CLASSIC CULTURE · BIG LANDSCAPES

Ancient capitals & sandstone peaks

Imperial landmarks, the stories of Xi’an and a dramatic change of scene in Zhangjiajie.

Beijing → Xi’an → Zhangjiajie

8 days / 7 nightsPrivate journeyA first China journey · Mountains

Green sandstone mountains in Zhangjiajie · Photo credit

A ROUTE THAT CAN BECOME YOURS

Imagine the days ahead.

This is a suggested itinerary. Arrival times, reservations, weather and your preferred pace shape the final plan.

8 days · explore one day at a time

01Day 1 · Arrive, settle in and find an old streetBeijing

A soft landing leaves more energy for the days ahead.

Morning: Arrive and connect with your planned transfer and check-in. Talk through reservations, walking preferences and any food requirements before setting out.
Afternoon: If time and energy allow, wander around Qianmen and Dashilan for a first look at old commercial streets and small shops. After a long flight, resting is equally welcome.
Evening: Choose local noodles, home-style dishes or an optional roast-duck dinner. Ask your planner for suggestions suited to your tastes and budget.

02Day 2 · Palace courtyards and an imperial skylineBeijing

Give the Forbidden City time, rather than rushing between landmarks.

Morning: Follow your confirmed reservation into the Forbidden City from the Meridian Gate. Explore the main courtyards and the story of palace life without trying to cover every gallery.
Afternoon: Pause for lunch and a rest. If walking conditions and energy suit, visit Jingshan for a rooftop view of the palace, or choose a gentler park stroll.
Evening: Spend the evening independently around Wangfujing or near your hotel. Keep dinner unhurried after a full day of history.

03Day 3 · A day in the hills at MutianyuBeijing → Mutianyu → Beijing

Step away from the city for a more expansive view of the Great Wall.

Morning: Travel to Mutianyu and choose an appropriate walking section with your planner. Discuss an optional cable-car route before starting, especially when travelling with children or less confident walkers.
Afternoon: Walk the open section at a comfortable pace, stopping for photographs and breaks. Return to Beijing without adding another major attraction far from the route.
Evening: Have dinner independently and enjoy a quiet evening. This is a good day to leave optional nightlife off the programme.

04Day 4 · From Beijing to the stories of Xi’anBeijing → Xi’an

Give the connection and one main visit the attention they need.

Morning: Travel to Xi’an on the confirmed train, allowing time for checkout, station procedures and the arrival transfer. Avoid adding a visit before departure.
Afternoon: An early arrival may allow a Terracotta Army visit focused on the principal exhibition areas. A later arrival means check-in and a gentle city introduction instead.
Evening: Choose noodles or home-style food independently and have an early evening, without an additional show or several night stops.

05Day 5 · A final ancient-city glimpse, then the mountainsXi’an → Zhangjiajie

Confirm a workable connection before filling the day with sightseeing.

Morning: If you visited the Terracotta Army yesterday, take a short walk around the city-wall area. Otherwise prioritise the museum and omit extra city stops.
Afternoon: Continue to Zhangjiajie using the domestic transport confirmed in your proposal. The available departure determines how much morning sightseeing is practical.
Evening: Connect with your transfer, check in and rest. An earlier arrival may allow a short local walk, rather than a mountain attraction.

06Day 6 · A full day for Yuanjiajie and Tianzi MountainZhangjiajie National Forest Park

Leave room to look, walk and pause among the sandstone peaks.

Morning: Enter the forest park on a suitable reserved route, subject to official arrangements. Explore viewpoints in the Yuanjiajie area in manageable walking sections.
Afternoon: After a lunch break, continue towards Tianzi Mountain if internal transport and energy allow. Choose selected viewpoints rather than trying to cover every park area.
Evening: Return to your accommodation for an independent local dinner or a quiet evening, with time to recover from the mountain day.

07Day 7 · Tianmen Mountain, or a gentler alternativeZhangjiajie

Make space for another mountain perspective and a little flexibility.

Morning: Visit Tianmen Mountain if reservations, weather and opening conditions suit. Follow the confirmed route and choose walking sections appropriate to your group.
Afternoon: Complete the selected visit before returning to the city. Travellers who prefer fewer steps or less exposure to heights can discuss an alternative local experience in advance.
Evening: Have dinner independently and organise luggage. An optional performance needs separate confirmation and is not a required part of the evening.

08Day 8 · Carry the mountain memories onwardZhangjiajie → Departure

Keep the final day straightforward and protect your connection.

Morning: Have breakfast and check out according to your flight or train. A later departure may allow a short walk near the accommodation.
Afternoon: Leave for the agreed airport or station with enough time for the transfer and departure procedures. Avoid a last-minute distant attraction.
Evening: Continue home or to another city. Discuss extra nights and any changes to services or costs with your planner in advance.

This suggested programme can be adapted around transport, reservations, operating conditions and your group’s pace. Meals, experiences and internal transport follow the services itemised in your written quote.

A CLEARER START TO YOUR BUDGET

What the starting price means

The pricing basis

From US$1,328 per adult for a private party of 4 adults, sharing twin/double rooms. Arrival and departure days count towards the trip length. Children, single rooms and other party sizes require a separate quote.

Service scope

The itinerary can be arranged with 7 nights in 4-star or equivalent hotels, domestic connections and English-speaking guides on scheduled sightseeing days. Your written SACTOUR quote confirms the specific hotels, transport, guiding and services included, subject to availability.

Costs to confirm separately

International flights, visas, lunches and dinners, personal spending, single-room supplements, optional experiences and any service not listed in the written quote are excluded. Peak dates and limited availability may change the price.

Confirming your quote

We prepare a written quote for your dates, party and preferences, specifying hotels, room types, trains or flights, tickets, guiding language and cancellation terms. Confirm the complete proposal, total price and availability before payment.