Experience three completely different sides of China in one private journey — Shanghai's skyline, Zhangjiajie's extraordinary mountain landscapes and Beijing's imperial heritage.
This 9-day private China tour connects the energy of Shanghai, the surreal sandstone peaks of Zhangjiajie and the imperial landmarks of Beijing in one carefully paced itinerary.
For a route covering several regions, start with our public-holiday planning notes; crowded travel dates can make long transfers less flexible. Our Shanghai and Beijing comparison helps you decide where to allow more free time.
Start with Shanghai's historic neighborhoods, gardens and illuminated waterfront, continue into the dramatic landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain, then finish with Beijing's Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, hutongs and the Mutianyu Great Wall.
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Travel from Shanghai to Zhangjiajie and onward to Beijing with private local touring and included domestic flights between the three destinations.
Meet your English-speaking guide and private driver at Shanghai airport, then transfer comfortably to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to settle in and prepare for the journey ahead.
Meals: No meals included.
Begin at the peaceful Jade Buddha Temple before exploring Yu Garden and the lively City God Temple Market. Continue along Nanjing Road and the historic Bund, where Shanghai's heritage architecture faces the futuristic Pudong skyline.
In the evening, take a Huangpu River cruise and watch both sides of the city light up after dark.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast.
Leave central Shanghai for Zhujiajiao, one of the area's best-preserved ancient water towns. Walk across old stone bridges, follow narrow canals and centuries-old streets, and experience the slower rhythm of traditional Jiangnan life.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast.
Explore Tianzifang, a maze of old Shanghai lanes now home to boutiques, craft shops and cafes. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie. On arrival, meet your local guide and driver and continue to the hotel.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast.
Enter Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, known for its extraordinary quartz-sandstone pillars. Ride the Bailong Elevator to the mountain area and explore Yuanjiajie's dramatic peaks and forest scenery, widely associated with the landscapes that inspired the world of Avatar.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast.
Discover Tianmen Mountain, including its spectacular cliff-side sky walk and the huge natural opening of Tianmen Cave. After the day's mountain sightseeing, transfer to the airport for your flight to Beijing, where your local guide and driver will meet you and take you to the hotel.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast.
Explore Beijing's imperial history inside the Forbidden City, former home of the Ming and Qing emperors. Continue to the Temple of Heaven before walking through Nanluoguxiang, one of Beijing's best-known historic hutong areas, for a closer look at traditional courtyard culture and local street life.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast.
Travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known for its mountain setting, restored watchtowers and extensive views. Walk along the ancient fortifications as they follow the ridgelines and enjoy one of the defining experiences of a trip to China.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast.
Your private journey concludes after nine days across Shanghai, Zhangjiajie and Beijing. Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Western buffet breakfast.
Price note: the displayed rate of $1699 USD per person is available for groups of 4 or more.
Combine modern Shanghai and imperial Beijing on a private multi-city journey.
Explore Beijing's imperial landmarks and the Great Wall on a compact private itinerary.
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