Beijing, Zhangjiajie & Chongqing: 10 Days Classic Tour

Arrival in Beijing--Free Time

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Breakfast & Lunch

Welcome to China! Upon arrival in Beijing, you will be met by our local guide at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and recover from your flight, or to explore the surrounding area at your own pace. Take this opportunity to get your first glimpse of the capital city of China—a vibrant metropolis where ancient history meets modern development.

If you have the energy, you can stroll around Wangfujing Street, a famous pedestrian shopping area known for its mix of modern stores and traditional snack stalls. You may also catch sight of the night lights of Beijing’s skyscrapers and neon-lit streets.

Evening Option:
Enjoy a traditional Beijing duck dinner at one of the city’s time-honored restaurants such as Quanjude or Da Dong. After dinner, take a leisurely walk along the Houhai Lakeside area, where bars and cafes line the shore with soft music and a relaxed atmosphere.

Great Wall--Bird Nest

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Breakfast & Lunch

We will drive about 70 kilometers to the Mutianyu section of the world-famous Great Wall. This section of the Great Wall is well-preserved and relatively unvisited, and it will surely live up to your expectations. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is one of the "longest Great Walls in China" and impresses visitors with its rich vegetation and magnificent natural scenery. 

You will take an easy cable car up to the Great Wall. Next you will climb up to the city tower overlooking the majestic Great Wall, which will surely make your stay unforgettable. After the Great Wall tour, we will take the cable car down the mountain.

(Note: If you are physically fit, you can also choose to hike up and down the mountain to feel the sense of accomplishment of climbing to the top).

Afterwards, we will return to Beijing, stopping on the way to visit the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube from the outside in the Olympic Village.

Recommended Dinner:

You can go to Quanjude and enjoy a meal of the famous Peking duck.

Tian'anmen Square--Forbidden City--Temple of Heaven--Jingshan Park--Hutongs

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Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, we will reach the Tiananmen Square, one of the largest city squares in the world. Standing in the North Square, you can look up at the Tiananmen Tower, where Chairman Mao proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China. 

Passing through Tiananmen Square, you will step into the Forbidden City, which is the largest and best-preserved palace in the world. Once the imperial palace of the Ming Dynasty and Qing Dynasty. It is a reflection of the highest architecture level in ancient China.

Next, you will visit the Temple of Heaven, a sacred site used in ancient times to worship the heavens and offer prayers for a bountiful harvest. Nowadays, it has become a lively place where locals perform traditional activities such as Tai Chi, dancing, kite flying and calligraphy. Stroll among the halls of the Temple of Heaven and feel the solemnity and mystery of ancient royalty.

After that, we will make a short trip to Jingshan Park, where you will have a panoramic view of the entire Forbidden City.

Next, we will visit the Hutongs and take a rickshaw ride through Beijing's hutongs. These alleys, made up of courtyards, epitomize life in old Beijing.

Flight to Zhangjiajie

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Breakfast & Lunch

Today, we will check out and transfer to the airport for a domestic flight to Zhangjiajie, a city famous for its otherworldly landscapes that inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Take the rest of the day to rest or take a gentle walk around the hotel area.

Zhangjiajie offers a completely different atmosphere from Beijing—mist-covered peaks, lush forests, and fresh mountain air will be your new surroundings.

Recommended Activities:
If you’re feeling energized after the flight, we suggest taking a short walk around the streets of Zhangjiajie city or visiting a nearby local market to get a taste of the region’s culture and food. You might also try some authentic Hunan cuisine known for its bold and spicy flavors.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park--Bailong Elevator--Yuanjiajie--Tianzi Mountain

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Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, we will head into the world-famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its towering sandstone pillars and lush forest. Our first stop will be the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor elevator, which ascends over 300 meters along a cliff face. From the glass cabin, enjoy a thrilling view of the towering peaks and deep valleys.

At the top, we will explore the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, where the floating Hallelujah Mountains from the movie Avatar were filmed. Here, you’ll find the First Bridge Under Heaven and dramatic viewpoints that feel like scenes from a fantasy world.

Afterward, we’ll continue to Tianzi Mountain, known for its sea of clouds, ancient pine trees, and unique rock formations. The mountain offers some of the best panoramic views in the park.

Recommended Activities:
In the evening, you can take a relaxing stroll in Wulingyuan town, browse through local souvenir shops, or try the spicy local street food. For a more immersive experience, consider visiting a local foot massage center to relieve any fatigue after a full day of hiking.

Tianmen Mountain Park--Tianmen Mountain Cableway--Glass Skywalk--72 Strange Buildings

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Breakfast & Lunch

Today’s adventure begins with a ride on the Tianmen Mountain Cableway, the longest cableway in the world, stretching over 7 kilometers from downtown Zhangjiajie to the summit. The ride offers breathtaking views of cliffs, valleys, and winding mountain roads below.

At the top, we’ll explore Tianmen Mountain, renowned for its natural arch (Heaven’s Gate), scenic cliffs, and ancient temples. You’ll have the chance to walk along the Glass Skywalk, a thrilling glass-bottomed path clinging to the cliffside with sheer drops beneath your feet—a true test of courage!

We will also visit the mysterious 72 Strange Buildings, a newly developed scenic area blending traditional architecture with surreal cliffside construction, suspended walkways, and impressive views.

Evening Option:
Tonight, you may choose to enjoy the large-scale live performance Tianmen Fox Fairy Show, set in the mountainside with natural cliffs as its backdrop. The show tells a beautiful local legend through music, dance, and stunning visual effects. The performance usually begins around 8:00 PM and lasts for 70–90 minutes.

High-Speed Train to Chongqing

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Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, we will transfer to the train station and take a high-speed train to Chongqing, a vibrant mountain city built along the banks of the Yangtze River. Known for its spicy hotpot, dramatic skyline, and rich history, Chongqing is a modern metropolis with a unique cultural blend.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local guide and escorted to your hotel. You’ll have the remainder of the day to rest or explore the neighborhood.

Recommended Activities:
In the evening, consider walking along Nanbin Road, where you can admire the illuminated skyline of Chongqing across the river. You can also try Chongqing hotpot, famous for its numbing spiciness, at a popular local restaurant. Some venues even offer riverside views and traditional live music during dinner.

Shancheng Lane--White Elephant Street--White Elephant House--Dongshuimen City Wall Ruins--Yangtze River Cableway--Hongyadong

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Breakfast & Lunch

Early in the morning, when the first rays of sunshine pour over the staggered buildings of Shancheng, we will depart from the historical Shancheng Lane, where the ancient houses and stores on both sides of the stone-paneled road intertwine to create a vivid picture of the old street. Afterwards, lightly turn to White Elephant Street, which was once a prosperous place where merchants gathered, and every piece of green stone board seems to be whispering about the past splendor. 

Continuing on to the White Elephant House, this residential complex surrounded by the spectacle of the light rail running through the building is a perfect example of the fusion of modernity and antiquity, which makes people stop and look up, marveling at the unique magical charm of the mountain city. 

Stroll to the Dongshuimen City Wall Ruins, the mottled walls witnessed the vicissitudes of Chongqing City, as if you can travel through time and feel the resilience and unyielding. Then go to experience the different scenery brought by the Yangtze River Cableway.

Finally, at nightfall, arrived at Hongyadong, the lights, hanging footstools built on the mountain, layers upon layers, like a bright night pearl set in the Jialing River, this is not only the sea of food, but also a perfect place to experience the culture of Bayu.

Eighteen Stairs--Jiefangbei--Liziba (light rail through the building)--Ciqikou

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Breakfast & Lunch

In the early morning light,  you will step into the Eighteen Stairs, which is full of historical flavor. The stone paths here have gone through vicissitudes of life, and each piece of green stone plate records the stories of the past. The old houses on both sides of the street are mottled, but you can still see the prosperity of the past. The small stores along the street are bustling with all kinds of handicrafts and local snacks, and the air is filled with tantalizing aromas.

After the Eighteen Stairs, We will then take you to Jiefangbei, the commercial center of Chongqing and a symbol of the city. The towering monument gleams in the sunlight, and the surrounding skyscrapers showcase the city's modernity and prosperity. You can stroll through the busy streets, admire the various stores and billboards, and feel the fashion and vitality of the city.

In the late afternoon, we will bring you to the scene of the spectacle of the Liziba Light Railway passing through the buildings. This incredible sight is breathtaking as the LRT train slowly passes through the residential buildings. You can stand on the observation deck to get a close-up view of this mind-blowing scene and feel the harmonious coexistence between modern transportation and ancient architecture.

Finally, as night falls, we will take you to the old town of Ciqikou. The town is full of lights and people, and is filled with a rich historical and cultural atmosphere. You can stroll along the green stone road and admire the ancient buildings and the wide range of handicraft stores. Taste the authentic Chongqing snacks in front of the food stalls in the ancient town and feel the unique spicy and fresh aroma. In the teahouse to listen to a Sichuan opera face-changing performance is to appreciate the unique charm of the Bayu culture.

As the sun sets, we will arrange a special car to take you to the airport or station, the end of this unforgettable two-day tour of Chongqing. We hope this trip will become a wonderful memory in your heart, and look forward to meeting you again in the mountain city.

Chongqing Departure

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Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast, you will check out from your hotel and be transferred to Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport for your departure flight. Your 10-day journey through some of China's most iconic destinations has come to an end—from the ancient grandeur of Beijing to the mystical peaks of Zhangjiajie, and the vibrant energy of Chongqing.

If time allows before your flight, you might take a short walk around your hotel or grab a final taste of Chongqing cuisine, such as xiaomian (spicy noodles) or fresh local pastries.

We hope this journey leaves you with unforgettable memories of China’s rich culture, natural beauty, and dynamic cities. Safe travels and we look forward to welcoming you back again!

Recommended Activities:
If your flight is scheduled in the late afternoon or evening, you may choose to visit Chongqing Art Museum or take a short Yangtze River ferry ride for a final scenic experience of the city. Your guide can help with luggage storage and transfer coordination as needed.