The 15-Day (Beijing, Xi‘an, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Guangzhou) Private China Odyssey: Imperial Wonders & Natural Treasures

• 4+ Star Hotels
  Breakfast Included

Start your morning at Tian’anmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares. Stand in the vast open space surrounded by monumental buildings including the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China. From there, step through the Meridian Gate into the Forbidden City — the magnificent imperial palace that served as the home of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years. As you wander through hall after hall of this sprawling complex, you’ll find yourself transported back in time. Walk across the marble bridges, marvel at the golden-roofed Hall of Supreme Harmony, and imagine the bustling court life that once filled these grand courtyards. In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors once prayed for bountiful harvests. The circular Echo Wall and the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests are architectural masterpieces that showcase ancient Chinese cosmology.

• 4+ Star Hotels
  Breakfast Included

Today you’ll conquer one of the New Seven Wonders of the World — the Great Wall of China. Your driver will take you to the Mutianyu section, known for being less crowded than Badaling and offering breathtaking scenery with fewer tourists. This well-preserved stretch winds dramatically across mountain ridges dotted with 20 watchtowers. Here’s where the fun really begins: after climbing up via chairlift, you’ll have the option to ride a toboggan down from the wall — an exhilarating five-minute slide through forested slopes that adds an unforgettable thrill to your historical adventure. On your return to Beijing, make a stop to view the National Stadium, better known as the Bird’s Nest from the 2008 Olympics. Its striking steel lattice exterior is a masterpiece of modern architecture.

• 4+ Star Hotels
  Breakfast Included

Board a sleek high-speed train from Beijing to Xi’an. In just about four and a half to five hours, you’ll be whisked across the North China Plain to the ancient capital that once marked the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. Upon arrival, explore Daci’en Temple, a Buddhist sanctuary originally built in the Tang Dynasty. Inside, the towering Giant Wild Goose Pagoda rises gracefully — a seven-story brick structure where the legendary monk Xuanzang (the real-life inspiration for “Journey to the West”) translated Buddhist scriptures he brought back from India. As evening falls, wander through Tang City, a lively cultural zone that recreates the splendor of Xi’an’s golden age. Traditional architecture, lantern-lit streets, and occasional costumed performers make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a Tang Dynasty scroll painting.

• 4+ Star Hotels
  Breakfast Included

Prepare for one of the most awe-inspiring archaeological sights on Earth. The Terracotta Warriors — thousands of life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots assembled to guard China’s first emperor in the afterlife — will leave you speechless. Standing in Pit No. 1, gazing across row after row of these solemn, individually crafted figures, you’ll feel the immense weight of 2,200 years of history. Take a quiet moment to absorb the grandeur of this ancient army. In the afternoon, walk or cycle along Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved fortifications in China. As the sun begins to set, head to the Muslim Quarter — a sensory explosion of sizzling skewers, hand-pulled noodles, and sweet rose-scented rice cakes. Sample local favorites like roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and biang biang noodles. Conclude your day with an exterior view of the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, beautifully illuminated against the night sky.

• 4+ Star Hotels
  Breakfast Included

Take a short flight from Xi’an to Zhangjiajie, the gateway to landscapes so surreal they inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie “Avatar”. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a leisurely afternoon of free time. Stroll through the city center, sample local Hunan cuisine known for its bold, spicy flavors, or simply rest your legs before the epic adventures awaiting you in the nearby national park.

• 4+ Star Hotels
  Breakfast Included

Step into the real-life Pandora. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park is home to thousands of towering quartzite sandstone pillars that rise dramatically from the lush valley floor. The most famous of them is Hallelujah Mountain, a 150-meter-high (about 490 feet) vertical pillar that served as the direct inspiration for the floating mountains in James Cameron’s film. Ride the Bailong Elevator — a glass elevator built onto the cliff face that lifts you 326 meters (about 1,070 feet) for jaw-dropping panoramic views. From the top, explore the Tianzi Mountain area, where observation decks offer sweeping vistas of the “Peak Forest” — thousands of stone spires shrouded in mist like an ancient Chinese ink painting come to life.

• 4+ Star Hotels
  Breakfast Included

Today’s adventure takes you up Tianmen Mountain, accessible via the world’s longest passenger cable car — a 30-minute ride that climbs nearly 1,280 meters (about 4,200 feet) with incredible views. At the top, test your nerves on the glass skywalk, a transparent walkway jutting out from the cliff edge with nothing but sheer drop beneath your feet. Don’t miss Tianmen Cave (“Heaven’s Door Cave”), a natural arch carved through the mountain that looks like a gateway to the sky. In the evening, visit the spectacular 72 Qilou — the world’s tallest stilted building, certified by Guinness World Records. Standing 109.9 meters (about 360 feet) tall, this architectural marvel combines Tujia ethnic culture with modern flair. At night, the tower transforms into a dazzling light show, making it a perfect spot for memorable photos and cultural entertainment.

• 4+ Star Hotels
  Breakfast Included

Board a morning high-speed train from Zhangjiajie to Guilin. The journey takes approximately seven hours, giving you time to relax, watch the changing landscapes scroll by, and anticipate the limestone karst scenery ahead. Upon arrival in Guilin, check into your hotel and spend the evening at your leisure — perhaps sampling Guilin rice noodles, a local specialty beloved throughout China.

• 4+ Star Hotels
  Breakfast Included / Lunch on Cruise

Embark on a classic 3-star Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, a four-to-five-hour journey through what many consider China’s most beautiful landscape. As your boat glides along the emerald water, limestone karst peaks rise on both sides in a seemingly endless parade of fantastical shapes. You’ll pass scenes famously depicted on China’s 20-yuan note — keep your eyes peeled to spot the exact viewpoint. After docking in Yangshuo, check into your hotel, then head to West Street. This famous cobblestone pedestrian lane blends traditional Chinese architecture with global cafes, souvenir shops, and lively street performers. It’s the perfect place to soak up Yangshuo’s unique international-meets-local vibe.

• 4+ Star Hotels
  Breakfast Included

Delve underground at Silver Cave (Yinzi Yan), a spectacular karst cave filled with glittering stalactites, stalagmites, and stone curtains. The cave is illuminated in soft colors that make the formations sparkle like silver — hence its name. Next, experience the Yulong River Gallery in a traditional way: by bamboo raft. You’ll glide gently along the clear water, passing through small weirs that create fun little drops, with karst peaks and water buffalo grazing along the riverbanks. Return to Guilin in the afternoon to visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the iconic symbol of Guilin. This hill looks exactly like an elephant drinking from the Li River — a natural sculpture that has inspired poets and artists for centuries.

• 4+ Star Hotels
  Breakfast Included

Journey into the hills to witness the breathtaking Longji Rice Terraces — often called the “Dragon’s Backbone” for their serpentine ridges that cascade down mountain slopes like green ribbons. The terraces are a marvel of agricultural engineering, carved by the hands of local minority peoples over hundreds of years. Continue to Huangluo Yao Village, famous for its Red Yao women who keep their hair extraordinarily long as a symbol of good luck, longevity, and prosperity. The village holds a Guinness World Record for having the “World’s Longest Hair Community,” with many women boasting hair longer than 1.5 meters. You’ll have the chance to watch traditional song and dance performances and witness the remarkable hair-combing ritual — a deeply cultural experience that connects you to centuries of Yao ethnic heritage.

• 4+ Star Hotels
  Breakfast Included

Take a fast and comfortable high-speed train from Guilin to Guangzhou, a journey of about two to three hours. After checking into your hotel, begin your exploration of Guangzhou at Beijing Road Pedestrian Street. This vibrant shopping thoroughfare has been the commercial heart of the city for over a thousand years — you can even see ancient street layers preserved under glass panels in the pavement. From there, visit the Great Buddha Temple (Dafo Si), a serene Buddhist sanctuary hidden amid the modern city. End your day at Yongqing Fang, a beautifully restored historical neighborhood in Liwan District. Here, traditional Cantonese architecture houses teahouses, craft shops, and small museums — perfect for an evening stroll through old Guangzhou.

• 4+ Star Hotels
  Breakfast Included

Your final full day begins at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, a stunning masterpiece of Lingnan architecture. This 1894 complex is renowned for its intricate wood carvings, colorful ceramic roof sculptures, and detailed stonework — a true feast for the eyes and a photographer’s dream. Next, head to Shamian Island, a quiet oasis in the bustling city. This former European concession preserves more than 150 historic buildings in Neo-Baroque, Neo-Gothic, and Neoclassical styles — earning it the nickname “open-air architectural museum”. In the afternoon, view the iconic Canton Tower from the outside (default no entry) and visit Haixinsha, the islet that hosted the opening ceremony of the 2010 Asian Games. As night falls, embark on a Pearl River cruise. For about an hour, you’ll glide past Guangzhou’s glittering skyline with the illuminated Canton Tower reflecting in the dark water — a magical send-off for your Chinese adventure.

• No Food

Your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) for your departure flight. As you head home, you’ll carry with you two weeks of unforgettable memories — from the ancient wonders of Beijing and Xi’an to the surreal landscapes of Zhangjiajie and Guilin, all the way to the vibrant energy of Guangzhou.