21-Day China Adventure for Families with Teens: Culture, Nature & Outdoor Experiences

Hello! After safely arriving at Beijing Capital/Daxing International Airport, you will be greeted by your local Easy Tour China guide with a big smile. A private vehicle will take you to your hotel. During the journey, your guide will briefly introduce the Beijing itinerary, some big facts about China, and cultural tips. Your exciting adventure in China is about to begin.

Upon arriving at the hotel, the guide will assist with check-in. You and your children can have a short rest. Afterward, you can opt for a leisurely stroll around the hotel area to acclimate to the Beijing Time (China Time) rhythm.

Meals: None

Accommodation: Luxury/comfortable family-friendly hotels in Beijing (4 nights)

Start your exploration of Chinese imperial culture. Come to Tian'anmen Square, the center of Beijing and even of China, surrounded by a cluster of iconic buildings that are significant in China's politics and history.

Walk for about 10 minutes to the Imperial Palace, formerly known as the Forbidden City, which was the home to 24 emperors and their families during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Follow your guide and visit the Taihe Hall, Zhonghe Hall, Baohuo Hall, the Imperial Garden, etc, along the central axis of the Forbidden City to learn about the ancient Chinese power structure and the lives of emperors, concubines, princes, and princesses. The guide will arrange some games that will cheer up the kids, such as searching for "dragon elements"?

Later, witness the local life of old Beijing. Walk or take a rickshaw through the old hutong alleys, visit local families. And experience a hands-on cultural activity based on your interests, such as learning calligraphy, paper-cutting, or painting Chinese opera masks.

Meals: B, L

After a drive of about 2 hours, you will arrive at the original and less visited Huanghuacheng Lakeside Great Wall, which is a perfect choice for active families. It is the only water Great Wall in Beijing, with three sections of the Great Wall entering the water and still maintaining the original style of the Ming Dynasty. Hike (about 1.5 - 2 hours) to learn interesting facts and the history of the Great Wall - a way teenagers will love. 

Then, there is an Optional tour: Sacred Road of Ming Tombs or Shahe Daji Market (on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays).

The Sacred Way of Ming Tombs is a World Cultural Heritage. It consists of 36 stone beasts and stone figures, guarding the Ming Changling mausoleum. Shahe Daji Market is a great place to experience authentic local life and cuisine. The West Market is a street featuring agricultural products and snacks; the East Market is a pet paradise and a place for flowers, birds, and insects - favored by both adults and school-age children. Meals: B, L

In the Temple of Heaven, the largest existing ancient sacrificial complex in China, unveil how the emperors offered sacrifices to heaven, prayed for rain and for a bountiful harvest. Moreover, in this sacred place, you will see Beijingers practicing Tai Chi, jogging, dancing, and music lovers playing and singing various instruments.

At Panjiayuan Antique Market, China's largest, experience a "treasure hunt," where you can find old coins, Mao Zedong-era books and badges, and various antiques. Your guide can teach you simple bargaining techniques to buy your desired items at reasonable prices.

Say goodbye to Beijing and continue your Chinese adventure to Zhangjiajie.

Meals: B, L

Accommodation: Luxury/comfortable family-friendly hotels in Zhangjiajie (3 nights)

Dive into adventure on an hiking journey across the wonderous landscapes of Wulingyuan National Park, where active and nature-loving families with teenagers can find time to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. In Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, take the Baolong Elevator, the world's highest and fastest outdoor elevator, to overlook the spectacular quartz sandstone peak forest.

Head to the forest coverage area of 98% Yuanjiajie Scenic Area. You will soon discover the iconic Qiankun Column, which inspires the floating Hallelujah Mountain in the Avatar movie. Then visit other wonders such as the World's No.1 Bridge, the Confusing Platform, etc.

Continue hiking to the mysterious and secluded Tianzi Mountain, known as the "King of Peak Forests" - countless stone peaks like swords and spears. In the Aerial Garden, the Assembly Platform, He Long Park, the Immortal Bridge, the Imperial Brush Peak, the Fairy Scattering Flowers, watch the changes of the mountain clouds and the sunset glow (if the weather permits).

Meals: B, L

Another thrilling adventure day in Zhangjiajie, entering the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. First, walk across the Zhangjiajie Yuntiandu Glass Bridge, which is 536 meters long and 280 meters high, the world's longest and highest - teens’ favorite. While feeling the tremors in your legs, don't forget to take wonderful family photos.

Then, explore the canyon on foot, hike down along the trail for about 2 hours, enjoying the tranquil landscapes of waterfalls, streams, lakes and the primitive forest.

Optional outdoor activities: Zip Line, Via Ferrata, Rock Climbing - Highly recommended for thrill-seeking teenagers to enhance your Zhangjiajie adventure

Meals: B, L

After a good night's sleep, start your Zhangjiajie city tour to Tianmen Mountain. Take the world's longest mountain cable car - about 30 minutes - to overlook the "Sky Road" with 99 bends, and submit Tianmen Mountain. Follow your private guide on a hike along the west line, challenging the glass walkway (60 meters), the cliff-side Ghost Valley Walkway, and the suspension bridge, and visit the Tianmen Mountain Temple.

Next, take the mountain-passing escalator down to Tianmen Cave (Heaven’ Door), the world's highest-altitude natural mountain-passing cave, like a sky gate embedded in the sky, hence the name. Or choose to walk up the 999-step Upward Ladder. At the square in front of Tianmen Cave, take a family photo with the spectacular Tianmen Cave.

Take the cable car down and take the high-speed train to Chongqing (about 5-6 hours).

Meals: B, L

Accommodation: Luxury/comfortable family-friendly hotels in Chongqing (2 nights)

Today, you will explore China's Cyberpunk city, a favorite among teenagers, and get endless Instagram photos. Hike the Mountain City Trail (Shancheng Trail) and experience the 8D city's three-dimensional transportation. Continue to explore the urban wonders of Chongqing - at Liziba Station, watch the train pass through the building. Take a break and ride the Yangtze River Cable Car, the former means of transportation for locals to cross the Yangtze River, and overlook the Jialing River scenery.

Later, go to the observation deck on the 131st floor of the World Trade Center to overlook the entire city. As night falls slowly, enjoy the night view of Hongya Cave, illuminated by lights, as if you have entered the bathhouse in the movie "My Neighbor Totoro". Take photos and videos of the popular social media-famous Hongya Cave.

Meals: B, L

Enjoy a day tour from Chongqing to Dazu Rock Carvings, another World Heritage Site. Be amazed by the thousands of large and small Buddha statues, savoring up the Buddhist art. And, learn about the evolution of Buddhism in China, how it blends with traditional Taoism and Confucianism.

In the afternoon, take the high-speed train to Chengdu (about 1.5 - 2 hours), the hometown of giant pandas.

Meals: B, L

Accommodation: Luxury/comfortable family-friendly hotels in Chengdu (3 nights)

Follow your local guide to enjoy the Chengdu Panda Tour, and experience the laid-back lifestyle of Chengdu. Start early and head to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where there are over 200 giant pandas, as well as red pandas and other rare animals. See how the keepers take care of the baby pandas, watch the bigger ones eat bamboo, climb trees, and play. You can also spot the famous pandas Hua Hua and Gong Zi (the prototype of "A Bo" in "Kung Fu Panda").

Then, visit a traditional wet market where various food ingredients are sold. Different from your supermarkets, here butchers cut meat, and unfamiliar vegetables and fish markets - both parents and children will feel a cultural shock. Then, head to the Kuanzhai Alley, lined with traditional houses, which is a great place for people to drink tea and find local delicacies.

Finally, arrive at the People's Park, where locals gather to drink tea. You can also see people enjoying ear cleaning, haircuts, and square dancing. It's time to learn and play! Learn to play mahjong with your guide - it's a favorite game among locals, but it's very strategic.

Meals: B, L

After a 2-hour drive, you will arrive at the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world's largest stone-carved Buddha statue. How big is it? It is 71 meters high, with a head 14.7 meters high and a width of 10 meters. It has 1,051 hairpins and earlobes 7 meters long. Along the walkway, descend from the Buddha's head to its feet and have a close look at the Buddha. It was so interesting! Of course, your private guide will also explain its construction history and interesting stories.

After lunch, visit the river-side Huanglongxi Ancient Town with a history of around 1,700 years. Take a brisk stroll along the stone-paved street, explore tens of well-preserved dwellings, and taste snacks such as ice powder and bean paste.

Optional (Seasonal): Farm fruit picking, such as strawberries and grapes.

Meals: B, L

In the morning, take the bullet train to Guilin to experience again the speed of China's high-speed rail. During the approximately 5-6-hour journey, enjoy the rural and mountainous scenery along the way, and you won't feel bored.

Guilin is famous for its surreal karst landform protected by UNESCO. This afternoon, you will explore the cave - Reed Flute Cave - like a magical underground palace. Illuminated by colorful lights, various strange stalactites and stalagmites appear, like waterfalls, like animals.

Then, arrive at the Guilin Tea Research Institute, which once presented top-quality tea to the emperors. Experience Chinese tea culture - learn about tea varieties, master tea brewing techniques, and understand tea etiquette. You can also go to the sweeping tea garden and pick tea with the tea farmers..

Meals: B, L

Accommodation: Luxury/comfortable family-friendly hotels in Guilin/Longji/Yangshuo (4 nights)

After driving for about 2 hours, you will arrive at the parking lot of Longji Rice Terraces. From there, it takes about half an hour to walk to your hotel. 

Then, continue hiking (about 2 hours) through the Zhuang villages and forests, reaching the Seven Stars with the Moon and the Five Tigers & Five Heroes viewing platforms. Here, you can admire the magnificent terraces that rise layer upon layer from the mountains to the foot of the mountains.

Through the explanations of your local guide, you can learn about the scale and history of the Longji Rice Terraces. Also glimpse into the lives, architecture, and customs of the local Yao and Miao people. If the weather permits, take pictures of the valley clouds and the sun setting on the terraces.

Meals: B, L

The Li River cruise is a must-do in Guilin. Even better, a small bamboo boat offers privacy for your family and more fun. Sit back on the boat and enjoy the reflections of the ever-changing karst mountains in the Li River - one of the most beautiful rivers in China and the world. Float quietly, passing by the famous Nine-Horse-Painting Mountain and the 20-yuan banknote backdrop site - Yellow Cloth Shoal. Capture pictures like traditional landscape paintings.

Get off the boat at Xingping Ancient Town, and walk through this 1,700-year-old town. On both sides of the cobblestone roads are faded walls and old houses. If you're interested, you can buy some souvenirs from the featured shops, such as paper fans.

Meals: B, L

Based on your and your children's interests, physical abilities and pace, your Easy Tour China travel consultant will customize today's trip itinerary for you, with a wide range of teenage-friendly outdoor activities. The best idea? It must the cycling adventur through the countryside. Along the Yulong River, bike through fields, bamboo groves, orchards, and small villages. Stop whenever you want to capture limestone peaks and rural scenery.

In addition, you can choose to hike in the fields or on the mountains (such as Cuiping Mountain), go kayaking and take the bamboo rafting trip on the Xilong River. And Ruyi Peak is not only a great place for hiking with the Yangshuo rural panorama, but also features thrilling suspension bridges and glass bridges.

Meals: B, L

Have free time in the morning. Wake up naturally and have a good breakfast. Walk around West Street. Later today, your guide and driver will escort you to Guilin Airport and fly to Hangzhou.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Luxury/comfortable family-friendly hotels in Hangzhou (2 nights)

Walk around the West Lake, the best highlight of Hangzhou, and take in the ten cultural scenes: Broken Bridge, Riverbank, Lotus Pond, Leifeng Pagoda... If you prefer a boat cruise can be arranged.

Then, time to experience the high-tech. Visit the technology of robotics at Hangzhou Shenhao Technology Robotics Factory. The school students can learn how industrial robots are applied in areas such as power grids, railways, and public safety. And let’s get on a safe driverless buse? How exciting! And, It's free. Even without a driver, the buses turn, avoid obstacles, and stop steadily.

Meals: B, L

Take a one-hour high-speed train to reach Shanghai, this vibrant metropolis is affectionately called the "Magic City". Meet your private local guide in Shanghai and head to visit Yu Garden. This 17th-century classical garden of the Ming Dynasty is small but complete with curved bridges, rockeries, pavilions, and towers. Looking up, you can also see the futuristic skyscrapers nearby. Savor the combination of tradition and modernity - the unique charm of Shanghai.

Next, in the Yuyuan Bazaar and the Town God Temple, it feels like entering an ancient Chinese marketplace, and you can start your food tour. Taste Shanghai street food, such as small steamed buns, pan-fried dumplings, and scallion oil noodles, and discover various interesting behind-the-scenes food scenes. Furthermore, the curious teenagers will also fall in love with (cheap) Chinese trendy beverages such as Mixue Ice Cream & Tea, Luckin Coffee.

Meals: B, L

Accommodation: Luxury/comfortable family-friendly hotels in Shanghai (3 nights)

Walk along the riverside road and follow the historical building scroll along the Bund. On the other side of the Huangpu River, there are the skyscrapers of Lujiazui - telling the legendary stories of Shanghai. Here comes the exciting moment that teenagers love, when you ascend to the landmark Oriental Pearl Tower, one of the tallest buildings in Shanghai. Through the glass viewing platform, you can overlook the entire panorama of Shanghai.

Later, arrive at Xintiandi, where traditional Shikumen buildings have been transformed into a fashionable commercial area. You can have a cup of coffee and take a short break.

Optional ERA acrobatic show: An amazing performance that combines dance, music, and thrilling acrobatics.

Meals: B, L

You can have a full-day exploring Shanghai on your own. We recommend two family-friendly theme parks: Shanghai Disneyland and Legoland Shanghai.

Shanghai Disneyland is one of the most popular Disney parks in the world. It has some unique rides, such as TRON Lightcycle Power Run, Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for the Sunken Treasure, Zootopia: Hot Pursuit. Enjoy family fun in the fairy tale world filled with laughter and joy.

Legoland Shanghai is the 11th global and the first in China. Immerse yourself in Brick Street, LEGO Creative World, LEGO City, LEGO Castle... If you are interested, construct the LEGO Architecture Shanghai 21039 building kit, which is part of the LEGO Architecture Shanghai Skyline series.

Meals: B

Free time until your private guide and driver escort you to the airport according to your return flight schedule. End of your 21-day China tour package with teens. Welcome back to China and use Easy Tour China's services again.

Meals: B