22-Day China High-Speed Rail Tour | 8-City Itinerary

Meet and greet at the airport, private transfer to high-end hotel inside Beijing's 2nd Ring Road (near subway for convenient travel). Free time after check-in for rest and jet lag adjustment, prepare for the upcoming journey.

Visit Temple of Heaven, the largest existing ancient imperial worship complex (UNESCO World Heritage) with perfect architectural symmetry and famous acoustic wonders including Echo Wall. Self-paid lunch near the scenic area with recommended Beijing specialties. Afternoon tour the Forbidden City (world's largest preserved wooden imperial palace, UNESCO World Heritage), then climb Jingshan Park for the best panoramic view of the Forbidden City and Beijing central axis. Return to hotel in the evening, with recommended Peking duck dinner nearby.

Full day visit Mutianyu Great Wall, the best-preserved Ming Dynasty section with 96% forest coverage and fewer crowds (round-trip cable car included). Self-paid farm lunch at the scenic area with local dishes like chestnut braised chicken. Afternoon visit Beijing Olympic Park to see iconic Bird's Nest Stadium and Water Cube, experience modern Chinese architecture. Return to hotel, with recommended local dinner nearby.

Morning visit Shichahai, the best-preserved old Beijing water area surrounded by traditional hutongs and historic mansions to experience local life. Join included traditional dumpling making cultural experience, learn to make this symbolic reunion food from scratch. Self-paid lunch near Shichahai with old Beijing specialties. Afternoon take high-speed train from Beijing to Xi'an across North China Plain, local driver will pick you up at the station and transfer to downtown hotel.

Visit Terracotta Warriors Museum (UNESCO World Heritage, "Eighth Wonder of the World") to see thousands of life-sized Qin soldiers and bronze chariots. Self-paid lunch near the scenic area with Shaanxi specialties including Biangbiang noodles and roujiamo. Afternoon cycle or walk on the ancient Xi'an City Wall, overlooking the old capital layout. Return to hotel, with recommended dinner at Muslim Quarter for local snacks.

Visit Daci'en Temple and Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, the Tang Dynasty Buddhist landmark where Monk Xuanzang translated ancient scriptures. Self-paid lunch near the pagoda with local specialties. Afternoon take high-speed train from Xi'an to Chengdu, private transfer to downtown hotel. Evening free time to visit Kuanzhai Alley or Jinli Ancient Street on your own.

Morning visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (best time to see active pandas in the morning). Self-paid lunch near the base with Sichuan specialties including hot pot and dandan noodles. Afternoon visit Dujiangyan Irrigation System (UNESCO World Heritage), the 2000-year-old still-functioning water project showcasing ancient Chinese engineering wisdom. Return to Chengdu hotel, with recommended Sichuan dinner.

Visit Sanxingdui Museum to see mysterious ancient Shu civilization relics including bronze sacred trees, standing figures and gold masks. Self-paid lunch near the museum with Guanghan local specialties. Afternoon take high-speed train from Chengdu to Emei Mountain, transfer to hotel at the mountain foot to acclimatize to altitude.

Full day visit Emei Mountain (UNESCO World Heritage, one of China's Four Great Buddhist Mountains). Take included sightseeing bus and cable car to Golden Summit to see the Ten Directions Samantabhadra statue, hike down through mountain scenery. Self-paid lunch on the mountain with local specialties. Return to hotel at the mountain foot in the evening.

Visit Leshan Giant Buddha (UNESCO World Heritage), the 71m tallest stone Buddha in the world carved in Tang Dynasty, with optional hiking or boat view options. Self-paid lunch in Leshan city with local specialties. Afternoon take high-speed train to Chongqing, the unique mountain and river city. Evening visit Hongyadong stilt house complex for famous night views, with recommended Chongqing hot pot dinner. Transfer to downtown hotel.

Morning visit Ciqikou Ancient Town, the Song Dynasty ancient town with well-preserved old streets, then visit Bai Mansion historical site. Self-paid lunch in Ciqikou with local specialties. Afternoon see the famous "light rail passing through building" at Liziba Station, then visit Three Gorges Museum to learn about Bayu culture. Evening free time for rest.

Morning take included Yangtze River Cableway for panoramic river views, then visit Jiefangbei, the city landmark and downtown business center. Self-paid lunch in Jiefangbei area with Chongqing noodles and local snacks. Afternoon take high-speed train to Zhangjiajie, famous for quartz sandstone peak forests (UNESCO World Natural Heritage). Transfer to hotel near the scenic area for rest.

Full day tour Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, hike along quiet Jinbian Stream canyon, take included one-way Bailong Elevator (world's tallest outdoor elevator) to the mountain top for peak forest views. Self-paid lunch in the scenic area with Tujia ethnic specialties. Return to hotel after sightseeing.

Full day visit Tianmen Mountain, take included round-trip cable car (world's longest mountain cableway) to the summit, walk the thrilling cliff glass skywalk, see the natural Tianmen Cave arch and 999 Heaven Steps. Self-paid lunch on the mountain with Tujia local dishes. Return to hotel after sightseeing.

Take high-speed train from Zhangjiajie to Changsha, birthplace of Huxiang culture. Afternoon visit Orange Isle, then stroll Taiping Street and Pozi Street for local food and culture. Self-paid meals in Changsha with Hunan specialties including rice noodles, stinky tofu and chopped chili fish head.

Morning visit Yuelu Mountain, tour Yuelu Academy (one of China's four great ancient academies, founded in Song Dynasty) and Aiwan Pavilion. Self-paid lunch near the mountain with Hunan dishes and local milk tea. Afternoon take high-speed train to Huangshan (UNESCO World Heritage). Evening walk in Hongcun Ancient Village (UNESCO World Heritage), the Huizhou ink-painting style ancient village. Self-paid dinner in Hongcun with Huizhou specialties, stay at Huizhou-style guesthouse in the village.

Full day tour Huangshan, take included Yungu cable car up to the mountain, hike to Shixin Peak, Bright Summit and West Sea Grand Canyon, watch famous sunset over the sea of clouds. Self-paid lunch on the mountain, stay at mountain top hotel for sunrise viewing next day.

Watch spectacular sunrise and sea of clouds from the summit (weather permitting). Afternoon free time for rest, organizing photos and leisure on the mountain. All meals self-paid at the summit hotel.

Take high-speed train from Huangshan to Shanghai (China's international economic center). Afternoon visit City God Temple and Yu Garden, the classic 400-year-old Jiangnan garden. Self-paid lunch with Shanghai specialties including pan-fried buns and xiaolongbao. Evening stroll century-old Nanjing Road, walk along the Bund for historic architecture views. Self-paid dinner with Shanghai cuisine.

Full day fun at Shanghai Disneyland, the first Disney resort in mainland China with 6 themed lands, enjoy rides, parade and evening fireworks show. All meals self-paid at the park themed restaurants.

Morning visit China Art Museum (housed in the 2010 Expo Oriental Crown building) for Chinese art collections. Self-paid lunch near the museum with Shanghai local snacks. Afternoon visit Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the iconic Pudong landmark with observation decks offering full panoramic views of Shanghai.

Free time to explore Shanghai at your own pace: shopping, photo spots, souvenirs or cafe visits. Private transfer to airport or railway station according to your schedule, marking the end of the 22-day China panoramic tour.