China in 13 days: complete itinerary through Chongqing, Zhangjiajie, Furong, Fenghuang, Xi'an, Pingyao and Beijing

Chongqing is one of the most impressive cities in modern China, built between mountains and bisected by the Yangtze and Jialing rivers. Its vertical architecture, enormous bridges and varied topographic levels create unique and futuristic urban landscapes.

Over three days, explore the historic Hongya Cave district with its traditional buildings illuminated at night, the Kuixinglou Square viewpoint that reveals surprising perspectives of the city at different levels, and walks along the Yangtze River. The city is also one of the best places in the country to try authentic Sichuan hotpot.

Set aside a day for a trip to Wulong, home to the Three Natural Bridges — enormous stone arches formed naturally by the karst landscape typical of China's interior. The three natural archways, each tens of metres tall, are among the most impressive geological formations in the region and lie around two hours from Chongqing.

Zhangjiajie is home to some of China's most breathtaking natural landscapes and gained international fame for the rock formations that inspired the scenery of the Avatar film. The national park features giant sandstone pillars covered in vegetation, suspended walkways and unique panoramic viewpoints.

Over two days, explore Yuanjiajie with its iconic pillars accessible by the Bailong Elevator, Tianzi Mountain with sweeping panoramic views, and the world's longest glass bridge. Cable cars connect different sectors of the park and provide easy access to the main attractions.

Furong is a small historic village built on a cliff with an approximately 60-metre waterfall running through the centre of the settlement. The combination of traditional Tujia architecture and the natural waterfall creates a scene found nowhere else in China.

Even on a short visit, it is possible to walk the wooden walkways beside the waterfall, explore the traditional market and watch the sunset from elevated viewpoints. At night, the illumination of the historic buildings creates one of the most photogenic scenes on the entire itinerary.

Fenghuang is considered one of the best-preserved ancient towns in China. Located on the banks of the Tuojiang river, it retains historic wooden bridges, stilt houses and cobblestone streets that reflect the traditional architecture of the Miao and Tujia ethnic minorities.

One day allows you to walk through the historic centre, cross bridges over the river, visit ancient temples and observe watchtowers. The evening is especially recommended, when the lighting creates reflections on the river and reveals the traditional atmosphere of the town.

Xi'an was one of ancient China's most important capitals and marks the eastern end of the historic Silk Road. The city combines world-class archaeological sites with preserved city walls and traditional neighbourhoods.

The main highlight is the Terracotta Army, one of the most important archaeological discoveries in the world, featuring thousands of life-size warrior statues unearthed in 1974. The ancient city wall can be walked or cycled along its entire perimeter, and the Muslim Quarter preserves historic mosques and traditional markets.

Zhangjiajie is home to some of China's most impressive natural landscapes and became known worldwide for the rock formations that inspired the scenery in the film Avatar. The national park brings together giant sandstone pillars, suspended walkways, and panoramic viewpoints spread across the mountains.

During your visit, explore the Yuanjiajie area, where the famous Avatar Mountains are accessible via the Bailong Elevator, continue to Tianzi Mountain with sweeping panoramic views, and finish at the Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, a suspended glass walkway over the Grand Canyon.

In the evening, visit the Qilou complex (72 Strange Buildings), an illuminated architectural ensemble inspired by traditional Chinese constructions and one of the most photogenic night scenes in the city.

Beijing brings the itinerary to a close with three days dedicated to China's capital and its greatest historic monuments.

The first day can be devoted to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. The second day is set aside for the Great Wall, preferably the Mutianyu or Jinshanling sections. The third day allows for visits to the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace and traditional Hutong neighbourhoods. The final day is free to revisit favourite spots or explore the 798 Art District.

China's capital serves as the ideal conclusion to the itinerary, bringing together imperial history, monumental architecture and the political and cultural dimensions of contemporary China.