We embarked on a 14-day adventure through China, and I can confidently say it exceeded our expectations. The highlight of Beijing was, of course, the Great Wall at Badaling—nothing prepares you for that first view of the wall stretching across the mountains. The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square were as grand as I had imagined. What I didn’t expect was how much I’d enjoy exploring the small lanes of Nanluoguxiang Hutong, where we got a true taste of local Beijing life.

The trip to Xi’an was memorable for the Terracotta Warriors—such a fascinating look into ancient history. From there, we hopped on the Yangtze River cruise, which was an ideal way to wind down. The cruise’s excursion to Fengdu Ghost City gave us a spooky but fun twist to the experience. Zhangjiajie was a true surprise. The towering cliffs and deep ravines felt like something out of an adventure movie. I’ll never forget the awe I felt when looking out over Tianzi Mountain.

Our Shanghai experience was all about contrasts—traditional Yuyuan Garden was a peaceful retreat, while the Bund was bustling with modern skyscrapers and history. This tour balanced everything perfectly and provided a diverse look at the country.

Reviewed to: 14-Day China Tour Package: Ancient History, Zhangjiajie’s Wonders & Scenic River Cruise