Zhangjialie

The iconic Forbidden City, Beijing

Wangcun Waterfall in the old town of Furong

The ancient stone wall and watchtower adorned with red lanterns in Xi'an

Temple of Heaven

The Great Wall winding through Northern China, Hebei province - Premium China: Natural Wonders & Cultural Highlights, China

The Great Wall winding through Northern China, Hebei province | Su Zhi Wei

Terracotta Warriors in Xian - Premium China: Natural Wonders & Cultural Highlights, China

Terracotta Warriors in Xian | Peter Walton

Giant panda, Chengdu

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Premium China: Natural Wonders & Cultural Highlights

A premium journey through China's landscapes and historic cities, balancing comfort, culture and day walks.

China

12 Days from

Trip Code: PPCH

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Essential Information

Duration

12 Days

Activities

Adventure Touring

Style

Premium Adventures

Accommodation

11 nights hotels
Day walks (2-5 hours)

Meals

9 Dinners
7 Lunches
11 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: 4 / 10
Introductory to Moderate

Trip highlights

Walk a spectacular section of the Great Wall, staying just steps away from this incredible landmark
A behind-the-scenes visit to a panda sanctuary, observing daily feeding routines with the keepers and gaining rare insight into conservation efforts.
Discover everyday life through Chengdu’s tea houses and Beijing’s historic hutong neighbourhoods
Walk among the misty sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National park, the landscape that inspired the film Avatar
Travel in comfort, enjoy delicious meals, and stay in carefully selected premium hotels

Overview

From the imperial landmarks of Beijing to the dramatic sandstone peaks of Zhangjiajie, and on to the vibrant streets of Chengdu, this journey brings together some of China’s most remarkable landscapes and cultural highlights, experienced in comfort. Much of our exploration is undertaken on foot, from sightseeing walks through Beijing, Xi’an and Chengdu to longer walks of between two and five hours on the Great Wall, amongst the landscapes of Zhangjiajie and through the forested mountains of Sichuan.

Beginning in Beijing, we explore iconic sites including the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, while staying in a traditional hutong neighbourhood. We then spend a night beside the Great Wall, exploring this extraordinary structure on foot and making dumplings with a local family.

In Xi’an, China’s ancient past comes into focus with the Terracotta Warriors. We walk along the city’s historic walls, explore the Muslim Quarter on foot, and a tai chi class gives us the opportunity to experience a practice that has been part of life in China for centuries.

From Xi'An we continue on to Furong Ancient Town, dating back two thousand years and built around a cascading waterfall, where we take in the traditional Tujia architecture and atmospheric night scenes. In nearby Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, we walk amongst the 3000 towering quartz-sandstone pillars and misty forests that famously inspired the scenery of the film Avatar.

The journey concludes in Chengdu, where we are introduced to Sichuan culture through its parks, tea houses and renowned cuisine, alongside a visit to a panda sanctuary set within the region’s forested mountain landscapes.

Itinerary

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Welcome to China. On arrival in Beijing, you are met and transferred to your hotel, where we will spend the next two nights. China's capital for over 800 years, Beijing is a city where imperial history and modern life exist side by side. Grand ceremonial avenues, ancient temples and traditional hutong neighbourhoods sit alongside contemporary architecture and vibrant street life. Our boutique hotel is tucked within one of Beijing's traditional hutong neighbourhoods of narrow lanes and courtyard houses. There is time to settle in before gathering this evening for a welcome dinner. Accommodation: Blossom House, Beijing (or similar)

Meals: D

Today brings together some of Beijing's most significant imperial landmarks. At Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, the scale of modern China is immediately apparent, setting the scene for a visit to the Forbidden City beyond. For over 500 years, the Forbidden City served as the political and ceremonial centre of imperial China, home to emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. We continue to the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming dynasty architecture set within expansive parkland. Once used by emperors to perform sacred rituals for good harvests, the site reflects the deep connection between heaven, earth and imperial authority in traditional Chinese belief. The remainder of the afternoon is free to explore the nearby Houhai district with it's lakeside walks and cafés. Those wishing to stretch their legs can wander the narrow lanes surrounding our hotel, discovering hidden courtyards, small shops and all the character of one of the city's oldest neighbourhoods. Accommodation: Blossom House, Beijing (or similar)

Meals: B,L

Leaving Beijing behind, we travel north towards the Great Wall, where the landscape shifts from city to open countryside and rugged hills. Stretching for thousands of kilometres across northern China, this vast defensive network was built, rebuilt and extended over centuries, forming one of the most extraordinary engineering achievements in the world. Today, we walk the Jinshanling section, along its ancient stone ramparts, with watchtowers rising at intervals along the route. Tonight’s hotel is set just moments from The Wall, offering a peaceful base and sense of the scale and presence of this remarkable landmark. In the evening, we visit a nearby family-run guesthouse for a hands-on introduction to one of northern China’s most loved dishes. Here, we learn the art of making dumplings, before enjoying them together for dinner. Walk 4 - 5 hours Accommodation: Jinshanling Great Wall Hotel (or similar)

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we return to Beijing and board the high-speed train to Xi'an, a journey linking two of China's great historic capitals. Travelling in first-class comfort through the changing landscapes as we make our way west. On arrival in Xi'an, we transfer to our hotel. Once the eastern terminus of the Silk Road and capital to multiple imperial dynasties, Xi'an offers a deep connection to China's ancient past. The remainder of the evening is free to settle in and relax before tomorrow's exploration of one of China's most significant archaeological sites. Accommodation: Lan Feng Hotel, Xi'an (or similar)

Meals: B,D

The day begins with a one-hour tai chi class, a practice that has been part of life in China for centuries. With its slow, flowing movements, controlled breathing and emphasis on balance and focus, tai chi is valued as a way to support physical wellbeing and mental calm, and remains a familiar sight in parks and public spaces across China. Refreshed and centred, we then visit the Terracotta Warriors, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Created over 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, the vast army of life-sized figures reflects an extraordinary level of craftsmanship and ambition, with each warrior uniquely detailed. Late afternoon we walk along part of Xi'an’s ancient city wall. Extending for 14 kilometres, it is one of the best-preserved city walls in China. We continue on to Xi'an's Muslim Quarter, where narrow streets are lined with food stalls, small eateries and market vendors. We have dinner here, discovering flavours that may be quite different from the Chinese food we know, with the city’s Muslim culinary traditions bringing influences from both China and Central Asia. Accommodation: Lan Feng Hotel, Xi'an (or similar)

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we fly to Zhangjiajie. On arrival, we drive 1.5 hours through the lush landscapes of Hunan Province to Furong Ancient Town. Set dramatically on a cliff above a cascading waterfall, this two thousand-year-old settlement is one of the most striking in the region. Closely associated with the Tujia ethnic minority, the town retains a strong sense of its heritage, with traditional diaojiaolou houses - timber structures raised on stilts - clinging to the cliffside. At the heart of the town, the Furong Waterfall cascades directly through the centre, while Wuli Street, a winding stone lane, threads through the old town, lined with traditional shops and wooden houses. As evening falls, the waterfall is illuminated, creating one of the most atmospheric night scenes in the region. Accommodation: Annai Xizhou Ji Hotel (or similar)

Meals: B,D

We take a two hour drive to Zhangjiajie, entering China's first national forest park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area. The wider landscape is famous for more than 3,000 quartz-sandstone pillars and peaks, some rising hundreds of metres from the valleys below. We begin with a cable car ride to Yellow Stone Village for a panoramic view over the sculpted peaks and forested valleys below. After lunch, we enjoy a gentle walk along Golden Whip Stream (7km), a peaceful and shaded trail set within a narrow canyon at the base of the immense stone pillars. Our accommodation for the next two nights is set in a quiet, forested valley on the edge of the national park. The retreat is designed to blend with its natural surroundings, with warm timber interiors and views out across the surrounding greenery. Walk 3 hours Accommodation: Evergreen Forest Retreat, Zhangjiajie (or similar)

Meals: B,L,D

Rising above the surrounding valleys, Tianzi Mountain offers some of the most expansive views within Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Standing at 1,250 metres, Tianzi's main peak is surrounded by a remarkable forest of sandstone pinnacles, with mist and cloud often drifting between the peaks and continually changing the view. From here, we continue to Yuanjiajie, and enjoy lunch overlooking the dramatic scenery before setting out on foot. This area is known for inspiring the landscapes seen in the film Avatar. Our afternoon walk, follows well-formed paths along the escarpment with views across the immense sandstone formations and forested valleys below. We finally descend via the Bailong Elevator, a remarkable glass lift constructed against the side of the cliffs. Rising more than 300 metres, it makes the journey from the mountaintop to the valley floor in under two minutes, with dramatic views through the glass as we descend. Walk 1 hour Accommodation: Evergreen Forest Retreat, Zhangjiajie (or similar)

Meals: B,L,D

A relaxing morning to enjoy the surrounds at our retreat before an afternoon train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Our boutique hotel, located beside historic Wenshu Monastery, provides a peaceful base for the next three nights. Often referred to as the gateway to western China, Chengdu has been an important centre for trade and agriculture for over 2,000 years. Today, it is equally famous for its tea houses, vibrant food scene and as the home of the giant panda. We take an orientation walk of the city, before dinner at a local restaurant and our first taste of Sichuan cuisine. Accommodation: Buddha Zen Hotel, Chengdu (or similar)

Meals: B,D

Today we travel into the mountains of Sichuan to visit a panda sanctuary, set within a protected landscape of forested valleys and rolling hills. Located in one of the natural habitats of the giant panda, the reserve plays a key role in conservation and research, working to protect and restore wild panda populations. Giant pandas are native to China and remain one of the world's most recognisable and endangered species, with the majority of the wild population found in the mountainous regions of Sichuan. Their specialised diet of bamboo and solitary nature make conservation efforts both complex and essential. During our visit, we have special access inside the enclosure to observe the pandas feeding and learn more about the sanctuary's conservation work from the keepers. There is time to ask questions about the challenges of protecting these remarkable animals. Visitors are not permitted to touch or feed the pandas, and photography is not permitted from inside the enclosure. After lunch, we take an easy circular hike across the Panda Plateau, following trails of open hills and forest. We return to Chengdu in the late afternoon. Walk 3 - 4 hours Accommodation: Buddha Zen Hotel, Chengdu (or similar)

Meals: B,L,D

Today we visit the Sanxingdui Museum, home to one of the most important archaeological discoveries in modern China. Unearthed in the 20th century, the Sanxingdui site revealed the remains of a previously unknown Bronze Age civilisation dating back more than 3,000 years, transforming our understanding of early Chinese history. After lunch, we spend time in Chengdu People's Park, established over a century ago. More than a green space, this is a place where locals gather to socialise, play games or practise music. In the late afternoon, we explore the Kuanzhai Alleys, a network of restored historic lanes dating back to the Qing dynasty. Lined with traditional courtyard houses, boutique shops and small eateries where we'll sample some of Chengdu's renowned local specialities for dinner. Accommodation: Buddha Zen Hotel, Chengdu (or similar)

Meals: B,L

As your journey comes to an end, depart Chengdu with a deeper appreciation of China’s landscapes and culture.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

2 scheduled departures between 10 Apr 2027 and 9 Oct 2027.

Departs 10 Apr 2027 – ends 21 Apr 2027 (12 days)
Departs 9 Oct 2027 – ends 20 Oct 2027 (12 days)

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What's included?

Included

English speaking local guide
11 nights accommodation on a twin share basis, mostly 4 & 5 star boutique style hotels
11 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 9 dinners
Airport transfers on days 1 and 12 and when pre/post tour accommodation is booked with us
Private air conditioned bus transport
First class train journey: Beijing to Xi'an and Zhangjiajie to Chengdu
Internal flight Xi'an to Zhangjiaje (economy class)
Dumpling cooking class
Behind the scenes visit at a panda sanctuary
Entrance fees: Sanxingdui Museum Chengdu, Terracotta Warriors and Furong Ancient Town
National Park fees & gondala/cable cars for Zhangjiajie National Park and Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve

Not included

Flights to Beijing, from Chengdu
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Visa
Single supplement - when booked in your own room
Meals and drinks not listed
Tips
Any items not listed as included

Extra trip info

Accommodation Will My Trip Run?FAQs Why Book With Us

China Beijing Blossom Hotel | China Beijing Blossom Hotel

Beijing: Blossom House Houhai

A boutique hotel set within a traditional hutong near Houhai, where contemporary design meets landscaped courtyards and views across the lake, offering a refined base in one of Beijing’s most atmospheric neighbourhoods.

Jinshanling Great Wall Hotel

A contemporary hotel at the foot of the Great Wall, offering spacious rooms, mountain views and a peaceful setting that complements the surrounding landscape.

Lan Feng Hotel Xian exterior | Lan Feng Hotel Xian

Xian: Lanfeng Hotel (Xi’an Bell & Drum Tower Yongningmen).

A well-positioned hotel near Xi’an’s historic centre, blending courtyard-style design with modern comfort and views toward the ancient city wall.

Furong Ancient Town hotel Annai Xizhou Ji Hotel | Annai Xizhou Ji Hotel

Furong Town: Annai Xizhou Ji Hotel

A contemporary boutique hotel in a historic village.

Zhangjiajie: Evergreen Forest Retreat

A tranquil retreat set on the edge of Zhangjiajie National Park, where contemporary comfort is paired with sweeping forest views and a peaceful natural setting.

Buddah Zen Hotel Chengdu exterior | Buddah Zen Hotel Chengdu

Chengdu: Buddha Zen Hotel

A centrally located hotel near Wenshu Monastery, combining traditional Chinese architecture and handcrafted interiors with a calm, Zen-inspired atmosphere amid the energy of the city.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.

Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.

Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.

Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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This is an active adventure touring journey with regular sightseeing on foot and several walks of between one and five hours.

The walk starts at Jinshanling and heads east towards Erchu and the Five-Eye Watchtower, with increasingly steep sections and expansive mountain views.

The Jinshanling walk is moderately demanding, covering around 7–7.6 km over 4–5 hours with steep steps, elevated sections and some rougher unrestored terrain.

The Day 7 walk is approximately 7.5 km and takes around three hours on an easy, mostly shaded trail.

The Day 8 walk is around 2.5 km and takes approximately one hour; it is easy overall but includes steps.

The Day 10 hike is approximately 5 km over 3–4 hours, with around 300 metres of elevation gain on generally easy trails.

The visit includes special access to observe feeding routines and learn about conservation work from the keepers; touching, feeding and photography inside the enclosure are not permitted.

Yes, sightseeing in Chengdu and Xi’an is largely on foot, while Beijing combines walking with private vehicle transport.

Comfortable walking shoes or light hiking shoes with good grip are recommended, especially for the Great Wall, Zhangjiajie and Panda Plateau walks.

Accommodation is in carefully selected premium, boutique and historic hotels, mostly of 4- and 5-star standard

The trip uses private air-conditioned vehicles, first-class high-speed trains from Beijing to Xi’an and Zhangjiajie to Chengdu, and an economy-class flight from Xi’an to Zhangjiajie.

Yes, airport transfers are included on Days 1 and 12.

Some sightseeing involves cable cars, elevated viewpoints and the Bailong glass elevator, so travellers who are uncomfortable with heights should be aware of this.

April and October generally offer mild daytime temperatures of around 15–22°C, with cooler evenings and the possibility of showers or colder spells.

Vegetarian and some medically required diets can be accommodated with advance notice, although a completely allergen-free environment cannot be guaranteed.

Layered clothing and a waterproof jacket with a hood are recommended.

No, due to the amount of walking, steps and uneven terrain, the trip is not suitable for travellers with limited mobility.

Visa requirements depend on nationality and current Chinese entry regulations, so travellers should check the latest requirements before departure.

Yes, travel insurance is compulsory.

Walk the scenic Jinshanling section of the Great Wall and stay close to this iconic landmark
Enjoy a behind-the-scenes panda sanctuary visit with insight into feeding routines and conservation work
Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park on foot among its dramatic sandstone pillars and forested valleys
Experience China’s cultural highlights including the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Terracotta Warriors and Sanxingdui Museum
Discover local life through Beijing’s hutongs, Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter, Chengdu’s parks and tea houses, and a hands-on dumpling-making experience
Travel comfortably using first-class high-speed rail, an internal flight and private air-conditioned transport
Stay in carefully selected premium, boutique and character-filled hotels throughout the journey.
Balance premium comfort with active sightseeing and scenic walks rather than simply touring by vehicle

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Quality accommodations

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