China loops · 14 days / 13 nights
14-Day China: The Grand Loop, Beijing to Shenzhen
The Great Wall, the terracotta army, pandas, the Avatar mountains, the Longji rice terraces and the Li River — one unbroken line south, no backtracking.
This is the itinerary we hand to families who say “we are coming once, we want to see everything”. It is long, it is fast, and it works — because every leg is booked in sequence.
Day by dayExactly what happens, in order — nothing added for the brochure.
Old Beijing Hutongs & Imperial Timekeeping
Begin your Beijing journey with a Hutong walking tour through the city's historic alleyways, where traditional courtyard homes and local life offer a glimpse into old Beijing. Continue to the Drum & Bell Towers, the former timekeeping center of Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, standing as iconic landmarks on the city's central axis. Wander along Yandai Xie Street, Beijing's oldes (diagonal street), named for its pipe-like shape and historic tobacco shops. End the day at Houhai Lake, a scenic lake area formed during the Yuan Dynasty, once a bustling commercial hub known as "Beijing's ancient seaport," now a lively spot with bars, restaurants, and views of traditional architecture.
Great Wall Fortress & Royal Temples
Explore the Shuiguan Great Wall, a unique eastern section of the Badaling Great Wall built during the Ming Dynasty. Its "V"-shaped distribution along a steep valley and watchtowers that also serve as water gates give it the nickname "Iron Wing Fortress." Then, visit the Lama Temple, Beijing's largest and best-preserved Tibetan Buddhist monastery, originally the residence of Emperor Yongzheng before he ascended the throne. Conclude at the Directorate of Imperial Academy & Confucius' Temple, the supreme educational institution and imperial academy of the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, built in the "left temple, right school" layout.
Imperial Axis & Ancient Front Gate
Start at Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest city center square, surrounded by iconic landmarks like the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Great Hall of the People. Enter the Forbidden City, the magnificent imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, also known as the Purple Forbidden City, and the world's largest and best-preserved wooden architectural complex. Climb Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City from its highest point. End the day at Qianmen Avenue, a historic commercial street on Beijing's central axis, lined with time-honored brands and offering a taste of old Beijing.
A Legend of a Generation & A Love Story
Visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses of Qin Shihuang Mausoleum, the "Eighth Wonder of the World," an underground army of thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers guarding the tomb of China's first emperor. Explore Huaqing Pool, a royal hot spring resort favored by Tang Dynasty emperors, famous for the love story of Emperor Xuanzong and his consort Yang Guifei. In the evening, enjoy The Song of Everlasting Sorrow performance, a grand outdoor historical dance drama staged at Huaqing Pool, retelling the tragic love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Yang Guifei against the backdrop of the Tang Dynasty.
Xi'an's Ancient Flavors & Tang Splendor
Start the day at the Local Morning Market (often referring to the vibrant Muslim Quarter/Huimin Street), a bustling food street with a history of over a thousand years, offering a wide array of authentic Xi'an snacks. Then, delve into history at the Shaanxi History Museum, a grand national museum known as the "Bright Pearl of the Ancient Capital," housing over 1.7 million artifacts. Visit the iconic Great Wild Goose Pagoda, a seven-story square brick pagoda built by the monk Xuanzang to store Buddhist scriptures brought from India. End the day at the Great Tang Everbright Town (likely referring to Great Tang All Day Mall), a large-scale Tang-style pedestrian street at the foot of the pagoda, famous for its magnificent night lights and cultural performances.
Leshan Grand Buddha & Chengdu Leisure
Embark on a Tour Along the River to view the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest stone-carved Buddha in the world, a 71-meter-tall seated Maitreya Buddha carved into a cliff face at the confluence of three rivers. Then, visit the nearby Oriental Buddha Scenic Area, a 4A-rated scenic area featuring over 3,000 Buddha statues in various styles, including a 170-meter-long reclining Buddha. Enjoy Free Activities in Chengdu in the evening, perhaps exploring the city's famous food scene or relaxing at a local tea house.
Pandas, Poets, and Sichuan Spice
Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Base, a world-renowned research and breeding facility for giant pandas, where you can see these adorable creatures in a naturalistic environment. Then, explore Du Fu's Thatched Cottage, the former residence of the great Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu during his stay in Chengdu, now a museum and a tranquil garden. Stroll through Broad and Narrow Alley, a preserved Qing Dynasty street complex that showcases traditional Sichuan architecture and culture. Conclude the day with a delicious Sichuan Cuisine Dinner, savoring the bold and spicy flavors the region is famous for.
Zhangjiajie Nightlife & Tujia Architecture
Arrive at Zhangjiajie Western Train Station Pick-up and transfer to your accommodation. Spend the evening exploring Dayong Ancient City, a cultural complex rebuilt on the historic site of the old Dayong prefecture, which dates back over 600 years. Then, marvel at the 72 Qilou Building, a striking Tujia-style stilted building complex that's a modern landmark of the city, beautifully illuminated at night.
Avatar Mountains & Sky Elevator
Take the Cable car to Tianzi Mountain, known as the "King of Peaks," for breathtaking views of the towering quartz-sandstone pillars. Explore Yuanjiajie Scenic Spot, a core area of the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, home to the "First Bridge under Heaven" and the "Southern Sky Column," which inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. Descend via the Bailong Elevator, the world's highest outdoor elevator, offering a thrilling ride down the cliff face with stunning views.
Canyon Thrills & Ethnic Performance
Explore the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, a scenic area with deep canyons, waterfalls, and lush vegetation, often called the "Museum of Zhangjiajie Landforms." Walk across the Glass Skywalk (Yuntiandu Glass Bridge), a transparent glass-bottomed bridge suspended 300 meters above the canyon floor. Cruise on Baofeng Lake, a tranquil mountain lake surrounded by steep peaks, known as the "Classic of World Lakes." In the evening, enjoy The Performance of Charm Xiangxi, a cultural show featuring the music, dance, and folklore of the Tujia, Miao, and other ethnic groups of the Xiangxi region.
Heaven's Gate & Phoenix Ancient Town
Take the Cable car to Tianmen Mountain, known as the "Soul of Wuling" for its unique table-top karst landform and stunning views. See the Tianmen Cave, a natural archway in the mountain's cliff face and the world's highest natural (through-mountain karst cave). In the afternoon, travel to Fenghuang Ancient Town, a well-preserved ancient town with stilted houses along the Tuojiang River, known as one of China's most beautiful small cities.
Dragon's Backbone Terraces & Ethnic Crafts
Explore the Dragon Bone Terraced Fields Scenic Area (Longji Terraced Fields), a UNESCO Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System with over 2,300 years of history. These stunning rice terraces cascade down the mountainsides like giant staircases. Participate in the Experience of local Embroidery & Making Oolong Tea, learning traditional skills from the local Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities.
Sunrise over Terraces & Li River Karst
Wake up early to watch the Sunrise in Dragon Bone Terrace, as the first light illuminates the terraced fields, creating a breathtaking panorama. Then, travel to Yangshuo for a Li River by boat in Xingping, enjoying the quintessential karst landscape that is featured on the back of the 20-yuan RMB note. After the boat ride, explore Xingping Ancient Town, a 1,700-year-old town with ancient streets, bridges, and traditional architecture.
Scenic Guilin to Futuristic Shenzhen
Travel from Guilin, the scenic city famous for its landscapes, to Shenzhen. In the evening, visit Shenzhen Bay Park, a long coastal park offering beautiful views of the bay and the Hong Kong skyline. Here, you can have a unique Experience of UAV and Robot Coffee, enjoying modern technology and innovation in this dynamic city before your departure.
What is in the priceAnd what is not. We would rather you knew now.
✓Included
- Admission fees for every sight listed in the itinerary
- Private vehicle with a skilled driver for all transfers and sightseeing
- Fuel, tolls and parking
- Driver and guide accommodation and meal allowance
- High-speed train tickets, second class
- English-speaking guides
- Service charge and government taxes
- Luggage transfers between airports, stations and hotels
- Accommodation as listed above, with breakfast daily
- The Sichuan dinner mentioned in the itinerary
- China travel insurance
−Not included
- International flights to and from China
- Meals not listed above
- Chinese visa fees
- Excess baggage charged by airlines
- Tips to guides and drivers (suggested USD 20 per group per guide, USD 15 per driver)
- Personal expenses and gratuities
- Personal travel accident insurance
- Optional programs and personal expenses
Prices depend on dates, party size and the hotels you choose, so we quote per trip rather than publish a number that would be wrong. Send us your dates and we will come back with one figure — in writing, with the hotels named.
PracticalThe things people ask before booking.
Tell us the dates. We will send this route back priced, with the hotels named.
Everything here is a starting point — we cut days, add nights, swap hotels and change the order of cities all the time. Rebecca answers in English, usually within a few hours.
