Private Grand Tour Through China’s Landscapes & Great Cities
China Panorama
Beijing — Chongqing — Zhanjiajie — Shanghai
Places Where You'll Stay
Beijing (3 nights)
Day 1 - 3
Chongqing (2 nights)
Day 4 - 5
Zhangjiajie (3 nights)
Day 6 - 9
Shanghai (3 nights)
Day 10 - 11
Avatar Peaks to Neon Nights: China in Bold Contrast
This privately guided journey reveals China through scale and contrast—imperial stonework, surreal landscapes, and great cities rising in light and steel. Designed for travelers drawn to dramatic transitions, the itinerary connects the Great Wall and the Forbidden City with Zhangjiajie’s otherworldly terrain, then carries you onward into the neon energy of Chongqing and the global polish of Shanghai.
In the north, history is carved into the landscape. Walk the Great Wall as it threads across mountain ridges, then step into the Forbidden City’s sweeping courtyards and ceremonial halls. Beyond the expected icons, you’ll also encounter the Dazu Grottoes—an often-overlooked UNESCO masterpiece near Chongqing, where thousands of intricate carvings preserve China’s spiritual imagination and storytelling across centuries.
In Zhangjiajie, the landscape turns otherworldly. Sandstone pillars rise through drifting clouds, glass bridges span vast gorges, and underground caves glitter with rivers and stalactites. Cruise the calm waters of Baofeng Lake for a quieter view, then ascend Tianmen Mountain and stand beneath Heaven’s Gate, where elevation and scale redefine perspective.
Then the route pivots into China’s megacity energy. Chongqing glows in stacked layers of neon, its bridges and towers shimmering above the meeting of two mighty rivers. High-speed rail then delivers you into Shanghai, where classical gardens and historic alleyways sit beside futuristic skylines along the Bund—an ending that mirrors the route itself, with old and new constantly in conversation.
Expertly guided and seamlessly arranged, China Panorama brings together ancient wonders, surreal landscapes, and dazzling cityscapes in one coherent private experience—each destination sharpening the contrast of the next.
What makes this tour unique
Why Choose This Tour
- For Travelers Who Want Big Contrast – Ideal for those who love dramatic shifts in scenery and atmosphere, where each stop feels distinct and visually unforgettable.
- For Landscape-First Explorers – Best for travelers who want nature and terrain to be the centerpiece—surreal mountainscapes, gorges, caves, and elevated viewpoints rather than a museum-heavy route.
- For Those Drawn to China’s Megacity Energy – Designed for travelers who want modern China to matter—neon-lit river cities, skyline drama, and urban nights that feel alive.
- For Adventurous Travelers Who Still Want Ease – Ideal for those drawn to high-impact landscapes and dramatic settings, paired with private guiding, smooth logistics, and a coherent route that keeps the journey effortless.
TOUR INCLUDES:
- Beijing / Chongqing – Zhangjiejie / Shanghai Airfares
- First Class High Speed Train between Chongqing & Zhangjiajie
- 12 nights deluxe hotel accommodations
- Hotel breakfasts Daily
- Other meals as specified per itinerary
- Private Tour: excursions and transfers by private car, chauffeur and expert guides
- Carefree travel with 24/7 Support
TOUR ITINERARY:
Days 1–3: Beijing – Where Imperial Grandeur Meets Everyday Life
Begin your adventure in China’s capital, a city where millennia-old palaces rise beside modern high-rises, and quiet temple courtyards hum alongside lively hutong alleyways. Over three days, explore Beijing’s legendary sites, savor its iconic flavors, and discover hidden corners that reveal the city’s soul.
Day 1 (Welcome to China!): Arrive in Beijing, where your personal guide will meet you for a private transfer to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure—perhaps strolling through nearby Wangfujing or simply relaxing after your journey.
Day 2 (Hike the Great Wall of China): Head northwest to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall—a less-crowded, beautifully preserved stretch lined with 22 watchtowers. Ride the cable car up, walk along the ramparts, and take in sweeping mountain views before returning to the city for a stroll through Beijing’s historic hutongs, where families have lived for generations. Dinner is Beijing’s celebrated Peking Duck at one of the city’s finest restaurants. (B,L,D)
Day 3 (Imperial Palaces & Temples): Explore Beijing’s most revered landmarks: Tiananmen Square, the monumental gateway to the nation’s history; the Forbidden City, a vast imperial complex once reserved for emperors; and either the Temple of Heaven or the Summer Palace, both masterpieces of Ming-era design. After lunch at a local restaurant, take a leisurely stroll along Qianmen’s vibrant pedestrian street before returning to your hotel for time to relax—perhaps with a cocktail or afternoon tea. (B,L)
Discover More of Beijing
Grand, storied, and steeped in ceremony, Beijing is where the weight of history rests gently on your shoulders, yet the city hums ...
Enhance your Beijing Experience with add-ons
Try your hand at dumpling-making
Enjoy tea tasting at a local tea house
Extend your stay: hike remote sections of the Great Wall, then stay in Gubei water village (2 days)
Days 4–5: Chongqing – A City of Mountains, Rivers & Bright Lights
Chongqing – A mountain metropolis where rivers converge and lights dazzle. By day, uncover the sacred artistry of the Dazu Grottoes; by night, drift along the Yangtze on a glittering Two Rivers cruise. Here, modern energy meets timeless devotion.
Day 4 (From Ancient Capital to Modern City Vibes): Fly to Chongqing, a dramatic “mountain city” where skyscrapers cling to cliffs above two mighty rivers. Wander lively districts like Xiahaoli and Changjiahui, where gleaming towers rise beside centuries-old streets, before indulging in a Sichuan dinner layered with bold spices and fiery flavor. (B,D)
Day 5 (From Ancient Carvings to Dazzling City Lights): Venture into the hills outside Chongqing to marvel at the Dazu Grottoes—a UNESCO World Heritage Site where thousands of stone-carved Buddhas, bodhisattvas, and celestial beings reveal artistry that has endured for over a millennium. Return to the city in time for an unforgettable Two Rivers evening cruise, gliding past Hongya Cave, illuminated bridges, and skyscrapers shimmering like jewels against the night sky. (B)
Discover More of Chongqing
Rising from misty gorges and river confluences, Chongqing is China’s mountain metropolis — bold, enigmatic, and alive with contrasts...
Enhance more of Southwest China
Extend your trip: Cruise the Yangtze River (4 days)
Extend your trip: See the Giant Pandas in Chengdu (2 days)
Days 6–9: Zhangjiajie – China’s Surreal Masterpiece in Stone and Sky
A landscape so extraordinary it inspired Avatar, Zhangjiajie is a dreamscape of mist-shrouded pinnacles, glass bridges strung high above gorges, and emerald lakes nestled among cliffs. This is nature at its most surreal—an unforgettable highlight of any luxury China tour.
Day 6 (Escape to Mystical Landscape): Board a sleek high-speed train weaving past rivers and mountains to reach Zhangjiajie, gateway to some of China’s most breathtaking scenery. After a relaxed orientation, check in to your hotel and prepare for days of awe-inspiring exploration. (B)
Day 7 (The Avatar Mountains): Step into Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where thousands of sandstone pillars rise like a silent army veiled in mist. Explore Yuanjiajie to see the legendary “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain,” then ascend via the glass-walled Bailong Elevator for sky-high panoramas. Continue to Tianzi Mountain, where serrated peaks and rolling valleys stretch into infinity—a view that has stirred poets and painters for centuries. (B,L)
Day 8 (Wonders Above and Below): Descend into Yellow Dragon Cave, a subterranean wonderland of vast caverns, underground rivers, and glittering stalactites. After lunch, walk the world-famous Glass Bridge—an exhilarating crossing suspended above a dramatic canyon where waterfalls cascade into the depths. (B,L)
Day 9 (From Relaxing Lake Cruises to Thrilling Skywalks): Begin with a serene boat ride on Baofeng Lake, its jade-green waters reflecting sheer cliffs and hidden waterfalls. In the afternoon, ascend Tianmen Mountain by cable car to stroll glass skywalks, take in sweeping vistas, and pass through the iconic natural arch of Heaven’s Gate. Later this evening, fly onward to Shanghai and settle into your centrally located hotel. (B,L)
Discover More of Zhangjiajie
Soaring from the heart of Hunan, Zhangjiajie is a landscape where imagination meets reality — ethereal, untamed, and otherworldly. Here, quartz-sandstone pillars pierce ...
Days 9 –12: Shanghai – China’s Cosmopolitan Showcase
A dazzling fusion of past and present, Shanghai is where timeless traditions meet bold modernity. From serene classical gardens and ancient alleyways to futuristic skyscrapers and glittering riverfronts, the city embodies China’s spirit of reinvention.
Day 9 (Back to Civilization): Upon late evening arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel in the city center.
Day 10 (Bright Lights & Big City Vibes): Discover Old Town’s winding lanes and Yu Yuan Garden, a Ming-era masterpiece. Continue to the Shanghai Museum, home to treasures spanning China’s dynasties. Enjoy a lunch of Shanghai’s famed soup dumplings before heading to Tianzifang, a charming maze of art galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Cap off the evening with the ERA Acrobatics show, a breathtaking spectacle where athleticism, music, and light converge into one dazzling finale. (B, L)
Day 11 (Shanghai Your Way): A full day free to enjoy Shanghai at your own pace—shop along Nanjing Road, wander the French Concession, or simply stroll the Bund before the skyline sparkles to life at night. (B)
Discover More of Shanghai
Bold, vibrant, and endlessly evolving, Shanghai is where China’s future rises skyward without letting go of its storied past...
Enhance your Shanghai Experience with add-ons
Take a sunset cruise on the Huangpu River
Visit Suzhou's classical gardens
Add a day trip to Hangzhou's iconic West Lake
Day 12 Farewell Shanghai
Transfer to Pudong Airport by private car, or try the Maglev, one of China’s greatest technological marvels and the world’s fastest commercial train—gliding without wheels at speeds of up to 430 km/h—for your departure flight home. (B)
PRICE CHART:
| 2026/27 Price Chart (Prices valid through March 31, 2027) | ||
Departs Daily | Twin Sharing | Single Supplement |
| January – March | 8,375 | 1,475 |
| April – June | 8,795 | 1,775 |
| July – August | 8,975 | 1,925 |
| Sept. – November | 8,795 | 1,775 |
| December | 8,375 | 1,575 |
| Tour requires minimum of 2 passengers to operate | ||
- Prices are per person, based on double occupancy
- Price includes all entrance fees, domestic air taxes, hotel taxes & service charges
- Price excludes personal expenses, beverages, gratuities to guides and drivers
- China visa required for entry. Not included in package.
- All flights, hotels and excursions are subject to availability at time of reservation
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