20 Days Private Custom China Tour: From Shanghai to Beijing (Full Itinerary)

Flight Information: MU5112 (Arrival Time: 15:05 pm at Shanghai Pudong International Airport)

Upon your arrival, your dedicated local guide and driver will greet you with a personalized name sign, then transfer you comfortably to your 5-star hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is free for you to relax, overcome jet lag, or explore the hotel’s surrounding area at your own pace.

Morning: Visit Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden with a history of over 400 years, featuring exquisite pavilions, ponds, and rockeries. Explore the adjacent Yu Garden Bazaar to browse traditional Chinese handicrafts, snacks, and souvenirs.

Afternoon: Wander through Tianzifang, a maze of narrow, cobblestone alleyways filled with independent art galleries, boutique shops, cozy cafes, and authentic local restaurants. Experience the unique blend of old Shanghai charm and modern artistic vibe.

Evening: Visit Tian An 1000 Trees, a stunning “suspended forest” complex adorned with over 1,000 trees and shrubs. Enjoy the breathtaking night view along the Suzhou River, with the illuminated complex reflecting on the water.

Yu-Garden-Rockeries

Tianzifang-Narrow-Alleyways

No guide or driver service is provided on this day, allowing you to explore Shanghai at your own pace. Here are our top recommendations:

• Enjoy afternoon tea at the Shanghai Tower Observation Deck (118th floor) for a bird’s-eye view of the entire city
• Walk along The Bund to admire the iconic colonial-era international architecture and the stunning Pudong skyline
• Shop and dine at Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, one of Asia’s busiest and most famous shopping streets

Shanghai-Tower

The-Bund-International-Architecture

Morning: Your guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel and transfer you to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to take a high-speed bullet train to Shangrao (travel time: approximately 3.5 hours, based on the latest train schedule).

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Shangrao, your local guide and driver will meet you at the railway station and transfer you to your 5-star hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and adapting to the local environment.

Evening: Stroll around the hotel’s surrounding area to taste Shangrao’s local snacks, such as Shangrao Rice Noodles and Braised Duck.

Morning: Gather at the hotel lobby at 8:30 am and take a comfortable private car to Wangxian Valley (approximately 1.5 hours’ drive). Explore the stunning cliff town, featuring winding wooden walkways, ancient stone bridges, clear mountain streams, and traditional Chinese architecture built along the steep cliffs.

Afternoon: Enjoy a delicious local lunch at the scenic area’s restaurant, tasting Shangrao’s specialty dishes such as Braised Pork with Bamboo Shoots and Wild Vegetable Fried Rice. Continue exploring the valley’s beautiful natural scenery and hidden gems.

Evening: Witness Wangxian Valley’s world-famous night light show, where the entire cliff town is illuminated by thousands of warm lights, creating a dreamy, fairy-tale-like atmosphere. Capture the perfect photos before returning to the hotel in Shangrao.

Wangxian-Valley-Cliff-Town

Wangxian-Valley-Night-Light-Show

Morning: Free and easy to relax at the hotel. You can enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant or stroll around the nearby Wanda Plaza for last-minute souvenirs.

Afternoon: Your driver will escort you to Shangrao Railway Station to take a high-speed bullet train to Fenghuang (travel time: approximately 5 hours). Sit back and enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Evening: Arrive in Fenghuang in the evening. Your local guide will meet you at the station and transfer you to your river view boutique hotel for check-in. The rest of the evening is free for you to settle in.

Morning: Depart from the hotel early in the morning by private car to Fanjing Mountain (avoiding crowds). Embark on a full-day tour of Fanjing Mountain, climb Hongyun Golden Summit, and check in at the iconic Mushroom Stone. Admire the stunning alpine scenery and unique karst landforms.

Afternoon: Enjoy a simple local lunch at the mountain’s scenic area restaurant. Continue exploring the mountain’s trails and hidden viewpoints, capturing the beautiful natural landscapes.

Evening: Return to Fenghuang in the evening. Admire Fenghuang Ancient Town’s romantic night view, featuring the glowing Tuojiang River lights and traditional stilted buildings reflected in the water.

Fanjing-Mountain-Hongyun-Golden-Summit

Fenghuang-Ancient-Town-Tuojiang-River-Night-View

Morning: Check out from the hotel and drive to Furong Town by private car. Upon arrival, explore Furong Town, famous for its spectacular hanging waterfall and well-preserved ancient stilted buildings. Wander through the old town’s stone streets and visit local craft shops.

Afternoon: Enjoy a local lunch featuring Hunan’s spicy specialty dishes. Continue exploring the town’s historical sites and learn about its rich cultural heritage.

Evening: Stay in Furong Town to admire the breathtaking waterfall night view, where the waterfall is illuminated by colorful lights, creating a magical atmosphere.

Furong-Town-Hanging-Waterfall

Furong-Town-Waterfall-Colorful-Night-View

Morning: Free and easy to hang out in Furong Old Town. Browse the local morning markets and taste fresh local snacks before checking out. Drive from Furong Town to Zhangjiajie by private car.

Afternoon: Upon arrival in Zhangjiajie, visit Tianmen Mountain. Take the world-longest alpine cableway, walk through the majestic Tianmen Cave, and climb the 999 steps to admire the stunning mountain scenery.

Evening: Visit 72 Building, a unique cultural and commercial complex with distinctive architectural styles. Explore the complex’s shops and restaurants and enjoy the evening atmosphere.

Tianmen-Mountain-Glass-Plank-Road-Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie-72-Strange-Buildings

All Day: Embark on a full-day tour of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a world-famous scenic area known for its dramatic Avatar-like quartz sandstone peaks. Visit key spots based on your interests, such as Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area, or the picturesque Golden Whip Stream.

Take your time to wander through the park’s trails, capture stunning photos of the unique mountain landscapes, and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Your guide will provide detailed explanations about the park’s geology and ecosystem.

Zhangjiajie-National-Forest-Park-The-First-Bridge-Under-Heaven

Zhangjiajie-National-Forest-Park-Golden-Whip-Stream

Morning: Visit the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. Walk on the transparent glass bridge and enjoy the breathtaking canyon views below. (Note: Zipline, slide, and VR experiences are not included in the tour package.)

Afternoon: Check out from the hotel and transfer to Zhangjiajie Railway Station to take a high-speed bullet train to Wulong (travel time: approximately 2 hours).

Evening: Arrive in Wulong in the evening. Transfer to your local 5-star hotel for check-in and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Glass-Bridge

Zhangjiajie-Grand-Canyon-

Morning: Head to Wulong Tiankeng, a world-famous karst landform and popular movie filming location. Explore the majestic sinkhole, walk through the plank road, and admire the wonders of the steep cliffs and unique rock formations.

Afternoon: Visit the Wulong Canyon. Hike through the canyon’s trails, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and admire the beautiful natural scenery, including clear streams and lush vegetation.

Evening: Return to the hotel in Wulong. Celebrate the new year with a casual dinner at the hotel’s restaurant (dinner not included in the package).

Wulong-Tiankeng-Karst-Landform

Wulong-Canyon

Morning: Tour Wulong Baima Mountain, check in at the iconic “Flying Kiss” and Wangxianya scenic spots. The “Flying Kiss” is a giant mechanical structure offering panoramic mountain views for a unique photo opportunity.

Important Note: 1. In winter, if the Flying Kiss is unavailable due to severe weather conditions (e.g., heavy snow, strong wind, thick fog or heavy rain), we will return to Chongqing directly. 2. Guests with underlying diseases such as hypertension or heart disease are not allowed to experience the Flying Kiss for safety reasons.

Afternoon/Evening: Return to Chongqing. Visit Nanbin Road Changjiahui to watch the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, take the Yangtze River Cableway, visit Yunduanzhiyan Observation Deck, explore Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, and admire Hongyadong’s night view.

Wulong-Baima-Mountain-Flying-Kiss

Chongqing-Hongyadong-Neon-Lit-Night-View

Morning: Visit Chongqing People’s Square, a central public square with lush greenery and nearby government buildings. Experience Chongqing’s unique light rail system and stop at Liziba Station to watch the light rail pass through a residential building (an iconic Instagram-worthy sight).

Afternoon: Explore Ciqikou Ancient Town, a well-preserved historical town with traditional stone streets, ancient temples, local snack shops, and craft stores. Taste local specialties such as spicy tofu and sesame candy, and browse handcrafted souvenirs.

Evening: Free time to relax or explore other areas of Chongqing at your own pace.

Liziba-Light-Rail-Station

Ciqikou-Ancient-Town

Morning: Depart from Chongqing to Chengdu by high-speed bullet train (driver escort only). Arrive in Chengdu at noon and transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Afternoon: Head straight to Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to meet the giant pandas, including the famous Huahua. Watch the pandas eat bamboo and play in their enclosures.

Evening: Explore Chengdu Global Center, admire the Tianfu Twin Towers light show, and explore Chunxi Road and Jinli Ancient Street’s night view.

Chengdu-Research-Base-Giant-Panda-Huahua

Chengdu-Tianfu-Twin-Towers-Colorful-Light-Show

All Day: Embark on a full-day tour of Leshan Giant Buddha. You can choose to view the Buddha by boat or walk the plank road for a close-up visit to the world’s largest stone Buddha statue.

Afternoon: Return to Chengdu’s urban area for free relaxation. You can rest at the hotel or browse local shopping malls.

Evening (Optional): Visit Kuanzhai Alley to experience the old Chengdu style, wander through the traditional courtyards, and taste local snacks.

Leshan-Giant-Buddha

Kuanzhai-Alleys

Morning: Depart from Chengdu to Beijing by flight (driver service only). Arrive in Beijing in the afternoon and transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Evening: Explore Shichahai area, admire the hutong night view, and taste local Beijing snacks such as roasted chestnuts and candied hawthorns. Wander around the lakeside and enjoy the peaceful evening atmosphere.

Beijing-Shichahai-Lake

Beijing-Local-Hutong-Traditional-Architecture

All Day: Embark on a full-day tour of Badaling Great Wall Tianyu Zone. Experience the thrilling water slide while descending the wall (included in the admission fee). Hike along the wall and admire the majestic mountain scenery surrounding the Great Wall.

Afternoon: Return to Beijing’s urban area for free activities. You can explore local hutongs, go shopping, or relax at the hotel.

Evening: Free time to prepare for the optional tour on Day 19 or purchase last-minute souvenirs.

Badaling-Great-Wall

Morning: Your guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel. Head to Tiananmen Square (valid passport required for entry). See key landmarks including Tiananmen Rostrum, Monument to the People’s Heroes, and the Great Hall of the People.

Afternoon: Enter the Forbidden City (the former imperial palace). Explore the central axis, including the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony, and the Imperial Garden. Exit the Forbidden City via the Gate of Divine Might when done.

Tiananmen-Square

Forbidden-City-Hall-of-Supreme-Harmony

Morning: Driver will escort you to Beijing International Airport (flight number: AF8446, departure time: 11:50 am). Assist with your luggage and bid you a fond farewell.

Thank you for choosing our private custom tour! We hope you had a wonderful and memorable experience exploring China’s most iconic destinations. We look forward to welcoming you back to China in the future.