Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

Upon arrival at Beijing Capital International Airport, our guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. You can take a rest to adjust to the time zone and explore the area around your hotel on your own. Beijing, the capital city of China, is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history and culture.

Free Time Ideas: You can visit the Wangfujing Street, a famous shopping and dining area in Beijing. There are many local snacks and traditional Chinese handicrafts to explore.

Arrival Ideas:

1. By Air: Beijing Capital International Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world. It is well-connected to major cities around the globe.

Day 2: Beijing - Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square

Today, you will visit two of the most iconic landmarks in Beijing. First, head to Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world. It is a symbol of modern China and a place of great historical and political significance. Then, enter the Forbidden City, a former imperial palace that was the residence of emperors for over 500 years. Explore the magnificent palaces, halls, and gardens, and learn about the history and culture of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Notes:

1. The Forbidden City requires advance reservation. Make sure your tickets are booked in advance.
2. There is a lot of walking involved, so wear comfortable shoes.

Day 3: Beijing - Great Wall at Badaling

Drive to the Great Wall at Badaling, one of the most famous sections of the Great Wall. Climb the wall and enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and countryside. You can also take a cable car or a toboggan for a more exciting experience. After the visit, return to Beijing and have some free time to explore the city on your own.

Notes:

1. The Great Wall can be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Try to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
2. It is recommended to bring water and snacks, as there are limited food options on the wall.

Day 4: Beijing - Temple of Heaven, Hutongs Tour

Visit the Temple of Heaven, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an important place for imperial sacrifices in ancient China. Admire the unique architecture and learn about the traditional Chinese beliefs and rituals. In the afternoon, take a rickshaw ride through the narrow alleys of the Hutongs, a traditional residential area in Beijing. Visit a local family to experience their daily life and culture.

Notes:

1. The Temple of Heaven is a large complex, so allow enough time to explore it.
2. Respect the local customs and traditions when visiting the Hutongs and the local family.

Day 5: Beijing - Fly to Zhangjiajie

Transfer to the airport and take a flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Zhangjiajie is known for its stunning natural scenery, especially the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, which inspired the floating mountains in the movie "Avatar".

Arrival Ideas:

1. By Air: Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport has flights connecting to major cities in China.

Day 6: Zhangjiajie - Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Spend the whole day exploring the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Take the cable car up to the Tianmen Mountain and enjoy the panoramic views of the park. Walk along the glass skywalk for a thrilling experience. Then, visit the Golden Whip Stream, a beautiful stream surrounded by lush forests and towering peaks. You can also take a boat ride on the stream.

Notes:

1. The park is large, so it is recommended to take a map or follow the guide.
2. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as there is a lot of walking involved.

Day 7: Zhangjiajie - Tianmen Mountain

Visit Tianmen Mountain, another famous scenic spot in Zhangjiajie. Take the world's longest cable car to the top of the mountain and enjoy the spectacular views along the way. Walk on the "Skywalk of Courage", a glass-bottomed path on the cliff. Then, visit the Tianmen Cave, a natural arch-shaped cave that is considered a sacred place in Chinese culture.

Notes:

1. The cable car can be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Try to arrive early to avoid the long queues.
2. Be careful when walking on the glass skywalk, as it can be slippery.

Day 8: Zhangjiajie - Fly to Guilin

Transfer to the airport and take a flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Guilin is famous for its beautiful karst landscape, which is often described as "the scenery in Guilin is the best under heaven".

Arrival Ideas:

1. By Air: Guilin Liangjiang International Airport has flights connecting to major cities in China.

Day 9: Guilin - Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

Take a cruise on the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the river, including the karst mountains, clear water, and traditional fishing villages. Arrive in Yangshuo in the afternoon and have some free time to explore the town. You can visit the West Street, a famous pedestrian street with many shops, restaurants, and bars.

Notes:

1. The Li River cruise is a popular activity, so it is recommended to book your tickets in advance.
2. Bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery along the river.

Day 10: Yangshuo - Biking Tour, Yulong River Rafting

Go on a biking tour around Yangshuo to explore the rural scenery and local villages. You can see the rice fields, bamboo forests, and karst mountains up close. Then, take a bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, a tributary of the Li River. Enjoy the peaceful and beautiful scenery along the river.

Notes:

1. Make sure your bike is in good condition before starting the tour.
2. Wear sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun during the biking and rafting.

Day 11: Yangshuo - Moon Hill, Big Banyan Tree

Visit the Moon Hill, a natural arch-shaped hill that looks like a full moon from a certain angle. Climb to the top of the hill for a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Then, visit the Big Banyan Tree, a 1,400-year-old tree that is a symbol of Yangshuo. It is said that the famous Chinese movie "Liu Sanjie" was filmed here.

Notes:

1. The climb to the top of the Moon Hill can be challenging, so wear appropriate shoes.
2. Respect the local environment and do not damage the Big Banyan Tree.

Day 12: Yangshuo - Transfer to Guilin, Fly to Shanghai

Transfer from Yangshuo to Guilin and then take a flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival in Shanghai, our guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel. Shanghai is a modern metropolis with a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures.

Arrival Ideas:

1. By Air: Shanghai has two international airports, Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, which are well-connected to major cities around the world.

Day 13: Shanghai - The Bund, Yu Garden, Departure

Visit the Bund, a famous waterfront area in Shanghai that features a collection of historical buildings from the colonial era. Enjoy the view of the Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River. Then, visit the Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. After the visit, transfer to the airport or train station for your departure.

Notes:

1. The Bund can be crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Try to arrive early to avoid the crowds.
2. Respect the local customs and traditions when visiting the Yu Garden.