Embark on an unforgettable expedition that traces the pulse of modern China back along the ancient Silk Road, culminating in its imperial heart. Begin in Shanghai, a dazzling metropolis where futuristic skylines and historic waterfronts tell a story of phenomenal transformation.
Then, journey into a realm of natural fantasy in Zhangjiajie. Stand in awe amidst the towering quartz-sandstone pillars of the Avatar Mountains, a surreal landscape that seems sculpted by the gods themselves, offering breathtaking hikes and vistas.
From this natural wonder, we turn to the cradle of civilization along the legendary Hexi Corridor. Start in Lanzhou, crossroad of cultures, before delving into history in Wuwei, home to precious relics like the Galloping Horse. Marvel at the rainbow palette of the Zhangye Danxia Landform, a geological masterpiece. Feel the weight of history at the mighty Jiayuguan Fort, the strategic “First and Greatest Pass Under Heaven” at the western end of the Great Wall.
The desert then reveals its hidden jewel: Dunhuang. Behold the spiritual and artistic zenith of the Silk Road at the Mogao Caves, a treasury of Buddhist art, and experience the singing sands of the crescent-moon oasis.
Your epic voyage concludes in Beijing. Walk the sacred grounds of the Forbidden City, climb the legendary Great Wall, and wander through the timeless alleys of hutongs, absorbing the majestic legacy of China’s imperial past.
This is more than a trip; it’s a narrative through time—from cutting-edge cities and ethereal nature to the very soul of ancient trade routes and dynastic power. Join us for the journey of a lifetime.
Itinerary
Take the international flight, arrive in Shanghai, upon arrival at Shanghai Pudong airport, please proceed to the luggage area to claim your check-in bags. Our local guide will assist you to board deluxe air-conditioned coach waiting outside the terminal building and transfer back to your hotel.
Accommodation: Shanghai
Visit the magnificent Yu Garden, also you can observe local people’s life at the Yuyuan Market, then down to the Bund alongside the Huanpu River to explore the modem aspect of Shanghai.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie, meet & transfer to the hotel.
Accommodation: Zhangjiajie
Enjoy the beautiful view of Tianmen Mountain you will enjoy the fantastic view of Tianmen Cave, Tianmen Tempo.and Guigu wooden walkways and glass walkways. Then you will proceed to the Old House which presents the typical local architecture and tradition.
Accommodation: Wulinyuan
Full day tour in Zhangjiajie National Park, it is also called Wulingyuan, , take cable car to Yangjiajie, sightseeing in Tianzi Mountain, enter Avatar world ---Yuanjiajie, visit Tujia minority people village in the mountain top, take super bailong elevator down the mountain,, transfer back to the hotel
Accommodation: Wulinyuan
This morning visit the Yellow Dragon Cave & Baofeng Lake, , transfer to the airport for your flight to Lanzhou. Meet & transfer to Lanzhou,check into Lanzhou hotel and relax.
Visit the Yellow River & Iron Bridge, the oldest bridge above the Yellow River, enjoy dinner in a Muslim
restaurant beside the Yellow River.
Accommodation: Lanzhou
Take the bus from Lanzhou to Wuwei.
Enjoy local food in Wuwei city, visit the Wuwei Museum, you will see the wonderful Buddhism sculptures
from the local Buddhism grottoes. Continue to visit the South Gate of the old town, Kumarajiva Temple.
Accommodation: Wuwei
By bus to Zhangye, 3 hours on the expressway.
Zhangye derived it’s name from the phrases ”Cutting away the arms of the Huns and glorifying that of the
Central Kingdom”. As one of the four famous prefectures in the west of the Gansu province. In ancient times it
used to be a center for varies dynasties of the central kingdom to carry out political, economic, cultural and
diplomatic affairs in the northwest.
In the afternoon, you will visit the TOP 5 grand canyons in the world----Pingshanhu Grand Canyon, you will
hiking in the park for about 2.5 hours. The scenic area includes the grand canyon, stone wonders, desert and
snow mountain, primitive forest, and aesthetic value.
Accommodation: Zhangye
This morning visit the Horse Hoof Temple Grottoes, you will see the original Buddhism Grottoes from the
history.
Visit the Visit the Danxia Landform National Park, it is both the largest and the most typical of China’s Arid
area landform. we will show you to see the most beautiful area.
Accommodation: Zhangye
Visit the Giant Buddha Temple,you can see the biggest sleeping Buddha in Asia.
By bus to Jiayuguan. 3 hours on the express way. Have lunch at Jiuquan city, where famous for the Wine Spring, from the Western Han dynasty, we still can see this spring in the city.
Visit the Wei and Jin Tomb, the painting Bricks in the tomb of the Wei & Jin Dynasty, the painting bricks inlaid on the four walls have beautiful colors and various contents which cover the polities, economy, military
and culture, it’s called “Underground Art Gallery ”
Check into the hotel, and have dinner at a local good restaurant near the hotel.
Accommodation: Jiayuguan
Visit the famous Jiayuguan Pass & Museum of the Great Wall, the western end of the Great Wall of the Ming
Dynasty - Overhanging Great Wall,
In the afternoon transfer to Dunhuang. 5 hours on the express way.
Accommodation: Dunhuang
You will visit Mogao Caves & Digital Film Center , one of the 4 most famous grottoes in China. It has a total of
492 grottoes, 45,000 square-meters of murals, 2,400 painted statues and over 250 residential caves remain.
Visit the Jade Gate Pass & Great Wall of Han Dynasty, In history, the Han Dynasty built many walls to
consolidate the safety of the frontier region as well as exploring ways to do business with western region. Instead
of piling up stones or bricks layer upon layer like other dynasties' walls, the Han Dynasty Great Wall is built by
using the local sand and weed.
After dinner, enjoy a wonderful performance: Ancient Sound of Dunhuang.
Accommodation: Dunhuang
Visit the Crescent Moon Lake & the Singing-Sand Dunes. enjoy a camel ride in the sand dunes.
Take the flight to Xian, MU2216 ( 1630 / 1816 ),transfer to your hotel upon arrival.
Accommodation:: Xi'an
Visit the world famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum that is UNESCO cultural heritage. one of
the most amazing sites you will ever see. These 6000 life size warriors and horses were first discovered in 1974
and are one of the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century. Visit the City Wall, where
you’ll stroll along the walkway with your guide and admire views of the city below. Marvel at the complex
architecture of the gates and towers on each side of the wall.
In evening tasty local food - the dumplings banquet
Accommodation:: Xi'an
Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda or Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a well-preserved holy place for Buddhist with
a history of over 1300 years.
Transfer to the airport for your flight (TBA) to Beijing. transfer to your hotel upon arrival.
Accommodation: Beijing
Today we concentrate on the heart of Beijing, beginning with Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. Followed by the visit to the Forbidden City, the largest palace in the world and it was built in 1420, Ming Dynasty Summer Palace. the Heaven Temple, in the evening taste Beijing Duck.
Accommodation : Beijing
Transfer to the airport for your international flight to your home.
