Beijing and the Avatar Mountains

Day 1. Arrival in Beijing

Today, you will arrive in the heart of China — Beijing, a city that has served as the country's capital for centuries, blending ancient traditions with the dynamic rhythm of a modern metropolis. Since its establishment in 1271 under the Yuan Dynasty, Beijing has remained a vital cultural, political, and scientific centre of China.

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted and provided with a comfortable transfer to your hotel. Here, you will experience the luxury of five-star service and the privacy of a spacious room. 

Day 2. Beijing — Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City

Today, you will explore the culture and history of Beijing. Your tour will begin at the majestic Tiananmen Square — the largest square in the city centre — where many significant events in Chinese history have taken place. It was here that Mao Zedong proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China. Later, it became the site of mass gatherings and demonstrations during the Cultural Revolution. The square is surrounded by iconic landmarks, including the Gate of Heavenly Peace, museums, government buildings, and Mao Zedong's mausoleum.

Next, you will take a stroll through the ancient hutongs of the Dongcheng district. These historic labyrinths of alleys, lined with single-storey houses, are the remnants of old Beijing, though they are gradually disappearing. Walking through these narrow streets and visiting a local family will provide a deeper insight into traditional life and how the city's unique architecture and culture have been preserved. You will also have the opportunity to climb the Bell Tower for a panoramic view of the old district.

Following this, you will be able to choose from three hutong activities: Chinese calligraphy, paper cutting, or Peking Opera-style colourful make-up. Immerse yourself in the world of Chinese art, experience traditions that have been passed down through generations, and create your own piece of artwork to take home as a souvenir of Beijing.

You will enjoy lunch and dinner at popular local restaurants, which our guide will carefully select based on your preferences. You will have the chance to savour a variety of traditional Beijing dishes, such as tender pork in Peking sauce, fragrant noodles with soy paste, or even an unusual donkey burger.

Day 3. The Temple of Heaven and the Great Wall of China

Today in Beijing will begin with a visit to the Temple of Heaven — one of the greatest examples of Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Built in 1420, this ensemble of Taoist temples was a place where emperors prayed for a good harvest and where a "great sacrifice to heaven" was performed. The main buildings of the temple are circular, symbolising the sky, while the surrounding walls are rectangular, representing the earth. This combination of shapes emphasises the harmony between heaven and earth — an important principle of ancient Chinese cosmology and architecture.

Within the Temple of Heaven, there is an unusual "talking wall", also known as the Wall of Echo, which surrounds the Imperial Vault of Heaven. This acoustically designed structure allows sound to travel from one end of the wall to the other, even in a whisper.

As you stroll through the vast Temple of Heaven Park, which stretches over 273 hectares, you will experience Beijing’s morning atmosphere, watching locals practise Tai Chi, sing, and exercise. The route through the park is approximately one and a half kilometres long and will take about an hour and a half.

After lunch, you will head to the Great Wall of China, visiting the Mutianyu section  — one of the most picturesque and fully restored parts of this grand structure. To save time and energy, you will ascend and descend by cable car to the 14th tower. Here, you will have free time to walk along the wall, allowing you to explore the most beautiful and interesting section of the route between the 14th and 23rd watchtowers. This stretch, known as the "Golden Route", is recognised as the best among hikers.

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Upon your return, you will enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where you can savour traditional Beijing cuisine. Be sure to try the Mongolian hot pot and the famous Peking duck — a symbol of the city’s rich culinary heritage. The duck, with its crispy skin and tender meat, is prepared according to a traditional recipe dating back to the imperial era. The cooking process involves meticulous preparation and slow roasting in a special oven, creating its distinctive flavour and texture.

Day 4. Beijing — Zhangjiajie

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved imperial summer residence in China. Located just 15 kilometres from central Beijing, this magnificent park captivates visitors with its picturesque landscapes and traditional Chinese architecture. Often referred to as the "Museum of Royal Gardens", the palace is renowned for its exemplary design, seamlessly blending architectural splendour with natural beauty.

In approximately two hours, you can walk along the shores of Kunming Lake, admire the intricate wood paintings of the 728-metre Long Corridor, and enjoy a boat or ferry ride. You will also visit the Garden of Virtue and Harmony, originally built as a theatre for Empress Dowager Cixi, where she would listen to her favourite opera performances.

After exploring the Summer Palace, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, you will be met and taken to your hotel, where you can unwind and relax.

End the day with dinner at one of the local restaurants, where you can savour traditional Chinese cuisine tailored to your preferences.