Best of East & South China's Culture & Natural Wonders: Beijing to Shanghai - 14 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Beijing, Self Guided Tour of the Capital

Welcome to China's vibrant capital, Beijing! Meet your driver outside the airport and transfer 45 minutes to your hotel. After settling in, head out to explore the city at your own pace. A good place to start is the National Museum of China where you can browse its vast collection of over one million artifacts covering China's ancient civilizations, imperial dynasties, and cultural evolution. Admire the many treasures, from intricate ceramics to imperial robes, and watch the multimedia presentations to learn more about the country's rich history.

Continue to Jingshan Park and soak up the city's green lung with a walk along the flower-lined paths to see the colorful pavilions, historical relics, and ancient cypresses. Trek up the hill for panoramic views of the park and its surroundings. If it's the right time of day, you can watch the sky transform into hues of orange and pink while the sun sets. Later on, go for a stroll down Wangfujing Street, renowned for its array of street food stalls. Try jianbing (a savory crepe filled with egg and green onion), then end the night with delicious tanghulu (skewered fruit coated in hardened sugar.)

Day 2: Full-Day Tour of Beijing 

This morning you'll join your guide for a full-day tour of Beijing, starting in Tiananmen Square, where you'll see sights including the Monument to the People's Heroes, the National Museum of China, and the Mao Zedong Mausoleum. Learn about the vast square's storied past from your guide, and stroll toward the northern end, where you can enter the Forbidden City. This UNESCO-listed complex served as the imperial residence for nearly five centuries, housing 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Explore the expansive courtyards and discover the array of meticulously designed halls, pavilions, and gardens. Don't miss the intricate details of the palace's architecture, like the iconic yellow roofs and ornate dragon carvings. When it's time for lunch, head to a local restaurant to try delicious Peking duck, characterized by its crispy skin and succulent meat. Afterward, spend the rest of the day exploring some of the city's hutongs and mazelike alleyways surrounded by traditional homes and markets.

Day 3: Guided Hike Along the Jinshanling Section of the Great Wall

Leave the city behind for the day as you transfer 2.5 hours to the Jinshanling section of the iconic Great Wall of China, known for its well-preserved condition. Stretch your legs after the long drive in preparation for a hike along a variety of landscapes, from steep ascents to winding paths along the restored or preserved sections of the wall.

Along the way, you'll see watchtowers, beacon towers, and other architectural marvels dating back to the Ming Dynasty. While walking, hear stories from your guide about the wall's history, architectural significance, and cultural impact. The hike's highlight is crossing over to SImtai West, known for its picturesque views of Gubei Water Town below. After the tour, you'll transfer back to Beijing, ready to enjoy your final night in the capital. 

Day 4: Visit the UNESCO-listed Summer Palace, Train to Xi'an

Spend your last morning in Beijing exploring the UNESCO-listed Summer Palace, nestled on the shores of Kunming Lake. Discover the intricately designed halls, pavilions, and temples to understand the opulence enjoyed by emperors during the Qing dynasty. Enter the Longevity Hall for panoramic views of the glittering lake and the surrounding gardens, then head outside to stroll over traditional bridges, including the beautiful Seventeen-Arch Bridge, to see the colorful pagodas dotting the landscape.

After exploring the palace on foot, you'll hop on a boat for a relaxed sail across the lake, where you can soak up the panoramic views of the surrounding hills, historic bridges, and iconic pavilions, such as the Marble Boat. In the afternoon, transfer to the station to catch a 4-5-hour bullet train southwest to Xi'an, the starting point of the Silk Road and the capital of several of China's most significant dynasties. When you arrive, find a local restaurant to try authentic dishes such as biang biang noodles.

Day 5: Visit Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum

Delve into the area's rich history today as you head to Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum, home to the famous Terracotta Army. Step inside to see the vast collection of life-size clay soldiers and horses that were buried to guard the emperor in the afterlife. Wander through the excavation pits to understand the terracotta figures' sheer scale and intricate craftsmanship, each with distinct facial features and expressions. Don't miss the on-site museum that showcases the emperor's life and the construction of his mausoleum. 

Continue to the ancient city walls, originally constructed during the Ming Dynasty in the 14th century. Stroll or cycle along the sturdy ramparts and enjoy panoramic views of the modern cityscape outside and historic quarters within the walls. In the evening, make your way to Defu Lane near the South Gate of the city walls for dinner and drinks at one of the many bars, pubs, or clubs, that offer everything from craft cocktails to live music and DJ sets.

Day 6: Full-Day Tour of Xi'an, Fly to Zhangjiajie

Today, you'll get an insight into Shaanxi province's rich history and cultural heritage with a visit to the Shaanxi History Museum. Peruse the extensive collection of artifacts spanning millions of years, including ancient bronze ware, Ming Dynasty porcelain, Tang Dynasty murals, and imperial treasures. Continue to the nearby Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, built in the seventh century to house Buddhist scriptures brought from India by the monk Xuanzang. Afterward, stretch your legs with a climb to the top of the pagoda for panoramic views of Xi'an's urban landscape and surrounding countryside.

After learning about the city's Buddhist background, dive into its Muslim Quarter, which dates back to the Tang Dynasty when Xi'an attracted many Muslim merchants from the Middle East and Central Asia. Stroll through the bustling quarter lined with traditional shops, vibrant market stalls, and historic mosques. Stop to try authentic dishes, like a lamb kebab on freshly baked flatbread, amid the fascinating blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture. In the evening, head to the airport for a 1.5-hour flight south to Zhangjiajie in the Hunan province, renowned for its Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

Day 7: Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Get ready to spend a whole day in the UNESCO-listed Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, famous for its towering sandstone pillars that have formed over thousands of years of erosion. The park is vast, spanning 21.6 square miles (56 km sq), so you won't be able to see it all. Instead, you'll discover the highlights, starting with a cable car ride up Tianzi Mountain. When you reach the summit, you'll be greeted by panoramic views of jagged cliffs, deep ravines, and dense forests stretching to the horizon. 

Then, ride the Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor elevator. Although the elevator is 1,099 feet (335 m) tall, it only takes two minutes to reach the top of one of the park's sandstone pillars. Here, you can admire the breathtaking views of the towering quartzite sandstone pillars that inspired the landscapes of James Cameron's "Avatar." Toward the end of your afternoon, your guide will take you to the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area after the crowds have left to discover highlights like the First Bridge under Heaven and the Back Garden: both offering superb vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Day 8: Discover Tianmen Mountain & the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

Start your day with a ride on one of the world's longest cable cars, taking you to the peak of Tianmen Mountain. On the way, enjoy views of rugged cliffs, deep valleys, and lush forests. When you reach the top, take another look at the scenic view, then stroll to the Coiling Dragon Cliff Skywalk, an impressive glass walkway attached to the side of the cliff. If you're feeling adventurous, walk onto the transparent surface and look down to the valley floor below. 

Ride the cable car back down the mountain and set off on a 1.5-hour transfer along the winding 99-Bend Road to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, a deep canyon carved by the Li River over millions of years. If you weren't up for the first glass bridge, maybe the second-largest glass bridge in the world will be more enticing. Step onto the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge and enjoy views of the surrounding karst peaks and deep valley below. After a full day in nature, transfer back to your hotel to rest. 

Day 9: Train to Guilin, Self-Guided Tour of Elephant Trunk Hill & the City

Say goodbye to Zhangjiajie this morning as you head to the station to catch a seven-hour bullet train to Guilin in southern China, renowned for its dramatic karst mountains. You'll arrive midafternoon and after checking in at your hotel and relaxing after the journey, the rest of the afternoon is yours to wander Guilin at your own pace. A good option if you're keen to stretch your legs is Elephant Trunk Hill, a unique rock formation that resembles an elephant's trunk dipping into the Li River.

Climb to the hill's summit for panoramic views of the city and winding river, then continue to Zhengyang Pedestrian Street in the heart of the downtown core. Stroll down the lively street lined with shops, restaurants, and boutiques which offer everything from traditional handicrafts to boutique fashion. Shop for souvenirs or indulge in local delights like stuffed snails, grilled meat and vegetable skewers, or Guilin rice noodles served in a flavorful broth. 

Day 10: Visit Longji Rice Terraces & Meet the Zhuang Community

Trade the city for the countryside today as you head to Longji Rice Terraces, known as "Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces" in English because the terraced fields resemble the scales of a dragon's back when viewed from a distance. When you arrive, look out at the rice fields stretching across the rolling hills that change with the seasons. The area is also home to the Zhuang and Yao ethnic minorities, and you have the chance to meet some of the members of the Zhuang minority today. 

Explore the village nestled on the hillside and meet several locals from the Zhuang community, whose traditional clothing is known for its brightly colored fabric and intricate embroidery. Learn about the community's agricultural practices, folk music, dance, cuisine, and traditional crafts like weaving and embroidery. Later on, you'll be invited to one of the local wooden houses to make bamboo rice around a cozy bonfire. When it's ready, you'll enjoy a traditional dinner of rice, meat and beans. Afterward, you'll transfer back to your hotel. 

Day 11: Transfer to Yangshuo via Riverboat, Explore at Leisure

Your next destination is Yangshuo, a small town surrounded by karst mountains. To get there, you'll hop on a boat and cruise down the Li River, enjoying views of dramatic limestone peaks, lush bamboo groves, and tranquil villages. Keep your eyes peeled for landmarks like Mural Hill, named for its resemblance to a series of ancient Chinese ink paintings cascading down its limestone cliffs. You'll arrive in Yangshuo midafternoon and transfer to your cozy countryside hotel.

The rest of the day is free so that you can explore the area on your own. A good place to start is Xi Jie, better known as "West Street" for its Western-style bars, restaurants, hotels, and shops amid the traditional Chinese landscape. Shop for souvenirs or indulge in local delights like Yangshuo beer fish or stuffed Li River snails paired with a local beer. If you're keen to explore, consider renting a bicycle or scooter to explore the picturesque countryside and rural villages around Yangshuo.

Day 12: Explore Yangshuo's Countryside, Cultural Exchange, Fly to Shanghai

You can't leave Yangshuo without exploring its serene villages, where you may encounter locals on water buffalo or working in the fields. You'll also spend time in the home of one of the village elders to learn about their lifestyle, culture, and values. Then, take a ferry and a local farmer's taxi to a bustling market lined with colorful stalls. Peruse the array of goods, from locally grown fruits and vegetables to handmade crafts and traditional clothing.

End the tour with a 20-minute walk up Xianggong Hill for one last look at the Li River and surrounding limestone peaks before transferring to the airport in Guilin. Board a three-hour flight to Shanghai on China's central coast and meet your driver outside the airport to transfer to your hotel. If you're not too tired, head out for dinner in Nanshi, the city's Old Town. Stroll down the winding alleys and find a local restaurant selling xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumplings)— they were first created here during the Qing Dynasty. 

Day 13: Discover The Bund & Shanghai Tower, Afternoon at Leisure

Your penultimate day in China takes you on a city tour of Shanghai, starting at The Bund, a historic waterfront promenade, to enjoy panoramic views of the futuristic Pudong district. Listen as your guide shares the history of the towering skyscrapers and stately buildings you visit before satisfying your appetite with a delicious lunch. After refueling, cross the Huangpu River to get to Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China. Take an elevator to the observation deck at the top, where you'll be met with a panorama of the sprawling metropolis below. 

The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish. If it's nature you're after, head to Yuyuan Garden, a serene oasis amid the urban landscape. Wander through the landscaped courtyards, meandering paths, and scenic pavilions adorned with intricate details. Cross over the delicate bridges to admire the lotus ponds beneath before continuing to Yuyuan Bazaar just outside the garden. Browse the stalls full of local snacks, handicrafts, and antiques to find the perfect souvenir to take home. 

Day 14: Depart Shanghai

After visiting some of China's best natural landscapes over the last two weeks, your journey comes to an end today. If you have time before your flight, head to Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Browse luxury boutiques, department stores, and local shops to pick up some last-minute souvenirs. Visit one of the street food stalls to try some more Shanghainese dishes before you go, like shengjian bao and pan-fried soup dumplings filled with meat. When it's time, return to the hotel to grab your bags and meet your driver to transfer to the airport for your flight home. Safe travels!