13-Day Shanghai Yichang Chongqing Zhangjiajie Beijing Luxury Tour

Zhujiajiao Ancient Town--Chinese Hanfu Photography

5+ Star Luxury Hotel

Breakfast & lunch & afternoon tea 

Morning: Zhujiajiao Ancient Town Exploration
Begin at Zhujiajiao (9:00 AM), a 1,700-year-old “Venice of the East” nestled along canals lined with Ming/Qing-era stone bridges and whitewashed houses. Wander North Street, where artisans craft bamboo lanterns and calligraphy brushes, and pause at Kezhigong Garden to admire rockeries and lotus ponds.

Boating Experience (10:30 AM): Glide through narrow waterways on a wooden ferry. Your guide will share tales of the town’s silk and rice trade history while passing landmarks like the Fangsheng Bridge, a five-arch marble structure where locals release carp for good fortune.

Lunch: Shanghainese Delicacies
Savor a Shanghai-style lunch at Lao Zhengxing Restaurant (12:30 PM). Feast on hongshao rou (braised pork belly), xiao long bao (soup dumplings), and chuan dou (sweet lotus root stir-fry), paired with chrysanthemum tea.

Afternoon: Hanfu Photoshoot Extravaganza
At 1:30 PM, transform into a Ming-dynasty noble at Hanfu Atelier. Choose from 50+ silk robes, embroidered with dragons or peonies, and receive professional hair styling with jade hairpins. Your 2-hour photoshoot unfolds at scenic spots: posing on Lang Bridge at sunset, sipping tea at a riverside pavilion, or strolling with an oil-paper umbrella. You’ll receive 50 raw photos and 9 retouched images within 48 hours.

Late Afternoon: Tea Tasting & Dim Sum
At 3:00 PM, join a Chinese tea ceremony at Yunxi Teahouse. Sample premium Longjing (dragon well) green tea and aged Pu’er while learning the art of tea pouring. Enjoy complimentary xiao long bao as a sweet finale—steamed to perfection with pork and soup filling.

Evening: Free Leisure
Return to your hotel or explore Zhujiajiao’s night market, where lanterns illuminate stalls selling handmade rice cakes and silk scarves.

Fly to Yichang--board the ship

5+ Star Luxury Hotel

Breakfast & Lunch &Dinner

Morning: Fly into Yichang Airport, enjoying aerial views of the Three Gorges’ emerald waters and karst peaks. Upon arrival, a chauffeur-driven Mercedes awaits to whisk you to the cruise terminal.

Afternoon: Board your Yangtze River luxury vessel (options include Century Green, China Goddess, or Miracle of the Yangtze). These floating palaces feature panoramic suites, private balconies, and amenities like infinity pools, spa centers, and Michelin-inspired dining.

Evening: Set sail as the sun dips behind the gorges. Savor a welcome dinner of Hubei specialties while the ship navigates the Xiling Gorge, passing ancient cliffside carvings and verdant valleys. Participate in a captain’s cocktail reception to meet fellow travelers.

Shennong Stream--Wu Gorge--Qutang Gorge--Baidi City or The Summit of the Three Gorges

5+ Star Luxury Hotel

Breakfast & Lunch &Dinner

Start your day with a delicious breakfast on the cruise ship. Then, head to the boarding point for Shennong Stream. Once you board the small boats that will take you along Shennong Stream, get ready to be enchanted by its natural beauty. The stream is known for its crystal-clear water, flanked by lush green mountains on both sides. As you drift along, you'll pass through narrow gorges where the water is calm and reflective, creating mirror-like surfaces. You can also observe the local boatmen skillfully rowing the traditional wooden boats, and sometimes they might even sing folk songs, adding a touch of local charm to the journey. Along the way, look out for unique rock formations and waterfalls cascading down the cliffs.

After finishing the tour of Shennong Stream, head back to the cruise ship for lunch. After lunch, as the cruise ship sets sail again, you'll enter Wu Gorge. Admire the steep and magnificent mountains on both sides of the gorge, which seem to touch the sky. The peaks are often shrouded in mist, giving the whole scene an ethereal and mysterious look. You can spot various rock formations that have been given interesting names based on their shapes, like the "Twelve Peaks of Wu Gorge," and listen to the stories and legends behind them from the onboard guides.

Snow Jade Cave--Fengdu Ghost City or Wuling Mountain Grand Canyon

5+ Star Luxury Hotel

Breakfast & Lunch &Dinner

Head to the Snow Jade Cave Scenic Area. The Snow Jade Cave is a highlight among the karst cave groups in the Longhe Tourist Scenic Area. It is the youngest developed cave in China at present, with extremely high ornamental and scientific research values. The stalactites and other landscapes in the cave grow only three centimeters every hundred years, which is quite rare. Follow the tour route inside the cave to admire various peculiar stalactites, stone stalagmites, stone pillars and other landscapes, and feel the uncanny workmanship of nature. The visit will take about one and a half hours.

Based on your personal choice and the available time, you can decide to visit either Fengdu Ghost City or Wuling Mountain Grand Canyon.  If you choose to visit the Fengdu Ghost City. Step into this ancient and mysterious place that's steeped in legends and folklore. Begin at the entrance and follow the path that winds through various sections. You'll come across the eerie "Ghost Gate", where you can almost imagine the spirits passing through. Walk across the "Naihe Bridge" and feel the weight of the stories associated with it. Explore the different temples and halls dedicated to the deities and figures from the underworld. Don't miss the chance to see the detailed sculptures and paintings that depict the afterlife as per Chinese mythology. Wander around for about 3 to 4 hours, really immersing yourself in the unique cultural and historical ambiance of this place.

Or, head to the Wuling Mountain Grand Canyon. As you arrive, you'll be greeted by the majestic sight of the mountains and the deep gorges. Start your exploration by taking in the panoramic views from one of the lookout points. Then, begin your descent into the canyon. Walk along the trails that hug the sides of the cliffs, marveling at the sheer scale of the place. Cross the suspension bridges that sway gently over the deep chasms, adding an element of excitement to your journey. Make sure to visit the narrow sections of the canyon where you can almost touch both sides with your outstretched arms.

Arrive in Chongqing--Ciqikou--Baixiangju--Hongyadong

5+ Star Luxury Hotel

Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Disembark your Yangtze River luxury cruise at Chaotianmen Dock, where your private guide and Mercedes-Benz V-Class chauffeur await. Begin your journey through Chongqing’s labyrinthine hills with a visit to Ciqikou Ancient Town, a 1,000-year-old cultural gem nestled along the Jialing River. Wander cobblestone lanes lined with Ming-era architecture, pausing at workshops where artisans craft porcelain (the town’s namesake) and traditional Sichuan face-changing masks.

Lunch:
Savor a feast of Chongqing-style Sichuan cuisine at a centuries-old courtyard restaurant. Must-try dishes include maoxuewang (spicy blood soup with tripe and duck blood), lazi ji (crispy chicken with dried chili), and dan dan mian (noodles in sesame-chili sauce), paired with local Lao Shan Cheng beer.

Afternoon:
Head to Baixiangju, a iconic 24-story residential complex built without elevators, renowned for its labyrinthine corridors and panoramic city views. Climb the external staircases (a local tradition) to reach rooftop viewpoints overlooking the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers’ confluence. Your guide will share stories of its appearance in films like Curse of the Golden Flower.

Evening:
Experience Hongya Cave (Hongyadong) at dusk, when its 11-tiered wooden structure glows with golden lanterns, evoking the fantastical world of Spirited Away. Stroll through bustling night markets sampling chuan chuan xiang (skewers in spicy broth) and bingfen (jelly made from ice plants). Capture cinematic photos of the floodlit Dazu Rock Carvings replica and the Liangjiang Bridge backdrop.

Dinner:
Indulge in a Chongqing hotpot extravaganza at a riverside restaurant. Choose from nine-grid cauldrons simmering with Sichuan pepper-infused broth, and dip fresh wagyu beef, tripe, and mushrooms. The chef will demonstrate the art of hotpot dipping while explaining its origins as a laborers’ meal in the Ming Dynasty.

Accommodation:
Retreat to your Horizon Suite at InterContinental Chongqing Raffles City, offering floor-to-ceiling windows with uninterrupted views of the Yangtze River and Yuzhong Peninsula’s skyline. Unwind in the infinity pool perched 300 meters above ground or savor a nightcap at the sky bar, sipping baijiu-infused cocktails.

High-speed train to Zhangjiajie--72 Strange Buildings--Charming Xiangxi Show

5+ Star Luxury Hotel

Breakfast & Dinner

Morning:
Board a high-speed bullet train in Chongqing’s futuristic West Station, settling into your plush business-class seat with panoramic windows. Enjoy complimentary gourmet snacks and Wi-Fi as the train speeds through mist-shrouded mountains at 300 km/h, arriving in Zhangjiajie in just 3.5 hours.

Afternoon:
Your private guide meets you at the station with a luxury Mercedes-Benz V-Class for a scenic drive to 72 Strange Buildings, a Tujia ethnic-inspired architectural marvel. This 108-meter wooden tower blends ancient Dong minority craftsmanship with modern LED light shows, earning it the nickname “China’s Floating Mountain City.” Explore its 17 floors of museums, tea houses, and intangible cultural heritage workshops, where artisans demonstrate batik dyeing and Tujia embroidery. Climb to the rooftop observation deck for sweeping views of Wulingyuan’s quartzite sandstone pillars.

Evening:
Witness the Charming Xiangxi Show, a UNESCO-recognized cultural extravaganza featuring 300 performers. Be mesmerized by fire dancing, acrobatic Tujia wedding rituals, and a haunting reenactment of the “Tears of the Red Fox” folklore. The theater’s 4D sound system and holographic stage effects transport you to ancient Xiangxi villages.

Accommodation:
Retreat to ANNICA Resort Zhangjiajie or Qishili Cave Hotel, both blending luxury with nature. ANNICA offers glass-walled villas overlooking misty valleys, while Qishili’s cave suites feature underground hot springs and stalactite-inspired decor. Both properties include private butler service.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park--Bailong Elevator--Huangshizhai--Tianzishan

5+ Star Luxury Hotel

Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Morning:
Begin your day with a private chauffeur transfer to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO-listed wonderland of 3,000 quartzite sandstone pillars. Your VIP pass grants priority access to the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor lift, soaring 326 meters up the cliff face in just 66 seconds. Capture Instagram-worthy shots of the vertical gardens and mist-shrouded peaks from the glass-walled cabin.

Midday:
Explore Huangshizhai (Yellow Stone Stronghold), a 12-meter-high observation deck offering 360° views of the “Avatar Hallelujah Mountains.” Follow your private guide through ancient pine forests to discover landmarks like Five Fingers Peak and Six Generals Mountain, while learning Tujia minority legends about the rock formations.

Lunch:
Savor a gourmet meal at Wulingyuan Ecological Restaurant, where chefs prepare Hunan specialties using organic ingredients from on-site gardens. Must-try dishes include stinky tofu with fermented chili paste, dong’an chicken, and steamed fish with pickled vegetables, served in a glass-roofed pavilion overlooking a lotus pond.

Afternoon:
Take the Tianzi Mountain Cable Car for aerial views of the “Sea of Clouds” phenomenon, where peaks emerge like islands from a sea of mist. Hike the Golden Whip Stream trail, a 7.5km pathway flanked by 600-year-old gingko trees and cascading waterfalls. Your guide will point out rare flora like the dove tree and explain how these landscapes inspired James Cameron’s Avatar.

Evening:
Return to your luxury retreat at ANNICA Resort or Qishili Cave Hotel. At ANNICA, soak in a private infinity pool while sipping mugua (quince) tea, or at Qishili, enjoy a cave-side massage using local herbal remedies.

Dinner:
Indulge in a Hunan Royal Banquet at the hotel’s signature restaurant. Feast on spicy fish hotpot, crispy duck with Sichuan pepper, and sweet rice balls in ginger syrup, accompanied by a performance of Tujia folk songs and yangge dance.

Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Forest Park--Fenghuang Ancient Town

5+ Star Luxury Hotel

Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Morning:
Embark on a private guided tour of Tianmen Mountain National Park, starting with a ride on the world’s longest high-mountain passenger cable car (7,668 meters). Ascend through layers of mist to reach the Tianmen Cave, a natural archway dubbed “Gateway to Heaven” by locals. Walk the hair-raising Glass Skywalk (60 meters long, 1,430 meters above ground) for adrenaline-pumping views of the Wulingyuan valley.

Midday:
Traverse the 99-Bend Mountain Road, a serpentine highway carved into the cliffside, with your driver navigating hairpin turns while you marvel at panoramic vistas. Pause at Tianmen Mountain Square for photos with the iconic red “Heaven’s Gate” stone carving.

Lunch:
Savor Xiangxi (Western Hunan) cuisine at a mountain-view restaurant. Feast on suan tang yu (spicy-sour fish hotpot), la rou (smoked pork belly), and miao jia bai ji (Miao-style sticky rice cakes), washed down with locally brewed miao jiu (rice wine).

Afternoon:
Drive 2.5 hours to Fenghuang Ancient Town, a 1,300-year-old Miao minority enclave nestled along the Tuojiang River. Check into your lRiver-View Deluxe Room at Sulü Lianhua Boutique Hotel, where traditional wooden balconies overlook lantern-lit waters and ancient stilt houses.

Dinner:
Indulge in a Miao Royal Feast at the hotel’s riverside pavilion. Sample guoku (smoked duck), suan la tang (spicy-sour soup with wild herbs), and zongzi (glutinous rice dumplings), accompanied by a performance of Miao lusheng (reed pipe) music and silver-dress dance.

Fenghuang Ancient Town--Hong Kong (high-speed train)--free time

5+ Star Luxury Hotel

Breakfast 

Morning:
Begin with a private guided stroll through Fenghuang Ancient Town’s labyrinthine lanes. Explore Hongqiao (Rainbow Bridge), a 15th-century Ming Dynasty structure offering panoramic river views, and visit Shen Congwen’s Former Residence, the birthplace of the renowned Miao-culture writer. Engage with local artisans at Miao Silver Workshop, where master craftsmen forge intricate headdresses and jewelry using centuries-old techniques.

Afternoon:
Board a high-speed bullet train in Fenghuang Station, settling into your business-class seat with panoramic windows. Enjoy gourmet refreshments and Wi-Fi as the train speeds through rolling hills and urban skylines, arriving in Hong Kong’s West Kowloon Station in 3.5 hours. A chauffeur-driven Mercedes awaits to transfer you to your luxury hotel.

Evening (Free Time):
Indulge in Hong Kong’s dynamic energy with options like:

• Victoria Harbour sunset cruise on a junk-style yacht with champagne
• Private shopping tour of Causeway Bay’s luxury boutiques (Chanel, Hermès) and local markets
• Michelin-starred dining at Amber (The Landmark Mandarin Oriental) or L’Atelier de Joël Robuchon

Accommodation:
Retreat to your Harbour View Suite at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong or Four Seasons Hong Kong, both offering iconic vistas of Victoria Harbour. Mandarin Oriental features marble bathrooms with deep-soaking tubs and 24-hour butler service, while Four Seasons boasts a spa with gold-infused treatments and a rooftop infinity pool.

Mong Kok – Tsim Sha Tsui – Central – Victoria Peak Night View

5+ Star Luxury Hotel

Breakfast & Lunch & Dinner

Morning:
Begin your day with a private chauffeur-driven Toyota Alphard (4-seat luxury van) to Mong Kok, Hong Kong’s vibrant heart. Wander through Ladies’ Market for street-style bargains and sample local snacks like egg waffles and curry fish balls from 70-year-old stalls. Your guide will reveal hidden gems like Sam Tai Temple, a 1920s shrine blending Taoist and Buddhist art.

Midday:
Drive to Tsim Sha Tsui for a stroll along the Avenue of Stars, where bronze statues honor Hong Kong cinema legends. Pause at the Victoria Harbour waterfront for photos of the skyline framed by the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Star Ferry terminals.

Lunch:
Savor a Cantonese dim sum feast at Yan Toh Heen (InterContinental Hong Kong), a Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking the harbour. Must-try dishes include crystal shrimp dumplings, barbecued pork buns, and mango pudding with pomelo salsa.

Afternoon:
Explore Central District’s contrasts: tour the HSBC Main Building, a futuristic steel-and-glass landmark, then wander Tai Kwun, a restored 19th-century police barracks turned art hub. Ride the Mid-Levels Escalator, the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system, stopping at Soho’s chic cafes for artisanal coffee.

Evening:
Ascend Victoria Peak via the historic Peak Tram, a 130-year-old funicular railway. Capture the “Golden Hour” as the skyline transforms into a twinkling tapestry from the Sky Terrace 428 observation deck. Your guide will provide professional photography tips for Instagram-worthy shots.

Dinner:
Indulge in a rooftop dinner at Sevva (Prince’s Building), where Modern European dishes like truffle risotto and Wagyu beef tartare pair with panoramic views. Sip a yuzu-gin cocktail while watching the Symphony of Lights laser show dance across the harbour.

Accommodation:
Retreat to your Harbour View Suite at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong or Four Seasons Hong Kong, where marble bathrooms, 24-hour butler service, and spa treatments using gold-infused skincare await.

Hong Kong Departure

Breakfast

Morning:
Savor a bespoke breakfast at your hotel’s signature restaurant, featuring Cantonese delicacies like congee with crispy rice and macau-style egg tarts, paired with premium Hong Kong-style milk tea.

Midday (Optional, If time possible):
Enjoy a final private shopping tour at Pacific Place or K11 Musea for luxury souvenirs, with your guide assisting in tax refunds and bespoke packaging.

Departure:
Your English-speaking guide and Mercedes-Benz S-Class (or Toyota Alphard) arrive for a seamless airport transfer. Relax with complimentary champagne and Wi-Fi en route to Hong Kong International Airport.