Dec 25 2025 – Jan 6 2026 China Winter Adventure

Day 1: 25 Dec – Departure from Sydney

Morning: Arrive at Sydney Airport early for check‑in and enjoy a relaxed coffee before boarding your flight.

Afternoon: Take off on your scheduled flight to Beijing Daxing International Airport; settle in for an overnight journey.

Evening: Rest on the plane and prepare for arrival in Beijing the next day.

Day 2: 26 Dec – Arrival in Beijing

Morning: Land at Beijing Daxing and transfer to your hotel in the city centre.

Afternoon: Take a gentle walk around Tiananmen Square and glimpse the Great Hall of the People.

Evening: Dine on Peking duck near Qianmen Street and enjoy a quiet night in Beijing.

Day 3: 27 Dec – Beijing Exploration

Morning: Explore the historic Forbidden City, admiring its imperial architecture.

Afternoon: Visit the iconic Jingshan Park for panoramic city views, then stroll through the bustling Wangfujing snack street.

Evening: Relax at a traditional tea house in the Hutong lanes of Nanluoguxiang.

Day 4: 28 Dec – Beijing Day Trip

Morning: Take a half‑day tour to the Great Wall (Mutianyu section) for breathtaking winter scenery.

Afternoon: Return to the city and unwind at the serene Summer Palace, wandering its lakeside gardens.

Evening: Enjoy a cultural performance at the National Centre for the Performing Arts.

Day 5: 29 Dec – Beijing → Shanghai (G Train)

Morning: Board the high‑speed G train from Beijing South to Shanghai Hongqiao (≈ 4½ h).

Afternoon: Check into your Shanghai hotel and stroll along the historic Former French Concession.

Evening: Savor Shanghai’s famous xiaolongbao in the lively Yuyuan Bazaar.

Morning: Walk the dazzling Bund for classic skyline views of the Huangpu River.

Afternoon: Explore the futuristic Shanghai Tower and enjoy the observation deck.

Evening: Dine in the vibrant Xintiandi district, soaking up the nightlife.

Day 7: 31 Dec – Shanghai New Year’s Eve

Morning: Visit the tranquil Yu Garden and its surrounding Old City streets.

Afternoon: Browse the art-filled lanes of Tianzifang for souvenirs.

Evening: Celebrate with a special NYE dinner cruise on the Huangpu River, watching the fireworks over the Bund.

Day 8: 1 Jan – Shanghai → Zhangjiajie (G Train)

Morning: Catch an early G train to Zhangjiajie (≈ 6 h, with a transfer in Wuhan).

Afternoon: Arrive, check into your hotel, and explore the charming town centre.

Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner featuring local Hunan cuisine.

Day 9: 2 Jan – Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Morning: Ride the cable car to Huangshi Village and begin hiking the Avatar Mountains.

Afternoon: Walk the famous Golden Whip Stream trail, spotting towering sandstone pillars.

Evening: Return to town for a hot pot dinner and optional night market stroll.

Day 10: 3 Jan – Zhangjiajie → Chongqing (G Train)

Morning: Depart on a G train to Chongqing (≈ 5 h, with a transfer in Changsha).

Afternoon: Check into your hotel and wander the lively Jiefangbei commercial district.

Evening: Dine on spicy Sichuan hot pot while overlooking the illuminated Jialing River.

Day 11: 4 Jan – Chongqing Exploration

Morning: Visit the historic Ciqikou Ancient Town for traditional tea houses and crafts.

Afternoon: Take the iconic Yangtze River Cable Car for panoramic city views, then explore the Three Gorges Museum.

Evening: Sample local street food at Jiangbei Pedestrian Street and enjoy a riverfront walk.

Day 12: 5 Jan – Chongqing → Beijing (G Train)

Morning: Board a high‑speed train back to Beijing (≈ 8 h, with a transfer in Wuhan).

Afternoon: Arrive in Beijing, settle into a hotel near the airport for convenience.

Evening: Have a quiet dinner and pack for the return flight.

Day 13: 6 Jan – Return to Sydney

Morning: Transfer to Beijing Daxing International Airport for your departure.

Afternoon: Board your flight back to Sydney, reflecting on an unforgettable Chinese winter adventure.

Evening: Arrive home; rest and share memories with friends and family.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Sydney → Beijing (flight) – 12 h, $1,200 USD
• Beijing Daxing Airport transfer – 1 h, $30 USD
• Tiananmen Square & surrounding sites – 2 h, free
• Forbidden City – 3 h, $12 USD
• Great Wall (Mutianyu) tour – 5 h, $45 USD
• Beijing → Shanghai (G train) – 4.5 h, $85 USD
• Bund & Huangpu River cruise – 3 h, $25 USD
• NYE dinner cruise – 4 h, $120 USD
• Shanghai → Zhangjiajie (G train) – 6 h, $110 USD
• Zhangjiajie National Forest Park – full day, $70 USD
• Zhangjiajie → Chongqing (G train) – 5 h, $95 USD
• Ciqikou Ancient Town – 3 h, free (meals $20)
• Chongqing → Beijing (G train) – 8 h, $130 USD
• Beijing → Sydney (flight) – 12 h, $1,200 USD
• Total Estimated Cost: $3,284 USD

Tips

If you need to shorten the trip, consider dropping Zhangjiajie and spending the extra days exploring more of Shanghai or Beijing, which reduces travel time and costs. To extend, add a day in Chengdu to visit the giant pandas or a scenic cruise on the Yangtze River from Chongqing, both of which add memorable experiences without disrupting the existing train schedule.