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

Day 1 Arrive Beijing

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Local mosque
Accommodation: 4-star Novotel Xi’an The Bell Tower or similar

Start your day with a 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. See some replicas being made nearby and learn the secrets of these ancient figures. Back to the city, stroll along the ancient City Wall of Xi’an, the oldest and best-preserved city wall in China. Walk atop the wall to enjoy panoramic views of the Xi’an skyline. Next, 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.

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

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

Step back in time at the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a 1,300-year-old Tang Dynasty masterpiece that exemplifies traditional Chinese brick pagoda architecture. Next, delve into Xi’an’s rich history at the Xi’an Museum, home to nearly 130,000 artifacts. Marvel at relics from ancient dynasties, including pottery, sculptures, and jade artifacts, that narrate the tale of China’s historical grandeur. Visit Bell and Drum Tower Square, where two iconic towers once signaled the time in ancient Xi’an. A short walk leads to the Great Mosque, one of China’s oldest and most famous mosques, renowned for its beautiful synthesis of Chinese and Islamic architectural styles. Next, explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, a maze of lively alleys packed with legendary street food stalls and rich local culture. Fly to Zhangjiajie late in the afternoon or at night. Zhangjiajie is home to the otherworldly sandstone karst pillars stretching skywards that inspired the mythical world of Pandora in James Cameron’s Avatar movie.

Day 7 Zhangjiajie | Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Accommodation: 5-star Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel or similar

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. Descend to the canyon floor via elevator and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring world of Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. 

Day 8 Zhangjiajie | Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, self-heating halal lunch pack, dinner at a halal restaurant
Accommodation: 5-star Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel or similar

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.

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

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Chongshan Road Mosque
Accommodation: 4-star Guilin Bravo Hotel or similar

Take a Bullet Train to Guilin (approx. 7 hours) in the morning. Known worldwide for its tranquil landscapes and enigmatic limestone formations, Guilin is one of the most frequently photographed cities in China. Upon arrival, explore the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill, a natural limestone marvel that uncannily resembles a colossal elephant drinking from the Li River. End the day with a visit to the Two Rivers & Four Lakes Scenic Area. These lakes and rivers are linked up and formed Guilin’s central round-the-city water system, making Guilin just like a grand beautiful park.

Day 10 Guilin | Li River Cruise, Xianggong Hill

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Chongshan Road Mosque
Accommodation: 4-star Guilin Bravo Hotel or similar

Experience the classic Guilin landscape beginning with a scenic Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, a journey often hailed as the highlight of the region, where you will glide past iconic karst peaks, bamboo groves, and tranquil villages that inspired ancient Chinese scroll paintings. Upon arrival in Yangshuo, walk through the bustling West Street, a famous pedestrian thoroughfare blending traditional architecture with a lively international atmosphere, filled with unique shops and cafes. The tour culminates with a spectacular visit to Xianggong Hill, where a short climb rewards you with a breathtaking panoramic vista of the meandering Li River and the countless surrounding karst mountains, a favorite spot among landscape photographers for its dramatic views.

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

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel, lunch & dinner at halal restaurants
Salat Prayer: Local mosque
Accommodation: 4-star Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Shanghai or similar

Delve into Chinese tea culture with a morning visit to Yaoshan Tea Plantation. Experience the art of tea firsthand as you take part in guided leaf picking, craft tea using time-honored techniques, and savor the delicate flavors through a traditional tea tasting ceremony. Next, visit the impressive Jingjiang Prince’s Mansion, a scaled-down replica of Beijing’s Forbidden City. Afterwards, explore the magnificent Reed Flute Cave, aptly named for the reeds near its entrance used to craft flutes. Along the 240-meter path, you’ll see numerous stalactites, stone pillars, and fascinating rock formations, brought to life by colorful illumination creating a truly fantastic spectacle. Fly to Shanghai in the late afternoon or evening.

Day 12 Shanghai | Shanghai City Highlights 

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

Begin your Shanghai adventure at Yuyuan Garden, a labyrinth of Ming Dynasty pavilions, intricate rockeries, arched bridges, and goldfish ponds, all enveloped by a serpentine dragon wall. Follow this with a shopping spree at the bustling Chenghuangmiao market just outside the garden. After shopping at a silk store, ascend the Oriental Pearl Tower for a breathtaking 360-degree view of Shanghai’s skyline. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Bund, Shanghai’s famous 1.6 km waterfront on the west shore of the Huangpu River, and explore the vibrant Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in the world. Conclude your day with a walk through the charming French Concession, where tree-lined avenues and elegant old houses evoke the spirit of the “Paris of the East.” Afterwards, savor a delightful tea break and explore the vibrant Tianzifang, a captivating blend of local culture and contemporary art.

Day 13 Depart Shanghai

Meals Included: Breakfast at hotel

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!