China’s Hidden Gem Route｜21 Days 20 Nights: Breathtaking Peak Forests, Mountain-City Night Views & Timeless Historic Sites All in One Trip

• Tour Agency: DIANDA TRAVEL 
• Tour code: DT-CT-018
• Tour Type: Custom Private Tour (Flexible travel dates & group size available)

•  Tour Route：Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhangjiajie, Chongqing, Chengdu, Xi'an, Beijing

• Core Route Features:  Lingnan commercial-city charm and Cantonese local vibes, coastal tech-metropolitan scenery, mysterious quartz-sandstone peak-forest landscapes, laid-back lifestyle of Sichuan, the 8-D magical mountain city, millennia-old imperial legacy of Qin-Han-Tang dynasties, and grand imperial heritage of the Ming-Qing dynasties. This tour features numerous UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage sites.

• Core Landmarks: Canton Tower, Dameisha Beach, the Avatar filming location, Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, Giant Panda Base, Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Hongya Cave, Liziba Monorail, Terracotta Warriors, Bell and Drum Towers, Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, Mutianyu Great Wall

ⅠTour Overview & Introduction

This sevencity custom tour links Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhangjiajie, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an and Beijing. It combines Lingnan coastal charm, world-famous quartz-sandstone peak-forest scenery, lively Bashu street culture, the dramatic 8D mountain-city landscape, and grand imperial heritage from the Qin-Han-Tang to MingQing dynasties.

Your adventure begins in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to discover Cantonese traditions and Shenzhen’s coastal vitality. You will then head to Zhangjiajie for Avatarlike mountain valleys shaped by nature. In Chengdu, meet giant pandas and enjoy the relaxed Sichuan lifestyle. Experience Chongqing’s unique terrain and sparkling nightscapes, trace ancient Qin-Han-Tang history in Xi’an, and wrap up your journey in Beijing exploring imperial landmarks and China’s dynastic past.

Blending natural wonders and historic sites, this tour includes multiple UNESCO World Natural and Cultural Heritage locations. Tailor-made for private travelers, it offers flexible travel dates and group sizes with no bundled charges, letting you freely experience China’s diverse landscapes and rich culture.

Six Core Highlights

•  Blend of Coastal Trading Hub and Modern Metropolis

       Discover two iconic Greater Bay Area destinations. Experience the folk-market charm of ancient Cantonese merchant culture and the coastal dynamism of tech-driven Shenzhen. Visit city landmarks and coastal scenery to enjoy the unique fusion of Lingnan heritage and modernurban vibes.

• World‑Class Peak‑Forest Natural Wonder

       Travel to this UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Explore the Avatarinspired peaks and walk across the Grand Canyon Glass Bridge. Marvel at the magnificent quartzsandstone peak-forest landscape and immerse yourself in the stunning mountain scenery of Tujia homeland.

• Tianfu Local Charms & Encounter with Giant Pandas

       Meet the beloved giant pandas, and visit the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. Embrace the laidback Sichuan lifestyle, learn about ancient Shu civilization, and soak up the relaxing street-market atmosphere of Tianfu.

• Experience the Magical 8‑D Bayu Mountain City

        Admire the city’s distinctive threedimensional landforms. Visit Hongyadong and Liziba Monorail, and enjoy the glittering night views along the two rivers. Feel the rich Bayu local culture and the oneofakind magic of this mountain city.

• Journey Back to the Glorious Qin‑Han‑Tang Ancient Capital

      Step into this 13dynasty capital. See the Terracotta Army and BellDrum Towers, trace timeworn marks on the ancient city wall, and trace the splendors of the Qin, Han and Tang dynasties. Deeply appreciate the profound heritage of this ancient SilkRoad capital.

• Beijing | Imperial Splendors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties

        Visit worldrenowned heritage sites including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Mutianyu Great Wall. Wander through the heart of the imperial city and dive into the grand royal legacy of the Ming and Qing empires.

Ⅱ Itinerary at a Glance

Ⅲ Detailed Daily Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Guangzhou | Airport / Train Station Pick-up & Hotel Check-in

Welcome to Guangzhou, the ancient commercial capital! Our driver will meet you at the airport or train station exit and take you to your hotel for check-in and rest. Once settled, you may enjoy free time to stroll through the historic streets and alleys, admire the night view of the Pearl River, and ease any jet lag or fatigue from your journey.

Transportation Notes：

1. Flights: Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport offers flight routes connecting to destinations across the globe, with direct flights available to many countries in Southeast Asia, Japan, South Korea, Europe, and North America; direct flights also operate to popular domestic tourist destinations such as Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, and Hangzhou.

2. High-speed Rail: Guangzhou's high-speed rail network is highly extensive, offering direct connections to popular domestic tourist destinations such as Shenzhen, Zhangjiajie, Hangzhou, Xi' an, and Beijing.

• Recommended Local specialties：braised goose, shrimp dumplings
• Recommended Accommodation: Guangzhou urban Hotel
• Activity Intensity: Leisure

Day2 Guangzhou | A One-Day Tour of the Cultural Heritage and Scenic Attractions of the Millennium-Old Commercial Capital

• Morning: Whampoa Military Academy, GuangzhouTram, Huacheng Square, Canton Tower

Depart in the early morning for Changzhou Island to visit the former site of the Whampoa Military Academy, reflecting on the turbulent events of modern revolutionary history and immersing oneself in its profound red cultural heritage. After the tour, proceed to Wanshengwei to take the river-side rail service, journey leisurely along the Pearl River shoreline, and admire the scenic views of the eastern bank. Then, stroll along the urban central axis of Huacheng Square, take in the skyline of the Pearl River New District's towering skyscrapers, gaze upon the iconic Guangzhou Tower, and capture classic snapshots of the city of Guangzhou.

• Afternoon: Shamian Island, The 13th Row Museum, St. Paul's Cathedral, Chen Family Ancestral Hall, Yongqingfang, and Litchi Bay Creek

In the afternoon, head to Shamain Island, where you can wander through a cluster of century-old European-style buildings and experience a serene exotic atmosphere; visit the Thirteen Hongs Museum to trace the bustling trade activities of the Maritime Silk Road during the Qing Dynasty; stop by the majestic Gothic-style St. Heart Cathedral to admire its unique stone architecture; then, explore the Chen Family Ancestral Hall—a cultural treasure of Lingnan—where you can thoroughly appreciate traditional Lingnan carving techniques such as brick carvings, pottery sculptures, and gray plaster sculptures; next, proceed to the Xiguan area, strolling through Yongqingfang and Litchi Bay Stream, where small bridges over flowing water and arcade-style streets intertwine in a harmonious layout, allowing you to immerse yourself in the authentic local life and vibrant atmosphere of Old Xiguan.

• Recommended Local specialties：Braised Rice，White-cut Chicken
• Recommended Accommodation: Guangzhou urban Hotel
• Activity Intensity: Moderate

Day 3 Shenzhen | Mountain-Sea Coastal Tour

• Morning: Dameisha Coastal Park, Yantian Boardwalk

Head to Dameisha Coastal Park, step onto the soft sandy beach, listen to the sound of the waves, embrace the azure sea and blue sky, and experience the vibrant coastal energy of the Greater Bay Area. Walk leisurely along the stunning Yantian Coastal Trail, where lush green mountains meet the vast ocean—mountains and sea intertwine harmoniously; along the way, you will enjoy expansive views, fresh sea breezes, and magnificent coastal scenery. Golden Coast Tour (including a 55-minute yacht ride): Board the yacht for a Golden Coast yacht voyage, where during the 55-minute journey across the waters of Dapeng Bay, you can admire the coastal landscapes from multiple perspectives, gaze at the harbor and the rolling mountain ranges, and immerse yourself in a relaxing seaside experience.

• Afternoon：Zhongying Street, China-Britain Street – Diwang Building

Next, we will visit Zhongying Street—a street that spans two distinct zones—where you can explore the historical traces of the century-old border and experience Shenzhen's unique cultural charm. From the observation deck of the Diwang Tower, you can take in a panoramic view of the urban fabric of Shenzhen's central district, witness the magnificent skyline characterized by towering skyscrapers in the Special Economic Zone, and gain insight into Shenzhen's rapidly evolving urban landscape.

•  Recommended Local specialties：Coconut Chicken 、 Bright Dairy Quail
• Recommended Accommodation: Guangzhou urban Hotel
• Activity Intensity: Moderate

Day 4  Guangzhou → Zhangjiajie | High-Speed Rail Arrival

Daytime: Today our driver will escort you to Guangzhou Railway Station to take a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie (approx. 6-8 hours). Upon arrival in Zhangjiajie, our staff will greet you at the high-speed rail station exit and escort you to the downtown hotel for check-in. You can arrange the remaining time freely; if tired, you can rest in the hotel to recharge, or if time permits, stroll around the surrounding areas, visit local food streets, experience Xiangxi foot baths, and look into the distance at Tianmen Mountain scenery.

• Recommended Local specialties :Tujia Recommended Three-Down Pot, mugwort rice cake
• Accommodation: Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel in Zhangjiajie Downtown
• Activity Intensity: Light & Leisure

Day 5 Zhangjiajie Tianmen Mountain Full Day Tour

Transfer to Tianmen Mountain, known as the "Number One Divine Mountain in Xiangxi". Its main peak, Yunmeng Fairy Summit, is 1,517.9 meters above sea level and features the world's longest high-altitude passenger ropeway (total length 7,455 meters) leading directly from the city center to the summit, overlooking the 99-bend Tongtian Avenue winding mountain highway with roads winding like silver snakes around sheer cliffs. On the summit's western route, check in at the internet-famous cliff glass plank road and the 1,600-meter Guigu plank road, which hang on cliffs 1,400 meters high with bottomless abysses underfoot, walking on clouds when sea of clouds billows, thrilling yet aesthetic. Hike to the natural mountain-piercing karst cave, Tianmen Cave, a huge mountain cave 131.5 meters high straddling the mountain body, where you can climb 999 blessing heavenly ladders to reach the cave entrance. During the rainy season, the natural wonder of "Tianmen Spitting Mist" frequently appears, with mountain mists rushing out from the cave entrance, full of immortal charm. Mountain-crossing escalators, Tianmen Temple, and the Yunmeng Fairy Summit panoramic observation deck are fully covered with smooth movement and no backtracking.

• Recommended Local specialties : Blood tofu duck, drum skin beef hot pot
• Accommodation: Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel in Zhangjiajie Downtown
• Activity Intensity:Moderate

Day 6 Wulingyuan Full-Day In-Depth Tour | Forest Park + Charming Xiangxi Evening Show

•  Morning: Ten-Mile Gallery, Lower Section of Golden Whip Stream, Bailong Elevator & Avatar Mountain

 Gather and depart from the downtown hotel around 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM, enter from the East Gate of the scenic area, and take Line B to tour the Shilihualang (Ten-Mile Gallery). "Ten miles of gallery with ten miles of scenery, ten miles of landscape accompanying your journey," you can take a sightseeing mini-train to appreciate the ten-mile gallery, Herbalist Gathering Medicine, Peak Lifting Tower, Index Finger Peak, Monkey Garden, Peach Garden, and other attractions. Afterward, take the sightseeing vehicle, passing through the Shuiraosimen (Water Winding Four Gates) at the downstream of Jinbian Stream, and take the Bailong Elevator upwards (a 335-meter high-altitude elevator reaching the top in 88 seconds) to overlook the panoramic view of the entire peak forest. Check in at the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, tour the "Column of Heaven and Earth" floating mountain prototype of the movie "Avatar" (tour time 1.5 hours), exploring the Enchanting Platform, Divine Turtle Asking Heaven, Column of Heaven and Earth, Hundred-Yuan Banknote, and Number One Bridge under Heaven and other out-of-print sceneries. Encountering cloudy and rainy weather makes it even more misty and foggy, resembling an earthly fairyland! After the tour, rest and have lunch in the Yuanjiajie scenic area.

• Afternoon: Yangjiajie & Tianzi Mountain

Take the sightseeing vehicle to Yangjiajie to see the peak wall wonders, where you can view the Golden Phoenix Spreading Wings and Jigouzui, experiencing the natural great wall of hundreds of millions of years. Take the sightseeing vehicle to Tianzi Mountain (driving time about 25 minutes) to visit Yubi Peak, Fairy Scattering Flowers, Xihai Stone Forest, Dianjiangtai, Helong Park, climb Tianzige Pavilion, and view the panorama of the Tianzi Mountain scenic area. After the tour, take the sightseeing vehicle back to the East Gate to exit the scenic area, and take a special transfer to the Wulingyuan Charming Xiangxi Grand Theater to rest, dine, and wait for the evening folk performance.

•  Evening：Charming Xiangxi Evening Show

Enter the park early to stroll around Xibu Ancient Street, check out Tujia silver jewelry, Miao embroidery, and intangible cultural heritage handicraft shops, and enjoy the ancient street lantern night view. Watch the 80-minute indoor folk master show directed by Feng Xiaogang, which includes CCTV Spring Festival Gala program "Chasing Love", majestic Miao ethnic fire drums, moving Tujia crying marriage, intangible cultural heritage Maogusi dance, and mysterious Xiangxi corpse-driving chapters, fully demonstrating the millennium folk culture of the Tujia, Miao, and Bai ethnicities. After the indoor performance, watch the outdoor plaza live stunt performance, closely appreciating thrilling folk stunts such as climbing knife mountains, descending seas of fire, hard qigong, and flying knives, and participate in bonfire interactions and ethnic antiphonal singing to deeply and immersively experience the mysterious customs of Xiangxi. After all performances end, take a special vehicle back to the urban hotel.

• Recommended Local specialties : Rock ear stewed native chicken, Tujia cured meat
• Accommodation: Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel in Zhangjiajie Downtown
• Activity Intensity: Moderate

Day 7 Grand Canyon & Huanglong Cave: Cliff Glass Bridge & Underground Karst Cave

 Morning: Grand Canyon

Gather at the hotel between 7–9 a.m. and depart for Grand Canyon Scenic Area to visit the viral landmark Yuntandu Glass Bridge. The fully transparent glass deck spans deep valleys suspended between mountain ridges, with steep gorges and lush peaks stretching all around. Walking on the bridge with clouds drifting below offers breathtaking thrills and stunning scenery. Aside from the glass bridge, wander valley trails alongside murmuring streams and plunging waterfalls, breathing fresh mountain air to soak in the primitive natural valley landscape. Lunch is arranged after sightseeing.

Afternoon: Huanglong Cave

After lunch, drive to Huanglong Cave, a huge karst cave carved by millions of years of natural water erosion. The cave maintains a constant mild temperature all year round with winding corridors, countless stalagmites, stone pillars and stone curtains formed by dripping water over millennia. Under artistic lighting, the cave shimmers with dreamy colors. We visit core landmarks including Dragon Palace Hall and Divine Stabilizing Needle — a giant stone pillar standing tall in the grand cave hall. Every corner reveals nature’s incredible craftsmanship to bring you a magical underground wonderland experience. Transfer back to hotel after the tour.

• Recommended Local specialties : Blood tofu duck, drum skin beef hot pot
• Accommodation: Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel in Zhangjiajie Downtown
• Activity Intensity:Moderate

Day8 Zhangjiajie → Chongqing: High-Speed Rail Direct

Daytime: After hotel breakfast, the driver will transfer you to Zhangjiajie High-Speed Railway Station for Chongqing according to the train schedule. Upon arrival at Chongqing High-Speed Railway Station, enjoy a dedicated pickup service. Our staff will greet you at the exit and escort you to the downtown hotel for check-in. You can arrange the remaining time freely; if tired, you can rest in the hotel to recharge, or stroll around if time permits.

• Recommended Local specialties: Chongqing noodles, roasted sweet potato skin
• Recommended Accommodation: Chongqing downtown hotel
• Activity Intensity:Relaed and casual

Day 9 Mountain City Internet-Famous Landmarks One-Day Tour: Ciqikou + Xiahaoli + Yangtze River Cableway + Liziba Light Rail

Morning: Ciqikou Ancient Town & Xiahaoli Old Street 

Head to stroll around Ciqikou Ancient Town, a millennial Bayu ancient town leaning against mountains and rivers with winding bluestone ancient streets and well-preserved Ming and Qing old buildings. Chongqing specialty snacks such as Chen Maohua, ancient town hot pot, sour and spicy noodles, and mountain city small tangyuan gather along the street, accompanied by old teahouses, Sichuan opera stages, intangible cultural heritage bamboo weaving, and Shu embroidery shops, retaining the old Chongqing dock market fireworks where you can climb high to overlook the Jialing River scenery.

Then take a dedicated car for 20 minutes to Xiahaoli Old Street, a retro, literary, and niche old street in Chongqing featuring stepped residences built against the mountain, old stilt houses, mottled Chinese parasol trees, retro graffiti, and literary cafes scattered around as a popular film and television shooting location, completely preserving the original street styles of old Chongqing with a retro photogenic atmosphere.

Afternoon: Yangtze River Cableway & Liziba Light Rail

Take a dedicated transfer to the Yangtze River Cableway North Station to ride the Yangtze River Cableway, known as the "Air Corridor over the Wanli Yangtze River". Built in 1987 as a cross-river aerial cable car and former commuting tool for Chongqing people, it is now a city landmark. The cable car cabin crosses the Yangtze River with surging river water beneath your feet, bringing the Yuzhong Peninsula, Nanshan, and Jiangbei buildings into full view, experiencing the stereoscopic urban pattern of the mountain city combining mountains and water from a high altitude in all directions, viewing stacked mountain city buildings by day and enjoying sunset river views by evening.

 Later, check in at the Liziba Light Rail Building-Piercing Observation Deck, the world's unique monorail building-piercing wonder where Rail Transit Line 2 passes directly through the 6th-8th floors of a residential building. Trains whistle through the buildings, and the observation platform views the light rail at eye level as an iconic landscape of the 8D magical city, free for check-in photos to experience Chongqing's unique urban architectural design.

•  Recommended Local specialty: Chongqing hot pot, iced jelly
• Recommended Accommodation: Chongqing urban hotel
• Activity Intensity: Moderate exercise

Day10  Urban Popular Science + Two Rivers Night Tour --- Kuixing Building + Chongqing Science and Technology Museum + Two Rivers Night Cruise to View Hongya Cave

•  Daytime: Kuixing Building & Chongqing Science and Technology Museum

Head to check in at the Kuixing Building internet-famous observation deck, where a double-layer overpass connects two high-rise buildings, and the suspended overpass faces the high-rise building cluster of the Yuzhong Peninsula directly, overlooking the stepped streets and alleys of the old city as a niche high-altitude city check-in angle to closely feel the high-and-low staggered architectural texture of the mountain city.

Then tour the Chongqing Science and Technology Museum, a riverside landmark in Jiangbei District and a large-scale popular science exhibition hall equipped with complete aerospace, mechanics, life science, and transportation technology exhibition halls and rich interactive experience equipment, combining popular science with leisure sightseeing. The riverside footpath outside the museum offers distant views of the Jialing River and the Yuzhong architectural cluster. 

• Evening: Hongya Cave

 Arrive at Chaotianmen Pier to board a ship and start the Two Rivers Night Cruise. The cruise ship shuttles through the converging waters of the Yangtze River and Jialing River, passing through Chaotianmen, Qiansimen Bridge, Grand Theater, Hongyadong, and Nanbin Road. From a water perspective, appreciate the peak of Chongqing's night view — Hongyadong, an 11-story Bayu stilt building built against the mountain. Under the night sky, warm yellow lights are stacked layer upon layer, resembling the fantastical bathhouse in "Spirited Away", with river lights, bridge neon lights, and city buildings reflecting each other, fully and immersively appreciating the brilliant river night scenery of the mountain city.

• Recommended Local Specialty: Sour and spicy noodles, glutinous rice balls
• Recommended Accommodation: Chongqing urban hotel
• Activity Intensity: Moderate exercise

Day 11 Chongqing→Chengdu : Direct High-Speed Rail

Daytime: After hotel breakfast, the driver will transfer you to Chongqing High-Speed Railway Station for Chengdu according to the train schedule. Upon arrival at Chengdu High-Speed Railway Station, a special transfer will pick you up, and our staff will greet you at the station exit and escort you to the hotel in downtown Chengdu for check-in. You can arrange the remaining time freely; if you are tired, you can rest in the hotel to store up energy, and if the time is early, you can also wander around the surroundings.

• Recommended  Local specialty : Cold skewers, sweet water noodles
• Recommended Accommodation: Chengdu urban hotel
• Activity Intensity: Moderate

Day12 Chengdu Urban Humanistic Tou

• Morning: Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

 Take a dedicated car for 30 minutes to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the world's largest scientific research, protection, and breeding center for giant pandas. The park simulates the pandas' primitive bamboo forest habitat, divided into young panda villas, adult panda activity areas, and panda delivery rooms. Early morning is the active peak for pandas foraging, tree climbing, and playing, allowing close viewing of soft cute cubs and adult giant pandas. Equipped with a golden monkey pavilion and panda science pavilion, it enables in-depth understanding of national treasure breeding and protection science knowledge, making it a must-visit cute pet landmark when coming to Sichuan.

• Afternoon: People’s Park

Arrive at People's Park, the core landmark of Chengdu's local slow life, where the century-old Heming Teahouse sits inside the park. Bamboo chairs and tables are spread out along the artificial lake, allowing you to experience gaiwan tea, ear-cleaning, and Sichuan opera face-changing, while local elderly people drink tea, play cards, and chat, fully experiencing Chengdu's "comfortable and leisurely" worldly slow-life atmosphere.

• Evening: Jinli Ancient Street

Take a car to Jinli Ancient Street, a Three Kingdoms culture imitation commercial street adjacent to the Wuhou Shrine, with staggered dark-tile Western Sichuan residences, red lanterns hanging along the street, and Three Kingdoms culture reliefs, ancient stages, and intangible cultural heritage craft shops scattered around. The street gathers Sichuan-flavored snacks such as Three Cannons, sugar-oil fruit, and Dan Dan noodles, and at night lights shine brightly, blending ancient-style worldly fireworks for an immersive experience of Three Kingdoms Shu folk customs and culture.

• Recommended  Local specialty : Mapo tofu, Maoxuewang
• Recommended Accommodation: Chengdu urban hotel
• Activity Intensity: exercise

Day13 Worship Water at Dujiangyan, Inquire about Taoism at Mount Qingcheng

•  Morning: Mount Qingcheng

In the morning, head to [Mount Qingcheng], renowned for having "Qingcheng's tranquility under heaven", one of the birthplaces of Chinese Taoism, with verdant mountain forests, towering ancient trees, and winding paths leading to seclusion showing Taoist fairy aura. The front mountain is densely packed with Taoist temple relics; starting from Jianfu Palace, pass along stone steps through Tianshi Cave, Shangqing Palace, to Laojun Pavilion. Along the way, temples are hidden in deep shade with curling incense and pine waves, allowing you to hike up the mountain for oxygen-washing lungs or take a cableway to save physical strength. Reach the summit to overlook continuous mountains, experiencing the serene artistic conception and Taoist cultural heritage of "asking about Taoism at Mount Qingcheng".

• Afternoon: Dujiangyan

In the afternoon, head to the World Cultural Heritage [Dujiangyan Scenic Area], a millennium water conservancy project built under the leadership of Li Bing and his son during the Warring States period, serving as the world's oldest and still functioning damless water diversion miracle. The three major main engineering components — Fish Mouth Levee, Feishayan Spillway, and Baopingkou Water Inlet — coordinate cleverly to achieve the triple functions of water division, sand discharge, and flow control, taming the Minjiang River to nourish the Chengdu Plain for over two thousand years. You can climb Qin Yan Tower to overlook the panoramic view, stroll across Anlan Cable Bridge spanning two rivers, pass by Didui Park and Fulong Temple, closely feel the shocking wisdom of ancient water control, and understand the millennium weight of "worshiping water at Dujiangyan". Return to Chengdu in the evening for check-in. 

• Recommended Local specialty: White fungus stewed chicken, You rabbit head)
• Recommended Accommodation: Chengdu downtown hotel
• Activity Intensity: Moderate 

Day14 Chengdu → Xi'an : Direct High-Speed Rail

Daytime: After hotel breakfast, the driver will transfer you to Chengdu High-Speed Railway Station for Xi'an according to the train schedule. Upon arrival at Xi'an High-Speed Railway Station, enjoy a dedicated pickup service. Our staff will greet you at the exit and escort you to the downtown hotel for check-in. You can arrange the remaining time freely; if tired, you can rest in the hotel to recharge, or stroll around if time permits.

• Recommended  Local specialty : Roujiamo, Zenggao
• Recommended Accommodation: Xi'an downtown hotel
• Activity Intnesity: Moderate

Day 15  Xi'an One-Day Tour: Ming City Wall + Bell and Drum Towers + Muslim Quarte

• Daytime: Xi’an City Wall, Bell Tower, Drum Tower & Muslim Quarter 

A dedicated car will take a short trip to the Xi'an Ming City Wall, China's largest and best-preserved ancient city wall from the Ming Dynasty, built on the site of the Tang Dynasty imperial city and dating back over 600 years. The city wall surrounds downtown Xi'an, with a moat, arrow towers, watchtowers, and corner towers fully matched. You can stroll along the blue brick pavement of the city wall, with antique old city streets on one side and modern Xi'an high-rise buildings on the other, creating an extremely strong atmosphere of ancient and modern sharing the same frame, or ride a bicycle around the wall to experience the urban texture of the thirteen dynasties ancient capital in all directions.

• Afternoon:Muslim Quarter

Walk into the Muslim Quarter, a millennium food culture street district of Xi'an and a Hui-gathered worldly street alley, fully covering Northwest specialty snacks such as beef and mutton paomo, roujiamo, zenggao, liangpi, and pomegranate juice, with mosque ancient architecture hidden deep in the streets and alleys, blending folk fireworks with Islamic ancient buildings for an immersive experience of Chang'an worldly food culture.

• Recommended Local specialty:Biangbiang Noodles, Beef & Mutton Paomo
• Recommended Accommodation: Hotel in downtown Xi’an
• Activity Level: Moderate

Day 16 Lintong Qin and Han Historical Sites One-Day Tour: Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Museum (Terracotta Warriors) + Huaqing Palace

•   Morning:Terracotta Warriors

Head to Lintong to deeply tour the Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Museum (Terracotta Army), the eighth wonder of the world and a World Cultural Heritage site, which is the burial military array site of the First Emperor of Qin. Pit 1 is grand and complete, with thousands of pottery figurines neatly lined up, each with unique facial features, hairstyles, armor, and expressions, where artisan fingerprints and carving details are clearly preserved. Pit 2 displays a mixed military array of cavalry, archers, and chariots; Pit 3 is the ancient military headquarters command center. A professional guide will explain the history of Qin military industry, funeral customs, and military arrays throughout, allowing you to closely feel the majestic momentum of the Great Qin Empire from two thousand years ago.

•  Afternoon: Huaqing Palace

Take a dedicated car for 10 minutes to arrive at Huaqing Palace (Huaqing Pool), the imperial detached palace and imperial garden of the Zhou, Qin, Han, and Tang dynasties, boasting the number one imperial spring Lishan Hot Spring. The Tang Imperial Bath Museum preserves the exclusive hot spring bath pools of Concubine Yang and Emperor Xuanzong; inside the scenic area, Jiulong Lake and Furong Lake feature staggered mountain and water pavilions, and Tang Dynasty imperial palaces such as Feishuang Hall and Changsheng Hall are completely replicated. At the same time, it is the site of the Xi'an Incident, with historical relics of the Five-Room Building preserved. Leaning against Mount Lishan, "Lishan Sunset Glow" is one of the Eight Views of Guanshan, combining the triple heritage of landscapes, imperial history, and modern allusions. Return to downtown Xi'an by dedicated car after the tour.

• Recommended Dining: Local specialties (Liangpi, Saozi Noodles)
• Recommended Accommodation: Hotel in downtown Xi’an
• Activity Level: Moderate

Day17 Xiˈan→Beijing | Direct High-Speed Rail

Daytime: After hotel breakfast, your driver transfers you to the high-speed railway station to board the train to Beijing. Upon arrival at Beijing High-Speed Railway Station, our staff will meet you at the exit and escort you to your downtown hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You may rest at the hotel to recharge, or explore nearby areas if time permits.

• Recommended Local specialty：Luzhu Huoshao (braised offal with baked bread) and copper-pot hotpot (Beijing-style lamb hotpot)
• Recommended Accommodation: Hotel in downtown Beijing
• Activity Level: Relaxed & easy-going

Day18 Beijing Deep One-day Tour——Tiananmen Square + Forbidden City + Houhai Hutong + Temple of Heaven

• Morning: Tiananmen Square & The Forbidden City

After breakfast, visit Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest urban square. It features Tiananmen Rostrum, the Monument to the People’s Heroes, Mao Zedong Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China. Admire the national emblem and flag, and feel the solemn atmosphere of Beijing.

Walk into the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), the best-preserved Ming & Qing imperial palace. Tour the central axis: Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony and Hall of Preserving Harmony, followed by Palace of Heavenly Purity, Hall of Union and Palace of Earthly Tranquility, plus the Six Palaces. Marvel at classic imperial architecture. Our professional guide shares fascinating historical tales of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

• Afternoon: Temple of Heaven & Houhai Hutongs

In the afternoon, drive to Temple of Heaven Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and imperial complex for emperors to worship heaven during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Don’t miss iconic landmarks including the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, Circular Mound Altar and Echo Wall. Admire the magnificent buildings covered with blue glazed tiles, ingenious layouts and ancient cypress trees.

In the evening, transfer to Houhai for a leisurely hutong walk. This authentic old Beijing area boasts shimmering Shichahai Lake, traditional courtyard houses, ancient willows, boutique shops and bars. Wander through lanes to experience genuine local life.

Optional evening performances (at your own expense): breathtaking acrobatics, Shaolin Kung Fu show or traditional royal-themed performance. Round-trip transfer to the theater is provided. 

• Recommended  Local specialty： Beijing roast duck, zhajiangmian
• Recommended Accommodation : Beijing urban hotel
• Activity Level:Moderate exercise

Day 19 Great Wall One-Day Tour: Mutianyu Great Wall + 798 Art Distri

Daytime: Mutianyu Great Wall, 798 Art Zone

Take a ride to Mutianyu Great Wall, known as the most beautiful section of the Great Wall. Well-preserved from the Ming Dynasty, it winds across rolling mountains with numerous watchtowers. You may take the cable car to the 14th Watchtower, then hike west to the 20th Tower, the highest point. Less crowded than Badaling, it offers spectacular panoramic views of the iconic Great Wall snaking through forests.

After sightseeing, head back downtown to visit 798 Art Zone. Transformed from old factories, this creative district features industrial-style buildings, graffiti, sculptures, galleries and boutique design stores. Blending avant-garde art and trendy culture, it is ideal for strolling, photos and experiencing Beijing’s contemporary art vibe.

• Recommended  Local specialty：Lüdagun, Beijing Iron-Grilled Meat)
• Recommended Accommodation: Hotel in downtown Beijing
• Activity Level: Moderate

Day 20 Beijing Humanistic Modern Panorama Tour: Lama Temple + Summer Palace + Bird's Nest + Water Cube

• Daytime: Lama Temple, Panda House, Summer Palace & Olympic Park

A dedicated car will take you to Beijing's famous Tibetan Lama Temple, where red walls, white towers, Tibetan-style halls, and prayer-flag ancient cypresses blend together as a rare complete Tibetan Buddhist architectural complex in the north, experiencing ancient building aesthetics of multi-ethnic integration. Along the way, check in at the Panda Cultural and Creative House to purchase Beijing's exclusive national treasure panda peripheral souvenirs. 

Then deeply tour the Summer Palace, China's largest surviving imperial garden and imperial garden museum, taking Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake as its main bodies, with tens of thousands of non-repeating ancient paintings along the 728-meter-long painted corridor, climbing to the top of Foxiang Pavilion to overlook the entire garden lake and mountain, and touring Seventeen-Bridge Arch, Marble Boat, Suzhou Street, and Wenchang Gallery successively, perfectly combining lake and mountain scenery with pavilions and terraces as the peak standard of Qing emperor summer resort and governance gardens, with every step revealing a view.

• Evening: National Stadium & National Aquatics Center

Head to the Olympic Park for outdoor sightseeing, exteriorly viewing the 2008 Olympic landmarks Bird's Nest (National Stadium) and Water Cube (National Swimming Center), whose modern streamline giant buildings possess great design sense, rich light and shadow layers at dusk for photo check-ins, and experiencing Beijing's modern urban landmark style. 

• Recommended  Local specialty ：Doornail Meat Pie, Pea Cake
• Recommended Accommodation: Hotel in downtown Beijing 
• Activity Level: Moderate

Day 21 Depart Beijing: Airport/Station Transfer Service

Daytime: After breakfast, we will conclude this exciting journey, and our staff will transfer you to the airport or train station for your next destination. If you wish to extend this trip to explore more Chinese destinations such as Tibet, Yunnan, Guilin, Harbin, etc., you can also contact us to arrange it for you. Finally, heartfelt thanks for choosing Dianda Travel to explore China with us. We look forward to welcoming you again sometime in the future. Have a safe trip!

Ⅳ.Service Inclusions 

Guide Service: Whole-journey English-Mandarin bilingual licensed customized guides, providing dedicated section-by-section explanations, and planning optimal commuting routes and off-peak travel plans throughout.

Attraction Tickets: First-admission tickets, ropeways, sightseeing vehicles, cruise ships, and basic performance tickets for all marked attractions within the itinerary are all included.

Local Transfer Vehicles: Dedicated cars/tourist buses for round trips between attractions within all cities throughout the trip (only short-distance city transfers, excluding cross-city high-speed rail and long-distance major transportation tickets), including drivers, fuel fees, parking fees, and scenic area mountain entry fees.

Itinerary Planning: Pre-trip exclusive itinerary fine-tuning, attraction moving-line optimization, reasonable arrangement of driving durations, and niche check-in point recommendations.

Itinerary Coordination: Whole-journey attraction reservations, scenic area staggered-peak visit arrangements, and performance seat coordination.

Ⅴ.Service Exclusions

1.Cross-city long-distance major transportation: All high-speed rail tickets and long-distance passenger ticket costs required for city transfers are at personal expense, but booking assistance can be provided.

2.Scenic area self-funded transportation: Cruise cabin upgrades, cycling rentals.

3.Whole-journey accommodation: Hotel, homestay, and along-the-way plateau hotel costs are all excluded, but can be booked separately upon request.

4.Dining: All lunch and dinner throughout the trip are at personal expense, and guides can recommend local specialty restaurants.

5.Personal consumption: Scenic area cultural and creative items, snacks, drinks, Hanfu rentals, self-funded characteristic upgrade items.

6.Evening optional performances: Beijing acrobatics/kung fu/Golden Mask performance fees at personal expense.

7.Chinese visa application fees at personal expense.

8.Single room supplements, luggage storage, hotel laundry, scenic area guide audio rental, and other additional fees at personal expense.

9.Guide and driver tips at personal expense.

10.Additional expenses generated by force majeure, price differences caused by temporary itinerary changes.

VI.Customized Tour Accommodation Standard Description

Ensuring sufficient sleep every day is very important during travel in China. This route is a private customized tour, and accommodation is not included in the tour fee, but we can provide booking agency services for you, with booking standards as follows:

Room Type: Basic room type twin room (standard room), natural single rooms (king size beds) are not guaranteed; children without beds do not get breakfast.

Location Standard: We carefully select hotels with superior geographic locations in each destination, adjacent to commercial streets or tourist attractions.

Quality Assurance: We maintain long-term cooperative relationships with these hotels to ensure they meet comfortable sleep standards.

Facilities and Services: All booked hotels are equipped with windows, air conditioning, hot water, showers, and Wi-Fi (accommodation conditions are relatively simple during the trip to Mount Everest). Hotel staff can communicate in English and are committed to providing quality services; if you have any needs, you can contact the front desk for assistance at any time.

Description: Booked hotels require separate charges, and specific prices are subject to actual booking at the time. If you need to upgrade room types (such as king-size beds, suites, etc.), you can also inform us to inquire and arrange prices for you.

VII.Itinerary Adaptation Description

1.Crod Adaptation: Elderly/parent-child groups can adjust long-distance bus segmented stops for rest, delete caves and long-distance climbing projects, and increase leisure viewing experiences; outdoor enthusiasts can increase canyon hiking durations.

2.Duration Expansion: Destinations such as Luoyang, Dunhuang, Yunnan, and Qingdao can be added as needed, with corresponding cross-city transportation durations and transfer plans added synchronously.

3.Dietary Adaptation: Inform us in advance of dietary needs such as vegetarianism, Halal, and allergies, and guides will plan and recommend corresponding catering blocks in advance, while long-distance car rides recommend en-route supply points.

Frequently Asked Questions & Contact Info

• How to book? Select route and consult freely, receive a custom plan within 0.5–24 hours, confirm and pay a deposit, and maintain ongoing communication with your dedicated consultant.

• Agency Contact Details:

  • Agency Name: DIANDA TRAVEL

  • Phone / WhatsApp / WeChat: 16670028809

  • Website: https://www.diandatravel.com