1. Beijing’s Forbidden City & Great Wall (Mutianyu)
Begin at the Forbidden City’s Meridian Gate. Feel imperial power in vast courtyards and crimson halls. I’ll point out hidden dragon carvings and secret passages overlooked by most tours. At Mutianyu, skip Badaling’s crowds: the restored watchtowers and steep stone steps give you the authentic Great Wall adrenaline rush. Sunset here turns the stones gold—bring your camera.
2. Xi’an’s Terracotta Army & Ancient City Wall
Descend into Pit 1 to see life‑size warriors guarding their emperor for eternity. I explain the subtle color traces still visible under special lighting. Afterwards, bike atop Xi’an’s 14‑km city wall at dusk—the ramparts offer panoramic views of the bustling Muslim Quarter below, where we’ll sample hand‑pulled noodles.
3. Shanghai’s Bund & Pudong Skyline
Stroll the Bund at night as colonial facades light up against Pudong’s skyscrapers. On the river’s opposite side, ascend Shanghai Tower’s observation deck for 360° cityscape views. I’ll share where to find the best xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) just off People’s Square.
4. Guilin & Yangshuo Li River Cruise
Board a bamboo raft at dawn when mist drifts between karst peaks. I’ll describe local folklore of the white snake and point out rare birds nesting on limestone cliffs. In Yangshuo, we cycle past rice terraces; I know a family who invites guests for tea in their stilt house.
5. Chengdu Panda Base & Sichuan Hotpot
Arrive at the panda base at 8 AM to watch cubs tumble—your guide secures front‑row spots. Later, dive into a bubbling hotpot; I’ll interpret the spice levels and introduce you to Sichuan peppercorn’s numbing magic, ensuring even novices enjoy it.
6. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park & Glass Bridge
Ride the Bailong Elevator up the sandstone pillars—legend says Avatar’s Hallelujah Mountains were inspired here. Walk the glass bridge suspended over a 300‑m canyon: I’ll help steady nervous travelers. On Tianmen Mountain, step onto the “Stairway to Heaven” cliff path and visit Heaven’s Gate cave carved into sheer rock.
7. Hangzhou’s West Lake & Longjing Tea
Glide on a wooden boat across West Lake at dawn. I point out Su Causeway’s flowering willows and recount Su Dongpo’s poetry. At Longjing tea terraces, we pick leaves by hand, then taste freshly brewed Dragon Well tea under ancient camphor trees.
8. Lhasa’s Potala Palace & Jokhang Temple
Climb to Potala’s White and Red Palaces; I narrate the Dalai Lama’s history as you pass gilded chapels. At Jokhang, join pilgrims circumambulating the temple; I explain the significance of prayer wheels and sky burials viewed from nearby rooftops.
9. Suzhou’s Classical Gardens & Canals
Explore the Humble Administrator’s Garden’s zigzag bridges and lotus ponds. In a black‑wood boat, drift through ancient waterways. I introduce you to a silk‑weaving master whose family has crafted brocade here for centuries.
10. Guizhou Huangguoshu waterfall
Stand at the base of Huangguoshu Waterfall, China’s largest waterfall, and feel the mist on your face as water crashes down from a height of 77.8 meters. I’ll guide you through the Water Curtain Cave, where you can walk behind the falls, offering an unforgettable view. As we explore the surrounding park, I’ll share stories of local legends tied to this natural wonder. Don’t miss the best vantage point for sunset—when the falls are illuminated, they glow golden.
