-
You do not have any saved holidays. Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to save a holiday.
Please note: all saved holidays will be removed when you clear your cookies!
 |
11 |
Cultural Exploration |
DAYS |
Voir les photos
Holiday Overview
Holiday Overview
Highlights
- Best-preserved and best-known section of the Great Wall
- Leisure time in Chengdu
- Zhangjiajie: The Inspiration for Avatar
Map & Itinerary
Map & Itinerary
Journey through the enchanting landscapes of China, where ancient history meets breathtaking natural wonders. This 11-day adventure begins in Beijing, where imperial grandeur unfolds at the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. Travel to Xi'an to marvel at the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, then head to Chengdu for an encounter with adorable giant pandas. The highlight awaits in Zhangjiajie, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its otherworldly quartz-sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains of Avatar. Conclude your voyage in Shanghai, where futuristic skyscrapers and historic charm blend seamlessly along the Huangpu River.
Holiday Itinerary
-
ARRIVAL BEIJING
Arrival Beijing airport, you will be met at Beijing International Airport by our guide and transferred to a hotel in central Beijing. Today, you will have an opportunity to rest and recover from the long flight.
-
Accommodation 4* hotel in Beijing
-
-
BEIJING HILIGHTS
After breakfast, go to visit Tian’anmen Square, the largest public square in the world, then follow in the footsteps of emperors, court ministers and eunuchs and head south to the magnificent and colorful Forbidden City. Forbidden City Beijing, also called Imperial Palace Museum, is located in the very heart of Beijing. It remained the residence of the emperors for nearly five hundred years, from the 15th century to the early 20th century, and was the actual and symbolic seat of imperial power. Popularly known as the Forbidden City, it was built in the Ming Dynasty between the 4th and the 18th years of the Yongle period (1406 - 1420 AD). Many of the buildings of the Palace have been repaired and rebuilt, but their basic form and layout remain in their original state.
Then head to visit the most famous Hutongs keeping the original layout in the Shichahai area. As the Forbidden City is the symbol of China's royal family, the Hutongs in Beijing show the real life of the common people. a hutong is a unique form of community that exists only in China. Here you will find “Hutong Culture” or “Courtyard Culture”.
Learn Chinese Calligraphy with a Senior Hutong Resident. Calligraphy is an art in traditional Chinese culture, which integrates the characteristics of art, literature and philosophy. It is not only a way to express thoughts, but also a form of art. It reflects the artistic connotation with Chinese thinking, which can be used to express the emptiness and express firm and brave feelings. In the late afternoon, you will visit a local Hutong family to check out what is the daily living of a traditional Chinese Family.
This evening, we will enjoy an immersive cultural banquet -Gongyan. A regal immersion blending Ming-Qing imperial heritage with sensory artistry. Set in a restored 18th-century courtyard mansion, the space dazzles with crimson lacquered pillars, hand-painted kesi silk tapestries (depicting dragons and phoenixes—symbols of imperial power), and antique cloisonné vases. Diners are greeted with guzheng melodies as servers present heirloom dishes: Gongbao Jiding (spiced chicken breast, a Qing-era favorite of Emperor Qianlong) and Douhua Wan (sweet tofu pudding, a royal dessert from Empress Dowager Cixi’s kitchen). Between courses, performers enact snippets of The Drunken Concubine—a Peking Opera classic—or recite verses from Ci Poetry of the Song Dynasty. Even the tableware tells a story: famille rose porcelain plates (Ming Dynasty craftsmanship) and jade-inlaid wine cups, mirroring imperial banquet rituals. Every bite, note, and glance weaves Beijing’s imperial soul into a living cultural tapestry.
-
Accommodation 4* hotel in Beijing
-
Meals BLD
-
-
BEIJING - MUTIANYU GREAT WALL - BEIJING
This morning, we will first go to visit Summer Palace. Summer Palace located in a northwestern suburb of Beijing; it is an immense park containing some Chinese traditional architecture and arts. It was built and served as a royal garden during the Qing Dynasty. It exhibits the quintessence of the Chinese classical landscape gardening. The halls, the pavilions, the corridors, the pagodas, the bridges and the water were elaborately arranged. The long Corridor is one of the most exquisite structures in the garden. It is over 700 meters long and decorated with thousands of Chinese traditional paintings.
In the afternoon, drive to the Great Wall at Mutianyu- the most beautiful section of the walls in Beijing. Mutianyu Great Wall is one of the famous sections of China Great Wall. It was first built in the mid-6th century during the Northern Qi, making it older than the Badaling section. In 1569, the Mutianyu Great Wall was rebuilt and till today most parts of it are well preserved. The Mutianyu Great Wall has the largest construction scale and best quality among all sections of Great Wall.Then back to Beijing downtown.
This evening, enjoy a delicious Peking duck dinner - the capital's most famous dish. Once imperial cuisine, now the legendary duck dish is served at restaurants around the world. Free in the evening.
-
Accommodation 4* hotel in Beijing
-
Meals BLD
-
-
BEIJING - XI'AN
After breakfast, transfer to Beijing West Railway Station, take a high speed train to Xi’an.
Train information: G55 Beijing West-Xi’an North 09:55am-14:05
Upon arrival, our local guide in Xi’an will pick you up from the exit of the Xi’an North Railway Station, then go to visit The Small Goose Pagoda was built during the Tang Dynasty and stands at 43 meters tall. The pagoda is part of the Jianfu Temple complex and is known for its intricate architecture. You will have chance to ring the bell for blessings and good luck.
Nearby, the Xi'an Museum showcases Xi'an's rich history. The museum's collections include items from various dynasties, such as pottery, calligraphy, paintings, and sculptures.
Then enjoy a Chinese Dumpling feast (18:30-19:30) with a Tang Dynasty dancing show (19:30-20:30). Xi’an used to be the capital of Tang Dynasty when China was at its peak time. The glorious life at the time was admired and explored by many westerners, especially the royal or emperor’s life in palace. Tang Dynasty Show is a representative re-exhibition of the lifestyle of emperors and his family in palaces. It is magnificent show of dancing and singing as well as many fascinating shows thoroughly expresses the power and glory of Dang Dynasty.
-
Accommodation 4* hotel in Xi’an
-
Meals BLD
-
-
XI'AN CITY TOUR
Awoke early to the sizzling symphony of Xiaonanmen Morning Market, where dawn breaks over Xi’an’s ancient city wall. Wander through labyrinthine stalls beneath Ming Dynasty brickwork, inhaling the aroma of Yangrou Paomo—crumbled lamb soup bread steeped in rich broth—as vendors knead Biang Biang noodles with rhythmic precision.
Begin with Zhen Gao, a century-old glutinous rice cake layered with red bean paste, its golden crust oozing molten sweetness. Next, savor Roujiamo—crispy sesame flatbread stuffed with cumin-scented lamb, a "Chinese hamburger" beloved by locals. For a savory twist, plunge wheat gluten cakes into You Cha, a nutty oil-tea broth topped with peanuts and fried shallots. Indulge in Mi Feng Tang Yuan, glutinous rice balls filled with sweet red bean paste, crafted by a family-run stall since the 1980s. End with Shanxi Street’s indie coffee shops, sipping Honey Persimmon Latte while tracing Silk Road murals. As sunlight climbs the wall, the market’s cacophony fades into memory—a flavor-packed immersion into Xi’an’s edible soul.
Then, we will go to visit the wonderful Ancient City Wall, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Enjoy panoramic views of modern Xian while you leisurely examine this well-maintained city wall which is 12 meters high and 18 meters wide with a total circuit of 14 kilometers. The original foundation was based on the ruins of the Imperial City Wall of Chang’an City, the capital of the Tang Dynasty, known today as Xi’an. Though the wall has been entirely renovated, it still resonates with history.
Then, transfer to visit the magnificent Qin Terra-cotta Army with an extension to Mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world: a life-size clay soldier poised for battle. Qin's tomb was built in about 2500 years ago and was filled with more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots and 520 horses as well as models of palaces, pavilions, fine vessels, precious stones and rarities. UNESCO listed it in 1987 as one of the world cultural heritages.
At the end of visit, drive back to the downtown, followed by a stroll with our guide in the Muslim Quarter, where the way of life is markedly different from the traditions of the Han Chinese. For over 1,300 years, since the Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618 - 907), Muslims have been an integral part of daily life in Xi'an, the beginning of the Silk Road.
-
Accommodation 4* hotel in Xi’an
-
Meals BLD
-
-
XI'AN - CHENGDU
After breakfast, transfer to the train station to take high speed train to Chengdu. Located in the heart of eastern Sichuan, Chengdu is the capital of this southwestern province. Geographic and political remoteness have always contributed to the free-spirited nature of the Sichuan people, and the modern cosmopolitan nature of Chengdu reflects this. Chengdu’s identity as a fast-growing metropolis, gateway city to Tibet, and source for some of Sichuan’s most delicious cuisine, makes it one of the most interesting cities to visit in China.
Train information: D1915 Xi’an North-Chengdu East 08:50am-12:11
Upon arrival, picked up by our guide and driver, transfer to visit Wenshu Temple in the afternoon, where you can spend some time sitting in its tea house to enjoy a cup of tea and absorb the special atmosphere of Chengdu.
Chengdu is famous for its relaxing and leisure pace throughout China, which will be proved after a stay in Renmin Park (People’s Par. We will arrive at People’s Park to experience the locals' laid-back lifestyle. There is an open-air tea house of over 100 years’ history. Sit down, order a pot of Chinese Tea, make a casual chat with your friends and watching locals indulging themselves in different kinds of folk entertainment – napping in a lively teahouse, playing mahjong, disco dancing, neck massage, ear cleaning.
A Next is an impressive trip to the famous Jinli Old Street. Time steals away from you quietly while walking on the lively streets which are full of delicious local snacks (Spicy or sweet, crispy or soft…the snack will satisfy your taste buds), delicate artifacts, interesting folk shows, etc.
-
Accommodation 4* hotel in Chengdu
-
Meals BLD
-
-
CHENGDU HIGHLIGHTS
In the morning, go to the Chengdu Research center of Panda Breeding to have a real chance to get intimate interaction with lovely panda. It has been created and imitated the natural habitat in order that they might have the best possible environment for rearing and breeding. We will spend the whole morning visiting different panda rooms. Here, we can explore the daily life of the cute pandas, eating bamboo at their active time (from 9 o’clock to 11 o’clock), and other rare and endangered wild animals including with black-necked cranes, white storks etc.
In the afternoon, take 1 hour drive to visit the Sanxingdui Museum, which is an important archaeological discovery and have changed people’s understanding of ancient history and culture of Sichuan province. Within 2 hours tour in the museum, you will see the ancient pottery, jade and the most famous bronze ware of Sanxingdui--a 1.72 m bronze statue, bronze mask with high-bridged nose and wide eyes, antenna-liked headdress, and the wheel which is to be joked as if to drive an alien spaceship.
After dinner, attend the Sichuan Opera—a dazzling show performed with local instruments, hand shadows, candle storytelling, fire spitting, and face changing. Wandering around the local market and bar street Jinli, take local delicacies yourselves and enjoy the leisure life with local people.
-
Accommodation 4* hotel in Chengdu
-
Meals BLD
-
-
CHENGDU - ZHANGJIAJIE
In the morning, take a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie.
Train information: G2445 Chengdu East–Zhangjiajie West 08:00-11:58
Picked up by local guide and driver in Zhangjiajie, drive to visit the Tianmen Mountain, which is renowned for the Tianmen Cave. The cave is 131.5 meters high and 57 meters wide. It is believed visitors, who reach the cave will get good luck. Brave tourists are recommended to walk and pose for photos on the 1430-meter high glass plank on the Mountain. The round-trip cable car will save your transportation time and physical strength for sightseeing.
After visit, transfer to the hotel, check in and have a short rest before dinner.
This evening, enjoy a Charming Western Hunan Show: Zhangjiajie's iconic ethnic performance blending Tujia/Miao culture with acrobatics, folk dances, and modern stagecraft. Audiences experience immersive storytelling, from the tragic Crying Bride Ceremony to the adrenaline-pumping Fire Drums and Sword Dancing.
-
Accommodation 4* hotel in Zhangjiajie
-
Meals BLD
-
-
ZHANGJIAJIE - WULINGYUAN SCENIC AREA - SHANGHAI
Activities: Tianzi Mountain, Yuanjiajie, boating on Baofeng Lake
Today’s adventure begins in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, blends geological grandeur with cinematic fantasy, offering an unparalleled encounter with Earth’s raw beauty. Marvel at over 3,000 sandstone pillars rising like ancient stone forests, their sheer cliffs and emerald valleys captured in the panoramic view from Huangshi Fort. Ascend via China’s tallest elevator—a thrilling 326-meter ride—to this elevated terrace, where mist-shrouded peaks transform into a living Chinese ink painting.
We will delve deeper into Wulingyuan’s wonders:
Tianzi Mountain: Ride the world’s highest outdoor cable car to terraced summits shrouded in clouds. These jagged granite formations, sculpted by millennia of wind and water, echo the floating Hallelujah Mountains of Avatar. Walk glass-bottom trails where valleys plunge into abysses, their rock spires glowing amber at sunrise.
Yuanjiajie Nature Reserve: Descend via the Bailong Elevator, a 326-meter glass monolith clinging to a cliffside. Here, layered sandstone mesas stretch endlessly, their fog-draped ridges mirroring Pandora’s bioluminescent landscapes. Hike through hidden valleys strewn with grotesque rock sculptures—nature’s surrealist masterpiece.
In the afternoon, go to visit the Baofeng ("Treasure Peak") Lake Scenic Area (boating included), part of the larger Wulingyuan Scenic Area. It is bordered by lush green trees and shrub-clad stone peaks of various shapes that enclose the lake and give it a fairytale-like atmosphere. Baofeng Lake is a reservoir, with a dam enclosing its waters, not for the purpose of power generation, but for the purpose of crop irrigation.
After that, transfer to the airport to take an evening flight to Shanghai.
Flight information: FM9344 Zhangjiajie-Shanghai 20:35-22:40
-
Accommodation 4* hotel in Shanghai
-
Meals BLD
-
-
SHANGHAI HIGHLIGHTS
After breakfast, go to visit Yu Garden. Yu Garden is one of the most famous gardens in China and is national heritage listed. It was built in 1559 and extended in 1577. Each section of the garden is separated by curved white walls crowned with the head and body of a dragon on them. It's named after the original owner.
Then continue to visit the Jade Buddha Temple, founded in 1882 with two jade Buddha statues imported to Shanghai from Burma by sea. These were a sitting Buddha (1.95 meters tall, 3 tonnes), and a smaller reclining Buddha representing the Buddha's death.
Enjoy a panoramic view of the modern face of Shanghai from the 118th floor of “the Eye of Shanghai” Shanghai Tower.
Then, you will stop at the Bund, originally a simple towpath for transporting goods but now transformed into a feverish trading district. You will stroll along the Bund, seeing and feeling the perfect fusion of Chinese and Western cultures while at the same time taking in the stunning Shanghai skyline with your own eyes.
Next, you will take a Huangpu River Cruise, admire the beauty of Shanghai on the river and between the skylines. The tour will finish here and you will be transferred back to your hotel or appointed spot in downtown.
-
Accommodation 4* hotel in Shanghai
-
Meals BLD
-
-
SHANGHAI DEPARTURE
Transferred to the airport by our driver, take a flight back home. End of an incredibly memorable experience!
-
Meals B
-
Price Policy
Tour Price Policy
Additional details
1. Before you pay deposit to book the tour, we haven’t made any reservation yet. The train, flight tickets and the hotel may different from the itinerary listed.
2. The visiting order of the scenic spots in the itinerary may change according to the traffic condition and other unforeseen things.
3. Tourist insurance is a must before going, please provide us the confirmation of insurance company when sign up.
The price includes
1. Entrance Fees: to scenic spots as listed in the itinerary
2. All the activities fee mentioned in the itinerary: Hutong rickshaw in Beijing; Sichuan Opera show in Chengdu;
3. Private Transfers: Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing during the trip by private air conditioned vehicle with a driver.
4. Meals: All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), include Peking duck dinner in Beijing; Hot pot dinner in Chengdu.
5. Guide: As outlined in the itinerary an English-speaking guide and driver will be provided in each city, who will remain with you throughout your time in that city. A new guide and a new driver will meet you at each city on your tour, to provide you with the best local knowledge available
6. Hotel: hotel fees are based on two people sharing one room with king-size bed. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast
7. Internal flights
** Day 11/ Flight from Yichang to Shanghai (based on economy class);
8. Trains
** Day 04/ High speed train from Beijing to Xi’an (based on 2nd class);
** Day 06/ High speed train from Xi’an to Chengdu (based on 2nd class)
** Day 06/ High speed train from Chengdu to Chongqing (based on 2nd class)
9. Arrangements: the tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges
10. Travel Agency Liability insurance
The price does not include
1. International airfare or train tickets to enter or leave China
2. China entry visa fees
3. Excess baggage charges
4. The medicine for the sickness or accident while on the way
5. Personal expenses: expenses of a purely personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary
6. Meals: any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary
7. Single room supplement
8. Please notice that the price will be much higher during the festival of Labors’ Day, National Day, spring festival
9. Tips to tour guide and driver (recommended USD10-15/guest/day).
10. Tourist accident insurance. NB - you are strongly suggested to buy travel and health insurance before you start out from your home country.
Payment conditions
To confirm your reservation, you must pay a deposit of 30% of the total amount due via the payment link that your local agent will share. The balance is due 30 days prior to departure. The quoted exchange rate is valid for the next 7 days – if the deposit is not paid within this time, the quote will be re-calculated.
Terms and conditions for cancelation
i. Cancellation of the Tour by CAT (local agent):
CAT reserve the right to cancel the postpone tour at any time up to the date final payment is due under the following condition: in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. And in this case, all money paid by the participants will be refunded. If the tour is postponed, CAT will offer all those who have signed up the opportunity to have the same tour for a later time, but the price may be changed according to the season. We will notify you of any change, and give you a reasonable period
of time to make your decision. Consumers may, but are under no obligation to, take the tour under these new terms. After final payment has been made, we may cancel the tour only if, in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. Since cancellation in this case involves factors which may arise suddenly and are entirely outside our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, civil unrest and epidemic disease, we cannot guarantee a full refund in this case. This is because payment will already have been made to finalize the arrangements and reservation.
ii. Cancellation of the Tour by Consumer:
Any cancellation must be made by sending an email to the local agent. The cancellation fee varies according to how many days prior to departure the cancellation is made:
· More than 30 days prior to departure: 5% of the total holiday cost
· Between 30 and 22 days prior to departure: 25% of the total holiday cost
· Between 21 and 8 days prior to departure: 50% of the total holiday cost
· Between 7 and 3 days prior to departure: 75% of the total holiday cost
· Less than 3 days prior to departure and after the departure date: 100% of the total holiday cost
All cancellations must be in writing and will be effective upon receipt by CAT. No refund will be made to those participants who break the journey regardless of the portions of the package unused. If, owing to serious illness or injury, the participant withdraws from the tour, a refund will be subject to the consent of the local travel agent.
No refund will be made to those participants who have failed to secure valid travel documents such as passport or visas.
