Urban Exploration, Cinematic Landscapes

  • Duration : 10N11D
  • Tour code : ARIA—CN—2608
  • Route : Beijing, Zhangjiajie, Chongqing & Shanghai
  • Tour Type : Private
  • Feature:Urban exploration, Cinematic Landscapes

Short Description

Through this 8-day journey, we invite you to experience some of the most iconic sides of China—both past and present.
You will explore Beijing’s landmark sites such as the Forbidden City and the Great Wall, and wander through traditional hutongs to discover everyday local life.
In Zhangjiajie, you will witness the surreal sandstone peaks that inspired the world of Avatar.
In Chongqing, you will marvel at the city’s magical “8D” architecture and explore how this cyberpunk-like metropolis integrates everyday life with extraordinary vertical urban design.
In Shanghai, you will experience China’s contemporary style, where historic architecture is reimagined into a vibrant modern cityscape.

Highlights

Day 1-4 BeijingTiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Lama Temple, Shichahai Lake, Temple of Heaven, Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, Mutianyu Great Wall (with round‑trip cable car), Liangma River
Day 5-6 ZhangjiajieBailong Elevator, Yuanjiajie Scenic Area(Hallelujah Mountains), Tianzi Mountain, Ten-Mile Gallery, Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Fenghuang Ancient Town
Day 7-9 ChongqingCiqikou Ancient Town, Jiefangbei, Eling Park, Liziba Station, Hongyadong
Day 10-11 ShanghaiAnfu Road, Maglev Train, The Bund, Yu Garden, Huangpu River, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Tower

Day 1 Beijing Arrival

Welcome to Beijing. After your journey, your China tour begins in a easy way.

Your local guide will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free. You may rest in your room or take a short walk nearby to get a first look at the city.

Meals: /   Accommodation: Beijing

Day 2 Beijing City Tour

Start your day at Tiananmen Square. Then walk through the Meridian Gate into the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace of 24 emperors. Later, go up to Jingshan Park for a wide view over the palace roofs.

In the afternoon, visit the Lama Temple and take part in the simple ritual of incense offering. End the day at Shichahai Lake. Walk around the lakeside and nearby hutongs as the sun goes down.

Meals: B   Accommodation: Beijing

Day 3 Great Wall Excursion

Today you will visit the Mutianyu Great Wall. Walk along the wall and enjoy the mountain views.

After that, you will visit the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, known for representing the spirit of modern China and its grand Olympic history.

In the evening, take a walk along the Liangma River. The area is calm and lively at the same time, with bars and lights along the water.

Meals: B   Accommodation: Beijing

Day 4 Beijing To Zhangjiajie

Spend your final morning at the Temple of Heaven, where you will join locals for a Tai Chi experience and explore this historic imperial site.

After the visit, your guide will escort you to the airport for your next destination. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and take you to begin the next part of your journey.

Meals: B   Accommodation: Zhangjiajie

Day 5 Zhangjiajie Nature Tour

Today your guide will take you to Wulingyuan Scenic Area to begin the day’s journey.Take the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor lift, up to the peaks of Wulingyuan.

Explore Yuanjiajie, where tall sandstone pillars rise through the mist and inspired the film Avatar.Continue to Tianzi Mountain to see the “West Sea Stone Forest,” a wide landscape of rock formations above the clouds. Then ride through the Ten-Mile Gallery by sightseeing train. The valley looks like a moving Chinese ink painting.

After the visit, return to Zhangjiajie by private transfer.

Meals: B   Accommodation: Zhangjiajie

Day 6 Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon And Fenghuang Ancient Town

Today your guide will take you to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.

Walk across the Glass Bridge, the world’s longest and highest glass bridge, standing 300 meters above the canyon. Enjoy wide views of cliffs and valleys below. Continue to Baofeng Lake.

Afterwards, travel to Fenghuang Ancient Town. In the evening, explore Fenghuang Ancient Town at your own pace. Walk along the river and see traditional stilt houses with night lights.

Tonight you will stay in Fenghuang Ancient Town and enjoy its quiet night scenery.

Meals: B   Accommodation: Fenghuang Ancient Town

Day 7 Zhangjiajie To Chongqing

You will take a high-speed train to Chongqing. Visit Ciqikou Ancient Town, a lively old riverside town known for its traditional architecture, local snacks, and bustling streets.

In the evening, you may try Chongqing hotpot, one of the city’s most famous local dishes. Enjoy a rich, spicy broth with fresh meats, vegetables, and local specialties. Your guide can also recommend the best local spots for an authentic experience.

Meals: B   Accommodation: Chongqing

Day 8 Chongqing City Tour


Begin your day at Eling Park for views of the city skyline. Visit Liziba Station(note:you may have a chance to eat a subway first time!) to see the monorail passing through a building.

Continue to Jiefangbei, the city center of Chongqing.

End the day at Hongyadong, a riverside area with traditional-style buildings and night views.

Meals: B   Accommodation: Chongqing

Day 9 Chongqing To Shanghai

Meet your guide at the hotel and travel to Jinfo Mountain for a scenic visit. Explore its natural landscapes with round-trip cable car, shuttle bus, and sightseeing bus on the West Slope.

After the visit, your guide will take you to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. After arriving today, you can take a leisurely stroll along Anfu Road with your guide.

Meals: B   Accommodation: Shanghai

Day 10 Shanghai City Tour

Start your day in Yu Garden, a classic Ming Dynasty garden in the old city.

Then try the Maglev Train, one of the fastest trains in the world. Continue to Shanghai Tower and go up to the observation deck for a city view.

In the evening, walk along Nanjing Road. End the day with a slow walk on The Bund, where old buildings face the modern skyline across the river.

Meals: B   Accommodation: Shanghai

Day 11 Shanghai Departure

Today is your last day in Shanghai. The day is free for you to relax or take a final walk in the city.

When ready, your guide and driver will meet you at the hotel and take you to the airport. End of your trip.

Meals: B   Accommodation: /


Detail About this Package

✔️ What’s included

✔️ Hotel Accommodation: based on twin share with western style breakfast

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Guide Service: excellent English-speaking tour guide service

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Vehicle Service: air-conditioning coach with experienced drivers

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Domestic Transportation: Internal Air/high-speed train (Economy Class)

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Entrance fees as per itinerary

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Internet Access:wifi in hotels

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24/7 On-Call Support

✖️ What’s excluded

✖️ International Airfare

✖️ Tips for guide and driver

✖️ Personal expenses

✖️ Entry Visa

✖️ Optional Activities

✖️ Payment processing fees

Add-on Options

Add-on NameDescription
Chongqing 1949 TheaterStep into one of Chongqing’s most acclaimed immersive theatrical productions and journey back to the city’s wartime past, when it served as China’s wartime capital. Through powerful performances, cinematic sound design, and dynamic stage transitions, witness moving stories of resilience, sacrifice, and resistance unfold in a deeply engaging historical experience.
Banquet of Ba KingdomStep into an immersive cultural banquet inspired by ancient Ba civilization, where the aesthetics of the Han, Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties come alive through a spectacular fusion of dining, music, and performance. Set within a grand palace-style setting, this 90-minute experience blends traditional Chinese ritual, refined cuisine, and captivating song-and-dance performances into a multisensory journey through history. As elaborate staging, ceremonial dining customs, and beautifully presented dishes unfold alongside live performances, guests are invited to savor both the flavors and grandeur of a timeless imperial feast.
Pedicab Tour of ShichahaiIn-depth Pedicab Tour of Shichahai: visit Yinding Bridge, enjoy the night view of Houhai, listen to hutong stories, and immerse yourself in old Beijing culture.
Lunch and DinnerIf you would like to explore more local cuisine, feel free to ask us—we will be happy to recommend the most authentic and distinctive local dishes.

Hotels

Since This Is A Private Tour, All Itineraries Can Be Customized Based On Your Needs.

Please feel free to let us know if you have any question, we will be happy to answer.