Classic Semi-Flexible China Tour
12 Days · From $1,599
A 12-day semi-independent China tour for English-speaking travelers. Features guided visits to the Great Wall, Pandas, Terracotta Warriors, and Zhangjiajie, with free time in vibrant cities.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Beijing
Your China adventure begins with arrival in Beijing. The evening is yours to explore. Consider a stroll to nearby Tiananmen Square and Qianmen Street to enjoy the capital's iconic night view and sample some local snacks, easing into the rhythm of your journey.
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Day 2: The Great Wall
Stand atop the magnificent Badaling Great Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk along its ancient ramparts, absorb the breathtaking mountainous scenery, and feel the profound weight of history. This is an essential encounter with one of humanity’s most enduring wonders.
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Day 3: The Forbidden City
tep into the heart of imperial China with a visit to the Forbidden City, the world’s largest and best-preserved ancient wooden palace complex. Follow the central axis through a succession of grand courtyards and majestic halls, such as the Hall of Supreme Harmony, once used for coronations. Imagine the life of emperors and their courts within these vermillion walls. Afterwards, climb Jingshan Park for an iconic, bird’s-eye view of the palace’s sweeping golden roofs. Later, you’ll journey west to the ancient capital of Xi’an.
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Day 4: Xi'an
immense, perfectly preserved Ming City Wall, which encloses the old city. Visit the serene Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India. For lunch, dive into the sensory overload of the Muslim Quarter, a food paradise offering delicacies like yangrou paomo(mutton stew with bread) and biangbiang noodles. As night falls, be dazzled by the lights, performances, and Tang Dynasty splendor recreated at Datang Everbright City.
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Day 5: Terracotta Warriors
Prepare to be awestruck by one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century: the Terracotta Warriors of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Standing in Pit 1 before thousands of life-sized, uniquely detailed clay soldiers, horses, and chariots arranged in battle formation is an unforgettable experience. Your guide will unravel the history behind this silent army, crafted to guard the First Emperor in the afterlife. This UNESCO site offers a profound glimpse into the power, artistry, and beliefs of a unified ancient China.
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Day 6: Bell and Drum Tower Square
Enjoy a leisurely final morning in Xi’an soaking up its cultural atmosphere. Visit the central Bell and Drum Tower Square, once the timekeeping heart of the city. Then, explore the scholarly Shuyuanmen Cultural Street, lined with shops selling traditional “Four Treasures of the Study” (writing implements). In the afternoon, experience the efficiency and comfort of China’s high-speed rail as you travel southwest to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, famed for its pandas, spicy cuisine, and relaxed teahouse culture.
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Day 7: Chengdu Panda Base & Dujiangyan Irrigation System
Experience two iconic highlights of Sichuan. Your morning begins at the Chengdu Panda Base. Stroll through bamboo-lined paths to observe these adorable national treasures munching on bamboo, tumbling in play, or lounging in their naturalistic enclosures—a truly heartwarming experience. In the afternoon, travel to the Dujiangyan Irrigation System, a UNESCO-listed, 2,200-year-old engineering marvel that still tames the Min River today. Learn how this ancient, eco-friendly project prevents flooding and irrigates the fertile plains. Return to Chengdu to explore the lantern-lit Jinli Ancient Street with its local snacks.
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Day 8: Chengdu to Zhangjiajie
Savour the essence of Chengdu's famed laid-back lifestyle. Wander through Kuanzhai Alley, a restored network of ancient alleys where you can sit in a traditional teahouse, watch a Sichuan opera face-changing performance, or try the local ear-cleaning ritual. Visit Wuhou Temple, a tranquil temple and museum dedicated to the legendary strategist Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdoms period, set amidst beautiful gardens. Later, prepare to exchange urban charm for the breathtaking natural wonders awaiting you in Zhangjiajie.
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Day 9: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Enter the fantastical, otherworldly landscape of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO Global Geopark whose towering quartz-sandstone pillars inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the film Avatar. Ride the Bailong Elevator up the cliff face and explore Yuanjiajie, marveling at pillars like the “First Bridge Under Heaven.” Hike through the wild, less-crowded trails of Yangjiajie, and take in the majestic “Sea of Clouds” and stone forest vistas from the summit of Tianzi Mountain. It’s a full day of awe-inspiring natural beauty.
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Day 10: Glass Bridge
Challenge your senses with thrilling heights today. First, ascend Tianmen Mountain via the world’s longest cable car. Walk the vertigo-inducing Glass Skywalk clinging to the cliff edge and gaze upon the majestic natural arch of Tianmen Cave, seemingly piercing the mountain. In the afternoon, test your courage on the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge—the world’s longest and highest glass-bottom bridge. Looking down at the canyon floor hundreds of meters below is an unforgettable adrenaline rush, surrounded by stunning scenery.
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Day 11: Zhangjiajie to Shanghai
Enjoy a relaxed morning to perhaps revisit a favorite view or explore Wulingyuan Town’s Xibu Street for some last-minute souvenir shopping, picking up local specialties like aromatic mushrooms or handcrafts. Later, board a high-speed train for your journey to Shanghai, China’s dazzling global metropolis. As the landscape changes, anticipate the striking contrasts between deep historical heritage and soaring modernity that define this dynamic city.
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Day 12: Shanghai
Discover the dazzling duality of Shanghai on your final day. Stroll along the Bund, a waterfront promenade lined with grand, early-20th-century buildings in various architectural styles, representing the city’s cosmopolitan history. Then, cross the Huangpu River to Lujiazui financial district and gaze up at the forest of futuristic skyscrapers, including the iconic Shanghai Tower. Explore the classical serenity of Yu Garden, a 16th-century Chinese garden masterpiece, and wander through the lively, snack-filled City God Temple bazaar nearby.
What's Included
- ✓Costs for a private, air-conditioned business vehicle throughout the tour.
- ✓Services of a private English-speaking tour guide.
- ✓Hotels, entrance fees to scenic spots (first gate tickets), and meals as listed in the itinerary.
- ✓Travel insurance coverage during the tour (details available on the Insurance Policy page).
- ✓Inter-city flights or high-speed train travel.
- ✓24-hour customer service support during the trip.
- ✓Service fees, covering tour planning, handling, operation, and communication costs.
- ✗Chinese Visa fees.
- ✗Round-trip ticket. (We offer Air Ticket Booking Service, if you need it, please let us know.)
- ✗Personal expenses.
- ✗Meals, transportation transfers, and tourist attraction fees not listed in the itinerary.
- ✗Optional activities recommended at scenic spots or other commercial establishments.
- ✗Luggage overweight charges.
- ✗Optional activities provided by the driver or guide.
- ✗Personal Accident Insurance during Travel .
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