North and South China with the Avatar Trail

Welcome to China! After completing border and customs formalities, an assistant will be waiting for you to provide essential information and accompany you on the transfer from the airport to the hotel. Enjoy some free time upon arrival.
06:30 p.m. - We’ll meet our guide and fellow travelers in the hotel reception area. Then, we’ll set out to explore the city. We’ll take a transfer to Wangfujing Street, a lively pedestrian and commercial area filled with shops and restaurants. Dinner will be included, followed by a return to the hotel.

07:30 a.m. - An exciting day awaits us as we explore the highlights of China’s capital. We’ll enjoy a full-day guided tour, starting with a walk through the immense Tiananmen Square, one of the largest squares in the world. From here, we’ll admire the Great National Theater, also known as the Beijing Opera House.
Next, we’ll visit the majestic Forbidden City, the most impressive architectural complex in China, where 24 emperors ruled for nearly 500 years. We’ll also visit Jingshan Park, home to Coal Hill, one of Beijing’s best-preserved imperial gardens. Climbing to the top of the hill, we’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City—weather permitting.
Lunch will be included.
In the afternoon, we’ll experience local life with a tricycle ride through the traditional Hutong neighborhoods, where we can observe daily life, visit charming shops, and step inside a Siheyuan, a traditional courtyard house.
We’ll then conclude our tour with a visit to the stunning Summer Palace, the former imperial retreat of the Qing Dynasty, renowned for its exquisite gardens and tranquil lakes.
06:30 p.m. - Tour ends. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center (in which case, the return to the hotel will be at your own expense. We recommend carrying the hotel’s address written in Chinese to show the taxi driver).
Note: Due to heritage conservation measures and enhanced visitor safety, the governing body of the Forbidden City has temporarily reduced daily visitor capacity. As a result, we cannot guarantee access to this site. If the visit is not possible, it will be replaced with a tour of the Confucius Temple and the Lama Temple, both iconic landmarks in Chinese history and culture.

Excursión a La Gran Muralla (sección Mutianyu), espectacular y grandiosa obra arquitectónica, su historia cubre más de 2.000 años. Incluimos funicular de subida y bajada a la Gran Muralla. Nos despedimos de Beijing con un Almuerzo incluido de pato laqueado. Traslado a la estación para tomar tren de Alta Velocidad con destino a SHANGHAI. Llegada, traslado la hotel y Alojamiento.

08:30 a.m. - This morning, we’ll explore the highlights of this fascinating city.
Our tour will begin in Pudong, Shanghai’s striking financial district, located across the Huangpu River. We’ll admire its futuristic skyline, including the iconic Pearl Tower, and take a stroll along the elevated walkways, offering breathtaking views of the modern skyscrapers.
Next, we’ll board a local ferry to cross the river, allowing us to take in Shanghai’s impressive cityscape from the water while observing daily life along the bustling waterfront.
Upon arrival, we’ll explore the Bund, home to a collection of grand 19th-century European-style buildings, a striking contrast to the modern skyline of Pudong.
Our tour will continue in Shanghai’s Old City, where we’ll visit the Yuyuan Garden, a beautiful private garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Here, we’ll also experience a traditional tea ceremony, an integral part of Chinese culture.
We’ll then pass through Xintiandi, one of the city’s most fashionable districts, known for its blend of historical charm and modern elegance.
Lunch will be included.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit Tianzifang, a former residential area famous for its narrow, labyrinth-like streets, lined with artisanal shops, trendy boutiques, and art galleries.
We’ll conclude our tour with a final stroll along the Bund, appreciating its historical architecture and the European influence on the city’s past.
06:30 p.m. - Our tour will come to an end. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center (if so, return to the hotel will be at your own expense. We recommend carrying the hotel’s address written in Chinese to show the taxi driver).

Distance traveled by high-speed train: 1,020 km
Scenery: A diverse landscape of plains, mountains, rice paddies, and lush greenery, all enjoyed from the comfort of our high-speed train.
Note: Train schedules are subject to change. Each passenger must carry their own luggage. Do not pack sprays or aerosols larger than 100ml in your suitcase, as they may be confiscated at the security checkpoint.
05:30 a.m. - Departure from the hotel. A picnic-style breakfast will be provided. Transfer to the railway station.
07:17 a.m. - We’ll board one of China’s high-speed trains for an exciting journey across the country. Sit back and enjoy the ever-changing scenery as we pass through vast plains, terraced rice fields, and mountainous landscapes.
01:10 p.m. - Luoyang – Longmen. Arrival. Lunch will be included.
After lunch, we’ll visit the awe-inspiring Longmen Caves, an extraordinary collection of Buddhist carvings stretching over a kilometer along the rocky cliffs of the Yi River. With more than 100,000 Buddha statues etched into the rock, this UNESCO-listed site is one of China’s most remarkable cultural treasures. We’ll explore the most impressive caves on foot and then take a boat ride for a unique perspective from the water.
Note: The boat ride may be canceled due to adverse weather conditions or river flooding.
05:30 p.m. - Departure from Longmen.
06:15 p.m. - Luoyang. Arrival and transfer to the Old Town, where we’ll pass through its impressive city walls and immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of its illuminated streets. This experience offers a glimpse into the daily life of a historic provincial capital in inland China.
Return to the hotel. Overnight stay in Luoyang.

Total distance covered: 410 km
Scenery: Pleasant landscapes along the route.
07:20 a.m. - Departure from the hotel.
08:10 a.m. - White Horse Buddhist Monastery. Arrival at this vast and historically significant monastery, a major center for Buddhist study and pilgrimage, welcoming practitioners from around the world.
09:30 a.m. - Departure from the monastery.
11:30 a.m. - Sanmenxia. Arrival in this historic city, located along the Yellow River. We’ll visit the Baolun Temple, home to an impressive high pagoda, and then explore the renowned Guo State Museum, considered one of the finest in China. Here, we’ll see the remarkable funeral chariots of the ancient Guo State, offering a fascinating glimpse into early Chinese civilization.
Lunch will be included.
02:30 p.m. - Departure from Sanmenxia. As we continue eastward, we’ll pass by the majestic Mount Hua, one of China’s five sacred mountains, revered for its dramatic peaks and spiritual significance.
06:30 p.m. - Xian. Arrival in this legendary city, once the starting point of the Silk Road and home to an extraordinary historical and cultural heritage. Overnight stay in Xian.

Total distance covered: 105 km
Important Note: A passport is required for entry to the Terracotta Army Museum.
08:00 a.m. - We’ll start the day with a visit to the Terracotta Army, one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries in the world. This vast underground army, with thousands of life-sized clay soldiers, was created to protect the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Located less than an hour from downtown Xian, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese history.
Free time for lunch.
01:50 p.m. - Departure from the Terracotta Army Museum.
02:50 p.m. - Xian. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, an elegant Buddhist structure dating back to the Tang Dynasty.
Next, we’ll explore the walled city center, walking through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where centuries of cultural and religious influences have shaped the city’s identity. We’ll enter the Great Mosque of Xian, a unique blend of Chinese and Islamic architecture.
Our tour will also include entrance to the Drum Tower, where we’ll enjoy a short performance of traditional Chinese percussion instruments.
After the guided tour, you’ll have free time to continue exploring the bustling historic center at your own pace.
06:30 p.m. - End of our visit. You may return to the hotel by bus or choose to stay in the city center to explore further on your own.

We’ll depart from Xian and head to the airport to catch the included flight to the city of Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, we’ll provide a transfer to the hotel in Wulingyuan. After, you’ll have free time to explore the surrounding area. Overnight in Zhangjiajie.

We’ll visit Baofeng Lake , known as the Paradise of Water, which showcases the iconic landscapes of Wulingyuan. Here, green peaks encircle the clear waters, and the waters mirror the peaks. We’ll take a scenic boat ride . We’ll visit the northern part of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where we’ll take the famous Bailong Elevator up to Yuanjiajie. This scenic area is world-renowned, as the mountains here inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. The peaks of Yuanjiajie are nearly the same height, creating an ideal mountain platform for enjoying panoramic views. Lunch will be included. Next, we’ll take a tourist bus to Tianzi Mountain, where you’ll be treated to an impressive view of the peaks rising one after another. The summit offers a full expanse of the entire scenic area, which is both magnificent and awe-inspiring. Tianzi Mountain is famous for its four natural wonders: the Sea of Clouds, the Moonlight Glow, Rays of Sunshine, and Winter Snow. We’ll return to the hotel afterward. Overnight in Zhangjiajie.

We’ll visit Tianmen Mountain, renowned for its unique and miraculous geological formations, unparalleled natural beauty, and deep cultural significance. We’ll ride the longest cable car in Asia, stretching over 7,200 meters. At the summit, we’ll enjoy the cliffside walkways and the thrilling Glass Sky Walk. We’ll also visit the natural karst cave that runs through the mountain. Lunch will be included. Afterward, we’ll transfer to Furong, a Tujia ethnic village built around a waterfall. After exploring this picturesque spot, we’ll return to Zhangjiajie for accommodation.

After breakfast, we’ll transfer to the station to board the high-speed train to the city of Guilin. The train departs at 07:15 a.m., arriving in Guilin at 02:07 p.m. Upon arrival, we’ll transfer to the hotel and have free time to explore or relax.

A full day in GUILIN , one of the most popular cities in China with a very pleasant atmosphere on the banks of its lake, next to the river Li, and with its busy shopping streets in the centre. We include a visit to the Cane Flutes Grotto , a magnificent cave in which there are numerous fantastically shaped stalactites and stalagmites lit up in beautiful colours, creating a spectacular world in the bowels of the earth. Afternoon free, we recommend you visit the Jingjiang Palace, the “miniature forbidden city”. Accommodation.

We will leave Guilin by boat and take a cruise on the Li river. The countryside is spectacular with its green mountains, the villages on the banks, the amazing rocks and its mountain peaks in amazing shapes. Lunch included . We come to YANGSHUO , a very lively tourist city. A stroll before continuing through central China to the rural HUANGYAO ; this ancient city is magnificently preserved with its small streets, old buildings, temples. The life and activity of its inhabitants will also take us to another time. Time for a stroll. We continue on our way to GUANGZHOU -Arrival at the end of the day

Guangzhou , we include a two-hour tour of this thriving metropolis of southern China; we will walk along Shangiaxju Street with its traditional market, see the House of the Chen Clan from the end of the 19th century and we will explore the riverside area. Free time and lunch included . In the afternoon we travel to ZHUHAI on the China Sea; we stop next to the impressive Opera House built on land reclaimed from the sea, opened in 2016 and whose impressive shape symbolises the sun and the moon. BORDER CROSSING and entry in MACAU , where we see the area of the casinos, many of which are in the same style as those in Las Vegas. Their activity is impressive.
VERY IMPORTANT: If you return to mainland China on your trip after your stay in Macau and Hong Kong, you need a double entry visa.

MACAU. We include a tour of the city whose historic centre has been declared a World Heritage Site. Administered by the Portuguese from the 16th century until 1999, its history can be seen in its ancient churches, the tiles of the civil buildings, its fortress and the oldest lighthouse in China. Free time and lunch included . In the afternoon we take the impressive bridge that connects Hong Kong with Macao. This was opened at the end of 2018 and is an engineering feat with more than 30 kilometres of bridges over the China Sea, 6 kilometres of tunnel under the sea and artificial islands; we will stop at its tourist platform to admire this work. HONG KONG - Arrival. After our accommodation, we will take the Star ferry , crossing Hong Kong bay by boat to enjoy a short walk to see the illuminated buildings from the other shore. Return to the area of our hotel. Dinner included . Accomodation.
Note: If there are fewer than 12 people in the group, the trip from Macau to Hong Kong may be done by Shuttle bus.

08.30 hrs.- We start our tour of the city. We will take the Star ferry and cross Hong Kong bay by boat and then climb up to Victoria Peak (552 m) from where we can see the whole city. Along the way we will see the financial centre with its tall skyscrapers, we will visit (tickets included) the History Museum that will show us the history of the city (colonial period, World War …) the Avenue of the Stars by the quay that shows us the celebrities of the film industry. Afternoon free.
NOTE: The History Museum is currently closed for renovation. Instead we will visit the Nan Lian Garden, a traditional Chinese garden in the Tang Dynasty style. We will also visit the Chi Lin Nunnery Buddhist Temple, the largest handmade wooden monastery in Southeast Asia.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.