13-Day Best of China with Avatar Mountains: Beijing, Xi’an, Zhangjiajie, Guilin & Shanghai

Day 1 Arrive Beijing

Welcome to Beijing, a vibrant metropolis where thousands of years of imperial history seamlessly blend with striking modern innovation. As the capital of China, this dynamic city invites you to walk along ancient marvels like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City, while experiencing its sleek skyscrapers, thriving culinary scene, and warm traditional hospitality. Upon arrival at the airport or train station, your friendly expert local guide will greet you and whisk you away in a private vehicle to your hotel. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Meals Included: Dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodation: Feitian Hotel Beijing (Local 4-Star, Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Day 2 Beijing | Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Wangfujing Street

Begin your exploration of Beijing at Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world. This vast space has seen many pivotal events, including the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. A leisurely stroll leads you to the Forbidden City, the imperial heart of China for over five centuries. This magnificent palace complex served as the residence of 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties, witnessing the rise and fall of imperial power. After Salat prayer at Niujie Mosque, soak up the lively atmosphere of Wangfujing Street, a quintessential Beijing shopping destination. Blending old-world charm with modern sophistication, this bustling thoroughfare boasts a captivating mix of luxury brands and time-honored stores.

Salat Prayer: Niujie Mosque
Meals Included: Hotel breakfast, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: Feitian Hotel Beijing (Local 4-Star, Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Please note that the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If your visit falls on a Monday, the itineraries for Day 2 and Day 3 will be swapped.

Day 3 Beijing | Great Wall of China, Summer Palace

Your morning unfolds with an exploration of the iconic Great Wall of China. This colossal fortification, a continuous undertaking from the 3rd century BC to the 17th century AD, snakes across China’s northern frontier for an astounding 3,750 miles, from the shores of the Bohai Sea to the vast expanse of the Gobi Desert. In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, China’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden. This masterpiece seamlessly harmonizes natural hills and open water with classic pavilions, grand halls, temples, and bridges, embodying the Chinese philosophy of living in harmony with nature. Our itinerary includes a visit to a freshwater pearl store, offering an opportunity to browse and purchase these lustrous gems cultivated in local waters.

Salat Prayer: Anheqiao Mosque or Shucun Mosque
Meals Included: Hotel breakfast, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: Feitian Hotel Beijing (Local 4-Star, Muslim-Friendly) or similar

Day 4 Beijing – Xi’an | Temple of Heaven, High-Speed Train to Xi’an

Begin your morning at the majestic Temple of Heaven, an architectural masterpiece completed in 1420 by the Yongle Emperor – the same visionary ruler who created the Forbidden City. Set within a tranquil park, this sacred imperial complex was where Ming and Qing emperors conducted solemn annual ceremonies, praying to the heavens for bountiful harvests and divine blessings. In the afternoon, experience China’s state-of-the-art rail network as you board a high-speed train to Xi’an (approx. 5 hours). Arrive in one of China’s oldest and most glorious capitals, world-renowned as the historic starting point of the Silk Road, where merchants, ideas, and cultures converged between East and West.

Meals Included: Hotel breakfast, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: 4-star Novotel Xi’an The Bell Tower or similar

Day 5 Xi’an | Terracotta Army, Xi’an City Highlights

Kick off the morning atop the ancient Xi’an City Wall – China’s oldest and best-preserved city wall – for sweeping views of the city skyline, followed by a visit to a local workshop to watch master artisans craft replica Terracotta Warriors. After lunch and salat prayer, discover the 8th wonder of the world – the Terracotta Army! Discovered by accident in 1974, this 2,000-year-old army of over 8,000 life-sized warriors stands guard over the tomb of Qin Shihuang, China’s first emperor. Afterwards, view the magnificent Big Wild Goose Pagoda from the outside, a 1,300-year-old architectural masterpiece. Conclude your day by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City, a captivating recreation of ancient Xi’an, featuring bustling markets, captivating performances, and stunning Tang-style architecture.

Salat Prayer: Lintong Mosque
Meals Included: Hotel breakfast, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: 4-star Novotel Xi’an The Bell Tower or similar

Day 6 Xi’an – Zhangjiajie | Xi’an City Highlights, Fly to Zhangjiajie

Start the day amidst the grandeur of Bell and Drum Tower Square, where the ancient guardians of time still overlook the heart of Xi’an. Marvel at the magnificent 14th-century Bell Tower – adorned with delicate eaves and housing a massive bronze bell once rung at dawn – and the adjacent Drum Tower, whose monumental wooden drums beat at sunset to mark the close of the day. Stroll into the peaceful courtyards of the Great Mosque, one of China’s oldest and most famous mosques, renowned for its beautiful synthesis of Chinese and Islamic architectural styles. Next, immerse yourself in the bustling Muslim Quarter, a labyrinth of narrow alleys filled with the enticing aromas of sizzling lamb skewers, hand-pulled Biangbiang noodles, and sweet persimmon cakes alongside centuries of local heritage. Fly to Zhangjiajie late in the afternoon or at night. 

Salat Prayer: The Great Mosque of Xi’an
Meals Included: Hotel breakfast, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: 4-star Home2 Suites by Hilton Zhangjiajie Tianmenshan or similar

Day 7 Zhangjiajie | Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

Ride the world’s longest cable car to the summit of Tianmen Mountain, a majestic masterpiece of nature with its towering peaks, mystical caverns, and breathtaking panoramas. From the summit, marvel at the panoramic views of Tianmen Mountain. Explore the Cliff Hanging Walkway, perched on a cliff over 1,400 meters high, including a section known as Sky Walk. Descend to Tianmen Gate, the mountain’s namesake, and take a shuttle bus down the serpentine 99-Bend Road to the cable car station. After lunch, begin your adrenaline-pumping adventure with a heart-stopping walk across the world-famous Glass Bridge, suspended 300 meters high above the dramatic Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. For an extra rush of adrenaline, take on the optional High-Altitude Bungee Jump, soar across the gorge on the Zipline, or test your courage on the Via Ferrata cliffside climb. Descend deeper into the canyon via the Glass Slide or Elevator, then navigate the scenic rock trails and VR simulations.

Meals Included: Hotel breakfast, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: Local 4-star Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Renjoy Hotel or similar

Day 8 Zhangjiajie | Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Ascend to the peak of Tianzi Mountain via the Tianzi Mountain Cableway. Discover the enchanting trails that meander across the mountain, admiring the unique rock formations of Fairy Bouquet Peak and Royal Pen Peak. Next, board a shuttle bus to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. Explore the scenic trails that wind through Yuanjiajie, admiring the Enchating Platform and the iconic Avatar Mountain, the inspiration for the floating mountains of Pandora in the movie “Avatar.” Get down the mountain by Bailong Elevator, the world’s highest outdoor sightseeing elevator. Take a scenic mini-train ride through the Ten Mile Gallery, marveling at the extraordinary rock formations that line the valley. Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll along the tranquil Golden Whip Stream, a pristine waterway renowned for its clear waters and serene surroundings.

Meals Included: Hotel breakfast, self-heating halal lunch pack, dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodation: Local 4-star Zhangjiajie National Forest Park Renjoy Hotel or similar

Please note that halal restaurants are not available within the national park. For your convenience, lunch will be a packed halal self-heating rice meal, accompanied by fresh fruit and mineral water.

Day 9 Zhangjiajie – Guilin | Bullet Train to Guilin, Guilin City Highlights

Board a high-speed bullet train to Guilin (approx. 7 hours), an internationally renowned destination famous for its surreal, otherworldly karst topography where dramatic limestone peaks rise steeply out of winding rivers and lush countryside. Upon arrival, explore the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, the city’s official emblem situated at the confluence of the Li and Peach Blossom rivers, where a striking natural rock arch creates the uncanny illusion of a colossal elephant dipping its trunk into the water. Cap off your day at the Two Rivers & Four Lakes Scenic Area, an interconnected urban water system linked by traditional bridges, lush gardens, and illuminated landmarks like the Sun and Moon Pagodas, seamlessly transforming downtown Guilin into a grand, beautiful waterfront park.

Salat Prayer: Chongshan Road Mosque
Meals Included: Hotel breakfast, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: 4-star Four Points by Sheraton Guilin Central or similar

Day 10 Guilin | Li River Cruise, Yangshuo West Street

Embark on an unforgettable journey along the iconic Li River, cruising from Guilin to Yangshuo while drifting past dramatic karst mountain peaks, lush bamboo groves, and tranquil fishing villages reflected in the crystal-clear waters. Along the way, marvel at famed natural wonders such as Nine Horses Fresco Hill and the stunning landscape featured on the 20-yuan banknote. Upon disembarking in Yangshuo, wander down the bustling West Street, a lively pedestrian haven where cobblestone alleys, traditional Chinese architecture, international cafes, and bustling market stalls blend into an energetic cultural tapestry. Return to Guilin and perform salat at the historic Chongshan Road Masjid, the largest and most revered mosque in Guilin.

Salat Prayer: Chongshan Road Mosque
Meals Included: Hotel breakfast, lunch onboard the cruise, dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodation: 4-star Four Points by Sheraton Guilin Central or similar

Day 11 Guilin – Shanghai | Guilin City Highlights, Fly to Shanghai

Begin the day amidst the emerald-green fields of the Yaoshan Tea Plantation, where rows of neatly sculpted tea bushes stretch up the misty slopes of Mount Yao. Learn the delicate, time-honored art of harvesting fresh leaves before savoring the crisp, aromatic notes of freshly brewed tea surrounded by sweeping panoramas of Guilin’s dramatic karst peaks. Next, venture beneath the earth into the magical underground world of Reed Flute Cave, an intricate limestone cavern named after the verdant reeds growing outside that were once crafted into traditional flutes. Inside, vivid multicoloured lighting transforms vast subterranean halls into a glowing wonderland of towering stalactites, slender stalagmites, and stone pillars. Fly to Shanghai after lunch and salat at Changshan Road Masjid.

Salat Prayer: Chongshan Road Mosque
Meals Included: Hotel breakfast, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: 4-star Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Shanghai or similar

Day 12 Shanghai | Shanghai City Highlights 

Start your morning soaring to the observation deck of Shanghai Tower – one of the world’s tallest skyscrapers – for sweeping views across the Huangpu River and the sprawling metropolis below, before discovering the intricate art of cocoon reeling and weaving at silk factory. Following salat at Xiaotaoyuan Masjid, wander through the serene Ming Dynasty pavilions, lotus ponds, and dragon-adorned rockeries of Yuyuan Garden. Continue into the lively stalls of Chenghuangmiao Market, where traditional crafts, teahouses, and local street delicacies fill the bustling alleyways. End the day with a leisurely stroll along the iconic waterfront of The Bund, concluding among the vibrant neon lights and shopping energy of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.

Salat Prayer: Xiaotaoyuan Mosque
Meals Included: Hotel breakfast, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: 4-star Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Shanghai or similar

Day 13 Depart Shanghai

A private transfer to the airport will be provided for your departure. If you would like to extend your stay, please let us know and we would be delighted to assist you in customizing your itinerary. Have a wonderful trip!

Meals Included: Hotel breakfast