This tour isn’t just a trip—it’s a rollercoaster of contrasts that left me awe-struck at every turn, thanks to Your Way Holiday’s bold itinerary design. Beijing’s guide Ryan set the bar high: he led us to a quiet section of Badaling Great Wall at sunrise, where we watched the mountains glow pink without the usual crowds, then shifted to the Forbidden City’s imperial grandeur by afternoon—his stories of emperors and rebels made the red walls feel alive.

The real adventure began in Zhangjiajie. Our local guide Lin was a former park ranger, and he took us off the tourist trails in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park—we hiked through misty valleys, crossed narrow plank roads clinging to quartz sandstone pillars, and even spotted wild macaques. Yuanjiajie’s “Avatar Mountains” were surreal, but Lin’s favorite spot (a hidden viewpoint overlooking Tianzi Mountain) was the highlight—we sat on a rock, sipping hot tea, as clouds rolled over the peaks.

Chongqing’s chaos was a thrilling contrast: Ryan (who joined us for the city tour) navigated the hilly streets like a pro, taking us to Liziba Station to watch the train pass through a building (mind-blowing!) and Hongya Cave at night, where the lit-up wooden structures looked like a fairy-tale village. The Yangtze River Cruise was the perfect buffer—we relaxed on the deck, watching gorges tower above, and the shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City added a spooky, fascinating layer of Chinese folklore.

From the Great Wall’s man-made marvels to Zhangjiajie’s natural wonders, this tour balances adventure and culture perfectly. Guides were as passionate about hiking trails as they were about history, and logistics (trains, flights, transfers) were seamless. I came home with blisters on my boots and memories that’ll last a lifetime—10/10 for anyone who wants to see China’s wild side and its rich heritage.

Reviewed to: Ultimate 14-Day Luxury Tour Through China: From Australia to Ancient Cities & Breathtaking Landscapes