10-day Central China Panorama Tour – a well-balanced journey that showcases China’s most iconic cultural landmarks alongside its unique natural wonders. This itinerary is ideal for travelers seeking to explore the Middle Kingdom’s most celebrated historical sites as well as the breathtaking landscapes that have inspired poets, artists, and filmmakers.
Your adventure begins in Beijing, the nation’s political and historical heart. Here you will discover the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, the Great Wall of China, and the ancient hutongs – the city’s colorful alleyways. From there, you will travel to Xi’an, home to the legendary Terracotta Army, magnificent pagodas, and the lively Muslim Quarter. The journey then continues to Zhangjiajie, a national park that rose to worldwide fame after featuring in the movie Avatar. You will ascend Tianzi Mountain, explore Helong Park, and cross a thrilling glass bridge. The tour concludes in Shanghai, a vibrant metropolis where historic quarters coexist in perfect harmony with futuristic skyscrapers.
The 10-day Central China Panorama Tour is the ultimate choice for those wishing to experience China in all its grandeur – from its ancient past to its dynamic present. Explore the full itinerary and start planning your unforgettable adventure.
Tour itinerary:
Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport, where you will be met by our driver and transferred to your hotel. As the capital of China, Beijing is one of the most historically and culturally significant cities in the world.
In the evening, take a walk along Qianmen Street, a popular pedestrian area known for its traditional architecture and lively atmosphere.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
In the evening, take a walk along Qianmen Street, a popular pedestrian area known for its traditional architecture and lively atmosphere.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours
Our first stop is the impressive Tiananmen Square, where most national ceremonies are held. From the square, walk to the splendid Forbidden City - the largest imperial palace in the world. Visitors are always struck by the towering red walls and numerous buildings with golden roofs. Continue to Jingshan Park (Coal Hill), formerly a royal garden, and enjoy panoramic views of the Forbidden City from its hilltop pavilion.
In the afternoon, drive to the Shichahai Hutong area and explore the traditional courtyard residences of old Beijing by rickshaw - a historical mode of transportation. End the day with a walk through the Houhai Lakes area, which is part of the same historic district.
Note: The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays; alternative sites may be visited instead.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 8–9 hours
In the afternoon, drive to the Shichahai Hutong area and explore the traditional courtyard residences of old Beijing by rickshaw - a historical mode of transportation. End the day with a walk through the Houhai Lakes area, which is part of the same historic district.
Note: The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays; alternative sites may be visited instead.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 8–9 hours
In the morning, visit the Badaling section of the Great Wall, one of the best-preserved and most visited parts of this UNESCO site. Take the cable car up and walk down, enjoying sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Built as early as the 7th century, the wall served to protect the Chinese empire from northern invaders and remains an essential part of the China experience.
In the afternoon, drive to the Summer Palace, the former imperial retreat used during the hot summer months. Walk through its landscaped gardens and pavilions and take a boat ride on Kunming Lake to complete your visit.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 8–9 hours
In the afternoon, drive to the Summer Palace, the former imperial retreat used during the hot summer months. Walk through its landscaped gardens and pavilions and take a boat ride on Kunming Lake to complete your visit.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 8–9 hours
In the morning, visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties once worshipped the Gods of Heaven. This architectural masterpiece is surrounded by a large park where locals practice tai chi and other traditional activities.
Continue to the Silk Market, known for its wide selection of goods - from clothing and accessories to souvenirs. Later, transfer to the train station and board a high-speed train to Xi’an (2nd class seats, 1,134 km, 4h 11m). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3 hours
Continue to the Silk Market, known for its wide selection of goods - from clothing and accessories to souvenirs. Later, transfer to the train station and board a high-speed train to Xi’an (2nd class seats, 1,134 km, 4h 11m). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 3 hours
In the morning, drive to the outskirts of Xi’an to visit the Terracotta Army Museum, one of China’s most iconic attractions. Marvel at the thousands of life-sized clay soldiers built to guard the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
Return to the city and visit the South Gate of the Ancient City Wall - the most complete city wall that has survived in China and one of the largest ancient military defense systems in the world.
In the afternoon, explore the Muslim Quarter, known for its bustling food stalls, local bazaars, and historic mosques. Among them, the Great Mosque is the most famous and widely visited.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
Return to the city and visit the South Gate of the Ancient City Wall - the most complete city wall that has survived in China and one of the largest ancient military defense systems in the world.
In the afternoon, explore the Muslim Quarter, known for its bustling food stalls, local bazaars, and historic mosques. Among them, the Great Mosque is the most famous and widely visited.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
In the morning, visit the Xi’an Museum to explore exhibits on the city’s rich cultural heritage. Then continue to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a peaceful and historically significant Buddhist site. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie (660 km, 1h 35m). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 4 hours
Enjoy a full-day tour of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its towering sandstone pillars and surreal landscapes that inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. Take the cable car up to Tianzi Mountain and visit Helong Marshal Park. Continue by shuttle bus to Yuanjiajie to see the No.1 Natural Bridge in the world, the Enchanting Stage, and the Qiankun Peak. End the tour by descending the mountain via the Bailong Elevator. Overnight at the hotel in Zhangjiajie.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
In the morning, visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and walk across the world’s longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge. Suspended 300 meters above the ground, this transparent walkway offers one of the most thrilling experiences of the entire tour.
In the afternoon, take a cable car up Tianmen Mountain and descend by bus. The mountain is known for "Heaven’s Gate" - a massive natural archway stretching 131 meters high and 57 meters wide. Visitors can reach the summit by one of the world’s longest cable cars or by climbing 999 steps to the arch. Tianmen Mountain also offers panoramic views, lush forests, and dramatic cliffside walkways.
Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai (1,115 km, 2h 30m). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel for a short rest. In the evening, visit the historic French Concession before returning to the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
In the afternoon, take a cable car up Tianmen Mountain and descend by bus. The mountain is known for "Heaven’s Gate" - a massive natural archway stretching 131 meters high and 57 meters wide. Visitors can reach the summit by one of the world’s longest cable cars or by climbing 999 steps to the arch. Tianmen Mountain also offers panoramic views, lush forests, and dramatic cliffside walkways.
Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai (1,115 km, 2h 30m). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel for a short rest. In the evening, visit the historic French Concession before returning to the hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
Today you first visit Yu Garden, including the nearby bazaars. In Yuyuan, you can admire the sophisticated design and fine layout of pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds, and cloisters. Then you visit Shanghai Museum, which specializes in ancient artworks of China, especially bronze ware, chinaware, calligraphy, and paintings. After that, you will take a walking tour of Nanjing Road and The Bund to enjoy the modern view of Shanghai. Then you take the elevator up to the TV Tower for a panoramic overlook of the city. Transfer back to your hotel and rest.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours
Price includes:
- All transfers: 1–2 pax by sedan-type car, 3–7 pax by minivan/van, 8–16 pax by 20-seat bus;
- Accommodation based on double/twin room sharing, breakfasts included;
- English-speaking local guide;
- Entrance fees to sights as per itinerary;
- High-speed train Beijing – Xi’an (second class);
- Economy-class domestic flights Xi’an – Zhangjiajie – Shanghai;
- Government taxes and fees.
Price doesn't include:
- International flight tickets before and after the tour;
- China visa fees;
- Overweight charges on domestic flights;
- Full board (lunches and dinners);
- Personal travel insurance;
- Tips for local guides and drivers.
Note: The rate is valid from 15 April 2025 to 31 December 2026, except during public holidays in China (Labor Day: 1–5 May 2025, National Day: 1–8 October 2025, Chinese New Year: 15–25 February 2026, Labor Day: 1–5 May 2026, National Day: 1–8 October 2026).
Prices, per person
Prices are for 2025 in US$ per person, with discounted prices for larger groups available on request.
Accommodation
Standard: Zhuanjiacun Hotel
Comfort: Qingxinyuan Best Western Hotel
Lux: Neodalle Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan
Comfort: Qingxinyuan Best Western Hotel
Lux: Neodalle Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan
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