12-Day丨Beijing, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie & Guilin
A private 12 days journey through Beijing · Xi'an · Zhangjiajie · Guilin · Longji · Xingping, with flexible planning and local support.
Itinerary Overview
- Duration:
- 12 days (Customizable)
- Destination:
- Beijing · Xi'an · Zhangjiajie · Guilin · Longji · Xingping
- Travel Style:
- Private Car · Tailor-Made
- Departure:
- Arranged around your flights
- Ideal For:
- Couples · Families · Friends · Corporate
Tour Highlights
Route Map Overview
Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Beijing | Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Wangfujing Snack Street |
| Day 2 | Beijing | Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer Palace, Beijing Opera Performance |
| Day 3 | Beijing | Temple of Heaven, Dashilanr Ancient Street, Old Beijing Hutong Tour |
| Day 4 | Beijing → Xi'an | High-speed Rail Transfer, Muslim Quarter Night Market, Xi'an City Wall Evening Stroll |
| Day 5 | Xi'an | Terracotta Army, Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda |
| Day 6 | Xi'an | Xi'an City Wall Cycling, Datang Everbright City, Tang Dynasty Themed Show |
| Day 7 | Xi'an → Zhangjiajie | High-speed Rail Transfer, Zhangjiajie Urban Area Exploration, Tujia Culture Experience |
| Day 8 | Zhangjiajie National Forest Park | Yuanjiajie Avatar Floating Mountains, Tianzi Mountain, Ten-Mile Gallery, Golden Whip Stream |
| Day 9 | Tianmen Mountain & Grand Canyon | Tianmen Cave, World's Longest Alpine Cable Car, Glass Plank Road, Grand Canyon Glass Bridge |
| Day 10 | Zhangjiajie → Guilin | Flight Transfer, Guilin Urban Area Check-in, Elephant Trunk Hill, Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night View |
| Day 11 | Guilin → Longji Rice Terraces | Ping'an Zhuang Rice Terraces, Jinkeng Dazhai Yao Rice Terraces, Zhuang Bonfire Party |
| Day 12 | Guilin → Departure | Li River 3-Star Cruise, Xingping Ancient Town, 20-yuan RMB Background Viewpoint, Departure |
Day 1Beijing
Highlights: Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Wangfujing Snack Street
Morning:
Arrive in Beijing and check into a downtown hotel near Tiananmen Square. Head to Tiananmen Square first to visit the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Great Hall of the People, then enter the Forbidden City – the world's largest and best-preserved ancient wooden palace complex. Explore the core imperial halls including the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony and Hall of Preserving Harmony, and learn about the 600-year imperial history of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Afternoon:
Exit the Forbidden City from its north gate, climb Jingshan Park directly opposite, and overlook the panoramic view of the Forbidden City's red walls and golden tiles from Wanchun Pavilion, the highest point in Beijing's old city. After descending the mountain, stroll along Beijing's central axis and visit the nearby traditional hutongs to experience the original urban culture of old Beijing.
Evening:
Head to Wangfujing Street, one of Beijing's most famous commercial streets. Explore the Wangfujing Snack Street and taste authentic Beijing local snacks including Peking duck, roast lamb skewers and sugar figurines. After dinner, wander around the street to feel the bustling night atmosphere of Beijing's city center.
Scenic Spots & Highlights of the Day
Day 2Beijing
Highlights: Mutianyu Great Wall, Summer Palace, Beijing Opera Performance
Morning:
Depart from the hotel for Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved and least crowded sections of the Great Wall. Take the cable car up to the wall, stroll along the well-restored brick and stone structure, enjoy the magnificent mountain scenery on both sides, and experience the grandeur of this world cultural heritage. You can also choose to take the toboggan down the mountain for a fun and unique experience.
Afternoon:
Head to the Summer Palace, China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Explore the Long Corridor decorated with thousands of colorful paintings, visit the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity, and take a boat ride on Kunming Lake to enjoy the stunning view of the lake and surrounding hills. You can also walk along the West Causeway and admire the famous Seventeen-Arch Bridge, immersing yourself in the classical beauty of Chinese imperial gardens.
Evening:
Stay to enjoy the night view of the Summer Palace (during seasonal opening), where the palaces and bridges are lit up to create a peaceful and romantic atmosphere. If the night view is not available, return to downtown Beijing for dinner at a local restaurant, then watch a traditional Beijing Opera performance at a nearby theater.
Scenic Spots & Highlights of the Day
Day 3Beijing
Highlights: Temple of Heaven, Dashilanr Ancient Street, Old Beijing Hutong Tour
Morning:
Visit the Temple of Heaven, China's largest ancient imperial worship complex. Explore the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar, learn about the ancient worship rituals of Ming and Qing emperors, and admire the exquisite ancient architectural design and acoustic principles of the complex.
Afternoon:
Stroll to Dashilanr Ancient Street, one of Beijing's oldest commercial streets. Explore the traditional Chinese medicine shops, time-honored brand stores and ancient bookstores along the street, and experience the original folk culture of old Beijing. After that, head to Beijing South Railway Station to take the high-speed train to Xi'an, a comfortable 4.5-hour ride with scenic views of the North China Plain along the way.
Evening:
Arrive in Xi'an and check into a hotel near the Muslim Quarter. Head to the Muslim Quarter immediately to explore its bustling night market with hundreds of food stalls, and taste authentic Xi'an specialties including Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), Biangbiang noodles and cold skin noodles. Wander around the ancient alleys to feel the lively night atmosphere of Xi'an's old city.
Scenic Spots & Highlights of the Day
Day 4Beijing → Xi'an
Highlights: High-speed Rail Transfer, Muslim Quarter Night Market, Xi'an City Wall Evening Stroll
Morning:
Free time to rest and explore the surrounding area of your hotel in Xi'an. You can visit local morning markets to experience the daily life of Xi'an locals, or taste traditional Xi'an breakfast such as steamed buns and soybean milk.
Afternoon:
Rent a bike to cycle on the Ancient City Wall of Xi'an, one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China. Cycle along the 13.7-kilometer wall, overlook the panoramic view of Xi'an's old city and modern urban area, and feel the historical thickness of this ancient capital. After cycling, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a landmark of Xi'an, and learn about the history of Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang's journey to India and translation of Buddhist scriptures.
Evening:
Head to Datang Everbright City, a pedestrian street themed on the prosperous Tang Dynasty. Enjoy the magnificent light shows, traditional Tang-style performances and street art shows along the street. Immerse yourself in the grand and romantic atmosphere of the golden age of the Tang Dynasty, and take photos with the ancient-style buildings and lanterns.
Scenic Spots & Highlights of the Day
Day 5Xi'an
Highlights: Terracotta Army, Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda
Morning:
Head to the Terracotta Army, one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the world and a world cultural heritage. Explore the three pits of the Terracotta Army, admire the life-sized terracotta warriors and horses, learn about the military system and funeral culture of the Qin Dynasty, and visit the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum to understand the grandeur of the first emperor of China's mausoleum.
Afternoon:
Return to Xi'an city center and visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a well-preserved ancient pagoda from the Tang Dynasty, and explore the surrounding Jianfu Temple. Then head to Xi'an Museum, one of the best museums in China, to admire the rich collection of cultural relics from the Zhou, Qin, Han and Tang dynasties, and deeply understand the 3000-year history of Xi'an as an ancient capital.
Evening:
Enjoy a Tang Dynasty-themed dinner show at a local restaurant, where you can taste traditional Tang-style dishes while watching traditional music and dance performances that restore the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty court.
Scenic Spots & Highlights of the Day
Day 6Xi'an
Highlights: Xi'an City Wall Cycling, Datang Everbright City, Tang Dynasty Themed Show
Morning:
Depart from Xi'an North Railway Station to take the high-speed train to Zhangjiajie, a 6-hour ride with scenic views of the Qinling Mountains and the Yangtze River plain along the way.
Afternoon:
Arrive at Zhangjiajie West Railway Station, check into a hotel in Zhangjiajie's urban area, rest and relax to recharge for the subsequent mountain tour. You can also stroll around the local commercial street to experience the local culture of Western Hunan.
Evening:
Taste the characteristic Tujia dinner in Zhangjiajie's urban area, and learn about the Tujia ethnic culture and local customs from the restaurant owners. Rest early to adapt to the climate and environment of the mountainous area.
Scenic Spots & Highlights of the Day
Day 7Xi'an → Zhangjiajie
Highlights: High-speed Rail Transfer, Zhangjiajie Urban Area Exploration, Tujia Culture Experience
Morning:
Head to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, take the scenic area environmental protection bus to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Visit the prototype mountain of the movie Avatar – Yuanjiajie Floating Mountains, check in at core attractions such as the world's first bridge and Qiankun Pillar, walk on the gentle plank road throughout the process, and easily appreciate the shocking landscape of quartz sandstone peaks.
Afternoon:
Take the environmental protection bus to Tianzi Mountain Scenic Area, visit Tianzi Pavilion, Imperial Brush Peak, Fairy Flower and other classic attractions. Then head to Ten-Mile Gallery, take the sightseeing train for a tour to easily check in at the panoramic view of Ten-Mile Gallery, or choose to hike along Golden Whip Stream to feel the serenity of the canyon and mountain streams.
Evening:
Return to the downtown hotel in Zhangjiajie, enjoy a characteristic Tujia dinner, and stroll around the night market in the urban area at night to taste the specialty snacks of Western Hunan and relax.
Scenic Spots & Highlights of the Day
Day 8Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Highlights: Yuanjiajie Avatar Floating Mountains, Tianzi Mountain, Ten-Mile Gallery, Golden Whip Stream
Morning:
Head to Tianmen Mountain Scenic Area, take the world’s longest alpine passenger cable car to the top of the mountain. Visit Tianmen Cave, experience the mountain-crossing escalator and glass plank road, check in at the 99-bend mountain road of Tianmen Mountain, and immerse yourself in the shocking scenery of the "Sky City".
Afternoon:
Head to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, visit the internet-famous glass bridge – Yundian Du. Stroll on the 430-meter-long glass bridge to overlook the panoramic view of the grand canyon, then explore the streams and waterfalls at the bottom of the grand canyon, and feel the serenity and grandeur of the canyon.
Evening:
Return to the downtown hotel, enjoy free activities after dinner, stroll along the local characteristic commercial street, buy specialty souvenirs of Western Hunan, and rest early to recharge for the subsequent itinerary.
Scenic Spots & Highlights of the Day
Day 9Tianmen Mountain & Grand Canyon
Highlights: Tianmen Cave, World's Longest Alpine Cable Car, Glass Plank Road, Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
Morning:
Depart from Zhangjiajie Hehua International Airport for a flight to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, a comfortable 2-hour flight.
Afternoon:
Arrive in Guilin, check into a downtown hotel, then head to Elephant Trunk Hill – the iconic symbol of Guilin. Explore the park’s core attractions and capture the classic "Elephant Drinking Water" viewpoint, experiencing the signature landscape of Guilin’s mountain-water city.
Evening:
Walk through East-West Alley and Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, explore the Ming and Qing ancient alleys and taste local specialty snacks. Take a night cruise on Two Rivers and Four Lakes to enjoy the light show of the Sun and Moon Pagodas, and immerse yourself in the stunning night landscape of Guilin’s water system.
Scenic Spots & Highlights of the Day
Day 10Zhangjiajie → Guilin
Highlights: Flight Transfer, Guilin Urban Area Check-in, Elephant Trunk Hill, Two Rivers and Four Lakes Night View
Morning:
Depart from downtown Guilin and head to Longji Rice Terraces. Check into a Zhuang ethnic homestay in Ping'an Village after arrival, then explore Ping'an Zhuang Rice Terraces. Visit the core viewing platforms of "Nine Dragons and Five Tigers" and "Seven Stars Accompanying the Moon", hike along the gentle ridge paths, and feel the magnificence of the world’s original rice terraces.
Afternoon:
Head to Jinkeng Dazhai Yao Rice Terraces, experience the original culture of the Red Yao village, watch the traditional hair-combing performance of Red Yao long-haired grannies, stroll along the viewing platforms of Dazhai Rice Terraces, and capture the idyllic scenery of terraces integrated with Yao villages.
Evening:
Enjoy a characteristic Zhuang family banquet at the Zhuang village homestay. Participate in the Zhuang bonfire party at night, experience traditional Zhuang antiphonal singing and bamboo pole dance folk activities, and deeply feel the ethnic customs of the Zhuang village.
Scenic Spots & Highlights of the Day
Day 11Guilin → Longji Rice Terraces
Highlights: Ping'an Zhuang Rice Terraces, Jinkeng Dazhai Yao Rice Terraces, Zhuang Bonfire Party
Morning:
Return to Guilin urban area from Longji, then head to Mopan Mountain Wharf. Take a Li River 3-Star Cruise for a leisurely 4-hour essence tour of the Li River. The cruise is smooth and relaxing, passing through core attractions such as Yangdi, Nine Horses Painting Mountain and Yellow Cloth Reflection (the background of the 20-yuan RMB note), immersing yourself in the landscape of the Li River’s hundred-mile gallery.
Afternoon:
The cruise arrives at Xingping Ancient Town. Check into a homestay in the ancient town, then stroll around Xingping Ancient Town in the afternoon. Visit the thousand-year-old old street and Xingping Wharf, overlook the mountain scenery of Laozhai Mountain, and feel the tranquility of the thousand-year-old ancient town by the Li River.
Evening:
Taste the Li River fish banquet in Xingping Ancient Town. Wander around the night market by the Li River at night, enjoy the night view where the ancient town blends with the Li River, and experience the local atmosphere of the border town.
Scenic Spots & Highlights of the Day
Day 12Guilin → Departure
Highlights: Li River 3-Star Cruise, Xingping Ancient Town, 20-yuan RMB Background Viewpoint, Departure
Morning:
Enjoy free time in Xingping Ancient Town. You can hike along the Li River waterfront to admire the morning scenery of the Li River, or have afternoon tea in a cafe in the ancient town, enjoy the slow-paced leisure time and deeply feel the laid-back atmosphere of the ancient town.
Afternoon:
Depart from Xingping Ancient Town, head to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, and take your flight to depart China, ending the whole itinerary.
Evening:
End of the trip, arrive at your departure destination.
Scenic Spots & Highlights of the Day
✓ What's Included
- Private vehicle & professional dedicated driver
- English-speaking local expert tour guide
- All attraction entrance tickets & cable car fees in itinerary
- Hotel accommodation selected according to your preferences
- Our local ground support & 24/7 assistance
✕ Not Included
- International round-trip flights
- Passport & visa fees
- Personal expenses (dining, shopping, drinks)
- Optional activities not listed in itinerary
- Gratuities / tips for guide and driver
Specific inclusions and exclusions will be confirmed based on your customized itinerary and clearly listed in your final proposal.
Hotel Accommodation Options
We recommend suitable hotel options based on your budget, style and preferences.
ⓘ Hotel photos for reference only; actual stays arranged based on your preferences (family rooms, twin beds, etc.).
