Arrive LAX at least 3 hours before a long-haul international flight; complete check-in and security for your flight to Chengdu. This reduces stress on a long travel day.
Overnight long-haul flight to Chengdu (likely one connection); expect ~13–16 hours total travel time including layover. Book a flight that arrives in Chengdu the following day to maximize sightseeing time.
Arrive at Chengdu Shuangliu or Tianfu airport; transfer to city and check in or drop bags (early check-in if available). Rest briefly before starting light activities.
Relax like a local with tea and simple Sichuan breakfast snacks at a tea house inside People’s Park (tea houses open early). People-watch and experience Chengdu’s slow-morning culture.
See giant pandas in the morning feeding/activity period; the base is best early (open roughly 7:30am–6:00pm). A must-see for wildlife lovers and a signature Chengdu experience.
Visit the Wuhou Shrine (historical site tied to the Three Kingdoms) and stroll Jinli Ancient Street for crafts and snacks; Wuhou typically open ~8:00am–6:00pm, Jinli stays lively into the evening.
Enjoy a spicy Sichuan hotpot (Haidilao is reliable and opens late). A communal, warming meal—order a split-pot if you prefer milder flavors on one side.
Drive ~1–1.5 hours to Dujiangyan to see the ancient irrigation system (open ~8:00am–5:00pm), then continue to Qingcheng Mountain for Taoist temples and gentle hiking—both are UNESCO-linked and show Sichuan’s natural and historical breadth.
Enjoy a variety of Sichuan small plates—cold dishes, mapo tofu, and Sichuan peppercorn specialties—while enjoying the restored historic alley ambiance.
Domestic morning flight to Zhangjiajie (Wulingyuan) area; flight ~2–3 hours plus transfer to Wulingyuan/Town. Book earlier flights to maximize afternoon exploration.
Take the famous Tianmen Mountain cable car and walk the cliffside paths and Tianmen Cave viewpoint. The cable car and scenic area usually operate ~8:00am–5:00pm but schedules vary with season—check locally.
Try Hunan specialties (more chili-forward than Sichuan) at a recommended local restaurant in Wulingyuan—duck blood and smoked pork are regional favorites.
Explore the iconic pillar-like mountains that inspired Avatar’s scenery; take the short cable or walking routes to multiple viewing platforms—plan for a full morning to maximize viewpoints.
Walk through Tiananmen Square and visit the Forbidden City (Palace Museum) if time allows; Forbidden City hours typically 8:30am–5:00pm (last entry earlier), so arrive early afternoon to allow hours of exploration — check official site for ticket windows.
Enjoy Beijing’s signature Peking duck at a reputable restaurant (Da Dong for modern presentation or Quanjude for classic style); reservations recommended as dinner hours fill quickly.
Early hotel breakfast then depart for Mutianyu (less crowded than Badaling). Mutianyu area and cable car typically open ~7:30am–5:00pm—arrive early to avoid crowds and afternoon wind.
Take the cable car up and walk sections of restored wall with spectacular vistas; allocate several hours for walking, photos and optional toboggan down.
Head to the 798 Art District for contemporary art galleries, boutiques and relaxed bars; many galleries are open into the early evening and cafés stay open later.
Visit the serene Lama Temple (Yonghe Gong) and nearby Confucius Temple and Imperial College for a quieter cultural morning; both usually open ~9:00am–5:00pm.
Use this afternoon for any final shopping (silks, tea, handicrafts) or a relaxing tea ceremony—leave buffer time to return to your hotel and collect luggage.
Early dinner near your hotel and final check-out; arrange airport transfer for next day’s flight (or for late-night/overnight transfer depending on your selected flight).
Check out and transfer to Beijing Capital or Daxing Airport for your long-haul flight back to Los Angeles; allow 3 hours for international departure procedures.
Board your international flight back to LAX. Flight duration is ~11–13 hours; crossing the International Date Line will bring you back to Los Angeles (same calendar day arrival possible depending on schedule).