China.. A 12-Day Travel Program Between Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou

SadaNews - Visiting China, a country that produces everything from needles to rockets and is vast and ethnically diverse, remains a dream for many tourists. If this dream is not fueled by love, it is at least driven by a desire to explore and the passion to learn about this great nation.

This is a narrative of a 12-day journey within one of the oldest civilizations known to humankind, a civilization that managed to combine historical strength with modern renaissance, creating a scene unlike any other place in the world.

China is not just a vast country or a rising economic power; it is a complete world in itself, stretching from the imperial walls of Beijing to the mythical Zhangjiajie mountains, and then to the sparkling skyscrapers of Shanghai.

In this country, you will find nature in its most strange and magnificent forms, Asian history, and cities at the peak of modern presence.

Day One: Arrival in Beijing

Start your trip by entering one of the most influential cities in Asia, arriving at "Daxing International Airport," which is considered one of the newest airports in the world with its giant streamlined design. As you head towards the city, you will notice how wide roads and ancient buildings blend with modern technological touches that reflect the spirit of contemporary Chinese capital.

After transferring to your hotel, before evening falls, head to "Gong Yan Beijing" restaurant, which offers an unparalleled dining experience distinct from any other around the world. The welcoming dinner, interspersed with Chinese folklore performances, introduces you to music and dance movements inspired by Chinese heritage while serving the most delicious dishes in separate courses, with artistic performances included with each meal, starting from appetizers to main courses and concluding with desserts.

At the end of the day, return to your hotel to enjoy your first night in Beijing and prepare to explore its historical landmarks the next day, in a city that blends deep history and the complexity of modernity in a single scene.

It is worth noting that this restaurant requires advance booking and is considered one of the finest in China, making you fall in love with Chinese food due to its exquisite taste.

Day Two: Imperial Governance Landmarks

Start your day by visiting "Tiananmen Square," the largest urban square in the world, which has formed the political heart of China for decades.

As you move inside the vast square, you will notice the massive government buildings and national symbols surrounding you from all sides, summarizing the importance of this place in the country’s history.

Upon crossing the famous red gate that separates the square from the palace, you will enter directly into the "Forbidden City," constructed in the 15th century as the imperial governing site for the Ming and Qing dynasties.

You will wander between halls, stone courts, and inner gardens, discovering intricate architectural details and learning about the political and cultural role this city played for 500 consecutive years.

In the afternoon, head to the historic "Hutong" neighborhoods on a "Rickshaw" ride, where you will move through narrow streets that reflect traditional Chinese life. You will see ancient clay houses and feel the rhythm of daily life in the alleys as it was centuries ago.

You can also visit a local home to learn about the ancient lifestyle, participate in an artistic experience of coloring "Peking Opera Masks," and try writing simple names in traditional Chinese calligraphy, which is a nice opportunity to interact with one of the most important elements of Chinese culture.

At the end of the day, enjoy the famous acrobatics show at the "Red Theatre," one of the most popular performances in the capital. You will witness a blend of aerial movements and precise jumps showcasing the craftsmanship of traditional Chinese performance, capping off a day that balances ancient history with vibrant popular culture.

Day Three: The Great Wall of China and the Summer Palace

Start your morning with a journey to the Great Wall of China at the "Mutianyu" area, which is one of the most beautiful and serene locations for walking and photography. As you ascend via the cable car to the mountaintop, you will find a long stone path flowing over the mountain peaks, granting you stunning panoramic views.

The wide path helps you enjoy walking and exploring while learning about the military role the wall played for centuries in protecting the country.

After the tour, stop at a specialty store to learn about "Jade," a stone considered a symbol of luck and purity in Chinese culture. Then head to the "Summer Palace, one of the most prominent imperial landmarks in Beijing.

You will stroll through the expansive gardens surrounding Kunming Lake, enjoying the stone bridges and ornate corridors that reflect the precision of traditional Chinese architecture.

At the end of the tour, return to your hotel with a day that combines nature and imperial beauty.

Day Four: From Beijing to Zhangjiajie

Start your day by visiting the "Temple of Heaven," that massive circular structure dedicated to imperial rituals for praying for good harvests. You will witness the gardens surrounding the temple where locals practice "Tai Chi" and enjoy folk games in group sessions reflecting an important aspect of daily life in Beijing.

After your visit, head to "Qianmen Street and Dashilan Street," two of the oldest shopping streets in the capital, where traditional shops intermingle with ancient landmarks in an authentic Chinese atmosphere. Then proceed to the "798 Art District," a vast cultural space featuring studios and contemporary galleries inside former industrial buildings, making it an important destination for contemporary art lovers.

At the end of the day, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, head directly to the Wulingyuan area to check into your hotel and prepare to explore China's nature in its most beautiful forms.

Day Five: Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie

Start your day inside the "Zhangjiajie National Park," famous for its vertical rock formations that inspired the movie Avatar. You will ascend via the "Bailong Elevator," one of the highest outdoor elevators in the world, to find yourself on a platform overlooking a mountain range that seems suspended in the air.

Then head to the "Yuanjiajie" area, where you can enjoy unique views of rocks rising vertically amidst light clouds that give the place a mythical touch. When you reach "Tianzi Mountain" via the cable car, you will see even more open views combining dense forests and sharp peaks. At the end of the day, you can relax on the tourist train that crosses the valley, providing a comfortable tour through nature.

Day Six: Yellow Dragon Cave and Glass Bridge

Start the day by visiting the Yellow Dragon Cave, a massive cave that features high stone halls and stunning limestone formations. You will walk through illuminated corridors and take a small boat crossing a river running between natural cavities that have been formed over millions of years.

Then head to the "Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon" to experience walking on the glass bridge, which spans a deep canyon and is among the most famous glass bridges in the world. You will view the nature of the valley directly beneath your feet in an experience combining excitement with breathtaking scenery. After finishing, return to your hotel to rest.

Day Seven: Baofeng Lake and "Tianmen Mountain", then travel to Shanghai

Start your day with a pleasant tour of Baofeng Lake, where you will enjoy a boat ride passing between mountains and rock formations amidst serene natural atmospheres. The lake provides a perfect opportunity for photography while enjoying views of the mountains reflected on the water’s surface.

In the afternoon, head to "Tianmen Mountain," where you ascend via one of the longest cable cars in the world, visit the "Heaven’s Gate," and walk on the glass pathway clinging to the towering rocks. At the end of the tour, head to the airport to fly to Shanghai. Upon arrival, check into your hotel in preparation for the new phase of your journey.

Day Eight: The Charm of Shanghai Between Modernity and History

Start your day by visiting "Yuyuan Garden," one of the most beautiful traditional gardens in China, where pavilions, bridges, and ponds are distributed in an intricate design reflecting the philosophy of Chinese harmony. Then head to the French Concession, a historic area featuring old European buildings, modern cafes, and tree-lined streets.

In the afternoon, ascend to the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower, the second highest tower in the world, where you can view the city skyline from a high altitude. Then head to "Nanjing Road," one of the busiest shopping streets in China. At the end of the day, enjoy a night tour along the Huangpu River in the "Bund" area, where the lights of modern towers reflect on the water’s surface in a captivating view.

Day Nine: A Full Day Inside Disneyland

Dedicate this day to visiting Disneyland Shanghai, one of the newest Disney parks in the world. Start your tour from Mickey Avenue, where you will find shops and cafes designed in traditional Disney style. Then head to famous rides like Adventure Isle, Treasure Cove, and Tomorrowland.

Throughout the day, you will navigate between interactive rides, live shows, and colorful parades. Do not miss the grand night show in front of the castle, where lights, music, and fireworks blend in a fantastical display that concludes your day splendidly.

Day Ten: Hangzhou and the Beauty of West Lake

On this day, you will transfer to Hangzhou, a city that has long been celebrated by Chinese poets through the centuries. Your tour begins with a short cruise on West Lake, a renowned natural site in China featuring stone bridges, gardens, and temples along the lake’s edges, merging nature with architecture.

After the visit, head to the "Meijiawu" tea village to learn about the cultivation of the famous "Longjing" tea, with an opportunity to taste it and observe its preparation stages. In the evening, attend the "Impressions of West Lake" show, a water theatrical performance held on the surface of the lake in stunning light scenes.

Day 11: Adventures and Relaxation in "OMG Heartbeat" Park

Dedicate this day to enjoying at "OMG Heartbeat Park," the entertainment complex that combines water games, thrilling experiences, and interactive areas. You can move between high-speed rides, relax in tranquil areas, or enjoy the available restaurants and cafes. The day is open for enjoyment as you wish before returning to the hotel in the evening.

Day 12: Return to Shanghai

On the last day of the trip, return to Shanghai to enjoy free time for shopping or visiting any locations you wished to see earlier. You can stroll along the world’s longest shopping street, "Nanjing Road," or go to the "Bund" area for last photos before preparing for your return journey.

 

Source: Al Jazeera