Description
Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai
Meals: Self-arranged for the whole day
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Shanghai downtown (fixed location)
Itinerary
- 14:00-16:00 (for reference only): The driver will meet you at the airport/train station exit with a name sign and provide a private transfer to the hotel (Travel time: approx. 50 minutes from Pudong Airport, approx. 30 minutes from Hongqiao Airport/Railway Station).
- Free time after 16:00:
- Rest Suggestion: The hotel is located in the city center; you can walk to nearby convenience stores for daily necessities.
- Light Exploration:
- First Impression of the Bund (approx. 20 minutes drive from hotel): Take an evening stroll along the river and admire the illumination of the International Architecture Exhibition for free (lights turn on at 18:30).
- Food Recommendation (at own expense): Qingtuans (green rice balls) at “Shen Da Cheng” on East Nanjing Road (approx. 15 RMB per person) and fresh meat mooncakes (best when freshly baked).
Day 2: Shanghai Classic One-Day Tour
Meals: Breakfast included (hotel), Lunch included (group meal); Dinner self-arranged
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Shanghai downtown (same as above)
Itinerary
- 09:00-12:00 Shanghai Tower (No. 501 Yincheng Middle Road, Pudong New Area)
- Details: Visit the 118th floor “Top of Shanghai Observatory” (546 meters), taking the high-speed elevator (73.8km/h) upward in approx. 55 seconds.
- Highlights: 360° panoramic view overlooking Lujiazui; you can send postcards from the sky post office (stamps 10 RMB/each).
- 12:30-14:00 Lunch (Group meal, standard 50 RMB/person)
- 14:30-16:00 Shanghai Museum East (No. 1952 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area)
- Details: Focus on the treasures of the museum—the Da Ke Ding (Western Zhou bronze vessel), the Shang Yang Fang Sheng (Warring States measuring instrument), and the Zi Zhong Jiang Pan (Spring and Autumn rotating water bird bronze plate).
- Tips: Free reservation required (book tickets 7 days in advance on the official website). Closed on Mondays; the itinerary will be changed to City God Temple (next to Yu Garden).
- 16:30-18:00 Yu Garden (No. 168 Fuyou Road, Huangpu District)
- History: A private garden built in the 38th year of Jiajing in the Ming Dynasty (1559), a masterpiece of Jiangnan Suzhou-style architecture.
- Highlights: Brick carvings in Sansui Hall, Yu Linglong Taihu Stone. Walk along the northwest paths to avoid crowds.
- 18:30-20:30 Nanjing Road → The Bund (Free walking)
- Route: East Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (2 km) → The Bund viewing platform (Free).
- Food Recommendation (at own expense):
- “Jia Jia Tang Bao” (Huanghe Road Branch): Crab meat soup dumplings (approx. 40 RMB per person)
- “Da Hu Chun”: Pan-fried buns (No. 136 Sichuan Middle Road, approx. 20 RMB per person)
Day 3: Shanghai → Zhangjiajie
Meals: Breakfast included (hotel); Lunch and Dinner self-arranged
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie (fixed location)
Itinerary
- 09:00-11:00 Free time in Shanghai
- Recommendation: Zikawei Library (No. 158 Caoxi North Road, Xuhui District, free) or photography at the historic buildings of Wukang Road.
- 11:30 Airport Transfer (Hongqiao T2/Pudong T1 Terminal)
- 15:00 Arrive at Zhangjiajie Hehua Airport (Estimated)
- 15:30-16:30 Private transfer from the airport to Wulingyuan hotel (35 km/1 hour drive).
- Free time after 17:00:
- Late-night Snack Recommendation (at own expense): “Master Hu’s San Xiaguo” at Xibu Street (approx. 50 RMB per person, Tujia cuisine with bacon).
Day 4: Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Core Area Tour
Meals: Breakfast included (hotel), Lunch included (group meal); Dinner self-arranged
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie (same as above)
Itinerary
- 08:30-09:30 Bailong Elevator (Wulingyuan Scenic Area)
- Details: Reach the top in 66 seconds (326 meters high), Guinness World Record holder for the tallest outdoor elevator. Single trip 65 RMB/person (included).
- 10:00-12:00 Yuanjiajie (Filming location of “Avatar”)
- Route: Enchanting Terrace → Southern Sky Column (Hallelujah Mountain) → Back Garden Viewing Platform.
- 12:30-13:30 Lunch (Group meal)
- 14:00-16:00 Tianzi Mountain
- Highlights: Bronze statue in Helong Park (admire the Marshal in uniform), overlook the West Sea Peak Forest from the Marshalling Platform (the best point for viewing the sea of clouds).
- 16:30-18:00 Ten-Mile Gallery
- Experience: Take the mini-train (single trip 38 RMB/person, walking is an optional alternative at your own expense) through peak formations like the “Herb Collecting Old Man.”
Day 5: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Adventure
Meals: Breakfast included (hotel), Lunch included (group meal); Dinner self-arranged
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Wulingyuan, Zhangjiajie (same as above)
Itinerary
- 09:00-11:00 Grand Canyon Glass Bridge (Yuntiandu)
- Details: 375 meters long, paved with 99 glass panels, the bridge deck is 300 meters above the valley floor.
- Tips: Those afraid of heights can walk along the side fence passage; shoe covers are 5 RMB/pair (at own expense).
- 11:30-12:30 Lunch (Group meal)
- 13:30-16:00 Baofeng Lake
- Activities: Take a painted boat cruise (ticket included) on the lake, climb to Yingwo Village to view the “Fairy looking in the mirror” peak.
- Culture: Tujia folk song performance (14:30 session, free).
Day 6: Tianmen Mountain → Xi’an
Meals: Breakfast included (hotel), Lunch included (group meal); Dinner self-arranged
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Xi’an city (fixed location)
Itinerary
- 08:30-12:00 Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park (Yongding District, Zhangjiajie)
- Transport: Ascend by cable car (25 minutes, single trip 278 RMB/person included), overlook the 99-bend Avenue toward Heaven.
- Route: Tianmen Temple (shrine for Buddhist sarira) → Glass Skywalk (1.6 meters wide, shoe covers 5 RMB at own expense) → Guigu Skywalk → Tianmen Cave (descend via the mountain escalator).
- 12:30-13:30 Lunch (Group meal)
- 15:00 Transfer to airport (30 minutes drive)
- 18:00 Fly to Xi’an (Flight depends on the season; transfers via Changsha may occur in winter)
- 19:30 Airport Pickup and transfer to city center hotel (approx. 40 minutes drive).
Day 7: Xi’an One-Day Tour (Terracotta Warriors + Ancient City Wall + Bell Tower & Drum Tower)
Meals: Breakfast included (hotel), Lunch included (group meal, standard 60 RMB/person); Dinner self-arranged
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Xi’an city (fixed location, e.g., near Bell Tower)
Itinerary
【Fixed Itinerary · Arranged by Us】
- 09:00-10:00 Drive to Lintong District (40 km, 1 hour drive, via Lianhuo Expressway)
- 10:00-12:30 Emperor Qinshihuang’s Mausoleum Site Museum (Terracotta Warriors) (Qinling North Road, Lintong District)
- Historical Background: Built between 246-208 BC (funerary pits for the First Emperor of Qin), the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the largest ancient military museum in China.
- Architectural Features: Halls built over pits; Pit 1, 2, and 3 are arranged in a “品” (triangular) shape (Pit 1 is the largest, 6000㎡, infantry formation; Pit 2 features mixed troop types; Pit 3 is the command center).
- Highlights:
- Pit 1: Array of thousands of unique terracotta soldiers (General, Kneeling Archer, Warrior), note the details of hair and armor;
- Pit 2: Formations of cavalry and crossbowmen, showcasing Qin tactics;
- Pit 3: Excavated bronze swords (stainless after 2000 years due to chrome plating), deer antler horse bits.
- Experience: Professional guide explanation (included in the tour), focus on the “Story of Yang Zhifa, the discoverer of the pits.”
- 12:30-13:30 Lunch (Group meal, including Shaanxi specialties: Gourd chicken, biangbiang noodles)
- 14:00-16:00 Xi’an Ancient City Wall (City center, Ming City Wall)
- Historical Background: Built in the 3rd year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1370), the largest and most complete ancient city wall in existence (13.74 km long, 12 meters high).
- Architectural Features: Wrapped in blue bricks, featuring four main gates (East Changle, South Yongning, West Anding, North Anyuan), complete with arrow towers, enemy towers, and corner towers.
- Highlights:
- Cycling Experience (Bicycle rental arranged by us): Rent a bike at Yongning Gate (South Gate) (45 RMB/3 hours, 90 RMB for tandem), cycle clockwise to Wenchang Gate (2 km), overlooking the contrast between the city’s chessboard layout and modern high-rises outside.
- Recommended Spots: Southwest corner (round enemy tower, the only non-rectangular corner tower), Kuixing Pavilion (east of South Gate, for a panoramic view).
- 16:30-18:00 Bell Tower and Drum Tower (City center, Metro Line 2 Bell Tower Station)
- Historical Background: Bell Tower (built 1384), Drum Tower (built 1380), 100 meters apart, 600 years of history, once used for timekeeping.
- Architectural Features: Both have multi-eaved hip-and-gable roofs. The Bell Tower hangs the “Jingyun Bell” (replica, original in Beilin Museum), the Drum Tower holds 24 solar term drums.
- Night View Tip: Lights turn on at 19:30 (free viewing), outlining the cornices against the neon lights of the nearby Kaiyuan Mall.
【Optional Activities · At Your Choice】
- After 18:00: Stroll around Bell and Drum Tower Square, optional tower climb (Bell Tower 30 RMB/person, Drum Tower 30 RMB/person, includes chime performance); or walk to Muslim Quarter (Beiyuanmen Main Street, 500 meters from the towers) for snacks.
【Food Recommendation · Self-pay】
- Dinner: “Lao Mi Jia Da Yu Paomo” at Muslim Quarter (No. 277 North Guangji Street, approx. 35 RMB per person, open 11:00-21:00, pairs with sugar garlic); “Jia San Soup Dumplings” (No. 121 Xiyangshi, approx. 40 RMB per person, beef filling with juicy broth).
Day 8: Xi’an → Beijing (Giant Wild Goose Pagoda + Muslim Quarter + High-speed Train to Beijing)
Meals: Breakfast included (hotel); Lunch and Dinner self-arranged
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Beijing downtown (fixed location, e.g., Xicheng District)
Itinerary
【Fixed Itinerary · Arranged by Us】
- 09:00-11:00 Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Yanta Road, Yanta District, inside Da Ci’en Temple)
- Historical Background: Built in 652 AD by Xuanzang to store scriptures. Originally named “Ci’en Temple Pagoda,” renamed after an Indian legend in “Great Tang Records on the Western Regions.”
- Architectural Features: A 7-story square pavilion-style brick tower (64.5 meters high), imitating the Indian Stupa style, with a wooden spiral staircase inside.
- Highlights:
- Inside: Pattra-leaf scriptures brought back by Xuanzang (replicas), Sakyamuni statues;
- Climb the tower (optional self-pay 30 RMB/person): View Qujiangchi Heritage Park and Great Tang All Day Mall from above.
- Cultural Experience: View the “Great Tang Sanzang Shengjiao Xu” stele in the stele forest (calligraphy by Wang Xizhi, inscribed by Chu Suiliang).
- 11:30-13:00 Muslim Quarter (Beiyuanmen, Xiyangshi, Dapiyuan in Lianhuo District)
- Local Activity: Experience Hui ethnic food culture, browse handicraft stalls (shadow puppets, paper cutting, 10-50 RMB per piece).
- 13:30 Driver transfer to Xi’an North Station, take high-speed train to Beijing (Recommended G90, 13:30-18:00, 4.5 hours, second-class seat 515 RMB/person included in the tour).
- 18:30 Beijing driver pickup (Beijing West Railway Station), transfer to city center hotel (40 minutes drive).
【Optional Activities · At Your Choice】
- Before 13:00: “Liu Ji Xiao Cured Beef & Mutton” at Muslim Quarter (No. 212 North Guangji Street, approx. 50 RMB/person, vacuum-packed souvenirs available); “Sheng Zhi Wang Sesame Paste Liangpi” (West entrance of Dapiyuan, approx. 15 RMB/person, tangy and spicy).
【Food Recommendation · Self-pay】
- Lunch: “Lao Sun Jia Paomo” at Muslim Quarter (No. 364 East Main Street, approx. 40 RMB/person, experience the local way of crumbling the pita).
Day 9: Beijing One-Day Tour (Tiananmen Square + Forbidden City + Jingshan + Summer Palace)
Meals: Breakfast included (hotel), Lunch included (group meal, standard 70 RMB/person); Dinner self-arranged
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Beijing downtown (same as above)
Itinerary
【Fixed Itinerary · Arranged by Us】
- 09:00-10:30 Tiananmen Square (East Chang’an Street, Dongcheng District)
- Historical Background: The world’s largest city center square (440,000㎡), site of the Ming Dynasty Chengtian Gate, and host of the 1949 Proclamation of the People’s Republic.
- Highlights:
- Must-see: Tiananmen Rostrum (where Chairman Mao proclaimed independence in 1949), Monument to the People’s Heroes (reliefs of “The Opium War”, etc.), National Flagpole (check daily flag ceremonies on “Beijing Daily” WeChat).
- External view: Chairman Mao Memorial Hall (closed on Mondays), Great Hall of the People (10,000-seat auditorium).
- 10:30-13:00 Forbidden City (Palace Museum) (No. 4 Jingshan Front Street, Dongcheng District, reserve 7 days in advance via official website)
- Historical Background: Completed in 1420 (Ming Yongle 18), the palace for 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The world’s largest wooden palace complex (720,000㎡).
- Architectural Features: Axial layout (Outer Court Three Halls + Inner Court Three Palaces), yellow glazed tiles, red walls, white marble bases.
- Highlights:
- Outer Court: Hall of Supreme Harmony (throne room, featuring 10 guardian ridge beasts), Hall of Central Harmony (rest area), Hall of Preserving Harmony (imperial exam site);
- Inner Court: Palace of Heavenly Purity (with the “Zheng Da Guang Ming” plaque), Hall of Union (for Empress’s birthdays), Palace of Earthly Tranquility (altar for sacrifices in Qing Dynasty).
- Tip: Closed on Mondays (if closed, we arrange the Outer Court visit first and adjust the schedule to visit the Inner Court the following day).
- 13:30-14:30 Jingshan Park (Jingshan West Street, Xicheng District, 15 minutes walk)
- Highlights: Wanchun Pavilion (88.7m altitude, for a view of the Forbidden City’s “central axis symmetry” and the White Dagoba of Beihai).
- 15:00-17:30 Summer Palace (No. 19 Xinjiangongmen Road, Haidian District)
- Historical Background: Built in 1750 (Qing Qianlong 15) as the Garden of Clear Ripples, rebuilt by Empress Dowager Cixi after being destroyed in 1860. A museum of royal gardens.
- Architectural Features: Kunming Lake (3/4 of the area) + Longevity Hill (Tower of Buddhist Incense on front, Suzhou Street on back), Long Corridor (728m, decorated with 14,000 Suzhou-style paintings).
- Highlights: Seventeen-Arch Bridge (“Golden Light Through Arches” wonder at winter solstice), Stone Boat (Qingyan Boat, a blend of Chinese and Western styles).
【Optional Activities · At Your Choice】
- After 17:30: Boat ride on Kunming Lake from the East Gate of Summer Palace (optional 50 RMB/person, electric boat for 6), a close-up look at Seventeen-Arch Bridge.
【Food Recommendation · Self-pay】
- Dinner: “Siji Minfu Roast Duck (Summer Palace Branch)” (approx. 150 RMB/person, same roast duck as at the Forbidden City, Address: 19 Xinjiangongmen Road); or “Huguo Si Snacks (Di’anmen Branch)” (No. 180 Di’anmen Outer Street, approx. 30 RMB/person, Douzhi, Jiaoquan, Aiwo-wo).
Day 10: Beijing Great Wall One-Day Tour (Mutianyu Great Wall + Bird’s Nest/Water Cube)
Meals: Breakfast included (hotel), Lunch included (group meal, standard 60 RMB/person); Dinner self-arranged
Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Beijing downtown (same as above)
Itinerary
【Fixed Itinerary · Arranged by Us】
- 08:30-10:30 Drive to Mutianyu Great Wall in Huairou District (73 km, 1.5-2 hours drive, via Jingcheng Expressway)
- 10:30-12:00 Mutianyu Great Wall (Bohai Town, Huairou District)
- Historical Background: Built in 1368 (Ming Hongwu 1) and rebuilt by Qi Jiguang in 1569. The longest section of the Great Wall (5400m) with the highest vegetation coverage (96%).
- Highlights:
- Cable Car Experience (Includes one-way cable car arranged by us): Take the cable car to Watchtower 14 (10 minutes, single trip 100 RMB/person included). Hike west to Watchtower 20 (highest point, 1039m altitude), with densely packed watchtowers (22) along the way; great for photographing “The Wall winding like a dragon.”
- Hiking Tip: The route is gentle (slope < 30°); wear non-slip shoes and bring enough water (bottled water is 5 RMB on the mountain).
- 12:30-13:30 Lunch (Group meal, including Huairou Chestnut Roast Chicken, Tiebingzi)
- 14:30-16:00 Bird’s Nest & Water Cube (External View) (Olympic Park, Chaoyang District)
- Highlights: Bird’s Nest (main stadium of the 2008 Olympics, steel structure woven style); Water Cube (ETFE membrane structure blue bubble exterior). Best for photos 1 hour before sunset (free).
【Optional Activities · At Your Choice】
- While Hiking: At the Watchtower 14 rest area, you can optionally experience the “Great Wall Toboggan” (100 RMB/person, a way to go down the mountain, suitable for those with less physical strength).
【Food Recommendation · Self-pay】
- Dinner: “Da Dong Roast Duck (Gongti Branch)” near Olympic Park (East Worker’s Stadium Road, approx. 200 RMB/person, creative roast duck); or “Old Beijing Zhajiangmian King (Xinjiekou Branch)” (South Xinjiekou Street, approx. 40 RMB/person, pairs with Laba garlic).
Day 11: Departure from Beijing (Airport/Station Transfer)
Meals: Self-arranged
Accommodation: None
Itinerary
【Fixed Itinerary · Arranged by Us】
- 09:00 After breakfast on your own, the driver will transfer you to the airport/station (confirmed by your return ticket):
- Airport Drop-off: Arrive 3 hours early for domestic flights (e.g., Capital T3/Daxing Airport), 4 hours early for international flights;
- Station Drop-off: Arrive 1.5 hours early for high-speed train/railway (e.g., Beijing West/South Station).
【Optional Activities · At Your Choice】
- Before 09:00: Stroll along Wangfujing Pedestrian Street near the hotel (Dongcheng District, free, open 09:00-21:00), or “Forbidden City Corner Tower Coffee (Shenwumen Branch)” (approx. 50 RMB/person, try the “A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains” themed drinks).
【Food Recommendation · Self-pay】
- Breakfast: “Qingfeng Steamed Bun Shop (Wangfujing Branch)” near the hotel (Wangfujing Street, approx. 25 RMB/person, Pork and Scallion buns + Chao Gan); “Huguo Si Snacks (Wangfujing Branch)” (approx. 30 RMB/person, Tanghuoshao, Miancha).
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