Great Wall to Avatar Mountains

Two giant pandas eating bamboo in Chengdu, China

15 days · From £4,350 per person (Price includes round-trip international flights from the UK and current taxes.)


Tour Details

Included Highlights

  • Walk along the Great Wall of China

  • Explore the Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven

  • Visit the Terracotta Warriors

  • Discover Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter and ancient City Wall

  • See giant pandas in Chengdu

  • Cruise through the Yangtze Three Gorges

  • Visit the Three Gorges Dam

  • Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

  • See the famous Avatar-inspired sandstone peaks

  • Ride the Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie

  • Explore Huanglong Cave

  • Walk the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge

  • Ride the cable car to Tianmen Mountain

  • Experience Shanghai’s skyline by night

  • Cruise the Huangpu River

Itinerary

Days 1–2 | Welcome to Beijing

Fly overnight to Beijing, China’s historic capital. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy time to settle in and begin exploring at your own pace.

Day 3 | Imperial Beijing

Visit Tian’anmen Square and explore the magnificent Forbidden City. Wander through Beijing’s historic hutongs and continue to the Temple of Heaven before enjoying a traditional Peking Duck dinner.

Day 4 | The Great Wall

Walk along the Great Wall and take in the sweeping mountain scenery. Visit a jade workshop before continuing to the Summer Palace, where lakes, gardens and elegant pavilions create one of Beijing’s most beautiful historic settings.

Day 5 | Beijing to Xi’an

Travel by high-speed train to Xi’an, one of China’s great ancient capitals. Explore the lively Muslim Quarter before enjoying a Chang’an Imperial Banquet and Tang Dynasty dance performance.

Day 6 | Terracotta Warriors & Ancient Xi’an

Come face to face with the famous Terracotta Warriors before learning about traditional ceramics and lacquerware. Later, walk along the ancient City Wall and stop at a local brewery for a craft beer tasting.

Day 7 | Xi’an to Chengdu

Travel by high-speed train to Chengdu. Visit People’s Park and experience the city’s relaxed atmosphere, including its famous matchmaking corner.

Day 8 | Giant Pandas

Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base and see pandas of all ages in naturalistic surroundings. Learn more about conservation and breeding efforts at this world-renowned centre.

Days 9–11 | Yangtze Three Gorges Cruise

Spend three days cruising through the spectacular Yangtze River Three Gorges. Explore the peaceful Shennü Stream by boat, enjoy the changing landscapes from the deck and visit the immense Three Gorges Dam before continuing to Zhangjiajie.

Day 11 | Tibetan Culture in Jiuzhaigou

Visit Shuzheng Village and experience the traditions of the local Tibetan community. See traditional houses, prayer flags and white stupas while enjoying the dramatic scenery of the valley.

Day 12 | Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Ride the Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie and discover the dramatic sandstone peaks that helped inspire the floating mountains of Avatar. See the Qiankun Pillar and First Bridge Under Heaven before continuing to Tianzi Mountain and Golden Whip Stream.

Day 13 | Huanglong Cave & Glass Bridge

Explore the remarkable formations of Huanglong Cave and take a boat ride along its underground river. Later, walk across the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, suspended high above the valley floor.

Day 14 | Tianmen Mountain & Shanghai

7 Ride the cable car to Tianmen Mountain and experience the cliffside glass skywalk, Guigu Plank Road and the immense natural arch of Tianmen Cave. In the evening, fly to Shanghai.

Day 15 | Discover Shanghai

Explore Yu Garden and the historic streets of the Old City before visiting a silk workshop. Stroll along the Bund, ascend Jin Mao Tower for panoramic views and finish the day with a night cruise along the Huangpu River.

Day 16 | Farewell Shanghai

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.

Your Tour Includes

  • 4-star hotel accommodation

  • All transportation within China

  • Professional local guide services

  • Entrance fees for all listed attractions

  • All meals as detailed above

Dining: 14 Breakfasts, 13 Lunches, 14 Dinners

Flight Information

Your journey begins in Beijing and concludes in Shanghai. Round-trip international flights from the UK are included in the tour price.

Departure Dates

2027: Jan 1, Feb 5, Mar 5, Apr 2, May 7, Jun 4, Jul 2, Aug 6, Sep 3, Oct 1, Nov 5, Dec 3

2028: Jan 7, Feb 4, Mar 3, Apr 7, May 5, Jun 2, Jul 7, Aug 4, Sep 1, Oct 6, Nov 3, Dec 1

Additional departure dates may be available subject to availability.