Epic China: Pandas & Avatar Mountains (15 days)

Shanghai – Hangzhou – Changsha – Zhangjiajie – Chengdu – Xi’an – Beijing

From the classical beauty of Hangzhou’s West Lake to the towering sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie, this 15-day China tour combines some of the country’s finest natural scenery with its most celebrated historical attractions. Highlights include giant pandas in Chengdu, the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, and the Forbidden City and Great Wall in Beijing. Travelling primarily by high-speed train, you’ll experience China’s extraordinary diversity while enjoying the comfort, personal attention and expert guiding that define Laurus Travel’s small-group tours.

Important Features

• Small group size.
• Expert local guides handpicked by company owners.
• Intercity travel by high-speed train.
• North American standard luxury hotels.
• No forced shopping of any kind.
• Quality meals at non-tourist restaurants.
• Unlimited supply of bottled water during group activities.
• Great Wall visit at Mutianyu with cable car rides.

Options Available

• Impression West Lake live performance in Hangzhou.
• Face-changing performance in Chengdu.
• Tang Dynasty cultural show in Xi’an.
• Peking Opera performance in Beijing.

Epic China Tour Itinerary

Meal Code: B = Breakfast | L = Lunch | D = Dinner

Day 1/Thu: Departing for Shanghai
Depart from a city of your choice, losing a day upon crossing the International Date Line.

Day 2/Fri: Arrival in Shanghai
Meet our driver on arrival for your transfer to the hotel. You’ll have the remainder of the day at leisure. The guide will contact you in the evening.

Day 3/Sat: Shanghai (B/L/D)
With a population of nearly 25 million, Shanghai is China’s largest city and a major centre of international trade and commerce. Its modern skyline contrasts with historical landmarks that reflect the city’s colourful past.

We begin our day with a visit to Jade Buddha Temple in an old neighbourhood. We then walk along the famous Bund, a waterfront promenade with a fascinating history.

After lunch, we stroll through the historic People’s Park and adjacent People’s Square in the heart of the city. Originally part of the Shanghai Race Club, established in 1850, the park and square are surrounded by museums, shops and other cultural attractions.

We wrap up the day’s sightseeing with a tour of the exquisite Yu Garden in the old town centre.

Day 4/Sun: Shanghai – Hangzhou (B/L)
The rail journey to Hangzhou this morning takes less than an hour (G221, 09:00/09:45).

Hangzhou is one of China’s great historic cities, renowned for its scenic West Lake, classical gardens, ancient temples and rich cultural heritage.

We begin our sightseeing with a short cruise on West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has inspired poets, artists and emperors for centuries. The lake is surrounded by temples, pagodas, gardens and willow-lined paths. Among its best-known landmarks are the Broken Bridge, Su Causeway and Leifeng Pagoda.

We then proceed to Guo’s Villa (Guo Zhuang), one of Hangzhou’s finest private gardens. Located near West Lake, the garden features classical pavilions, rockeries and ponds arranged in the traditional Chinese style.

Our first stop after lunch is Lingyin Temple, also known as the Temple of the Soul’s Retreat. Founded in 328 CE by the Indian monk Huili, it is one of China’s most important Buddhist temples. The temple stands among forested hills and rocky cliffs near Feilai Peak (Flying Peak).

We conclude the day’s sightseeing at the China National Silk Museum on the southern shore of West Lake. The world’s largest museum dedicated to silk, it houses textiles dating from the Neolithic period to modern times, including rare silk fragments, imperial robes and archaeological finds from Silk Road sites. The museum is also a leading centre for textile conservation and research.

Optional: Impression West Lake Show

Impression West Lake is an outdoor evening performance staged on West Lake. Directed by renowned filmmaker Zhang Yimou, the production combines music, dance, lighting and special effects on a submerged stage, creating the illusion of performers moving across the water. Drawing on local legends, including the story of the White Snake, the show presents traditional Chinese themes through modern theatrical techniques.

The performance is not included in the tour price but may be arranged subject to availability.

Day 5/Mon: Hangzhou – Changsha (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we drive 30 minutes to Longjing Village, where the world-famous Longjing green tea is produced. We’ll explore the rolling tea plantations and learn about the history and production of Chinese tea.

Afterwards, we return to the city for a tour of Hangzhou Botanical Garden, a large, scenic garden showcasing a vast variety of plant species and seasonal flower displays. This is a great place for walking, picnicking, and learning about native flora.

We ride the late afternoon train to Changsha (G223, 15:48/19:02).

Day 6/Tue: Changsha – Zhangjiajie (B/L/D)
Located in the heart of Hunan Province, Changsha is a vibrant city that beautifully blends history, culture, and modernity. Known for its rich heritage and delicious local cuisine, Changsha offers something for every traveller.

Our sightseeing in Changsha focuses on Hunan Museum, whose outstanding collection includes artefacts excavated from the ancient Mawangdui Han tombs.

If time allows, enjoy a leisurely stroll on the Orange Isle, a famous scenic spot known for its beautiful riverside park and seasonal blooms — especially during spring and autumn.

Later in the day, we continue on to Zhangjiajie by high-speed train, which takes approximately 2 hours.

Day 7/Wed: Zhangjiajie (B/L)
Nestled in the northwest of Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie is a breathtaking destination renowned for its stunning natural beauty — a paradise for nature lovers.

Enjoy a full-day tour through Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area, famed for its towering sandstone pillars and mist-shrouded peaks.

Our sightseeing begins with a visit to Yuanjiajie, home to the legendary “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain”. Ascend the mountain via the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor lift, and marvel at panoramic views of floating mountains and dizzying cliffs.

Continue to the Tianzi Mountain area, often referred to as the “Monarch of the Peak Forest” for its sweeping vistas, sea of clouds, and uniquely-named rock formations. From its lofty platforms, you’ll witness the grandeur of Zhangjiajie’s landscape from above.

Afterward, descend to the valley floor and wander along the tranquil Jinbian Creek, a scenic trail flanked by sheer cliffs and lush forest. The gentle stream, clear pools, and occasional monkey sighting make for a peaceful contrast to the soaring peaks above.

This immersive day blends jaw-dropping natural beauty, light hiking, and iconic viewpoints — perfect for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Day 8/Thu: Zhangjiajie – Chengdu (B/D)
Today we explore Tianmen Mountain, taking one of the world’s longest passenger cableways (7.5 km) up the mountain. The main attraction is Tianmen Cave, a massive natural arch known as Heaven’s Gate. Traditionally believed to have formed following a cliff collapse in AD 263, the opening measures approximately 131 metres high, 57 metres wide and 60 metres deep.

Another highlight is the cliffside skywalk, which follows the mountain’s sheer rock face at an elevation of over 1,400 metres (4,600 feet). The walkway offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and deep valleys. Some sections feature glass floors for an added thrill.

We depart for Chengdu by high-speed train (G2322, 13:26–18:25). Due to the tight schedule, a sit-down lunch is not possible. Please purchase some snacks or a light meal to enjoy on the train.

Day 9/Fri: Chengdu – Xi’an (B/L)
Our morning sightseeing takes us to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, one of China’s leading centres for giant panda conservation and research.

Native to the mountains of central China, giant pandas are easily recognized by their distinctive black-and-white markings. Although classified as carnivores, they feed almost exclusively on bamboo, spending much of their waking hours eating. Normally solitary in the wild, giant pandas have a low reproductive rate. Newborn cubs are tiny, weighing only about 100–150 grams, and are completely dependent on their mothers.

Thanks to decades of conservation efforts, the giant panda’s status on the IUCN Red List has improved from Endangered to Vulnerable, although habitat loss and fragmentation remain serious concerns.

In the afternoon, we visit Jinsha Museum, built around an archaeological site discovered by construction workers in 2001. Dating primarily from approximately 1200 to 650 BCE, the site has yielded remarkable collections of gold, jade, bronze, ivory and stone artefacts. Jinsha is closely associated with the ancient Shu civilization and shares important cultural connections with the earlier Sanxingdui site near Chengdu.

This evening, we travel to Xi’an by high-speed train (G2240, 18:48–22:43). Please purchase some snacks or a light meal before boarding, as the food available on the train may not suit everyone’s tastes.

Day 10/Sat: Xi’an (B/L)
With a history spanning more than 3,000 years, Xi’an served as the capital of several Chinese dynasties, including the Han (206 BCE–220 CE) and Tang (618–907). It was also the eastern terminus of the ancient Silk Road, a network of trade routes connecting China with Central Asia and regions as far west as the Mediterranean.

We spend the morning visiting the Terracotta Army, located approximately 30 kilometres east of Xi’an. Discovered by local farmers in 1974, this extraordinary collection of life-sized terracotta warriors and horses was created to guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor (221–210 BCE), in the afterlife. The site is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th century and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After lunch, we return to the city for a stroll along the ancient city wall. Originally built in 1370 during the Ming Dynasty, it is one of China’s best-preserved city walls. The wall runs approximately 13.7 kilometres around the old city, enclosing an area of 14 square kilometres. Standing 12 metres high, it measures between 15 and 18 metres thick at its base.

Day 11/Sun: Xi’an (B/L)
Morning sightseeing begins at Xi’an Museum. One of the city’s leading cultural institutions, Xi’an Museum houses more than 110,000 historical artefacts, including ancient bronzes, ceramics, Buddhist sculptures and works of art spanning several thousand years of Chinese history. The museum complex also encompasses the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built during the Tang dynasty (618–907), and the historic Jianfu Temple grounds. Together, these attractions offer a fascinating introduction to Xi’an’s rich cultural heritage and its importance as one of China’s great ancient capitals.

We then visit the Great Mosque in the old town centre and the adjacent Muslim Quarter. The mosque was established in the 8th century, although most of the surviving complex dates from the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), with further additions during the Qing dynasty (1644–1912). Unlike many mosques in the Middle East, the Great Mosque is predominantly Chinese in architectural style, with traditional courtyards, pavilions and tiled roofs rather than the domes and minarets commonly associated with Islamic architecture elsewhere.

Free afternoon to explore on your own. Please ask your guide for recommendations.

Day 12/Mon: Xi’an – Beijing (B/D)
Our travel to Beijing is again by high-speed train (G56, 10:04/13:30). Since lunch is not provided, please buy some snacks before boarding the train.

The capital of China, Beijing is a major cultural, educational and political centre with a population exceeding 20 million. One of China’s great historic cities, it served as the imperial capital for much of the past eight centuries. Beijing is renowned for its magnificent palaces, temples, ancient city gates and other historical landmarks, many of which date back to the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties.

Afternoon sightseeing features the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s finest imperial gardens. Originally known as the Garden of Clear Ripples, much of the complex was destroyed by British and French forces in 1860 during the Second Opium War. Reconstruction began in 1886, and the garden was renamed Yiheyuan (Garden of Nurtured Harmony). Covering approximately 290 hectares, the Summer Palace is dominated by Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake, with more than 3,000 bays of traditional buildings spread throughout the grounds.

Day 13/Tue: Beijing (B/L)
We begin today with a visit to the Forbidden City, officially known as the Palace Museum. This vast imperial complex served as the residence and administrative centre of the emperors of the Ming (1368–1644) and Qing (1644–1912) dynasties. Built between 1406 and 1420, it comprises approximately 980 buildings spread over 72 hectares (180 acres). Its traditional Chinese palatial architecture influenced palace design throughout East Asia. Although the Qing Dynasty fell in 1912, the last emperor, Puyi, was allowed to remain in the Forbidden City until his expulsion in 1924. The Palace Museum opened the following year. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Forbidden City is one of the world’s largest and best-preserved complexes of ancient wooden buildings.

Next is Tian’anmen Square, measuring approximately 880 metres from north to south and 500 metres from east to west. Tian’anmen Gate stands at its northern end, with the Monument to the People’s Heroes near the centre. The Great Hall of the People and the National Museum of China flank the square to the west and east, respectively, while Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum and Qianmen (Front Gate) lie to the south. Since the May Fourth Movement of 1919, Tian’anmen Square and its surroundings have been associated with major political events and demonstrations, including the pro-democracy protests of 1989.

Our afternoon sightseeing takes us to the Temple of Heaven, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in southeastern Beijing, this vast complex was where Ming and Qing emperors performed elaborate ceremonies and offered sacrifices to Heaven, praying for good harvests and the well-being of the empire. Construction began in 1406 under the Yongle Emperor and was completed in 1420. The complex was subsequently expanded and renovated during the Qing Dynasty. Covering 273 hectares (674 acres), the Temple of Heaven is nearly four times the size of the Forbidden City.

The Hongqiao Pearl Market is located across the street from the Temple of Heaven. Known for its freshwater pearls, jewellery and other merchandise, it attracts both local and international shoppers. If interested, you may ask the guide to drop you off there after sightseeing, but you will need to return to the hotel independently by taxi.

Day 14/Wed: Beijing (B/L/D)
After an early breakfast, we set out on a full-day excursion to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, approximately 75 kilometres northeast of central Beijing.

The Great Wall is one of China’s most impressive engineering achievements. Its earliest sections date back to the 7th century BCE, when individual states built defensive walls against rival states and nomadic groups. Following China’s unification in 221 BCE, the First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, ordered existing fortifications to be connected and extended. Successive dynasties continued to build and maintain defensive walls, but the most extensive reconstruction took place during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644), when much of the brick-and-stone Wall familiar to visitors today was built.

Stretching across northern China, the Great Wall was intended to defend against incursions from the north, regulate border crossings and facilitate military communications. Despite its formidable appearance, it was never an impenetrable barrier, as demonstrated by the Mongol conquest of China in the 13th century under Genghis Khan and his successors, including Kublai Khan.

The Mutianyu section, originally established in the 6th century and substantially rebuilt during the Ming Dynasty, is known for its well-preserved watchtowers and mountain scenery. Cable car rides are included, allowing visitors to spend more time exploring the Wall itself.

Dinner tonight features Peking roast duck, one of Beijing’s best-known dishes. Traditionally roasted until the skin is crisp, the duck is carved tableside and served with thin pancakes, scallions, cucumber and a savoury sauce.

Day 15/Thu: Returning Home (B)
The tour ends this morning. A private vehicle with a driver (no guide) is provided for your transfer to the airport for your return flight.

Dates & Prices

Prices are per person based on double occupancy.

* Land Only price excludes international airfare. Please contact us for a fare quote.