Itinerary
- Days 1 - 2
Overnight Flight to Shanghai
You'll fly overnight to Shanghai, landing at some point during the day. Once you get to your hotel and settle in, spend the afternoon and evening at your own pace checking out the local atmosphere. The timing depends on when you arrive, so you'll have flexibility to grab a meal, take a walk around your neighborhood, or just rest up from the flight.
Landmarks/POIs Shanghai - Days 1 - 2
Overnight Flight to Shanghai
You'll fly overnight to Shanghai, landing at some point during the day. Once you get to your hotel and settle in, spend the afternoon and evening at your own pace checking out the local atmosphere. The timing depends on when you arrive, so you'll have flexibility to grab a meal, take a walk around your neighborhood, or just rest up from the flight.
Landmarks/POIs Shanghai - Day 3
Shanghai
Start the day at Yu Garden, walking through classical architecture and landscaping, then head into the old town to wander the narrow streets. Later visit a silk factory to see production firsthand. Come evening, take a panoramic cruise along the Huangpu River to see the city lights reflected in the water. Finish with dinner eating authentic Shanghainese food at a local restaurant.
- Meals
- Dinner (Shanghainese cuisine)
Included Activities
- Visit to Yu Garden
- Old town stroll
- Silk factory visit
- Panoramic cruise on Huangpu River
- Shanghainese cuisine dinner
Landmarks/POIs Yu Garden Huangpu River - Day 3
Shanghai
Head to Yu Garden to check out the classical design, then walk through the old town browsing shops and taking in the atmosphere. Stop by a silk mill to see how they work with the fabric. In the afternoon, go up the Jin Mao Tower for sweeping views across the skyline. Later take a river cruise along the Huangpu, and end with authentic Shanghainese dinner.
- Meals
- Dinner (Authentic Shanghainese cuisine)
Included Activities
- Visit to Yu Garden
- Old town stroll
- Silk mill visit
- Jin Mao Tower visit
- Panoramic cruise on Huangpu River
- Shanghainese cuisine dinner
Landmarks/POIs Yu Garden Jin Mao Tower Huangpu River - Day 4
Shanghai - Zhujiajiao
Travel to Zhujiajiao water town, spending time exploring the canals, bridges, and traditional buildings. After that, head back to Shanghai and make your way to the Shanghai Museum to see Chinese art and artifacts. Before heading back to your hotel, take a stroll down the Bund admiring the colonial-era and modern architecture lining the waterfront.
Included Activities
- Zhujiajiao water town exploration
- Shanghai Museum visit
- Bund stroll
Landmarks/POIs Zhujiajiao Shanghai Museum The Bund - Day 4
Shanghai - Zhujiajiao
Travel to Zhujiajiao water town, spending the morning and early afternoon exploring canals, bridges, and traditional buildings. Head back to Shanghai by late afternoon. Walk along the iconic Bund checking out the mix of historic and contemporary buildings, then move through bustling Nanjing Road with its shops and crowds.
Included Activities
- Zhujiajiao water town exploration
- Bund stroll
- Nanjing Road stroll
Landmarks/POIs Zhujiajiao The Bund Nanjing Road - Day 5
Shanghai to Guilin
Fly to Guilin, arriving by mid-afternoon. Walk through Seven Star Park checking out the natural scenery, then head into Seven Star Cave to see the rock formations and caverns. The cave system has some nice lighting set up, making it easier to see the geological features as you walk through.
Included Activities
- Seven Star Park stroll
- Seven Star Cave exploration
Landmarks/POIs Seven Star Park Seven Star Cave - Day 5
Shanghai to Guilin
Fly to Guilin. In the afternoon, visit a tea plantation to walk through the tea bushes and learn about how China grows and processes tea, ending with a tasting of different varieties. Later ride a cable car up Yao Mountain, where you'll get views over Guilin's dramatic karst peaks and the surrounding landscape.
Included Activities
- Tea plantation visit
- Tea heritage learning and tasting
- Yao Mountain cable car ride
Landmarks/POIs Yao Mountain - Day 6
Guilin to Yangshuo
Spend the day on a relaxed cruise down the Li River toward Yangshuo, passing by dramatic limestone peaks rising from the water, rural villages, buffalo grazing in fields, and local fishermen working the river. The scenery is the main event here. If you're interested, there's an optional evening showing the Impression Liu Sanjie music and light performance back in Yangshuo.
Included Activities
- Li River cruise to Yangshuo
Optional Activities
- Impression Liu Sanjie music and light show
Landmarks/POIs Li River Yangshuo - Day 6
Guilin to Yangshuo
Spend the day on a relaxed cruise down the Li River toward Yangshuo, passing by dramatic limestone peaks rising from the water, rural villages, buffalo grazing in fields, and local fishermen working the river. The scenery is the main event here. If you're interested, there's an optional evening showing the Impression Liu Sanjie music and light performance back in Yangshuo.
Included Activities
- Li River cruise to Yangshuo
Optional Activities
- Impression Liu Sanjie music and light show
Landmarks/POIs Li River Yangshuo - Day 7
Yangshuo
Start early with a tai chi class from a local master, learning the movements and philosophy behind the practice. Afterward spend the morning walking through the countryside surrounded by emerald green rice paddies and limestone karsts. By afternoon you'll have leisure time to relax at your accommodation or explore on your own at a slower pace.
Included Activities
- Tai Chi class with a master
Optional Activities
- Countryside exploration
- Cycling
- Rafting
- Walking
Landmarks/POIs Yangshuo - Day 7
Yangshuo
Begin with a tai chi class led by a local master, getting a feel for this traditional martial art. After that, have a Chinese reflexology massage to work out any travel stiffness. Spend the rest of the morning walking through countryside with rice paddies and limestone formations. The afternoon is yours to relax or do as you please.
Included Activities
- Tai Chi class with local master
- Chinese reflexology massage
Optional Activities
- Countryside exploration
Landmarks/POIs Yangshuo - Day 8
Yangshuo to Guilin
Return to Guilin and walk around Ronghu Lake taking in views of the Sun and Moon pagodas, which are striking examples of traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture. Visit the South China Pearl Factory to learn about 1,700 years of pearling history and see demonstrations of how pearls are cultivated and processed. Before heading back, stop by the Li River to get a photo with a cormorant fisherman.
Included Activities
- Ronghu Lake stroll
- Sun and Moon pagodas visit
- South China Pearl Factory visit
- Cormorant fisherman photo opportunity
Landmarks/POIs Ronghu Lake Sun and Moon Pagodas South China Pearl Factory Li River - Day 8
Yangshuo to Guilin
Return to Guilin and explore Reed Flute Cave to see colorful stalagmites and stalactites throughout the cavern system. After that, head to Ronghu Lake for a walk around the shoreline and to see the Sun and Moon pagodas, which are striking examples of traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture.
Included Activities
- Reed Flute Cave visit
- Ronghu Lake stroll
- Sun and Moon pagodas visit
Landmarks/POIs Reed Flute Cave Ronghu Lake Sun and Moon Pagodas - Day 9
Guilin to Xian
Fly to Xian, arriving in the afternoon. Once settled, visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda to see the structure and surrounding temple grounds. Later have dinner at a restaurant serving traditional Shui Jiao dumplings, and afterward watch a lively performance of Tang Dynasty dancing with live music and costumes.
- Meals
- Dinner (Traditional Shui Jiao dumplings)
Included Activities
- Little Wild Goose Pagoda visit
- Traditional Shui Jiao dumplings dinner
- Tang Dynasty dancing performance
Landmarks/POIs Little Wild Goose Pagoda - Day 9
Guilin to Xian
Fly to Xian. In the afternoon, walk through the atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter learning about the city's historic role as the starting point of the Silk Road. The quarter has a mix of mosques, restaurants, and shops. Come evening, dine on Shui Jiao dumplings followed by a vibrant Tang Dynasty dancing performance with traditional music and colorful costumes.
- Meals
- Dinner (Shui Jiao dumplings followed by a vibrant Tang Dynasty dancing performance)
Included Activities
- Muslim Quarter exploration
- Shui Jiao dumplings dinner
- Tang Dynasty dancing performance
Landmarks/POIs Muslim Quarter - Day 10
Xian
Spend the morning viewing the Terracotta Warriors, the life-sized clay figures discovered in the 1970s that guard the tomb of an ancient emperor. Visit a workshop where craftsmen recreate terracotta pieces, then walk on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that ring Xian's old town. From up there you get good views of the city below.
Included Activities
- Terracotta Army viewing
- Terracotta warrior workshop visit
- City walls stroll
Landmarks/POIs Terracotta Army Xian City Walls - Day 10
Xian
Spend the morning viewing the Terracotta Warriors, the life-sized clay figures discovered in the 1970s that guard the tomb of an ancient emperor. Visit a workshop where craftsmen recreate terracotta pieces, then walk on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls surrounding Xian's old town. Later try a refreshing beer tasting at a local brewery.
Included Activities
- Terracotta Army viewing
- Terracotta warrior workshop visit
- City walls stroll
- Local brewery beer tasting
Landmarks/POIs Terracotta Army Xian City Walls - Day 11
Xian to Beijing
Board the bullet train to Beijing, China's capital. Once there, take a leisurely walk through the warren-like hutongs, traditional neighborhoods with narrow streets and old courtyard homes. Visit a local family's home to get a deeper sense of how people live and interact in these communities, learning about daily customs and traditions.
Included Activities
- Bullet train journey to Beijing
- Hutongs stroll
- Local family visit
Landmarks/POIs Beijing - Day 11
Xian to Beijing
Board the bullet train to Beijing, China's capital. Once there, take a leisurely walk through the warren-like hutongs, traditional neighborhoods with narrow streets and old courtyard homes. Visit a local family's home to get a deeper sense of how people live and interact in these communities, learning about daily customs and traditions.
Included Activities
- Bullet train journey to Beijing
- Hutongs stroll
- Local family visit
Landmarks/POIs Beijing - Day 12
Beijing
Dedicate your morning to the Great Wall, taking a walk on the fortification to appreciate both the structure itself and the dramatic scenery surrounding it. Stop by a jade factory to see craftsmanship and browse pieces. Later stroll through the Summer Palace grounds with their gardens and pavilions. End the day watching a thrilling Chinese acrobatic show with performers doing flips and stunts.
Included Activities
- Great Wall walk
- Jade factory visit
- Summer Palace stroll
- Chinese acrobatic show
Landmarks/POIs Great Wall of China Summer Palace - Day 12
Beijing
Dedicate your morning to the Great Wall, taking a walk on the fortification to appreciate both the structure itself and the dramatic scenery surrounding it. Stop by a jade factory to see craftsmanship and browse pieces. Later stroll through the Summer Palace grounds with their gardens and pavilions. End the day watching a thrilling Chinese acrobatic show with performers doing flips and stunts.
Included Activities
- Great Wall walk
- Jade factory visit
- Summer Palace stroll
- Chinese acrobatic show
Landmarks/POIs Great Wall of China Summer Palace - Day 13
Beijing
Start at the Temple of Heaven, a peaceful spot in the middle of the busy city where you can walk around temples and parks. Head to Tiananmen Square at Beijing's symbolic center, then move into the Forbidden City with its vast complex of buildings and courtyards. Enter through the Gate of Supreme Harmony and wander through hundreds of rooms filled with imperial treasures and artwork. Finish the day with Peking duck, Beijing's most famous dish.
- Meals
- Dinner (Peking duck)
Included Activities
- Temple of Heaven visit
- Tiananmen Square stroll
- Forbidden City visit
- Peking duck dinner
Landmarks/POIs Temple of Heaven Tiananmen Square Forbidden City - Day 13
Beijing
Start at the Temple of Heaven, a peaceful spot in the middle of the busy city where you can walk around temples and parks. Head to Tiananmen Square at Beijing's symbolic center, then move into the Forbidden City with its vast complex of buildings and courtyards. Enter through the Gate of Supreme Harmony and wander through hundreds of rooms filled with imperial treasures and artwork. Finish the day with Peking duck, Beijing's most famous dish.
- Meals
- Dinner (Peking duck)
Included Activities
- Temple of Heaven visit
- Tiananmen Square stroll
- Forbidden City visit
- Peking duck dinner
Landmarks/POIs Temple of Heaven Tiananmen Square Forbidden City - Day 14
Beijing to UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same day or the following day depending on flight times and connections. This wraps up your China journey.
- Day 14
Beijing to UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home the same day or the following day depending on flight times and connections. This wraps up your China journey.
