Day 1
Singapore - Shanghai – Maglev Train - Huangpu River Cruise
Arrive at Singapore by 08:20 and head to Shanghai by connecting flight by 09:30. Arrive Shanghai by 15:05. Upon arrival at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, you will be greeted by our local representative and transferred to experience the Maglev train the world’s fastest commercial train.
In the evening, we will enjoy a cruise along the Huangpu River, a truly unforgettable experience. From the deck, we can admire the stunning contrast between the historic buildings of the Bund on one side and the glittering modern skyscrapers of Pudong on the other. As the city lights reflect off the water, we’ll witness Shanghai’s breath taking nightscape, a magical moment that beautifully captures the soul of this extraordinary city. After dinner, transfer to the hotel.
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Day 2
Shanghai - Jade Buddha Temple - Shanghai To Observatory Deck- Nanjing Road
Our first visit will be to the Jade Buddha Temple, a beautiful and active Buddhist shrine located amidst the hustle and bustle of Shanghai City. The temple is named for its two exquisite white jade Buddha statues, both masterpieces of art and spirituality. The sitting jade Buddha, carved from a single piece of pure white jade, shines with a translucent glow and a calm, solemn expression. This temple allows us to experience peace and devotion in the heart of the city while admiring the remarkable craftsmanship of Chinese artistry. Next, we explore the charming Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden famous for its elegant design and tranquil beauty. Our tour then continues to the famous Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s premier shopping street and one of the most vibrant commercial centers in China. Stretching from the Bund to People’s Square, Nanjing Road is alive with bright lights, bustling crowds, and a mix of international brands and local specialties.Known as the “First Commercial Road in China,” it’s often compared to New York’s Fifth Avenue and Paris’s Champs-Elysées. Here, we can enjoy shopping, local delicacies, and the energetic pulse of modern Shanghai. We will then visit The Bund, the most iconic landmark of Shanghai, where colonial-era architecture stands proudly along the Huangpu River. This waterfront area offers a magnificent view of the city’s skyline.
We will visit the magnificent Shanghai Tower, a true symbol of China’s modern achievement and architectural excellence. Standing at a height of 632 meters, it is the tallest building in China and one of the tallest in the world. The tower’s unique spiral design represents the dynamic energy and continuous growth of Shanghai, making it a landmark of innovation and progress. We will ascend to the 118th Floor Observatory Deck, one of the highest observation platforms on Earth, for a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city. From this incredible height, we can see the Huangpu River winding gracefully through the city, the historic Bund on one side, and the futuristic skyline of Pudong on the other.
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Day 3
Shanghai - Hangzhou – Zhangjiajie
After spending our day exploring the fascinating city of Shanghai, after dinner we transfer to the airport in the evening for our domestic flight to Zhangjiajie, a destination renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and towering sandstone peaks. As we leave behind the ancient capital, we look forward to immersing ourselves in the dramatic beauty of southern China. Upon our arrival in Zhangjiajie, our local representative will greet us and assist with a comfortable transfer to our hotel. After check-in, we settle in for a relaxing overnight stay, preparing for the exciting adventures that await us amid Zhangjiajie’s stunning national parks and surreal mountain scenery.
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Day 4
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – Yuanjiajie – Bailong Elevator – Ten - Mile Gallery
After breakfast, we transfer to explore the magnificent Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, China’s first national forest park and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. Renowned for its striking quartz-sandstone pillars, deep ravines, and lush forests, the park is often described as a living landscape painting. It holds immense ecological and cultural value, representing one of the most unique geological formations in the world. As we enter the park, we are greeted by a world of natural wonder that has inspired artists, poets, and filmmakers alike. The park is a true symbol of China’s natural heritage and a testament to the harmony between nature and spirituality.
Next we take the world’s highest and fastest elevator; we descend via the Bailong Elevator, recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world’s highest and fastest outdoor sightseeing elevator. Standing at an impressive 326 meters (1,070 feet), this glass elevator offers an exhilarating ride down the mountain, combining thrilling engineering with spectacular views of the Zhangjiajie landscape. It perfectly showcases the balance between human innovation and nature’s grandeur, providing a memorable and energy-saving end to our adventure in one of China’s most awe-inspiring natural settings.
After then, we visit the Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, another UNESCO-recognized site within the park, celebrated for its towering sandstone pillars that inspired the floating “Hallelujah Mountains” in the movie Avatar. The area’s dramatic landscapes showcase nature’s power and artistry, with cliffs rising vertically from lush valleys below. As we walk across the narrow bridge suspended between two cliffs, we marvel at the surreal vistas that seem to belong to another world. Yuanjiajie is not only a photographer’s paradise but also a geological wonder that reveals millions of years of natural evolution.
We ascend Tianzi Mountain by cable car,(if the cable car is not available, the bailong Elevator will be taken) enjoying a bird’s-eye view of the enchanting peaks shrouded in mist. The mountain’s name, meaning “Son of Heaven,” originates from a local Tujia ethnic leader who believed he was blessed by celestial powers. Tianzi Mountain is famous for its majestic sandstone formations, often described as an “enlarged bonsai and diminished fairyland.” It offers breathtaking panoramas that change with the shifting clouds and sunlight. Beyond its scenic beauty, Tianzi Mountain holds cultural importance for the Tujia people and symbolizes the mystical connection between humanity and nature. We also have the chance to enjoy a simple local lunch on the mountain, experiencing the warmth and simplicity of regional hospitality.Finish the day with a small train trip where you can view the misty karst landscape of the Ten-mile Gallery in the Suoxigu Valley. Following this full day of activities, return to your hotel.
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Day 5
Grand Canyon S Bridge – Tianmen Mountain – Zhangjiajie To Beijing
Continue our journey to the majestic Tianmen Mountain, often called the “Heaven’s Gate Mountain.” We’ll ascend via one of the world’s longest cable car rides, soaring over steep cliffs and misty peaks, revealing spectacular scenery at every turn. At the summit, we’ll explore the glass skywalks clinging to the mountainside, offering heart-racing views straight down into the valleys. We can witness the legendary Tianmen Cave, a natural rock arch that seems to open directly to the heavens, a site believed to connect the earth to the divine.
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Day 6
Beijing - Tiananmen Square - Forbidden City - Temple Of Heaven - Acrobatic Show
Just north of Tiananmen Square lies the magnificent Forbidden City, an architectural marvel that served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors over five centuries. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features ornate halls, golden roofs, and sprawling courtyards that reflect the splendor of China’s dynastic past. Walking through its massive gates feels like stepping back in time, offering a fascinating glimpse into royal life, ancient rituals, and exquisite Chinese craftsmanship.
Continue our journey to the Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO, listed masterpiece and one of Beijing’s most serene attractions. Built during the Ming Dynasty, it was where emperors once performed annual ceremonies to pray for good harvests. The temple complex is celebrated for its symbolic architecture, with the iconic Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests standing tall in brilliant blue tiles. Surrounded by vast parkland and ancient cypress trees, it offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling city.
End our day with a spectacular Chinese Acrobatic Show, one of China’s oldest and most respected performing arts. Rooted in traditions dating back over 2,000 years, Chinese acrobatics symbolize grace, discipline, and the pursuit of perfection. The performance showcases incredible feats of balance, strength, and coordination, blending ancient artistry with modern creativity. Watching the acrobats perform gravity defying stunts is not only thrilling but also a reflection of China’s cultural heritage and artistic excellence, a truly unforgettable way to conclude your Beijing experience. After the show we will be transferred to a restaurant.
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Day 7
Beijing - Great Wall - Summer Palace
Begin our journey with a visit to the Great Wall of China, one of the most iconic and significant landmarks in the world. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Wall symbolizes China’s ancient strength, unity, and architectural brilliance. Built over 2,000 years ago to protect the empire from invasions, it stretches majestically across rugged mountains and valleys. Walking along its ancient stones, you’ll not only admire its engineering marvel but also feel the spirit of history that shaped the nation, making it one of the most meaningful experiences in China.
Continue our exploration at the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design and imperial architecture. Once the royal retreat of the Qing emperors, this UNESCO World Heritage Site represents the pinnacle of Chinese garden art and cultural refinement. The vast Kunming Lake, the Longevity Hill, and the intricate halls and pavilions together reflect the harmony between man and nature, a key principle of traditional Chinese philosophy. The palace also played an important role in imperial history, serving as both a place of governance and relaxation for emperors.
After that, we proceed to visit the Beijing National Stadium, the iconic Bird’s Nest. This magnificent architectural masterpiece, once the centrepiece of the 2008 Olympic Games, showcases China’s innovation and modern spirit. Admire its breathtaking steel lattice design and feel the Olympic energy that still lingers in the air. A perfect spot to capture stunning photos and witness one of Beijing’s most remarkable landmarks, symbolizing unity, strength, and national pride. After dinner, proceed to the hotel and overnight stay in Beijing.
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Day 8
Beijing – Departure
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