Classic China Panorama: The Perfect 11-Day Tour for First-Timers

Your China adventure begins the moment you land! Your driver will be waiting for you at Shanghai Airport. After a warm welcome, you’ll be driven straight to your hotel to check in and relax, hassle-free.

Accommodations: 4-Star Standard Boutique Accommodation

Meals: None

After breakfast, we’ll escape the city hustle in the peaceful, classical Yu Garden. (Closed Mondays.) Then, dive into local life at the lively Chenghuang Temple​ bazaar before exploring Shanghai’s stylish side in the artsy lanes of Tianzifang​ and chic Xintiandi. We’ll snap the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower​ before wrapping up the day with a scenic stroll along the Bund, taking in the stunning skyline views as the city lights up.

After breakfast, enjoy a comfortable private transfer to Suzhou (about 1.5 hours). You’ll visit the exquisite Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of China’s most celebrated classical gardens. Afterward, wander along the charming Pingjiang Road, a historic canal-side street perfect for a leisurely stroll among tea houses and boutiques. The day concludes with a relaxing private transfer back to your hotel in Shanghai.

After breakfast, your driver will take you on a relaxing 1.5-hour ride to Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town—a peaceful escape from the city. Here, time seems to slow down. You’ll wander across old stone bridges, peek into riverside tea houses, and browse quaint craft shops. The local markets are full of life. Just follow the canals, soak in the charm, and enjoy your own pace. Later, you’ll be comfortably driven back to your hotel in Shanghai.

After breakfast, we’ll  take you smoothly to the Shanghai airport and catch a morning flight to Chongqing (approx. 3 hours, economy class included). When you land, your guide and driver will take you directly to the hotel to check in, drop your bags, and catch your breath. Then, the relaxed half-day exploration begins! We’ll make a fun photo stop at Liziba Station to see a train go right through a building. Next, you’ll ride the Yangtze River Cableway as the city lights up at sunset for amazing views. The evening ends in Hongya Cave, a glowing maze of stilted buildings, shops, and riverside charm—perfect for dinner and photos.

After breakfast, we’ll help you check out and take you smoothly to Chongqing railway station. You’ll board a comfortable high-speed train to Zhangjiajie (approx. 2.5 hours, second-class seat included). Sit back and enjoy the views as the cityscape gives way to greener scenery. When you arrive, your private driver will be waiting. You’ll be taken directly to your hotel to check in, settle in, and relax—ready to explore the mountains tomorrow.

Today, you’ll explore the real-life “Avatar” world. You’ll begin with a thrilling ride on the Bailong Elevator, a glass lift built onto the side of a mountain. It takes you up to the incredible Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, famous as the filming site for the movie Avatar. Once at the top, you’ll see the amazing rock pillars that inspired the film at Avatar Hallelujah Mountain. You’ll also walk across the narrow First Bridge under Heaven, look out over the West Sea Stone Forest, and visit the peaceful Helong Park. To end the day, enjoy a scenic and relaxing ride back down the mountain on the Tianzi Mountain Cable Car.

Today, you have two great options to explore Beijing:

Option 1: Beijing City Tour

After breakfast, we’ll see the vast Tiananmen Square, then step into the world’s largest imperial palace, the Forbidden City. (Please note: it’s closed on Mondays.) In the afternoon, relax at the beautiful Summer Palace​ before wandering around the lakeside Shichahai​ area. We’ll end the day with an evening stroll through the traditional Hutongs.

Option 2: Great Wall & Temple of Heaven

Your journey concludes today with a smooth departure. After breakfast and hotel check-out, you’ll enjoy a private transfer to Beijing International Airport for your outbound flight home. Safe travels, and thank you for exploring with us.