real Beijing daily life.

Finally, visit the Temple of Heaven, the sacred altar where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests. Today, it serves as a vibrant park where locals practice Tai Chi or play shuttlecock near the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, offering a perfect slice of local life.

Meals: Western Buffet Breakfast, A La Carte Welcome Lunch (including Peking Duck)

Today marks one of the absolute highlights of your private China tour. This morning, your guide will escort you to the symbol of Chinese spirit—the Badaling Great Wall. As the best-preserved and most iconic section, the sight of the wall snaking across the mountain ridges is truly awe-inspiring. Lunch is on your own today; your guide will provide excellent local recommendations based on your preferences.

In the afternoon, continue to the Ming Tombs, the final resting place of 13 Ming Dynasty emperors. We will focus on the Sacred Way and Dingling Tomb. Stroll down the Sacred Way, lined with 12 stone officials and 24 animals that have guarded the tombs for centuries. Then, enter the Underground Palace of Dingling, the only tomb excavated so far, to discover royal treasures and architectural secrets buried deep underground.

Return to your hotel after the tour. On the way, we will pass the Bird’s Nest (National Stadium) for a quick photo stop to capture this modern landmark.

Meals: Western Buffet Breakfast

After breakfast and check-out, your guide will take you to the masterpiece of Chinese classical gardens—the Summer Palace. As the best-preserved imperial garden, it harmoniously blends lakes, hills, pavilions, and bridges. Walking through, you will appreciate the exquisite craftsmanship of ancient artisans and the elegance of royal life.

Next, your guide will transfer you to the railway station for your High-Speed Train to Xian. China’s bullet trains are world-famous for their speed and comfort, reaching up to 350 km/h (217 mph). The journey takes approximately 4.5 to 5.5 hours. Upon arrival in the ancient capital of Xian, your local guide and driver will meet you at the platform and escort you to your hotel.

★ Professional Service: We will handle your luggage and assist with the boarding process, ensuring a smooth and modern travel experience.

Meals: Western Buffet Breakfast

Today, you will visit the long-awaited Terracotta Army Museum! This massive underground army, built 2,200 years ago, was created as a “subterranean kingdom” to guard Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor, in the afterlife. Hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World, each soldier features unique hairstyles, facial features, and expressions, showcasing the pinnacle of ancient Chinese craftsmanship.

★ Deep Cultural Insight: Visit the Discoverer’s Home

After lunch, your guide will take you to the home of Mr. Yang Zhifa, the man who unexpectedly uncovered this epic archaeological site while digging a well in 1974. At his home, you can hear the story of this incredible discovery and see the original tools used to unearth the very first terracotta figure.

★ Hands-on Experience: DIY Your Mini Terracotta Warrior

Under the guidance of local artisans, participate in a DIY Workshop. Hand-mold your own mini terracotta warrior and follow the Qin Dynasty tradition by carving your name or a symbol on the base. This unique souvenir is yours to keep and take home.

In the afternoon, return to the city to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and Xian Museum. The pagoda has survived numerous earthquakes due to its ingenious “tumbler-like” foundation, while the museum houses nearly 130,000 relics from the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties.

Meals: Western Buffet Breakfast

After breakfast, head to the City Wall Park to experience authentic local morning life. You can watch seniors exercising and even join them for a Tai Chi session. Then, ascend the Xian Ancient City Wall, a complete defensive system stretching 13.74 km. You can explore on foot or have your guide help you rent a bike to enjoy the unique experience of cycling atop the ancient walls.

Next, visit the uniquely styled Great Mosque of Xian, featuring a beautiful blend of Islamic and traditional Chinese architecture. Afterward, stroll through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, a foodie’s paradise filled with aromatic local snacks. We have arranged a Local Flavor Lunch at a popular restaurant to savor authentic Xian specialties.

En route to the airport in the afternoon, we will visit the unique Hanyangling Museum (Han Yang Ling). The highlight here is the glass-floored walkway over the excavation pits, allowing you to look straight down at the archaeological site and miniature terracotta figures for a “time-traveling” experience.

Finally, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to picturesque Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will greet you and escort you to your hotel to prepare for the natural wonders ahead.

Meals: Western Buffet Breakfast, Local Flavor Lunch

Today is dedicated to exploring the magnificent Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. To save energy for the best views, your guide will take you on the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest and fastest outdoor elevator. This incredible engineering feat whisks you up 335 meters to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area in just 88 seconds—a journey that would otherwise take a 3-hour hike.

Among the thousands of jagged peaks, you will immediately recognize the Hallelujah Mountains (Southern Sky Column), the inspiration for the floating peaks in the movie *Avatar*. When shrouded in mist, these pillars appear to float in mid-air. You will also walk across the First Bridge under Heaven, a breathtaking natural stone bridge formed by centuries of erosion.

After lunch, proceed to the Yangjiajie Scenic Area to admire the Natural Great Wall, where the peaks form a grand limestone barrier. Then, transfer to Tianzi Mountain, famous for its varied peak formations like stone towers and giant swords. You will see the iconic Imperial Brush Peaks, a masterpiece of nature’s craftsmanship. Finally, descend the mountain by cable car and return to your hotel.

Meals: Western Buffet Breakfast, Selected Local Lunch

Morning visit to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, a living museum of limestone geology. Today, you will face an adrenaline-pumping challenge: crossing the World’s Longest and Highest Glass Bridge. Suspended 300 meters above the canyon floor, the bridge features transparent glass panels that offer a thrilling view of the abyss below. For those a bit nervous, there are solid pathways on both sides to help you cross comfortably.

After a refreshing lunch, enter the park through the East Gate to Golden Whip Brook. Known as one of the most beautiful canyons in the world, this flat, 7.5km trail is rich in negative oxygen ions and lush greenery. Look out for rare giant salamanders in the crystal-clear water and unique flora like the Lobster Flower and ancient Metasequoia trees.

The tour ends with a private transfer back to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Meals: Western Buffet Breakfast, Exquisite Chinese Lunch

After breakfast, join your guide to explore Tianmen Mountain, revered as the “Soul of Zhangjiajie.” You will take the Tianmen Mountain Cable Car, the longest high-mountain cable car in the world. The 28-minute ride whisks you from the city center up to the peaks, offering a bird’s-eye view of the breathtaking “99 Bends” mountain road.

Enjoy about 4 hours of in-depth exploration at the summit. Walk to Yunmeng Fairy Summit for sea-of-clouds views, or brave the cliff-hanging Glass Skywalk. Then, descend via the 7-stage escalator to the magnificent Tianmen Cave (Heaven’s Gate). Legend says the cave was formed in the year 263 when the cliff collapsed; the Emperor saw it as a divine omen and named the mountain “Tianmen.”

In the afternoon, visit the 72 Tujia Stilt Buildings (72 Qi Lou), a Guinness World Record holder. Standing at 109.9 meters, it looks like a suspended ethnic village. Explore ancient celebrity residences, relax in a non-hereditary tea house, and sample authentic local snacks.

After your Zhangjiajie adventure, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your Shanghai guide and driver will meet you and escort you to your hotel.

Meals: Western Buffet Breakfast, Exquisite Lunch

Morning visit to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center to see how a small fishing village transformed into a global metropolis. Then, head to the 400-year-old Yu Garden, a classic private garden where exquisite design and tranquil ponds offer a peaceful escape from the city bustle.

The afternoon is yours to enjoy. Stroll along The Bund or explore Tianzifang, an artsy enclave in the French Concession. Wander through the maze-like “Shikumen” alleys to find unique handicrafts, galleries, and cozy cafes.

Meals: Western Buffet Breakfast, A La Carte Farewell Lunch

After a delicious breakfast at your hotel, your guide will arrange a private transfer to the airport according to your international flight schedule. Your 11-day in-depth private tour—spanning China’s ancient civilizations and natural wonders—concludes here. We wish you a safe journey home and look forward to seeing you again!

Meals: Western Buffet Breakfast