10 Day China Adventure

Today is arrival day in China. Guests arrive into Beijing and get settled before we come together for our first night as a group. We kick off the trip with a Beijing-style hot pot dinner, the perfect interactive way to break the ice, try local flavors, and settle into China together. Expect bubbling broths, shared plates, and a lively, social atmosphere. If energy allows, we’ll take a short evening walk afterward to see Beijing lit up at night.

Overnight in Beijing

Getting around today by private airport transfers and walking

Please plan to arrive by4:00pm so you’re settled and ready for our welcome meeting and dinner beginning at 6:00pm.

Included:Welcome Dinner, Shared Airport Arrival Transportation

Overnight: Beijing

Today is a big, classic Beijing day with the perfect mix of bucket-list moments and local life. You start the morning at Beijing Zoo, and were heading straight to the panda house while they’re most active! It’s such a fun, surreal way to kick off the day and a true China highlight right from the start.

From there, we will head into the Forbidden City, walking through the massive courtyards and halls that once housed China’s emperors. The scale is unbelievable in person and it’s one of the most iconic historic sites in the world. After lunch, the pace slows down at the Temple of Heaven, where you’ll see locals playing games, practicing tai chi, and enjoying the park in a way that feels very lived-in and real.

You end the day with a relaxed group dinner and a calm evening, because tomorrow is Great Wall day.

Overnight in Beijing

Included: Entrance Tickets to Beijing Zoo, Forbidden City & Temple of Heaven, Local Tour Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight in Beijing

Overnight in Beijing

Today is one of the most epic days of the trip, were going to visit one of the wonders of the world, the Great Wall of China! We start early today and head out to the Great Wall at Mutianyu section, one of the most scenic and least chaotic sections just outside Beijing. We’ll take the cable car up, walk along the wall at our own pace, and soak in those unreal mountain views that somehow still exceed expectations. If you’re feeling adventurous, the toboggan ride down is an absolute highlight and one of those moments people talk about long after the trip is over.

Once were back in Beijing this evening we have free time to be flexible so you can rest, wander a local neighborhood, or grab a coffee before heading out for a relaxed dinner.

Included: Great Wall of China Entrance Fees, Cable Car Fees, Local Tour Guide, Tobbogan Run Ticket, Breakfast, Dinner

Overnight in Beijing

Today you fly south and start the shift from big-city China into a quieter, more local coastal region. After landing, you drop your luggage and head straight out to see a side of the country most travelers never experience.

You spend time in Xiaoruo Village, a colorful fishing village by the sea where daily life moves at an easy pace. You’ll walk through the village, watch everyday routines unfold, and take a breather before the more adventure-heavy mountain days ahead.

In the evening, you sit down for a relaxed local seafood dinner featuring fresh, regional dishes. After dinner, you head to Ziyang Street in nearby Linhai, one of the oldest historic streets in the area. Lantern-lit lanes, traditional buildings, and local snacks make this an easy, atmospheric evening stroll and a great way to ease into the region.

Overnight near Taizhou
Included: Breakfast, Local Dinner, Transportation throughout day, Domestic Flight

Today is a visual knockout and one of the most dramatic nature days of the trip. You head into Shenxianju Scenic Area, often called the God Immortal Scenic Area, where jagged peaks rise straight out of the landscape and the views just keep getting better the higher you go. You’ll explore scenic paths, viewpoints, and cliffside walkways as the scenery starts to feel almost unreal.

One of the highlights is walking across the famous Ruyi Bridge, a sweeping glass pedestrian bridge suspended between the mountains. It’s one of those “how is this real?” moments and easily one of the most photographed spots in the region. Expect stairs, walking, and nonstop photo stops throughout the day.

In the late afternoon, you leave the mountains behind and travel onward by high-speed train to Changsha, swapping dramatic nature for a buzzing city atmosphere for the night.

Overnight in Changsha

Included: Rui Bridge, Entrance Fees & Tickets for Shenxianju Scenic Area, Local tour guide

Changsha is fast, loud, and a lot of fun. You spend the day soaking up the city’s energy, wandering through bright streets, and getting a feel for why this place is famous for its food and nightlife. After lunch, you hop on a high-speed train and continue onward to Zhangjiajie, where you settle in for the night.

In the evening, you dive straight into Changsha’s legendary food scene with a guided street food tour. You move through busy night markets tasting local specialties and learning why this city is known for its bold, spicy flavors. It’s loud, fast-paced, and easily one of the most memorable food experiences of the trip.

Overnight in Zhangjiajie
Included: Highspeed train tickets, breakfast, street food tour

Today is a full day inside Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, home to the famous Avatar-style mountains. You spend the day exploring the most scenic sections of the park, moving between walking paths, viewpoints, and lifts as the landscapes get more and more unreal. Towering stone pillars rise out of the mist in every direction, and it’s one of those places that truly doesn’t look real until you’re standing in it. Expect nonstop photo moments, fresh mountain air, and one of the most jaw-dropping nature days of the entire trip.

Included: All Entrance fees & tickets, local tour guide & transportation, Breakfast

Overnight in Zhangjiajie

We start early today for Tianmen Mountain, one of the most iconic days of the trip. You’ll experience the winding mountain road, cliffside glass walkways, and the unforgettable climb up to Heaven’s Gate itself, one of the most dramatic natural landmarks in China.

In the afternoon, we will travel onward to Furong Ancient Town, a village built right into the cliffs around a waterfall. As evening falls, the lanterns come on, the streets glow, and the whole place feels like something out of a movie.

Overnight near Furong or Fenghuang

Included: Entrance Fees & Tickets for Tianmen Mountain, Furong Ancient Town walking tour, Private Transportation, Dinner

This morning is all about atmosphere. We will wander through Fenghuang Ancient Town, taking your time along the lantern-lined streets and riverside walkways while the town is still calm and glowing in the daylight.

In the afternoon, we will travel onward to Chongqing by a short domestic flight. By night, the energy shifts completely. Chongqing lights up with neon, layered streets, and skyline views that feel almost futuristic, chaotic in the best way, and totally unlike anywhere else on the trip.

We will make the most of our last night in Chongqing by exploring everything we can, having a farewell dinner together of local cuisine and seeing everything that we can!

Overnight in Chongqing
Included: Domestic flight to Chongqing, Fenghuang Ancient Town Walking Tour, Dnner

Its not farewell, its see you next time! Today is our last day if you decide to stay in China for just the 240 hour transit visa. We will grab breakfast at the hotel then head to the airport. If that’s the case – make sure you book your flight to a DIFFERENT COUNTRY then the one you arrived from and depart from CKG airport.

For those with an American passport – when you book your flights be sure that you stay under the 240 hour visa rule that allows entry and exit with no extra visas.

For those with Australian or (most) European passports – the current rules allow you to stay up to 30 days visa free through the end of 2026. We will monitor the visa regulations as we get close to the trip to ensure everyone has adequate time to get any visas needed.

Included: Breakfast, Shared Group Transportation to CKG airport

OR – stay 4 extra nights and explore more of Chongqing, Chengdu & Xi’an with us.

Day 10 – Dec 7th (Optional): Chongqing Highlights + High-Speed Train to Chengdu

We’ll spend the day soaking up the energy of Chongqing, one of China’s most jaw-dropping mega-cities. We’ll explore Hongya Cave, walk through Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, visit Chaotianmen Square, and take a ride on the famous Yangtze River ropeway for unreal skyline views.

That afternoon, we’ll hop on a comfortable high-speed train to Chengdu, arriving in the evening and settling into our hotel.

Overnight in Chengdu

Included: Breakfast, Tickets for highspeed train, Tickets for all activities listed above

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Day 11 – Dec 8th (Optional): Pandas + Chengdu Foodie & Relaxation Day

This morning is the moment everyone dreams about: a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Going early gives us the best chance to see the pandas active, playful, and up close.

Afterwards, we’ll slow things down in the afternoon with a classic Chengdu day, think tea houses, local snacks, and Sichuan comfort food. This is the perfect place to enjoy iconic dishes like:

• Mapo tofu, Kung pao chicken, Dan dan noodles & Tea house street snacks

For anyone who wants it, this afternoon can also be a spa and self-care reset after a long 10 days of fun.

Overnight in Chengdu

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Day 12 – Dec 9th (Optional): Off to Xi’An

Today we head to Xi’an, one of the most historic cities in all of China, by comfortable high-speed train. Once we arrive, we’ll check into our hotel and take the evening to explore the city’s famous Muslim Quarter, a lively area filled with lantern-lit streets, local markets, and some of the best street food in the country. This is the perfect place to wander, try new snacks, and soak up the atmosphere of ancient China meeting modern life. Tonight feels like stepping into a totally different side of the country, and it’s the perfect lead-up to tomorrow’s main event.

Included: Breakfast, Highspeed train to Xi’An, Muslim Quarter visit

Overnight in Xi’an

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Day 13- Dec 10th: Terracotta Warriors Day

Today is a true bucket-list highlight as we visit the legendary Terracotta Army, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world. We’ll spend the day exploring the massive excavation pits and museum complex, where thousands of life-sized warriors have stood guard for over 2,000 years. Seeing this in person is one of those moments that genuinely feels unreal, it’s hard to believe something this enormous was built so long ago. After our visit, we’ll return to Xi’an with time to enjoy a relaxed final evening in the city, celebrating the perfect iconic ending to our China adventure.

Overnight in Xi’an

Included: Full day visit to the Terracotta army with transportation, Group Dinner

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Day 14 – Dec 11th : Fly Home from Xi’an (XIY)

Today is our final day of the optional extension as we say goodbye to China and begin our journey home. Depending on flight times, you may have a slow morning to grab one last coffee, take a final stroll near the city walls, or pick up any last souvenirs before heading to the airport. Xi’an is an easy city to depart from, and we’ll help coordinate transfers so everything feels smooth and stress-free. After an unforgettable adventure through mountains, ancient towns, pandas, and world wonders, it’s time to head home with memories that will genuinely last a lifetime.

Xi’an has a major airport with good connections through Beijing/Shanghai, since you are staying more then 10 days you can fly home to any airport from here as the 240 hour visa is the only vsia that requires “in from one country and out to another country”.

XIY is the airport code to fly out of China today.

Included: Breakfast, Transportation to airport