15 Days Chengdu, Yangtze River Cruise, Zhangjiajie, Xian and Beijing Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Chengdu Arrival

   Hello, welcome to our 15-day China private tour from Chengdu. Upon your arrival, a local driver will be waiting to pick you up. He will then send you to the well selected hotel. After check-in, spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

2. Day 2: Chengdu City Highlights
   Experience Slow-pace Life after Panda Visit

   This morning, the Chengdu tour guide will lead you to visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, home to over two hundred pandas. Observe these cute animals in their natural habitat and at the same time learn about the conservation activities to save the species. You will get some interesting information on the lifestyle habits of the pandas from your expert guide, and an exceptional chance to see the baby pandas at up close. Following the panda tour, transfer to a tranquil ancient Buddhist temple - Wenshu Temple.

   

   In the early afternoon, take a trip to Renmin Park. It's a public park where locals like to hang out doing various enjoyable activities. You can take a walk, grab some tea from one of the tea houses (note: you'll need to pay for your drinks), and enjoy the easy-going Chengdu way of life. In the late afternoon, walk down the ancient Jinli Old Street. The popular pedestrian street is lined with the Ming and Qing dynasties architecture and various Sichuan snacks. Try street food, shop for small handicrafts, and experience the lively ambiance.

   In the evening, you may wish to watch an amazing performance of Sichuan Face Changing Opera (Optional, Extra Fee). It is characterized by rapid changes of masks. You will be blown away by the performers' skills and colorful costumes!

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Chengdu

3. Day 3: Whole Day in New Century Global Center

   The New Century Global Center is known as the world's largest single building, covering an area of 1,300 mu (87 hectares). It consists of the Global Shopping Center, Ocean Park, Intercontinental Hotel, Central Business City, Music Fountain Square, etc; It is divided into four zones: east, west, south, and north, with the main building featuring a sea blue color scheme.

   Entering the Global Center, the first thing that catches the eye is its dining area. This is a paradise for foodies, with everything from local specialty snacks to international cuisine.

   Along with mouth-watering cuisine, the entertainment area has endless fun to offer. For those who love films, the cinema here is a great choice. It has plush seating and a top-notch projector that can create a fully immersive viewing experience.

   

   Paradise Island Ocean Park is an air-conditioned indoor water park. Include a number of full-sized water amusement attractions like high speed slides, water village, a children's ferris wheel, and more. This is a great option of summer play for kids. The music fountain is also worth a visit. There are 17 types of fountain theme styles, with a maximum water spray of up to 60 meters. The shopping area is also a major highlight of the Global Center. This place gathers many well-known domestic and foreign brands.

   In terms of accommodation, the Global Center is equipped with two hotels with 1,000 bedrooms, providing convenient accommodation options for tourists. Enjoy your time today at the New Century Global Center.

   After the tour, take a high-speed train to Chongqing, the gateway to the Yangtze River. Upon arrival, be transferred to the cruise ship and check in.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: on the Cruise

4. Day 4: Yangtze River Cruise
   Take a Shore Excursion to Fengdu Ghost City

   Wake up in the beautiful Yangtze River and begins the day with a relaxing Tai Chi class on the deck in the morning. Tai Chi is a kind of Chinese traditional martial art and an important part of Chinese culture. Before lunch, you will be free to move around the ship and enjoy the magnificent views.

   

   In the afternoon, take a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, which has a history of nearly 2,000 years. There are many ancient temples on the mountain, with 27 of them. Legend has it that this is the place where the soul returns after death. Many literary classics in China have extensively portrayed the Fengdu Ghost City. You will learn some interesting "ghost stories".

   In the evening, enjoy an optional night show, "War Fires of the Three Kingdoms." It shows the history and battles of ancient China through fascinating performances and visual effects.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: on the Cruise

5. Day 5: Yangtze River Cruise
   Sail through the Three Gorges and Explore Shennv Creek

   It is time to sail through the Three Gorges! The Three Gorges consist of Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge. Qutang Gorge is the first gorge on the downstream journey of the Yangtze River cruise, as well as the gorge with the most cultural and historical locations to appreciate. Adjacent to Baidi City, Qutang Gorge is 8 kilometers long and is the shortest, narrowest, and most dangerous canyon in the Three Gorges. You can choose to visit Baidi (White Emperor) City, which is the most famous and historical spots/stops in the Three Gorges region. The tour guide will show you the White Emperor Temple, the Entrusting Orphan Hall, and other places to learn about legends and stories connected with this ancient site.

   

   The cruise ship continues to sail to Wuxia, also known as Daxia, renowned for its deep and beautiful scenery. The entire gorge area is characterized by abrupt peaks and rugged rocks, making it the most impressive section of the Three Gorges, like a winding gallery. In this area, you will switch to a small boat to explore the Shennv Creek. Pass through narrow canyons and appreciate the pristine scenery around you.

   In the evening, you can enjoy the Crew Cabaret and Talent Show on board.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner

   Accommodation: on the Cruise

6. Day 6: Drive 4 Hours from Yichang to Zhangjiajie
   Marvel at the World's Largest Water Conservancy Hub Project

   After breakfast, disembark and visit the Three Gorges Dam, located in the middle section of Xiling Gorge, which is the world's largest water conservancy hub project. Spanning across the Yangtze River, the dam has a total length of 2335 meters and a crest height of 185 meters. The 185 Platform is located on the left side of the dam crest. Standing on the platform, tourists can observe the dam up close. Tanzi Ling Park is 262.48 meters high and is the best location to enjoy the panoramic view of the Three Gorges Dam.

   

   After the visit, you will be transferred to Yichang by a bus arranged by the cruise company. There is a private driver to send you to Zhangjiajie. Check into a local hotel upon arrival.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan

7. Day 7: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
   Walk on the World's Highest and Longest Transparent Glass Bridge

   In the morning, meet your Zhangjiajie tour guide in your hotel lobby. Start the adventure in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. It is the first national park in China with a forest coverage rate of 97.7%. Arriving at the scenic area, be taken on a cable car to Yellow Stone Village (at an altitude of over 1200 meters). It is the best and largest observation deck overlooking the vast sandstone peak forest in Zhangjiajie. Take a breath of fresh air and stroll around some of the most famous attractions in the scenic area, such as the Six Wonders Pavilion, the Magical Needle of Sea Peak, and the Star Picking Stand.

   

   Leave the park and continue driving to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. The valley is lush with vegetation and the air is pretty fresh; A thin mist permeates the stream, like a fairyland. Here you will challenge yourself to walk on the world's highest and longest transparent glass bridge. The bridge spans the Grand Canyon, about 400 meters above the valley bottom, with a length of about 370 meters. From a distance, the tourists on the bridge seem to be walking in the air.

   After the tour, be transferred back to the hotel to rest well.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan

8. Day 8: Avatar Tour
   Visit the Essence of Wulingyuan in Tianzi Mountain

   Today you will be guided to explore more highlights of Wulingyuan. The morning time is for Yuanjiajie. After entering the scenic area, the guide will take you to experience the world's tallest outdoor elevator - the Bailong Elevator. It only takes 66 seconds to reach the summit from the bottom of the valley. How incredible! Afterwards, visit some major attractions such as the First Bridge in the World, a natural stone bridge located between two mountains; The South Sky Column, with a vertical height of about 150 meters, is the prototype of Mount Hallelujah in Avatar; And the Enchantment Platform.

   

   Afterward, transfer you to visit Tianzi Mountain. As the saying goes: If you don't visit Tianzi Mountain, you've missed the essence of Wulingyuan. The landscapes here are entirely natural, without artificial carving. Clouds and mist are the most common wonders. In addition, the spot also features moonlit nights, sunrises, and winter snowscapes. Highlights include Sky Garden, Imperial Brush Peak, and Commanding Generals Deck. After the visit, take the cable car down the mountain. The driver will escort you to the hotel in the city for check-in.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Zhangjiajie Downtown

9. Day 9: Tianmen Mountain Exploration
   Walk up the 999 Steps to the Tianmen Cave

   Today, we will directly drive to the foot of the cableway, where you will take a cable car to the top of Tianmen Mountain, the highest mountain in the Yongding District of Zhangjiajie (1,518.6 meters). The mountain itself is a karst landscape and is named after the natural allure of Tianmen Cave. The cableway you ride is a remarkable 7,445 meters long and is the longest in the world. The one-way cable car ride lasts about 28 minutes, and this is the best time to take in the scenic beauty of the mountain.

   

   After you get to the top, you'll experience some of the wildest attractions that will take you on the Glass Skywalk and the Ghost Valley Plank Road, suspended in mid-air like you are flying over the cliffs. Then visit Tianmen Mountain Temple, which has old trees and a tranquil environment surrounding it. Finally, descend to Tianmen Cave. Since it is the deepest natural cave on earth through the mountain, Tianmen Cave looks like a heavenly door. After the visit, you will be taken by sightseeing bus down the mountain along the 99 Bend Road - a scenic ring road.

   Say goodbye to Zhangjiajie and fly to Xi'an.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Xi'an

10. Day 10: Terracotta Army Tour
    Learn about the Profound History of Xian

    After breakfast, the local guide in Xi'an will wait for you in the hotel lobby. Then drive 1 hour to Lintong District to visit one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the 21st century - the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. This is a set of life sized clay sculptures arranged in a battle formation, ordered to be built by the first emperor of China. You will spend 2-2.5 hours visiting 3 pits, among which Pit 1 is the largest, with over 6,000 warriors inside, lifelike and each with a unique facial expression.

    Optional: if you are interested, you can experience making a mini terracotta warrior under the guidance of an expert master. You can bring it home. (extra charge)

    Return to the city after lunch. The guide will take you up the iconic Ancient City Wall. This is the largest and most well preserved city wall in the world, with a total length of 13.74 meters. The city wall has four main gates, among which the South Gate is the most exquisite. Usually, some important welcoming ceremonies are held in the square in front of the South Gate. You can take a bike on the city wall to save energy (optional, at your own expense). After the visit, return to the hotel to rest.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Xi'an

    

11. Day 11: High-speed Train to Beijing
    See the Landmark of the City and Try Local Snacks

    After breakfast, you will go on to one of the icons of Xi'an city, the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The Pagoda lies within the Daci'en Temple, a Buddhist sacred site dated back to the Tang Dynasty. It is a structure to contain the vast numbers of Buddha images, books, and relics introduced back into the city from India by Xuanzang. If you wish to, tourists are able to climb the height of the pagoda in an attempt to look down at the views of Xi'an (pagoda climbing fees collected on site).

    Afterwards, go to Huimin Street, which is a place where Muslims live in Xi'an. Besides the mosque, the most popular here are various snacks. You can taste Xi'an special food such as Biangbiang Noodles, Mutton and Bread Pieces in Soup, Roujiamo, Liangpi.

    In the afternoon, you will be sent to the railway station to take a high-speed train to Beijing. What awaits you in Beijing is the royal sites and the Great Wall.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Beijing

    

12. Day 12: Beijing City Essence
    Explore the Royal Life through the Palaces

    The first stop on this morning's Beijing tour is Tian'anmen Square, one of the largest city squares in the world, covering an area of 440,000 square meters, which is identical to 62 football fields. In the center of Beijing, there are a couple of structures to see on the square, including the Tiananmen Gate Tower, the Monument to the People's Heroes, and the Great Hall of the People.

    You are walking north and will find the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City, or the Palace Museum, was the imperial palace of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. The Forbidden City is the world's finest and best-preserved wooden ancient architecture complex and has been protected as a World Heritage Site since 1987. Join your guide on a journey through time and space to witness the life of the Chinese royal family.

    

    After lunch in the afternoon, unwind at China's largest imperial park, the Summer Palace, founded in 1750. It is nearly literally made up of Wanshou Mountain and Kunming Lake and more than 3,000 historic buildings like pavilions, bridges, corridors, and palace halls. Learn more about its story from your knowledgeable guide. If you are interested, you can go boating on Kunming Lake (optional, extra charge).

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Beijing

13. Day 13: Great Wall of Beijing
    Hike the Most Beautiful Section of the Great Wall

    In the morning, you will be taken on a visit to the Temple of Heaven, the most extensive ancient sacrificial architecture complex in China. In the Ming and Qing Dynasties, Emperors prayed to heaven here for grains and rain. In 1998 it was opened to the public as a proper park. The Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests is the main building, circular with three layers of eaves, and is where the Emperor held sacrificial ceremonies.

    

    After the visit, drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall. Mutianyu is the best preserved and longest section of the Great Wall of China. Enemy buildings are densely packed here, which is difficult to see in other sections of the Great Wall. Mutianyu also boasts breathtaking natural scenery. Forests cover over 90% of the scenic area. The views here vary throughout the year - in spring, flowers bloom; In summer, trees dress the hills green; In autumn, the leaves turn red and yellow, covering the mountaintop with a layer of gold; In winter, the Great Wall is covered with white snow.

    To save time, we will arrange a round-way cable car for you to go up and down the Great Wall.

    After the hike on the Great Wall, drive you back to the downtown hotel for a good rest.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Beijing

14. Day 14: Local Life Experience in Beijing
    Take a Rickshaw to Explore the Narrow Hutongs

    After breakfast, you will take a rickshaw to explore the hutongs. The hutongs in Beijing are places where ordinary people live and important stages for the evolution of Beijing culture. It records the changes in history and the style of the times. Passing through narrow alleyways, we will visit a local family who lives in a quadrangle courtyard and learn about the traditional layout.

    After this, you will also have the chance to experience the makeup involved in traditional Chinese opera. With an instructor, practice putting makeup on a mask. This is a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience.

    

    You are free in the afternoon. You can visit Panda House in Beijing Zoo or explore Beijing on your own.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Beijing

15. Day 15: Beijing Departure

    This is the end of your 15-day private China tour. After breakfast, your driver will send you to the airport for your departure. Hope you had a great time with us!

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: N/A