Day 1: Shanghai Arrival
Attractions & Activities: Shanghai arrival, the Bund
Accommodation: Shanghai
Meals: none
Upon your arrival in Shanghai, our friendly guide will greet you at the airport/train station, and arrange a comfortable transfer to your hotel for check-in. The journey from the airport into the city offers your first glimpse of Shanghai's stunning blend of old and new, from sprawling suburbs to soaring skyscrapers. Take some time to settle in, freshen up, and perhaps catch a quick nap before the evening's adventures begin.
As night falls, we will take you to the Bund, the very soul of Shanghai. Strolling along this iconic waterfront promenade, you'll witness a breathtaking panorama where history meets hyper-modernity. On one side, the stately colonial buildings of old Shanghai glow warmly in the night, whispering tales of traders and tycoons from a century past.
On the opposite bank, the futuristic skyline of Pudong blazes with neon light, dominated by the shimmering Pearl Tower and the towering Shanghai Tower. The Huangpu River reflects this dazzling tapestry of light and shadow, creating a cinematic scene that captures the electric energy of modern China. This is your perfect introduction to the Dragon's Grand Tour.
Day 2: Shanghai
Attractions & Activities: Shanghai Museum, Former French Concession, Xintiandi, Maglev Train
Accommodation: Shanghai
Meals: hotel breakfast
After a delightful hotel breakfast, your day begins at the Shanghai Museum. Housed in a building shaped like an ancient bronze cooking vessel, this world-class museum invites you to wander through millennia of Chinese history. From intricately carved jade ornaments to massive bronze bells that once echoed through imperial courts, every artifact tells a story. You'll find yourself lingering before ancient calligraphy scrolls and delicate porcelain masterpieces.
The afternoon transports you to the leafy lanes of the Former French Concession, where plane trees dapple sunlight onto art deco villas. This district, a foreign concession from 1849 until 1943, maintains the breath of history in every brick and bougainvillea-draped balcony. You'll then wander into Xintiandi, a vibrant pedestrian area where beautifully restored Shikumen (stone-gate) buildings now house boutique shops and stylish cafés. It's a seamless blend of old Shanghai charm and cosmopolitan chic.
To cap off the day, prepare for a thrill unlike any other. You'll board the Maglev Train, experiencing the fastest ground speed in the world. As the train glides silently out of the station, you'll feel the gentle push of acceleration that soon rockets you to 431 kilometers per hour. The scenery blurs past the window, and in just seven minutes, you've traveled a distance that would take an hour by car. It's not just transportation—it's a flight into the future.
Day 3: Shanghai-Xi'an
Attractions & Activities: Muslim Street, Grand Tang Mall
Accommodation: Xi'an
Meals: hotel breakfast
This morning, you'll bid farewell to Shanghai and board a flight to Xi'an, the world-renowned ancient city steeped in over three thousand years of history. As the plane descends, look out the window at the patchwork of farms and the formidable city walls below. Upon arrival, the energy shifts from futuristic Shanghai to the earthy, historic pulse of China's former capital. You'll check into your hotel and prepare for an evening of sensory delights.
Your first Xi'an experience begins on Muslim Street, a bustling bazaar that ignites every sense. The air is thick with the aroma of sizzling lamb skewers, freshly baked sesame flatbreads, and sweet persimmon cakes. As you stroll through the narrow, lantern-lit alley, vendors call out to you, offering tastes of roujiamo (Chinese hamburger) and hand-pulled noodles. This is where the Silk Road's culinary legacy comes alive, blending Chinese and Islamic flavors in a delicious symphony.
As night deepens, you'll step into a living dream at the Grand Tang Mall. This is the only large-scale Tang-style architectural complex pedestrian street in China, built against the backdrop of the prosperous Tang culture. Golden lanterns sway overhead, performers in flowing period costumes stroll past, and ancient palace buildings glow with amber light. Walking here truly feels like traveling back in time to the flourishing golden age of ancient China, where poetry, music and celebration filled every street.
Day 4: Xi'an
Attractions & Activities: Terracotta Army, Huaqing Palace (Huaqing Pool)
Accommodation: Xi'an
Meals: hotel breakfast
Today, you come face to face with one of the greatest archaeological wonders on earth. The Terracotta Army awaits, a vast collection of life-sized sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor. As you enter the cavernous hangar built over the excavation pit, the sight steals your breath: thousands of warriors stand in battle formation, each face uniquely carved with distinct expressions, hairstyles and armor. Hailed as one of the world's top ten treasure ancient tombs, this silent legion has stood guard for over 2,200 years.
Walking along the viewing platforms, you'll marvel at the astonishing detail of these clay soldiers. Archers kneel with their bows, generals stand tall with command sticks, and charioteers grip the reins of long-vanished horses. The sheer scale of the emperor's ambition—to rule the afterlife as he ruled the living—is overwhelming. Bronze chariots, weaponry, and acrobat figures continue to emerge from the earth, revealing new secrets with every archaeological season.
In the afternoon, soften the mood with a visit to the beautiful Huaqing Palace, also known as Huaqing Pool. This classy and sophisticated royal garden of the Tang Dynasty nestles against the slopes of Mount Li, its thermal waters still steaming gently after a thousand years. Here, the romantic and lasting love story of Emperor Xuanzong and his beloved consort Yang Guifei unfolds like a poetic scroll. You can see the very pools where they bathed, surrounded by pavilions and ancient magnolia trees, feeling the lingering whispers of one of history's greatest love affairs.
Day 5: Xi'an-Zhangjiajie
Attractions & Activities: free activity
Accommodation: Zhangjiajie
Meals: hotel breakfast
After immersing yourself in the rich history of ancient Xi'an, it's time to change the scenery entirely. Following a hearty hotel breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport for a flight to Zhangjiajie. As you soar southward, the flat, fertile plains of central China gradually give way to a rugged, mountainous horizon. The anticipation builds as you approach a landscape that seems to defy the laws of nature.
Upon arrival in Zhangjiajie, you'll feel the air change—it's fresher, greener, and thick with the mist that shrouds the famous pillars. You'll check into your hotel and take a deep breath of this unique natural wonderland. The rest of the day is yours to rest and prepare your legs for the adventures ahead. After all, tomorrow you step into a world that inspired the floating mountains of Avatar.
Take this evening to wander the small city at the foot of the mountains, perhaps savoring local Tujia minority cuisine. The fiery peppers and smoked meats offer a delicious preview of the rustic flavors that fuel the hardy locals who call this otherworldly landscape home. Sleep well, for the real magic begins at dawn.
Day 6: Zhangjiajie
Attractions & Activities: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie and Tianzi Mountain scenic areas)
Accommodation: Zhangjiajie
Meals: hotel breakfast
This day, you venture deep into Zhangjiajie National Forest Park to immerse yourself in the "Pandora Planet" made famous by the movie Avatar. Your first stop is Yuanjiajie, where the iconic "Southern Sky Column" rises like a stone skyscraper draped in emerald vegetation. This is the real-life Hallelujah Mountain. As you walk along the suspended paths clinging to cliff edges, the world below vanishes into a sea of swirling mist. You'll cross the "Bridge of Immortals," a natural stone arch connecting two peaks, and feel utterly dwarfed by nature's grandeur.
Next, you'll explore Yangjiajie, a wilder and more rugged area that sees fewer crowds. Here, the pillars seem to press closer together, creating deep ravines and hidden waterfalls. The "Great Wall of the South Sky" is a spectacular ridge walk that offers heart-stopping views in every direction. Unlike the polished paths of Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie feels like a true wilderness adventure, where the only sounds are the wind through ancient pines and the distant call of eagles circling the spires.
Finally, ascend to Tianzi Mountain, whose name means "Son of Heaven". From the summit viewing platforms, you'll witness the park's most famous vista: thousands of slender stone pillars rising like a petrified forest from a blanket of clouds. This UNESCO World Heritage Site truly appears like a fantastical fairyland, where mist drifts through the peaks like dragons breathing vapor. As the sun sets, painting the pillars in shades of gold and purple, you'll understand why the locals believe these mountains are home to immortals.
Day 7: Zhangjiajie
Attractions & Activities: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park (Golden Whip Stream and Zhangjiajie’s Ten-Mile Gallery)
Accommodation: Zhangjiajie
Meals: hotel breakfast
The day, you leave the high peaks behind and descend into the tranquil valleys of the park. Your first destination is the Golden Whip Stream, a 7.5-kilometer-long waterway that meanders through a canyon hailed as one of the most beautiful valleys in the world. The path follows the crystal-clear stream as it giggles and tumbles over mossy rocks, beneath a canopy of ancient trees. Vertical cliffs rise on either side, draped in dripping ferns and wild orchids. Wild macaques may cross your path, indifferent to your presence as they groom each other in the dappled sunlight.
The walk along the Golden Whip Stream is a meditation in green. The only sounds are the burble of water, the rustle of leaves, and the occasional birdcall echoing off the stone walls. You'll pass pools so clear that you can count the pebbles at the bottom, and waterfalls that plunge silently into deep, jade-colored basins. This is the antidote to yesterday's adrenaline—a gentle, soul-soothing immersion in pure natural beauty.
In the afternoon, you'll explore Zhangjiajie's Ten-Mile Gallery. As its name suggests, this is a famous picturesque landscape belt stretching along a valley floor. Unlike the steep climbs of previous days, here you can take a small electric tram or simply stroll at your leisure. On both sides, rolling hills and dramatic karst formations rise like natural sculptures. Locals have named many of these peaks after their shapes: the "Old Man Gathering Herbs", the "Mother and Son Peaks", and the "Three Sisters". Idyllic villages with tiled roofs nestle among endless fields, creating a scene of pastoral perfection.
Day 8: Zhangjiajie
Attractions & Activities: Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park
Accommodation: Zhangjiajie
Meals: hotel breakfast
After exploring the national forest, you'll continue to the equally spectacular Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park. Your day begins with a ride on the Tianmen Mountain Cableway, claimed in tourist publications as the "longest passenger cableway of high mountains in the world". As your gondola rises from the city edge, the buildings shrink to toys, then vanish entirely as you enter the clouds. For nearly half an hour, you ascend through layers of mist, emerging above the weather to find a world of jagged peaks floating in a sea of white.
At the summit, you'll climb toward the awe-inspiring Heaven's Gate (Tianmen), a giant natural karst cave hanging in the middle top of the mountain. To reach it, you must conquer the "Stairway to Heaven"—999 steep steps that test your legs and your courage. Looking up through the massive arch, you see sky and clouds framed in stone, as if you truly are standing at the threshold of the celestial realm. The spiritual energy here is palpable, and many locals make the climb as a pilgrimage.
For the ultimate test of nerve, step onto the Glass Skywalk. This ultra-thrilling walkway clings to the side of a sheer cliff, 1,400 meters above the ground. Strapping on the provided booties, you take a deep breath and place your first foot on the transparent floor. Beneath your feet, nothing but air and the distant treetops far, far below. Whether you stride confidently or crawl nervously, the views of the surrounding peaks and the famous "99 Bends" road snaking up the mountain are absolutely unforgettable. This is the pinnacle of Zhangjiajie's thrills!
Day 9: Zhangjiajie-Guilin
Attractions & Activities: free activity
Accommodation: Guilin
Meals: hotel breakfast
After three unforgettable days among the stone pillars of Zhangjiajie, it's time to experience another of China's legendary landscapes. Following breakfast, you'll board a high-speed train (HSR) from Zhangjiajie to Guilin. Watch through the window as the dramatic, vertical peaks slowly transform. The rugged spires soften, the valleys widen, and the iconic rounded karst cones of Guangxi begin to appear on the horizon.
The HSR journey is a pleasure in itself—smooth, silent, and incredibly fast. You'll cover in a few hours what would have taken a full day by road. As the train glides past rice paddies and sleepy villages, you'll notice the mountains changing shape. Unlike the sharp, fractured pillars of Zhangjiajie, the hills of Guilin are smooth, green gumdrops rising abruptly from flat, mirror-like fields of water. The cliché is true: this is a living Chinese watercolor painting.
Upon arrival in Guilin, you'll check into your hotel and feel the shift in atmosphere. The pace here is slower, the air gentler. This is the land of the Li River, of poets and painters who have tried for centuries to capture its ethereal beauty. Take the evening to wander along the scenic lakes of Guilin city, where the Sun and Moon Pagodas glow softly in the twilight. Tomorrow, you sail into the heart of this watercolor dream.
Day 10: Guilin
Attractions & Activities: Li River, Yangshuo Western Street, Yangshuo’s Ten-Mile Gallery
Accommodation: Guilin
Meals: hotel breakfast
Morning breaks over the Li River, and you'll be on a boat cruise to witness its legendary beauty. This emerald river dances through a vast range of karst peaks, appearing just like a very charming living Chinese watercolor painting. As you drift past the iconic "Nine Horses Hill" and "Yellow Cloth Shoal", you'll understand why this view is printed on China's 20 Yuan banknote. The bamboo rafts, the water buffalo cooling themselves on the banks, and the mist-wrapped peaks reflecting perfectly in the glassy water create a scene of profound tranquility.
Disembarking in the charming town of Yangshuo, you'll step onto West Street (Xijie), the oldest street in Yangshuo with a history of more than 1,400 years. This cobblestone lane is a fancy hub for Eastern and Western culture exchange, where Taoist temples stand next to backpacker cafés, and old women sell handmade dumplings beside hipster bars playing jazz. The energy is infectious—part ancient trading post, part modern bohemia. You can haggle for silk scarves, sip a latte while watching the world go by, or simply soak in the unique fusion of old and new.
In the afternoon, grab a bicycle for Yangshuo's Ten-Mile Gallery. Different from Zhangjiaijiie's version, this world-famous picturesque landscape belt features dramatic karst peaks, clear rivers, and endless fields that all create a very charming Chinese watercolor painting. You'll pedal past the "Big Banyan Tree", a 1,400-year-old giant whose branches cover an acre of land, and the "Moon Hill", a natural arch in a hillside that frames the sky. With every turn of the wheel, you paint your own masterpiece—a perfect, active way to experience the serenity of rural Guangxi.
Day 11: Guilin-Chengdu
Attractions & Activities: Guilin city tour
Accommodation: Chengdu
Meals: hotel breakfast
Before leaving Guilin, enjoy a final morning city tour to capture the essence of this poetic town. You'll walk along the serene Shanhu Lake (Camel Hill Lake) and Ronghu Lake (Banyan Lake), where the Sun and Moon Pagodas stand as sentinels. One pagoda is clad in gleaming bronze, the other in crystal-white marble, and their reflections dance together on the water's surface. The surrounding parks are filled with elderly locals practicing tai chi, playing cards, or simply enjoying the gentle pace of life.
After soaking in the last views of Guilin's limestone peaks, you'll transfer to the airport for a flight to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. As you fly westward, the landscape changes once again—from the rounded karst hills of Guangxi to the red earth and fertile plains of the Sichuan Basin. The air begins to carry the subtle scent of chili and Sichuan peppercorn, a promise of the fiery cuisine to come.
Upon arrival in Chengdu, you'll feel the city's famous man (leisurely) vibe. This is a place where life is meant to be savored, not rushed. After checking into your hotel, consider an evening stroll along Jinli Ancient Street, where traditional Sichuan architecture houses tea houses, snack stalls, and handicraft shops illuminated by red lanterns. The pandas may be the stars of Chengdu, but the city's soul lies in its teahouses and hotpot restaurants.
Day 12: Chengdu
Attractions & Activities: Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan Opera Face-Changing, tea ceremony
Accommodation: Chengdu
Meals: hotel breakfast
This day, you'll witness one of the most staggering religious monuments on earth. A short drive brings you to the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest and tallest stone Buddha statue in the world, built during the Tang Dynasty. You'll take a cruise on the river at the base of the cliff to see the statue in its full, awe-inspiring glory. The 71-meter-tall figure sits serenely, his massive hands resting on his knees, his gentle gaze calming the turbulent waters where three rivers converge. The scale is almost impossible to comprehend—his pinky fingernail alone could hold a standing person.
Back in Chengdu, you'll slow down to experience the leisure life that defines this city. You'll participate in a special tea ceremony in an old-fashioned teahouse, complete with bamboo chairs and long-spouted brass kettles. The tea master demonstrates the precise art of pouring hot water from a meter away without spilling a drop, and you'll learn to appreciate the subtle flavors of jasmine, green and oolong teas. Here, time seems to stop as locals sip, chat, and play mahjong, embodying the city's famous philosophy of bai lan (doing nothing).
As evening falls, take your seat for a performance of Sichuan Opera, culminating in the breathtaking art of Face-Changing (Bian Lian). This ancient dramatic art is a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations. On a darkened stage, performers in dazzling costumes twirl and leap. With the swipe of a fan, a movement of the head, or a wave of the hand, they change vividly colored masks from one to another almost instantaneously. Gold becomes green, green becomes red, red becomes blue—dozens of faces flash by in minutes, leaving you wondering how it's possible. It's a magical, mesmerizing finale to your day in Chengdu.
Day 13: Chengdu Departure
Attractions & Activities: none
Accommodation: none
Meals: hotel breakfast
Your final morning in China begins with a leisurely hotel breakfast. Savor the last taste of jasmine tea, the last bite of a fluffy baozi (steamed bun). This is a moment to reflect on the incredible journey you've completed—from the neon-lit Bund of Shanghai to the silent legions of Xi'an, from the floating peaks of Pandora to the watercolor valleys of Guilin, and finally to the spicy, leisurely lanes of Chengdu.
After breakfast, we will transfer you to the airport for your departure. As you ride through the streets of Chengdu, take a final look at the city's relaxed rhythm—grandparents walking their grandchildren, teahouses spilling onto sidewalks, the distant aroma of hotpot wafting through the air. Your driver will ensure you arrive with plenty of time for check-in and security.
And just like that, your Dragon's Grand Tour will be successfully wrapped up. As your plane lifts off and China shrinks beneath the clouds, scroll through the photos on your phone. Each image is a portal back to a moment of wonder. The memories of misty mountains, ancient warriors and the swipe of a changing mask will dance in your mind long after you've returned home. Until next time, safe travels, and may the dragons of fortune guide your way!
