11-Day Chinese Classic In-depth Tour
Embark on an 11‑day exploration from Chengdu’s pandas and teahouses to Zhangjiajie’s otherworldly peaks, Xi’an’s ancient wonders, and the cultural treasures of Beijing. Enjoy Sichuan opera, bamboo forests, legendary Qin warriors, traditional crafts, imperial architecture, and the Great Wall. This immersive itinerary blends nature, history, and culture through China’s most unforgettable destinations.
Book this Tour
Chengdu-Zhangjiajie-Xi'an-Beijing
Included with every escorted tour
Day 1: Chengdu Arrival
Chengdu Arrival – Free Time
4-Star Hotel
None
Welcome to Chengdu! Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your leisure. Take the opportunity to try some local snacks or stroll around the bustling shopping streets and feel the vibrant energy of this city known for its relaxed pace of life.
Day 2: Chengdu
Giant Panda Breeding Research Base – Wenshu Monastery (watch Sichuan opera performance) – Jinli Old Street – Night Tour of Jinjiang River
4-Star Hotel
Breakfast & Lunch
Morning: Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. This world-famous center is home to numerous giant pandas and red pandas. Watch the adorable animals play, eat, and sleep in a natural-like environment, and learn about ongoing conservation efforts.
Then, head to Wenshu Monastery, a tranquil Buddhist temple known for its exquisite wooden architecture and peaceful atmosphere. It’s an ideal place to understand local religious practices and enjoy a moment of serenity.
Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Jinli Ancient Street, a popular spot filled with traditional architecture, local snacks, handicrafts, and lively folk performances. Then enjoy a relaxing evening walk along the Jin River, where bridges and lights offer a romantic cityscape.
Optional: In the evening, you can watch the famous Sichuan Opera face-changing performance at a local theatre, where performers astound audiences with lightning-quick mask changes and colorful costumes.
Day 3: Chengdu-Zhangjiajie
People’s Park (Gaiwan Tea) – Take a flight to Zhangjiajie
4-Star Hotel
Breakfast & Lunch
Morning: Visit People’s Park, where locals gather to play mahjong, drink tea, dance, and relax. Don’t miss the experience of enjoying traditional Gaiwan tea in a classic tea house, observing the charming local lifestyle.
Afternoon: You will take a flight to Zhangjiajie and your driver will pick you up at the airport, then transfer to your hotel. Rest and prepare for an exciting nature adventure.
Day 4: Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie Forest Park – Bailong Ladder – Yuanjiajie – Tianzi Mountain
4-Star Hotel
Breakfast & Lunch
Today is a one-day tour in Zhangjiajie Forest Park. Start your exploration with a ride on the Bailong Elevator, the world’s highest outdoor elevator, which offers stunning views of the sandstone peaks as you ascend.
Then, visit Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, known for its pillar-like mountains that inspired the floating Hallelujah Mountains in the movie “Avatar.” Explore the natural stone bridges and mesmerizing views.
Afternoon: Continue to Tianzi Mountain, often shrouded in mist. The mountain offers panoramic views of peaks, valleys, and cloud seas. Its name means “Son of Heaven,” reflecting the majesty of the scenery.
Day 5: Zhangjiajie
Ten-mile Gallery – Golden Whip Stream – Huangshi Village – Oxygen Bar Square
4-Star Hotel
Breakfast & Lunch
Explore the Ten-Mile Gallery in the morning, a picturesque valley with odd-shaped peaks resembling animals and human figures. You can walk or take a small sightseeing train.
Then walk along the Golden Whip Stream, a scenic path known for its crystal-clear waters, lush vegetation, and dramatic cliffs.
Afternoon: Ascend Huangshi Village (Yellow Stone Village), which offers one of the best panoramic views in the entire park. End your day at the Oxygen Square, a peaceful resting area surrounded by forests, where you can breathe in the pure mountain air.
Day 6: Zhangjiajie-Xi'an
Take a flight to Xi’an – Free Time
4-Star Hotel
Breakfast & Lunch
Take a flight from Zhangjiajie to Xi’an in the morning. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Afternoon: Free time to rest or explore the local area. Optional activities include tasting local Shaanxi cuisine or taking a walk along the city’s ancient streets.
Day 7: Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors – Big Wild Goose Pagoda – Da Ci’en Temple – The Tang Dynasty City That Never Sleeps
4-Star Hotel
Breakfast & Lunch
Visit the world-renowned Terracotta Warriors Museum in the morning. These life-sized statues guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Each warrior is unique in detail and craftsmanship.
Then head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a seven-story Buddhist pagoda built during the Tang Dynasty, which offers insights into ancient Chinese Buddhism.
Afternoon: Visit Da Ci’en Temple, the complex housing the pagoda, and learn more about its religious significance.
Conclude your day at the Grand Tang Dynasty Everbright City (Datang Buyecheng), a modern pedestrian street inspired by Tang-style architecture, filled with lights, performances, and shopping.
Day 9: Xi'an-Beijing
Take the high-speed rail to Beijing – Free Time
4-Star Hotel
Breakfast & Lunch
Morning: Take a high-speed train to Beijing. On arrival, the driver will transfer you to your hotel.
Afternoon: Free exploration. Suggested activities: try Peking Duck, enjoy tea at Lao She Teahouse, or participate in a Chinese calligraphy or paper-cutting workshop for cultural immersion.
Day 10: Beijing
Tiananmen Square – Forbidden City – Hutong – Temple of Heaven
4-Star Hotel
Breakfast & Lunch
In the morning, visiting Tiananmen Square and then enter the Forbidden City, the former imperial palace, rich in Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, history, and grandeur.
Afternoon: Explore Beijing’s traditional hutongs (alleyways) via rickshaw and visit a local family to understand old Beijing life. End your day at the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests.
Day 11: Beijing Departure
Great Wall – Departure
None
Breakfast & Lunch
Journey to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known for its beautiful scenery and fewer crowds. Climb the watchtowers and enjoy panoramic views of the rolling hills.
Afternoon: After lunch, transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Your unforgettable journey through China comes to an end.
