Beijing - Xian - Zhangjiajie - Yangtze River Cruise - Shanghai: China’s Ultimate Wonders
A Celestial Journey from Imperial Thrones to Floating Mountains and Neon Skylines
Beijing - Xian - Zhangjiajie - Yangtze River Cruise - Shanghai
- 13 Days, 12 Nights
- Double Occupancy
- September to April
- China
Details
This is the definitive, all-encompassing masterpiece of China travel—an itinerary that seamlessly weaves monumental human history with some of the most surreal, jaw-dropping landscapes on earth. Moving from the majestic northern plains down through mystical canyons, along peaceful river valleys, and over to the glittering eastern coast, this journey offers the absolute pinnacle of cultural depth, natural fantasy, and refined comfort for solo travelers and intimate circles alike.
Your grand expedition begins in Beijing, where you will walk the monumental stone ridge of the Great Wall and trace the imperial footsteps of emperors through the Forbidden City. From the capital, you head inland to Xi’an, the ancient terminal of the Silk Road, to stand face-to-face with the mystical subterranean ranks of the Terracotta Army and bike atop the city’s pristine medieval walls at sunset.
The journey then takes an unforgettable turn into a real-life fantasy world at Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Here, thousands of towering, needle-thin quartz-sandstone pillars rise dramatically out of lush, subtropical valleys into the clouds—a prehistoric landscape so magnificent it inspired the floating mountains of the film Avatar. After exploring these misty peaks and thrilling glass skywalks, the pace softens into complete serenity as you board a luxury vessel for a multi-day cruise down the Yangtze River. Drifting effortlessly through the sheer emerald walls of the legendary Three Gorges, you will witness ancient temples perched precariously on mountaintops and experience a deep, quiet side of China’s interior.
Your epic odyssey reaches its crescendo in Shanghai, China’s trendsetting metropolis of the future. The ancient stone paths and misty canyons give way to the sophisticated, leafy avenues of the French Concession and the grand colonial-era promenade of the Bund. At twilight, watch the sci-fi skyscrapers of the financial district ignite into a symphony of neon—a dazzling finale to a transformative journey that spans the full, breathtaking spectrum of human history and natural wonder.
Choose this ultimate combination when you want to see it all without compromise. It delivers unmatched geographical diversity, deep historical immersion, and bucket-list scenery, all wrapped in a safe, effortlessly managed, and profoundly rewarding travel experience.
$3900
Payment Terms
- $ 200 deposit is required to secure your trip!
- Set up to 10 installments plan!
- 2 months before the trip, the total cost of the trip, a copy of all participants’ passports & your flight tickets are required.
What's Included in the trip?
Included
- 3 nights accommodation in 4* or 5* Luxury Hotel in Beijing
- 1 night accommodation in 4* or 5* Luxury Hotel in Xian
- 3 nights accommodation in 4* or 5* Luxury Hotel in Zhangjiajie
- 3 nights Yangtze River Victoria series Cruise - 4* Boat with Twin/Double Cabin includes Meals while on Board (as listed in itinerary)
- 2 nights accommodation in 4* or 5* Luxury Hotel in Shanghai
- Daily Breakfast
- Private airport transfers
- Private Guided Forbidden City Tour (Bejing)
- Private Guided Mutianyu Great Wall Tour (Beijing)
- High speed train tickets from Beijing to Xi’an (second class seats)
- Private Guided Xi’an Tour
- Private Guided Terracotta Warriors and Horses Tour (Xi’an)
- Flight tickets from Xi’an to Zhangjiajie (economy class seats)
- 2 Days Private Zhangjiajie Tours
- High speed train tickets from Zhangjiajie to Chongqing (second class seats)
- High speed train tickets from Yichang to Shanghai (second class seats)
- Private Guided Shanghai City Tour
- English speaking professional guides on your activities
- All ground transportation for scheduled activities
- 24/7 support & concierge services during your trip via whats app from our Local Team
Not Included
- Any applicable visas (U.S. passport holders will require a visa prior to arrival)
- International flights arriving at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
- All Lunches and Dinners
- Anything not mentioned
- Travel Insurance
- Optional Tours while onboard cruise (if you wish to partake you can pay directly onboard)
Note
You will arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and depart from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
This offer is valid for a minimum of 2 guests.
Single Occupancy Fee
Prices are calculated based on double occupancy, meaning two people sharing one room (with a friend, partner, or family member).
Single Occupancy Extra Fee: $1900
Sample Itinerary
Please note this is a sample itinerary.
Your actual itinerary may vary based on your preferences and feedback.
Welcome to Beijing
You will arrive at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and private transportation will take you to your luxury hotel. Enjoy your hotel and relax before the next day full of adventure.
Check in & Relax!
Guided Forbitten City Tour (Full Day)
Step into the heart of an empire as you traverse the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square before entering the majestic Forbidden City. This sprawling sanctuary of nearly a thousand buildings served as the home to twenty-four emperors, its golden roofs guarded by mythical stone creatures to beckon good fortune. After exploring the hidden courts of the palace, ascend the heights of Jingshan Park—a former royal playground—to witness a breathtaking panoramic view of the imperial city below.
In the afternoon, retreat to the serene Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese artistry and the world’s most renowned “Museum of Royal Gardens.” Wander through a poetic landscape of tranquil lakes, ornate pavilions, and lush hills that perfectly blend imperial grandeur with natural beauty. This is a day of deep immersion into the soul of Beijing, where every corner reveals the legends and elegance of China’s storied past.
Guided Mutianyu Great Wall Tour (full day)
Start your morning with an authentic slice of Beijing life as you join locals for their sunrise exercises in the serene Temple of Heaven Park, a peaceful sanctuary where ancient spirituality meets modern community. From there, your journey reaches new heights at the Mutianyu Great Wall, a breathtaking architectural marvel that snakes across the rugged mountain ridges. Whether you choose to challenge yourself on the historic stone paths or opt for a thrilling cable car ride and toboggan descent, you will be awestruck by the sheer scale of this ancient defensive masterpiece. To cap off your epic day, enjoy a photo stop at the iconic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, where the cutting-edge design of China’s Olympic legacy creates a stunning contrast against the city’s timeless horizon.
Transfer to Xi’an by high-speed train followed by Xi’an Guided tour
After a swift transfer to the station, you’ll board a sleek high-speed train, trading the capital’s bustle for the ancient soul of Xi’an. Upon arrival, your journey begins atop the Xi’an Ancient City Wall, the most complete defensive system in the world. Whether you stroll along its massive ramparts or cycle the full circuit, you’ll gain a magnificent perspective of the city and its protective moat.
The adventure moves to the heart of the city at the Bell and Drum Tower Square, a grand symbol of the old capital that once marked the city’s rhythms. Finally, dive into the sensory explosion of the Muslim Quarter. In this labyrinth of vibrant stalls, you can sample legendary hand-pulled noodles and savory casseroles while hunting for perfect Terracotta Warrior replicas to take home.
Guided Terra cotta Warriors and Horses Tour with transfer by flight to Zhangjiajie
Before your late-night flight, prepare to be awestruck at the Terracotta Warriors Museum, where an astounding underground army of over 7,000 life-sized soldiers stands in silent formation. You will marvel at the individualized facial features of these ancient warriors before heading to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a 1,300-year-old Tang Dynasty landmark built to protect sacred Buddhist scriptures. Your journey through time concludes at Great Tang All Day Mall, a dazzling district where majestic Tang-style architecture and vibrant street life create a spectacular bridge between Xi’an’s imperial past and its modern spirit.
Guided Zhangjiajie tour
Start your ascent into a world of wonder aboard the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor lift, which whisk you up a sheer cliff face to the breathtaking Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. From the summit, embark on a scenic hike to the Southern Sky Pillar, the floating inspiration for the “Hallelujah Mountains” in the movie Avatar.
The adventure continues at Tianzi Mountain, where the landscape transforms into a forest of razor-sharp sandstone spires that seem to pierce the clouds. Standing on the park’s largest observation platform, you will witness a spectacular vista of dense peak forests before gliding back down the mountain by cable car for a well-deserved rest.
Guided Zhangjiajie tour
Your day begins with a heart-pounding walk across the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, the world’s highest and longest glass-bottomed bridge, offering a dizzying panoramic view straight down into the lush depths of the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. After conquering your fears above the chasm, you’ll head to Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park to board the world’s longest cable car ride—a spectacular 28-minute journey that glides over jagged peaks and deep emerald valleys.
At the summit, find serenity at the ancient Tianmen Mountain Temple before testing your nerves once more on the transparent “Sky-walk” clinging to the cliffside. The grand finale awaits at Tianmen Cave, a massive natural stone archway known as “Heaven’s Door.” After walking through this majestic portal, you’ll descend the mountain via a shuttle bus along the legendary 99-Bend Road, a thrilling winding descent that caps off an unforgettable mountain odyssey.
Transfer to Chongqing by high-speed train, Guided Chongqing Tour then board CRUISE
After a refreshing breakfast, your driver will whisk you to the station for a smooth high-speed train ride to Chongqing. Upon arrival, your local guide will introduce you to the city’s vibrant pulse at the People’s Liberation Monument, a historic landmark standing tall in the bustling heart of Jiefangbei.
If time allows, you’ll step into a living fairytale at Hongya Cave, an extraordinary complex of stilt houses clinging to the riverside cliffs. Its glowing lanterns and intricate architecture look exactly like a scene from a Miyazaki anime, perfectly blending local port culture with traditional mountain living. Your journey then reaches a grand crescendo at Chaotianmen Port, where you will board your ship to begin an epic cruise down the majestic Yangtze River, drifting through thousands of years of history and China’s most breathtaking natural landscapes.
Yangtze River Cruise - includes breakfast lunch and dinner
Around 8:00 AM, your ship docks at the mystical Fengdu Ghost City, a legendary complex perched on Ming Mountain that has fascinated travelers for over 2,000 years. Known as the “City of Spirits,” this site is a vivid labyrinth of shrines and sculptures that bring Chinese mythology and the secrets of the afterlife to life. Alternatively, you can choose an optional excursion to Shuanggui Mountain, a serene forest sanctuary celebrated for its “strange and quaint” natural beauty, where winding paths lead you past lush greenery and tranquil streams.
The afternoon transitions into a series of festive celebrations back on board. After a delicious buffet lunch, join the Captain’s Welcome Party at 4:30 PM to toast to the journey ahead. Following a grand buffet dinner, the evening offers an optional, high-energy “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” live show, a spectacular theatrical performance that recreates the epic battles and heroic legends of ancient China right before your eyes.
12:00 – Buffet lunch
16:30 – Captain Welcoming party
18:00 – Buffet Dinner
19:00 – Optional on board “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” Live show
Yangtze River Cruise - includes breakfast lunch and dinner
08:00 – Optional excursion to White Emperor City (not private) – go ashore to visit the self-funded scenic spot “Baidi City”.
or
Free time to relax on board where you can participate incultural lectures, movie screenings, leisure massage, karaoke and other activities.
10:30 – Set sail, passing through Qutang Gorge
12:00 – Buffet lunch
13:30 – Stops at the Pier and changes to an environmentally friendly boat tour ticket includes scenic spot “Lesser Three Gorges”. The Lesser Three Gorges is a scenic area along the Daning River in China, known for its stunning natural beauty, steep cliffs, and crystal-clear waters. Visitors can enjoy boat tours through the narrow gorges, surrounded by lush greenery and unique rock formations.
or
Optional tour: to the Mini Three Gorges and Dachang Ancient Town.
17:30 – Scenic Cruising – Worge
19:00 – Buffet dinner
Yangtze River Cruise - includes breakfast then Transfer to shanghai by high-speed train
At 8:00 AM, witness the sheer scale of human ingenuity with a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric station. This colossal project is the crown jewel of the Yangtze, serving as a powerful guardian for flood control and a global marvel of modern engineering.
By midday, your cruise concludes as you arrive in Yichang, where a private driver will be waiting to transfer you to the station. You’ll board a high-speed train for a swift journey across the countryside to Shanghai. Upon arrival in the “Pearl of the Orient,” you’ll be greeted by your local driver and whisked away to your downtown hotel to begin your stay in China’s most dazzling metropolis.
Guided Shanghai City Tour
Your Shanghai adventure begins at the enchanting Yuyuan Garden, a classical masterpiece of tranquility originally built as a heartfelt gift for a parent’s golden years. This serenity quickly gives way to the electric energy of the nearby Yuyuan Market, where you can haggle for exquisite pottery and fans while sampling iconic delicacies like steaming crab shell cakes and savory pork chops. By afternoon, you’ll trade the ancient streets for the sky, ascending to the 88th-floor observation deck of the Jinmao Tower for a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of the winding Huangpu River far below.
The journey continues through the chic, pedestrian-friendly Xintiandi, where historic Shikumen stone houses blend seamlessly with cutting-edge modern design. From there, dive into the bustling neon glow of Nanjing Road to discover legendary department stores and authentic local snacks. To conclude your day, wander along the world-famous Bund, a majestic waterfront promenade where grand colonial-era architecture stands in a stunning face-off against the futuristic, glowing skyline of Pudong. It is the perfect harmony of Shanghai’s storied past and its soaring future.
Check out and goodbyes
Say your goodbyes & await your private transfer back to the airport.
Travel Plan & Logistics
Accommodations
We will provide you with a list of accommodation options based on your budget and any preferences you provide to us once your trip is confirmed – this gives you the opportunity to select the hotel that best suits your taste.
Dates of travel
The best time to travel in the China is from September to April.
Flights
Flights are not included. However, we do provide assistance with finding the right flights for your dates.
Please email us at info@jovacations.com, with your preferred dates and state of departure and we will send over some options.
2 months before the trip starts
- The total cost must be paid by all the participants
- Sign the waiver
- Send us a copy of all participants’ passports
- Send us the flight tickets of all the participants
Need Help?
- +30 697 7071562
- info@jovacations.com
Cancellation Policy
Payments and Refunds
All deposits are non-refundable.
Cancellations 60+ Days Out: If you cancel your booking 60 days or more before the trip start date, you are entitled to a refund of all amounts paid toward the trip, excluding the non-refundable deposit and any applicable bank transaction fees.
Cancellations by Client
The deposit is non-refundable.
Payments made after your deposit:
- 60 days or more before the trip starts: free cancellation & refund, excluding the per-person deposit & bank transaction fees.
- 60-0 days before the trip starts, 100% cancellation fees apply.
Amendments and Transfers
Clients may transfer payments to a future trip or another participant before the payment due date, but this involves administrative fees. Amendments or cancellations made less than 60 days prior are subject to additional conditions.
Travel Insurance and Unused Services
Clients are responsible for obtaining travel insurance to cover cancellations, trip interruptions, or other unforeseen events. Missed or unused services are not refundable.
For full details, please visit the Terms and Conditions page.
