The 21-Day(Hong Kong,Zhangjiajie,Chongqing,Chengdu,Tibet,Shanghai,Suzhou,Hangzhou)Private China Escape:Metropolis to Mystic Roof of the World

Day 4:High-Speed Train to Zhangjiajie–72 Strange Buildings Night View

• Train to Zhangjiajie(G6080,08:07-14:53)–Hotel Check-in&Optional 72 Wonders Light Show
  4+star hotels
  None(Lunch and dinner on your own)

After breakfast,your driver takes you to the station for the high-speed train G6080(08:07-14:53,second class)to Zhangjiajie.Your Zhangjiajie driver and guide will meet you at the station and escort you to your hotel.In the evening(optional),head to the 72 Strange Buildings(Qishi'er Qilou)to view the spectacular light show from outside–this whimsical cluster of tilted,colorful structures looks like a fairy tale village when illuminated.For dinner,try local Tujia bacon skewers and grilled tofu with chili sauce from nearby street stalls.

Day 5:Zhangjiajie National Forest–Bailong Elevator–Yuanjiajie–Tianzi Mountain

• Full Day in Avatar's World:Bailong Glass Elevator,Yuanjiajie Floating Peaks&Tianzi Mountain
  4+star hotels
  Breakfast Included

Your guide and driver pick you up after breakfast.Enter Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.Ride the Bailong Elevator(Hundred Dragons Elevator)–a glass lift built onto a vertical cliff.In seconds you shoot up 330 meters,emerging onto a jaw-dropping view of hundreds of sandstone pillars piercing the clouds.Explore Yuanjiajie Scenic Area,including the famous"Hallelujah Mountain"(Southern Sky Column)that inspired Avatar.Walk the narrow bridge between peaks.Then head to Tianzi Mountain(Son of Heaven Mountain),where the"sea of peaks"looks like an army of stone generals.Your guide shares local Tujia legends.For lunch,enjoy Tujia bacon with wild vegetables at a mountaintop eatery.Return to the hotel in the late afternoon.

Day 6:Tianmen Mountain–Cable Car–Glass Skywalk–72 Buildings(Outside)–Furong Ancient Town Night

• Tianmen Mountain:World's Longest Cable Car,Glass Skywalk&Heaven's Gate–Then Furong Town's Magical Night
  4+star hotels(Furong Ancient Town boutique hotel)
  Breakfast Included

After breakfast,your guide takes you to Tianmen Mountain National Park.Board the world's longest high-mountain cable car(7,455 meters)–a thrilling 30-minute ride from the city to the mountaintop.Walk the glass skywalk jutting out over a sheer drop.Then take the multi-stage escalator down to Tianmen Cave(Heaven's Gate),the world's highest natural arch.After descending,view the 72 Strange Buildings from outside(quick photo stop).In the late afternoon,drive to Furong Ancient Town(Hibiscus Town),a 2,000-year-old Tujia village built on a waterfall.Check into a local boutique hotel and spend the evening admiring the most beautiful古镇night lights–the whole town glows golden against the rushing water.Try rice tofu and sticky rice cake from night stalls.

Day 7:Train to Chongqing–Shancheng Alley,Baixiang Street,Yangtze Cable Car&Hongya Cave

• High-Speed Train from Zhangjiajie to Chongqing–Afternoon:Mountain City Alley,Baixiang,Cable Car&Spirited-Away Night
  4+star hotels
  Breakfast Included

Morning:your driver transfers you to Zhangjiajie station for a high-speed train to Chongqing(approx.4-5 hours).Upon arrival,your guide and driver meet you.Start at Shancheng Alley(Mountain City Alley),a narrow stone stairway lined with old teahouses–taste spicy bean curd from a granny's cart.Walk to Baixiang Street and see the quirky Baixiang Building where the 1st and 15th floors both open onto streets.Ride the Yangtze River Cable Car soaring over the muddy Yangtze.As night falls,head to Hongya Cave–a cliffside complex of traditional stilted houses that looks exactly like the bathhouse from Spirited Away.Golden lights reflect on the river.For dinner,brave a Chongqing hotpot–a bubbling cauldron of red chili oil.

Day 8:Eighteen Steps–Jiefangbei–Liziba–Ciqikou Ancient Town

• Eighteen Steps,Liberation Monument,Train-Through-Building&Thousand-Year-Old Porcelain Village
  4+star hotels
  Breakfast Included

After breakfast,your guide and driver pick you up.Climb the Eighteen Steps(Shiba Ti)–a restored historic staircase connecting upper and lower city.Try dingding candy(crunchy malt sweet).Walk to Jiefangbei(People's Liberation Monument),the bustling heart of Chongqing.Then head to Liziba Station,famous for its light rail train that runs straight through a residential building–watch from the viewing platform.In the afternoon,visit Ciqikou Ancient Town(Porcelain Village),a thousand-year-old riverside town.Stroll stone alleys lined with spice shops and sizzling food stalls.Sample Chen's Mahua(sesame crisps),chicken offal skewers,and suanlafen(sour and spicy jelly noodles).Return to your hotel.

Day 9:Train to Chengdu–Wenshu Monastery(Sichuan Opera&Gaiwan Tea)–Jinli Ancient Street Night

• High-Speed Train to Chengdu(1.5 Hours)–Wenshu Monastery:Opera&Tea–Jinli Old Street Night Life
  4+star hotels
  Breakfast Included

After breakfast,your driver takes you to the station for a 1.5-hour high-speed train to Chengdu,the home of giant pandas and laid-back tea culture.Your Chengdu guide and driver meet you at the station.Visit Wenshu Monastery–a bustling Buddhist temple in the heart of the city.Here you can watch a Sichuan opera performance(including the famous face-changing/bian lian magic)and sip gaiwan tea(jasmine tea in a traditional covered cup)just like the locals do.As evening falls,head to Jinli Ancient Street–a beautifully rebuilt Qing-style alleyway filled with lanterns,shops,and food stalls.Taste dandan noodles,three-big-sticks(spicy meat skewers),sugar paintings,and husband-and-wife lung slices.Soak in the lively night atmosphere.

Day 10:Chengdu Panda Base–Luodai Ancient Town&Hakka Tulou

• Giant Panda Breeding Base–Luodai Ancient Town&Traditional Hakka Roundhouse
  4+star hotels
  Breakfast Included

Early morning(pandas are most active then):visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base–the best place on earth to see giant pandas up close.Watch them tumble,chew bamboo,and nap in tree branches.Your guide will explain panda conservation efforts.After lunch,drive to Luodai Ancient Town–a well-preserved Hakka town on the outskirts of Chengdu.Here you'll see the Hakka Tulou(earthen roundhouse),a unique communal building where dozens of families once lived together.Walk through the arched gateways,taste Hakka stuffed tofu and fermented rice wine,and learn about China's fascinating Hakka culture.Return to Chengdu in the evening.

Day 11:Fly to Tibet–Yamdrok Lake(Western Sacred Lake)–Transfer to Lhasa

• Early Morning Flight to Tibet–Yamdrok Yumtso Lake(Western Sacred Lake)–Drive to Lhasa
  4+star hotels
  Breakfast Included(Meals on the flight/tour on your own)

Early morning:your driver takes you to Chengdu airport for a flight to Tibet(approx.2.5 hours).Upon arrival at Lhasa Gonggar Airport,your Tibetan guide and driver meet you.After a brief acclimatization stop,drive to Yamdrok Yumtso Lake(Western Sacred Lake)–one of Tibet's three holiest lakes.The turquoise water nestled among snow-capped mountains is a sight you'll never forget.Walk along the lakeshore,hang a prayer flag,and take in the pure,thin air.Then drive to Lhasa(approx.2 hours)and check into your hotel.Rest well–tomorrow is a big day.

Day 12:Lhasa–Potala Palace–Barkhor Street–Sky Post Office–Jokhang Temple

• Potala Palace,Barkhor Kora,Themed Post Office&Jokhang Temple's Golden Roof
  4+star hotels
  Breakfast Included

Your guide takes you to the iconic Potala Palace–the former winter residence of the Dalai Lama.Climb its hundreds of steps(go slowly at altitude),explore the gold-laden tombs,and enjoy breathtaking views of Lhasa.Then walk the Barkhor Street kora(pilgrims'circuit),spinning prayer wheels alongside Tibetan devotees.Stop at the Tibet Sky Post Office(天上邮局)to send a postcard stamped with a special Everest or Potala Palace postmark–a unique souvenir.Finally,visit Jokhang Temple,Tibet's most sacred shrine,home to the revered Jowo Shakyamuni statue.Watch monks debate scripture in the courtyard.For dinner,try tsampa(roasted barley flour)and butter tea at a local Tibetan restaurant.

Day 13:Karola Glacier(Kano La Glacier)Full-Day Tour

• Full-Day Excursion to Karola Glacier–A River of Ice on the Roof of the World
  4+star hotels
  Breakfast Included

Today you drive south toward the Himalayas.After crossing the Yamdrok Lake area again,you'll reach Karola Glacier(Kano La Bingchuan),a massive tongue of ice that flows down from 5,000+meters.The glacier sits right beside the road–you can walk close enough to feel the cold air radiating off the ancient ice.Snow-capped peaks tower above,and prayer flags flutter in the wind.Your guide will share local legends about the glacier and the surrounding mountains.Pack a picnic lunch to eat with this incredible view.Return to Lhasa in the late afternoon.

Day 14:Norbulingka–Thousand Buddha Cliff–Fly to Shanghai

• Norbulingka(Summer Palace),Thousand Buddha Cliff–Afternoon Flight to Shanghai
  4+star hotels
  Breakfast Included

Morning:visit Norbulingka(the"Treasure Park"),the Dalai Lama's former summer palace.Stroll through its tranquil gardens,pavilions,and the beautiful Tibetan opera stage.Then head to Thousand Buddha Cliff(Chibei Cliff)–a hillside covered with hundreds of ancient rock-carved Buddha images and colorful prayer flags.It's a peaceful,off-the-beaten-path gem.In the afternoon,your driver transfers you to Lhasa airport for a flight to Shanghai(approx.3.5 hours,often with a stop or connection).Upon arrival,your Shanghai driver meets you and escorts you to your hotel.Rest after the long journey.

Day 15:Yu Garden–1,000 Trees–The Bund–Lujiazui&Shanghai Tower

• Yu Garden,Quirky 1,000 Trees,The Bund&Shanghai Tower Skyline(Observation Deck Optional)
  4+star hotels
  Breakfast Included

After breakfast,your guide and driver pick you up.Start at Yu Garden,a classical Ming-era garden hidden inside Shanghai's old city.Walk through the adjacent Yuyuan Bazaar–taste a pumpkin cake and watch a sugar painter create edible art.Then see the quirky 1,000 Trees–a terraced hillside of concrete columns covered in thousands of trees,looking like something from a sci-fi film.Walk along The Bund for iconic skyline views.Cross the river to Lujiazui,Shanghai's financial district.You may choose to ascend Shanghai Tower(optional,own expense)–the second-tallest building in the world–for a breathtaking 360-degree view of the entire city.Return to your hotel.

Day 16:High-Speed Train to Suzhou–Humble Administrator's Garden–Shantang Street–Stay in Garden Hotel

• Train to Suzhou–Humble Administrator's Garden,Ancient Shantang Street&Overnight in a Garden Hotel
  4+star hotels(Suzhou garden-style hotel)
  Breakfast Included

After breakfast,take a short high-speed train(approx.30 minutes)to Suzhou,China's"Venice of the East"and home to the world's most exquisite classical gardens.Visit the Humble Administrator's Garden(Zhuozheng Yuan)–the largest and most famous of Suzhou's gardens,a UNESCO World Heritage site.Wander through its ponds,pavilions,zigzag bridges,and rockeries.In the afternoon,stroll along Shantang Street–a 1,200-year-old canal street lined with whitewashed buildings,stone bridges,and traditional shops.Try squirrel-shaped mandarin fish and sweet-scented osmanthus cake.Tonight,check into a Suzhou garden-style hotel–you'll sleep in a historic building surrounded by a private classical garden.Experience the scholar's life firsthand.

Day 17:Tongli Ancient Water Town–Optional Rowing Boat Ride

• Tongli Ancient Town–The Essence of Jiangnan Canals&Optional Rowing Boat
  4+star hotels(Suzhou garden-style hotel)
  Breakfast Included

Today your guide takes you to Tongli Ancient Town,one of China's most beautiful water towns.Unlike crowded tourist hubs,Tongli retains its quiet,authentic charm.Walk across the Three Bridges(peace,luck,and longevity),visit the Retreat&Reflection Garden(another UNESCO garden),and wander through narrow alleys where locals still live.You may choose to take a rowing boat ride(optional,own expense)–a covered wooden boat that glides silently through the canals,passing under ancient stone bridges.Listen to the boatman sing a local folk song.Taste Tongli rice porridge and sticky rice dumplings from a canal-side stall.Return to your garden hotel in the evening.

Day 18:High-Speed Train to Hangzhou–West Lake,Lingyin Temple&Feilai Peak

• Train to Hangzhou–West Lake Boat Ride,Lingyin Temple&Feilai Peak Buddhist Caves
  4+star hotels
  Breakfast Included

After breakfast,take a high-speed train(approx.1.5 hours)to Hangzhou,famed for its West Lake–the most celebrated lake in Chinese poetry and painting.Your Hangzhou guide meets you at the station.Walk along Bai Causeway and Su Causeway,then take a short boat ride on the lake(optional,own expense)to view the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon.Next,visit Lingyin Temple(Temple of the Soul's Retreat),one of China's largest and most important Buddhist temples.Right next to it is Feilai Peak(Peak Flying From Afar),covered in over 300 ancient stone Buddhist carvings from the 10th-14th centuries–including a laughing Maitreya Buddha.After exploring,return to Hangzhou.For dinner,try West Lake vinegar fish and Longjing shrimp(tea-infused shrimp).Take a late train back to Shanghai(approx.1 hour)or stay overnight in Hangzhou–your guide will help arrange based on your preference.

Day 19:High-Speed Train Return to Shanghai–Free Day:Sinan Road Coffee,Fuxing Park Tai Chi&Optional Huangpu Night Cruise

• Return Train to Shanghai–Free Day:CaféHopping on Sinan Road,Morning Tai Chi in Fuxing Park&Optional River Cruise
  4+star hotels
  Breakfast Included

Morning:take a short train back to Shanghai(approx.1 hour).Today is completely free.We recommend:

Sinan Road–a leafy boulevard of French colonial villas.Pop into a boutique caféfor a coffee and watch Shanghai's fashionable crowd

Fuxing Park–visit in the early morning to see locals practicing tai chi,dancing,and playing cards

Optional evening activity(own expense):Huangpu River night cruise–the skyline is even more dazzling after dark

For lunch,try shengjianbao(pan-fried pork buns)from a hole-in-the-wall shop.The day is yours to explore at your own pace.

Day 20:Shanghai Disneyland One-Day Tour

• Shanghai Disneyland–Full Day of Magic(Private Driver Transfer to/from Park)
  4+star hotels
  Breakfast Included

Your driver will pick you up from your hotel in the morning and take you to Shanghai Disneyland(tickets not included,your guide can help purchase).Enjoy a full day of adventure:explore the unique Gardens of Imagination,ride TRON Lightcycle Power Run,see the Pirates of the Caribbean battle,and watch the spectacular Ignite the Dream nighttime fireworks show over the castle.Your driver will wait for you outside and take you back to your hotel after the park closes.A perfect fairy-tale ending to your China journey.

Day 21:Farewell–Transfer to Airport for Departure

• Last Morning in Shanghai–Private Transfer to Airport for Departure
  4+star hotels
  Breakfast Included

Enjoy a relaxed final morning.Do some last-minute souvenir shopping–maybe Longjing tea,silk scarves,or panda plush toys.Your private driver will pick you up at the agreed time and escort you to Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao Airport for your departure flight.We look forward to welcoming you again to China.Safe travels!