Central China Panorama Tour

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:

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Day 1: Beijing

Arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Daxing International Airport (PKX), where you’ll be met by our driver and transferred to your hotel. Free day. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Beijing

After breakfast, begin your guided city tour of Beijing. Start with Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square, then explore the Forbidden City, home to Chinese emperors for centuries. In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, known for its scenic lakes and imperial gardens. On the way back to your hotel, make a brief stop at the Olympic Green to see the Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube.
Note: The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays; alternative sites may be visited instead.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 8–9 hours

Day 3: Beijing

This morning, drive to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, located about 70 km from Beijing (1h 30m). Ride the cable car up and down, and enjoy time walking along the wall with views of the surrounding mountains. Return to the city to visit the Confucius Temple and Imperial College Museum. End the day with a stroll through Beijing’s traditional hutongs – narrow lanes lined with courtyard houses, shops, and cafés.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 8–9 hours

Day 4: Beijing – Xi'an

Visit the Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors once prayed for good harvests. Then transfer to Beijing West Railway Station and board a high-speed train to Xi’an (1,134 km, 4h 11m). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours

Day 5: Xi'an

Today’s program includes a visit to the Terracotta Army, one of China’s greatest archaeological discoveries. Back in the city, explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, an important Buddhist site, and then continue to the Great Mosque. Walk through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, known for its street food and local atmosphere, and finish with a visit to Bell and Drum Tower Square.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 7–8 hours

Day 6: Xi'an – Zhangjiajie

After breakfast, check-out from the hotel. This day visit Xi’an’s Ancient City Wall – the largest and best-preserved in China. You can explore on foot or by bicycle.
In the afternoon transfer to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie (660 km, 1h 35m). You will be met by our guide and driver and transferred to the hotel for overnight.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 2 hours

Day 7: Zhangjiajie

After breakfast, explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Take the Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area and see the No. 1 Natural Bridge under Heaven and other landscapes that inspired the film Avatar. Continue by shuttle bus to Tianzi Mountain to visit Helong Park, Fairy Offering Flowers, and the Imperial Brush Peak. Descend by cable car (or Bailong Elevator, if needed). End the day with a scenic train ride through the Ten-mile Gallery. Return to your hotel.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 8–9 hours

Day 8: Zhangjiajie – Shanghai

Start the day with a visit to Tianmen Mountain. Ride the world’s longest cable car to the summit, walk on the glass Sky Walk, and take the escalator through the mountain to the famous Tianmen Cave. Capture views of the 999 steps and dramatic cliffs before descending by escalator and shuttle bus.
After the tour, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai (1115 km, 2h 30m). Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel, with a brief introduction to the city en route.
Note: The itinerary can be adjusted to take the shuttle bus up and cable car down — please confirm with your guide.
Duration of sightseeing tour: 5–6 hours

Day 9: Shanghai

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

Day 10: Shanghai – departure

Free time in the morning. Transfer to the airport and take your departure flight back home. End of Central China Panorama Tour.

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.