Peakpool Brook Hideaway
50 meters south of Xianzonglin Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Institute, Baofeng Road, Jundiping Subdistrict, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan, China
Tour Overview
This 13‑day tour combines China’s golden‑triangle historic cities of Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai with breathtaking natural wonders of Avatar‑famous Zhangjiajie and Guilin’s karst landscape for a seamless journey through China’s rich history and spectacular nature.
Duration
13 Days / 12 Nights
Cities
Zhangjiajie , Shanghai , Beijing
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Day 1 Beijing Arrival | Airport Pick-up and Hotel Check-in
Nihao! Welcome to Beijing, China’s capital. Our team will meet you at the airport/train‑station exit and transfer you to a carefully chosen downtown hotel for check‑in. The rest of the day is yours to beat jet lag or explore nearby areas freely.
Arrival Tips
Beijing is easily reachable by flight or high‑speed train. Two international airports serve worldwide and domestic destinations. High‑speed trains take 4‑5hrs from Xi’an, 4.5‑6hrs from Shanghai, and 2.5‑3hrs from Zhengzhou.
Free‑time Suggestions
Your guide can offer custom tips based on your timetable and personal preferences.
Day 2
Day 2‑Beijing City Exploration: Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City and Traditional Old Hutongs
After breakfast, your guide will pick you up at the hotel and kick off today’s sightseeing at Tian’anmen Square. As one of the world’s biggest public squares and an iconic symbol of China, it has witnessed numerous significant historical moments.
Cross the square to access the Forbidden City. Boasting the title of the world’s largest imperial palace complex, this sprawling compound served as the residence for 24 emperors. More than 8,700 rooms are preserved within its walls in outstanding condition.
You will enter via the Meridian Gate and follow the central axis route. This path covers all key halls and priceless relics, while your guide brings the stories of former imperial households vividly to life.
Afterwards, take a short stroll to Jingshan Park. From its hilltop overlook, you are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views stretching across the Forbidden City’s golden‑yellow tiled rooftops to the contemporary Beijing skyline.
In the afternoon, dive into Beijing’s local lifestyle in the old hutong districts. Hop aboard a classic rickshaw to wind through narrow alleyways, observe traditional courtyard residences, and wander charming boutique shops.
Optional Activity
Taste the globally renowned Peking Roasted Duck for dinner at the time‑honoured Quanjude Restaurant. Your guide can help arrange reservations for you.
Day 3
Day 3‑Beijing: Explore Mutianyu Great Wall & Iconic Olympic Venues
This morning, travel roughly two hours northwest (73 km) to reach Mutianyu Great Wall. Better preserved and less crowded than other Great Wall sections, it features 23 authentic Ming‑Dynasty watchtowers stretching along rugged mountain ridges.
Ride the cable car up to the 14th watchtower to begin your exploration along the western segment. The wall snakes through dense pine and cypress woodland, where abundant original stone towers and battlements create breathtaking mountain vistas.
If you are up for more walking, continue onward to the 20th watchtower. As Mutianyu’s highest accessible point, it delivers far‑reaching views over the wall rolling into the distance — an ideal location for panoramic shots of this ancient engineering wonder.
After coming down from the wall, head back to central Beijing. Make a short stop at Olympic Park for outdoor photos of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, the celebrated venues for both the 2008 Summer and 2022 Winter Olympic Games.
Your private vehicle will then transfer you back to your hotel for a well‑deserved rest. Should you want to venture out in the evening, your guide can suggest nearby local dining spots.
Day 4
Day 4: Summer Palace Sightseeing, High‑Speed Train to Xi’an
After breakfast, head to the Summer Palace, widely known as the “Museum of Royal Gardens”. This sprawling imperial complex functioned as a summer sanctuary, where royal families escaped Beijing’s summer heat centuries ago.
Roam its exquisite temples, ornate pavilions and delicate bridges, which together form a pinnacle of classical Chinese landscape design. Take a relaxed stroll and soak in hilltop outlooks and peaceful lake views, just like stepping into a traditional Chinese ink painting.
Once the sightseeing concludes, your driver will take you to the train station for the high‑speed train ride to Xi’an, which takes around 4.5‑5.5 hours.
Welcome to Xi’an, the glorious ancient capital of thirteen dynasties. Our local team will meet you at the station exit upon arrival and arrange your private transfer to the hotel.
Day 5
Day 5‑Xi’an: Uncover Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall and Muslim Quarter
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up for a one‑hour drive (40 km) to the Terracotta Army Museum. One of the world’s most remarkable archaeological discoveries, this site was constructed for Emperor Qin Shihuang to safeguard his mausoleum.
Begin your visit at Pit 1, the largest excavation pit, home to more than 6,000 life‑size pottery soldiers and horses arranged in full battle formation. The staggering scale and uniquely sculpted facial details of each figure showcase the extraordinary craftsmanship of ancient artisans.
Continue to Pit 2, where you can view special military formations featuring kneeling archers, cavalry and chariot troops. Here you will also see well‑preserved weapons and armour dating back over 2,000 years. (Note: You may join a hands‑on workshop to craft your own miniature terracotta warrior, if you wish.)
Following lunch, travel back to downtown Xi’an to explore the Ancient City Wall. Among China’s oldest and best‑preserved city‑defence structures, it creates a striking contrast between age‑old gate towers and the contemporary urban skyline.
Stroll comfortably along its broad ramparts. From this high viewpoint, admire the ancient moats and watchtowers while observing the busy daily life unfolding in the old town beneath.
Late in the afternoon, make your way to the Muslim Quarter. This bustling district brims with local culture. Meander along narrow lanes filled with tasty street‑food stalls and traditional handicraft shops, and soak up the lively atmosphere shaped by Xi’an’s Islamic heritage.
Day 6
Day 6: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Hanfu Cultural Experience & Flight to Zhangjiajie
Morning: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda & Hanfu Experience
After breakfast, your guide will take you to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, an iconic Tang‑Dynasty landmark and one of Xi’an’s most recognizable symbols. Standing within Da Ci’en Temple, it was erected in 652 AD to house Buddhist scriptures that Monk Xuan Zang brought back from India.
Wander leisurely around the pagoda compound and its adjacent public square. Afterwards, travel back through centuries with a Hanfu cultural experience. You will be dressed in authentic traditional Chinese garments, complete with flowing silk robes and classic ornaments. Stroll across temple gardens and pagoda precincts in Hanfu, as your guide recommends ideal locations for taking memorable photos.
Afternoon: Flight to Zhangjiajie
When sightseeing finishes, your guide will transfer you to the airport for the roughly 2‑hour flight to Zhangjiajie. Welcome to Zhangjiajie, home to the real‑world “floating mountains” featured in the movie Avatar.
Our local team will meet you upon arrival and drive you to your downtown Zhangjiajie hotel. You are free for the remainder of the afternoon to unwind or explore the surrounding area at your own pace.
Day 7
Day 7‑Zhangjiajie: Explore Wulingyuan Scenic Area — Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain and Ten‑Mile Gallery
After breakfast, venture into Wulingyuan Scenic Area, home to more than 3,000 towering sandstone pinnacles. Your guide will take you to the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor glass elevator, which whisks you up to the mountain summits in merely 90 seconds.
Spend your morning exploring Yuanjiajie, the real‑life prototype for the Hallelujah Mountains in Avatar. You will see the imposing 150‑metre‑high South Sky Pillar and stop at Enchanting Platform, where countless stone spires rise majestically out of the valley below.
Next, hop on the park’s sightseeing shuttle bus toward Tianzi Mountain. Visit He Long Park and Dianjiang Terrace to overlook the spectacular West Sea Stone Forest. Dense jagged rock clusters here often drift amid swirling canyon mist, creating a dream‑like floating‑peaks effect.
Your final stop is Ten‑Mile Gallery. Board a compact electric sightseeing train gliding through the valley, passing whimsical rock formations amid lush green woodland. The rolling scenery unfolds just like a classic Chinese ink‑wash painting.
Once the day’s sightseeing concludes, your driver will transfer you back to the hotel for a well‑deserved rest. If you would like to try local flavours, your guide can recommend authentic Tujia‑style restaurants for your evening meal.
Day 8
Day 8‑Zhangjiajie: Thrilling Grand Canyon Glass Bridge and Serene Baofeng Lake
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon for the iconic Glass Bridge experience. Strung between two sheer cliff faces, this bridge spans 430 meters and hovers 300 meters above the canyon floor, ranking among the world’s longest and highest glass‑bottomed bridges.
Stepping onto its transparent surface gives the surreal sensation of floating mid‑air. Through the clear glass panels, you gaze straight down onto the lush valley and rugged rock formations far beneath. Every direction rewards you with breathtaking panoramic canyon views.
Afternoon: Baofeng Lake
Following your visit to the glass bridge, proceed to Baofeng Lake for a leisurely scenic boat cruise. Encircled by thick green woodland and distinctive jagged stone peaks, the lake provides tranquil counterpoint to the morning’s exhilarating adventure.
While your boat glides across still waters, admire mountain peaks mirrored on the lake surface and listen to folk ballads performed by local ethnic minority singers. It makes for a wonderfully soothing end to your day’s exploration.
Day 9
Day 9: Travel by High‑Speed Train from Zhangjiajie to Guilin
This morning, your guide and driver will collect you from your hotel and transfer you to the railway station for the high‑speed train to Guilin, which takes approximately 7.5 hours. Settle in and admire the shifting landscapes as you journey southward.
Once you reach Guilin, your local guide will meet you at the station and accompany you to your downtown hotel. After checking in, the remainder of the day is yours for independent exploration.
You may take a relaxed stroll along Li River’s Binjiang Road waterfront, or seek out a local eatery to sample Guilin’s renowned rice noodles — a wonderful first taste of the city’s distinctive local cuisine.
Day 10
Day 10 Guilin to Yangshuo Tour | Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Countryside, West Street
After breakfast, drive roughly one hour to the pier to embark on your Li River Cruise. This 84‑kilometre waterway has been named one of the world’s greatest aquatic wonders by National Geographic.
The 4.5‑hour cruise carries you straight through Guilin’s iconic karst scenery. Glide past soaring limestone peaks, water buffalo grazing along the banks, and small riverside villages where local farmers tend the fertile river flats.
Note A simple Chinese‑style lunch will be served onboard. As an alternative, a packed lunch containing grilled sausages, sandwiches, milk, coffee and fresh fruit can be pre‑arranged. Please place your order at least two days ahead. Available fruits are subject to seasonal supply.
When the cruise ends in Yangshuo, your driver will be waiting at the dock to transfer you to your hotel. After a short break, set off to discover Yangshuo’s idyllic countryside, well‑known for picture‑perfect rural scenery.
You may explore by bicycle or rent an electric scooter. Country lanes wind through lush rice paddies and quiet hamlets, bringing you up close to the distinctive karst scenery far from busy tourist thoroughfares.
Later, wander along bustling West Street, Yangshuo’s lively central district. Blending Chinese and Western influences, it is lined with cafes, bars and local handicraft stores.
Grab a cup of coffee, try regional street food, or simply soak in the vibrant evening atmosphere. West Street makes an ideal spot to enjoy your night before heading back to your hotel.
Day 11
Day 11 Guilin to Shanghai by Flight | Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave
Morning: Guilin Highlights
After breakfast, transfer back to Guilin for further sightseeing. Begin at Elephant Trunk Hill, the iconic symbol of Guilin. This limestone landmark stands at the confluence of the Li River and Peach Blossom River, shaped just like a massive elephant bending down to drink from the water.
Your next stop is Reed Flute Cave, a spectacular karst cavern decorated with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. Many rock formations take the shapes of animals and plants. Colourful neon lighting brightens the vast cave chambers, creating the magical impression of wandering inside a glittering crystal palace.
Afternoon: Flight to Shanghai
Once your sightseeing is complete, our team will transfer you to the airport for the approximately 2.5‑hour flight to Shanghai. Welcome to Shanghai, China’s most cosmopolitan and energetic metropolis. Upon landing, your local Shanghai guide will greet you at the airport and take you to your downtown hotel.
You will have the rest of the evening at your disposal. You might choose to take a relaxing walk along the Bund, or simply explore the lively streets surrounding your hotel.
Day 12
Day 12‑Shanghai: Choose Your City Tour — Classic Cultural Route or Trendy Modern Route
Today you may pick either the Classic Route or the Modern Route according to your personal interests.
Classic Route: Shanghai Museum → Shanghai Tower → Yu Garden → Nanjing Road & The Bund
Start your morning at Shanghai Museum. Its distinctive architecture, with a circular upper section sitting upon a square base, embodies the ancient Chinese philosophical idea of “round heaven, square earth”. Inside, more than 120 000 cultural relics trace 5 000 years of Chinese civilisation. Do not miss the Bronze Gallery, home to the 3 000‑year‑old Da Ke Ding ritual vessel and the Bianzhong chime bells belonging to Marquis Su of Jin.
Your second stop is Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest skyscraper. Board the ultra‑fast elevator to the 118th‑floor observation deck at 546 metres, and take in sensational 360‑degree panoramic vistas across modern‑day Shanghai.
Continue to Yu Garden, a renowned classical Ming‑Dynasty garden tucked within downtown Shanghai. Wander among peaceful pavilions and admire elaborate rock formations and delicate traditional carvings. Outside the garden lies Yuyuan Bazaar, a bustling district perfect for tasting local Shanghai specialities such as soup dumplings, and shopping for handicrafts and souvenirs.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk down Nanjing Road. This famous pedestrian thoroughfare blends heritage stores, contemporary brand outlets and lively cafés, and leads straight toward the river.
Arrive at The Bund, Shanghai’s most celebrated landmark. Nicknamed “a showcase of global architecture”, it features 52 grand historic buildings. From the waterfront you can gaze across Huangpu River toward Pudong’s futuristic sky‑high skyscrapers.
Modern Route: High‑Tech Experience → Magnolia Plaza → Yu Garden → The Bund
High‑Tech Experience: Spend 2.5‑3 hours in the morning discovering Shanghai’s smart‑city innovations. Choose two interactive experiences, such as robot‑dog demonstrations or a ride in an autonomous robotaxi.
Magnolia Plaza (The Stage): In the afternoon, visit its 360‑degree observation deck for sweeping outlooks over Huangpu River and Pudong’s spectacular skyline.
Yu Garden & The Bund: Explore the well‑preserved Ming‑Dynasty Yu Garden, and round off your day with an evening promenade along The Bund riverside.
Optional Activities
Xiaolongbao‑Making Class: English‑speaking dumpling workshop. Learn the whole process from preparing dough to steaming, and master the classic “18‑fold” pleating technique.
Tong Han Chun Tang TCM Experience: Visit this time‑honoured pharmacy. You may select herbal sachets, medicinal beads or explore its in‑house museum exhibition.
Sunset Cocktail: Sip a cocktail while watching the sunset and Shanghai’s skyline light up.
Huangpu River Cruise: Sunset cruise gliding past The Bund’s colonial‑style buildings and Pudong’s brilliantly illuminated towers.
Day 13
Day 13: Final Day — Check‑out and Departure from Shanghai
After breakfast, you will have some free time in Shanghai for independent exploration. You may hunt for last‑minute souvenirs, wander around nearby local districts, or simply take time to unwind ahead of your onward journey.
When it is time for your departure, your guide will accompany you to the airport or railway station for your flight or high‑speed train heading to your next destination.
Photo Gallery for This Itinerary
Brief itinerary
| 1-4 | Beijing | Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall, Tian'anmen Square, Summer Palace, Jingshan Park, Bird's Nest and Water Cube (Outlook), Old Hutongs by rickshaw |
| 5-6 | Xian | Terracotta Warriors, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Ancient Wall, Muslim Quarter, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Hanfu experience |
| 7-9 | Zhangjiajie | Wulingyuan Scenic Area, Yuanjiajie, Tianzi Mountain, Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, Baofeng Lake |
| 10-11 | Guilin & Yangshuo | Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, Yangshuo Countryside, West Street, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave |
| 12-13 | Shanghai | Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, The Bund, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Tower or Modern Route (High-Tech Experience, Magnolia Plaza, Yu Garden & The Bund) |
Highly Recommended Hotels
Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel
No. 1 Jundi Road, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan 427400, China
Pullman Zhangjiajie
No. 188 Gaoyun Road, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie, Hunan 427000, China
Sheraton Changsha Hotel
Yunda International Plaza, No. 478, Furong Middle Road Section 1, Kaifu District, Changsha, Hunan 410005, China
