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Home>China Tours>SIC-K Tour - China Golden Triangle with Pingyao & Avatar Mountains
SIC-K Tour - China Golden Triangle with Pingyao & Avatar Mountains

SIC-K Tour - China Golden Triangle with Pingyao & Avatar Mountains - 13 Days

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Beijing - Pingyao - Xi'an - Zhangjiajie - Shanghai
Experience the perfect blend of imperial history, ancient culture, and otherworldly landscapes on this 13-day small group tour, connecting the Golden Triangle (Beijing, Xi'an, Shanghai) with the historic streets of Pingyao and the breathtaking "Avatar" pillars of Zhangjiajie. Limited to a maximum of 16 guests to ensure a high-quality experience, departures run every two weeks and are fully guaranteed with just 2 passengers.
map
Guaranteed Departure: Only 2 people are required to run the tour. If only 1 person is confirmed for a specific departure date, we will inform you ahead of time and suggest a new date.
 
Genuine Small Group: Maximum of 16 guests per group for a comfortable, personalized experience—no large crowds of 30+.
 
Guaranteed Hotels: Stay in premium 4-star downtown hotels. We provide specific, verified hotel options with full transparency—no vague descriptions or unexpected downgrades.
 
Frequent Departures: Departs on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month (except national holidays).
 
Departure Dates & Prices in USD
Departure Date Twin/Double Share Single Room
July 6 1,955 2,350
July 20 1,955 2,350
Aug 3 1,955 2,350
Aug 17 1,955 2,350
Sept 7 1,955 2,350
Sept 21 1,955 2,350
 

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing

airport - hotel transfer

Day 2: Beijing

breakfast, lunch
The Summer Palace (UNESCO), a pearl workshop en route, Mutianyu Great Wall
Wander through the world’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Originally designed as a royal summer retreat, it features an exquisite collection of classical pavilions and bridges centered around the tranquil Kunming Lake.

Visit China’s most famous monument and one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Known for its stunning watchtowers and beautiful forest scenery, your visit includes a round-way cable car ride for a comfortable and scenic trip up and down.

Day 3: Beijing

breakfast, lunch
Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City , Temple of Heaven (UNESCO), a tea house en route
Stand in the heart of modern China at the world’s largest public square, a site of profound historical significance and grand architectural scale. Walk into or drive through (sedan/minivan) Tian'anmen Square to marvel at its iconic surroundings, including the Monument to the People's Heroes and the Great Hall of the People.
Step into the majestic imperial palace where 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties ruled for five centuries. Explore the ceremonial courtyards and the exquisite private quarters of the royal family. Note: Closed on Mondays. In case of closure or ticket unavailability, the itinerary adjusts to Jingshan Park for a premier panoramic view overlooking the entire Forbidden City.
Discover the Temple of Heaven, a timeless masterpiece of traditional Chinese imperial architecture. For centuries, ancient emperors held grand solemn rituals here to worship heaven and pray for favorable weather and abundant harvests. Admire its exquisite layout, profound cultural connotations and classic imperial architectural charm that embody ancient Chinese cosmology and ritual traditions

Day 4: Beijing - Pingyao (by bullet train)

train station transfer in Beijing, train station - hotel transfer in Pingyao
Lama Temple
The Lama Temple has a reputation of the largest and best-preserved Tibetan Buddhist Lamasery in Beijing. The building and artwork of the lama Temple is a combination of Han and Tibetan styles.

Day 5: Pingyao

breakfast, lunch
Ancient City of Pingyao, Qiao Family Compound
The Ancient City of Pingyao (UNESCO), a well-preserved ancient Chinese city of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, is an must-see attraction for you. You will admire the Ancient City Wall built with bricks and stones. Approach to Rishengchang Bank - the first bank of China, and get impressed by the Old Government Buildings. The courtyard houses, narrow streets and small shops in the city provide a complete picture of China’s cultural and social lifestyle during that period of time.
The Qiao Family Compound was the former residence of a rich businessman - Qiao Zhiyong in the Qing Dynasty. Consisting of 6 large yards and 20 small yards in total, the magnificent compound features its traditional Chinese furnishings and lifelike wood carvings.

Day 6: Pingyao - Xi'an (by bullet train)

hotel - train station transfer in Pingyao, hotel transfer in Xi'an
breakfast, lunch
Ancient City Wall
The Ancient City Wall is one of the oldest city walls in China and still encompasses the center of Xi'an today.

Day 7: Xi'an

breakfast, lunch
Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses (UNESCO), Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Terracotta Warriors and Horses Replica Factory
The Museum of Terracotta Warriors and Horses (UNESCO) is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world. More than 6000 life-sized terra cotta warriors, archers, infantrymen, horses, and bronze chariots have silently guarded the tomb of China's First Emperor for over 2,200 years.
The Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty landmark, is a seven-story pagoda initially constructed in 652 AD. One of the pagoda's many functions is to hold sutras and figurines of the Buddha that were brought to China from India by the Buddhist translator and traveler - Xuanzang.

Day 8: Xi'an - Zhangjiajie (by air)

airport transfer in Xi'an, airport - hotel transfer in Zhangjiajie
breakfast, lunch
Great Mosque, The Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie)
The Great Mosque, which blends Islamic mosque styles and traditional Chinese architectural elements, acts as one of the oldest and best-preserved Islamic mosques in China
Steeped in over a millennium of history, the Muslim Quarter is a vibrant sensory feast and the heart of Xi'an's legendary food culture. As you wander through its ancient stone-paved lanes, you are greeted by an incredible array of mouth-watering delicacies and authentic Silk Road flavors. From the savory aroma of charcoal-grilled lamb skewers to the rhythmic pounding of traditional nut candy, this bustling historic enclave offers an unparalleled glimpse into the heritage and culinary soul of the city’s Hui community. It is the ultimate destination to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and rich, diverse tastes of old Xi'an.

Day 9: Zhangjiajie

breakfast, lunch
Mount Tianzi Scenic Area, Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, Bailong Elevator , Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Take a shuttle bus to Mount Tianzi Scenic Area and take a cable car to the mountain top. Mount Tianzi is admired as one of the top four scenic spots of Wulingyuan Scenic Area (UNESCO). Mount Tianzi is renowned by the amazing natural landscape, it embodies varied beautiful scenes at different time within one day and is reputed as “huge bonsai, small fairyland”.
Afterwards, take a shuttle bus to Yuanjiajie (UNESCO), experience the magnificent scenery of jagged peaks and deep valleys. It is said that the Southern Sky Pillar in Yuanjiajie was the prototype of the floating mountains in the Film Avatar.
Take the Bailong Elevator to get down from the mountain. The Bailong Lift is the highest outdoor elevator in the World.
Experience a full-day, breathtaking journey through the otherworldly sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the true inspiration behind the floating mountains in the movie Avatar. Your adventure begins with a scenic cable car ride up the mountain, whisking you directly into the clouds. First, explore Tianzishan (Tianzi Mountain), renowned for its misty peaks and stunning panoramic views of thousands of jagged pillars rising from the valleys. Next, journey to Yuanjiajie, where you will stand face-to-face with the awe-inspiring Avatar Hallelujah Mountain and cross the First Bridge Under Heaven. After marveling at these gravity-defying landscapes, you will experience a thrilling descent aboard the famous Bailong Elevator, a soaring glass structure built into the cliffside. Conclude your unforgettable day with a peaceful, ground-level stroll along the crystal-clear waters of Golden Whip Brook (Jinbianxi), where you can admire the towering peaks from below amidst lush forests and playful wild macaques.

Day 10: Zhangjiajie - Shanghai (by air)

airport transfer in Zhangjiajie, airport - hotel transfer in Shanghai
breakfast, lunch
Tianmen Mountain
Embark on a thrilling exploration of Tianmen Mountain, legendary for its dramatic cliff faces and spiritual mysteries. Your journey includes a spectacular round-trip cable car ride, featuring one of the longest alpine cableways in the world, which takes you directly from the city center up into the mountain's misty peaks. At the top, walk along cliff-hanging pathways and marvel at the magnificent Tianmen Cave (Heaven's Gate), a colossal natural water-eroded hole that looks like a gateway to the heavens. For an enhanced journey, you can choose an optional experience to Baofeng Lake, where you can take a peaceful boat cruise across emerald waters surrounded by stunning karst mountains and listening to local folk songs.

Day 11: Shanghai

breakfast, lunch
Yu Garden, Bund, Jade Buddha Temple, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Old Town
Owing to its ingenious design in Ming and Qing dynasties, the Yu Garden becomes a real museum of Chinese ancient architecture.
The Bund,featured outstanding European colonial architectures, is full of new skyscrapers and historical buildings in the center of Shanghai.
The Jade Buddha Temple is famous for its two precious jade Buddha statues brought from Burma, which are not only rare cultural relics but also exquisite artworks.
The Nanjing Road,a must-see metropolitan destination attracting thousands of fashion-seeking shoppers from all over the world, is a top prosperous center of Shanghai.
Step back in time and experience the historical heart of the city at Shanghai Old Town, where classic Jiangnan-style architecture and bustling street markets offer a fascinating contrast to the city's futuristic skyscrapers. Anchored by the 16th-century Yu Garden and the lively bazaar surrounding the City God Temple, this vibrant district allows you to wander through labyrinthine alleys lined with traditional gray-brick buildings, cross the iconic Nine-Turn Bridge, and sample world-famous local delicacies like Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at historic eateries.

Day 12: Shanghai

breakfast, lunch
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, Zhang Yuan & Fengshengli
With a history of more than 1700 years, the Zhujiajiao Ancient Town features lovely rivers, stone bridges, and historical buildings on the riverbank.
A premier cultural and lifestyle landmark in Shanghai that seamlessly blends history with modern trends. Zhang Yuan is the city's largest and best-preserved Shikumen (stone-gate) architectural complex, recently restored into a high-end luxury and fashion district. Right next door, Fengshengli complements the historic charm with a vibrant, modern dining and lifestyle block filled with trendy cafes, popular restaurants, and lively bars. Together, they offer the perfect taste of Shanghai's unique heritage and contemporary urban energy.

Day 13: Shanghai - Departure

hotel - airport transfer
breakfast

Notes

Deadline: Book at least 20 days before arriving in China. Please send us all passenger names, passport numbers, room choices, and itineraries before this date.

Shared Tour & Guiding: Travelers with different tour packages on the same date may share the same bus and guide. All main sights are fully guaranteed, but the daily order of the itinerary may change to make the trip run smoothly for everyone.

Flight Notice: The departure dates are Mondays, which is Day 1 (your arrival day). Please book your flight to land in Beijing on or before these dates.

 

Destinations Hotels
Beijing Xinqiao Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (or similar)
Pingyao Pingyao Huiguan Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (or similar)
Xi'an Titan Times Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (or similar)
Zhangjiajie National Scenic Spot Sunshine Resort ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (or similar)
Shanghai Ocean Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (or similar)

 

Tour Includes :

-- Accommodation in double/triple/single rooms in the indicated hotels

-- Chinese lunches at local restaurants as indicated in the itinerary

-- One glass of soft drink or local beer per person for each mentioned meal

-- All transfers to/from the airport in each destination and all included sightseeing

-- All first entrance fees to the mentioned tourist sites

-- All domestic flights in economy class and airport taxes as indicated in the itinerary

-- All domestic trains in second class as indicated in the itinerary

-- An English-speaking local guide/assistant in the travel destinations

Tour Excludes :

-- All other meals and all other beverages not mentioned

-- Transfers outside the allotment dates;

-- Tips

-- Tips for pre-tours or post-base-trip extensions

-- Evening shows in China and other optional visits

-- Medical + baggage insurance

-- China Visa

-- All personal expenses and anything not specifically listed under "Inclusions"

About Shopping or No-shopping Tours

Since October, 2013, CITS offers truly alternative prices of tours with or without shopping. Exceptionally, some tours only have one type price, such as seat-in-coach, hiking, self-driving and luxury tours, etc. Click here know more details.
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