Destinations: Beijing + Xi’an + Zhangjiajie + Guilin + Yangshuo + Shanghai
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime odyssey through China's most captivating landscapes and timeless heritage with PandaStudyTour's 13 Days China Classic & Nature Private Tour. This exquisitely crafted journey weaves together the imperial grandeur of Beijing, the ancient mysteries of Xi'an, the otherworldly natural beauty of Zhangjiajie, the idyllic karst scenery of Guilin & Yangshuo, and the cosmopolitan glamour of Shanghai—offering you a seamless blend of history, culture, and nature. As a private tour designed for discerning travelers like you, it promises a low-intensity, stress-free experience with no shopping stops, allowing you to immerse yourself fully in every moment, from the awe-inspiring Great Wall to the mist-shrouded Avatar mountains, and from the serene Li River to the glittering skyline of Shanghai. With PandaStudyTour's dedicated service, professional English-speaking guides, and premium comfort, you can leave all the details to us and simply savor the magic of China's most iconic destinations.
Tour Highlights
Why Choose This Private Tour with PandaStudyTour?
This 13-day private tour is tailored for travelers who seek comfort, flexibility, and authentic experiences—free from the hassle of shopping stops and rigid group schedules. Unlike large group tours, PandaStudyTour's private service lets you set your own pace, spend more time at the attractions that captivate you, and enjoy one-on-one insights from our licensed English-speaking guides who bring China's history and culture to life. Whether you're a couple, a family, a solo traveler, or a small group of friends, this low-intensity tour balances exploration and relaxation, making it perfect for those who want to experience China's best without feeling rushed. We handle all logistics, including pre-booking entrance tickets for popular sites, arranging domestic flights and high-speed trains, and coordinating private transfers, so you can focus solely on creating unforgettable memories.
Day 1: Beijing Arrival
Upon your arrival at Beijing Capital or Daxing Airport, you will be warmly greeted by your private driver and transferred to your downtown hotel. Take the rest of the day to relax and recover from jet lag, with free time to settle in and prepare for your exciting journey with PandaStudyTour.
Day 2: Beijing City Tour
Begin your day with a visit to Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest public square, before exploring the Forbidden City—once the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, where you will wander its central axis and admire precious imperial treasures. In the afternoon, head to Jingshan Park for a panoramic view of the Forbidden City, then take a traditional rickshaw ride through Beijing's ancient Hutongs, narrow alleyways lined with traditional courtyard houses. You may also opt for a Peking duck dinner to savor a famous local delicacy.
Day 3: Beijing Great Wall Tour
Spend a full day exploring the Mutianyu Great Wall, one of the best-preserved sections of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a comfortable cable car ride up and down the wall, allowing you to explore its watchtowers and take in the stunning mountain scenery. In the afternoon, make a photo stop at Olympic Park, home to the iconic Bird's Nest and Water Cube, landmarks of the 2008 Beijing Olympics, before returning to your hotel.
Day 4: Beijing → Xi'an
Start your morning with a visit to the Summer Palace, a magnificent imperial garden featuring the Long Corridor, Kunming Lake, and lush landscapes. Afterward, transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Xi'an. Upon arrival in Xi'an, your local guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel to settle in for the night.
Day 5: Xi'an City Tour
Devote your morning to the Terracotta Army Museum, where you will marvel at thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, horses, and bronze chariots—hailed as the "eighth wonder of the world". In the afternoon, explore Xi'an's Ancient City Wall, where you can walk or cycle along its historic ramparts, then visit the Muslim Quarter to experience local food and culture, sampling authentic Xi'an snacks.
Day 6: Xi'an → Zhangjiajie
In the morning, visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a historic Buddhist pagoda that has stood in Xi'an for over 1,300 years, then enjoy an immersive Hanfu experience—wearing the traditional costume of Han Chinese to feel the elegance of ancient Chinese culture. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport and take a flight to Zhangjiajie, where you will check into a hotel near the Wulingyuan scenic area, perfectly positioned for your upcoming nature explorations.
Day 7: Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan Tour
Explore the stunning Wulingyuan Scenic Area in the morning, starting with a ride on the Bailong Elevator (one of the world's tallest outdoor elevators) to Yuanjiajie, famously known as the inspiration for Avatar's Hallelujah Mountain. In the afternoon, visit Tianzi Mountain for panoramic views of Zhangjiajie's unique quartz sandstone peaks, then take a small train ride through the Ten-mile Gallery to admire the scenic rock formations before returning to your hotel.
Day 8: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon & Lake
Spend the morning walking on the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge—the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed footbridge, offering thrilling views of the canyon below. In the afternoon, take a leisurely cruise on Baofeng Lake, surrounded by lush mountains, and listen to local folk songs as you enjoy the serene natural beauty of the area.
Day 9: Zhangjiajie → Guilin
Transfer to the railway station and take a high-speed train to Guilin, a city renowned for its breathtaking karst scenery. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy free time to explore the city's riverside area, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of this "city of mountains and rivers".
Day 10: Guilin → Yangshuo
Start your day with a scenic cruise along the Li River, a 4.5-hour journey that showcases the iconic "20-RMB scenery"—the karst peaks depicted on China's 20-yuan banknote. In the afternoon, cycle through Yangshuo's idyllic countryside, passing rice fields and traditional villages, then explore West Street, Yangshuo's oldest street and a vibrant blend of Chinese and Western cultures, often called "Foreigners' Street" for its international vibe.
Day 11: Guilin → Shanghai
In the morning, visit Elephant Trunk Hill—the symbol of Guilin, named for its resemblance to an elephant drinking water from the river—then explore Reed Flute Cave, a stunning karst cave illuminated by colorful lights, known as the "Palace of Natural Arts" for its intricate stalactites and stalagmites. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport and take a flight to Shanghai, where you will check into your hotel and enjoy a free evening to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 12: Shanghai City Tour
Begin your morning at the Shanghai Museum, which houses a vast collection of Chinese art and artifacts, offering insights into China's rich cultural heritage. Then, head to Shanghai Tower, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from its 118th-floor observatory. In the afternoon, explore Yu Garden and its bustling bazaar, wander along Nanjing Road, and stroll along the Bund, admiring the mix of colonial-era architecture and modern skyscrapers.
Day 13: Shanghai Departure
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and take free time for last-minute shopping or exploration. Your private driver will then transfer you to Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao Airport, marking the end of your unforgettable 13-day China classic and nature tour with PandaStudyTour.
Important Notes
Let PandaStudyTour guide you through China's most extraordinary landscapes and rich heritage—book your 13-day classic & nature private tour today and create memories that will last a lifetime.
