12-Day Beijing, Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, and Hong Kong Tour

China's Modern Marvels and Rural Charm

Embark on an unforgettable journey through China's vibrant cities and breathtaking landscapes with this 12-day comprehensive tour to Beijing, Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, and Hong Kong. Immerse yourself in China's rich history, culture and contemporary influences in Beijing and Shanghai. Journey to Zhangjiajie and Guilin for its otherworldly landscapes. Conclude your tour in the vibrant city of Hong Kong.

The itinerary below serves as a starting point for your adventure. To create a truly personalized experience, share your preferences with our travel experts. We'll tailor the itinerary to align with your interests, tastes, and budget, ensuring a memorable journey.

Suggested 12-Day Itinerary

Day Highlights
1-3
Beijing
The Forbidden City, the Simatai Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven
4-5
Shanghai
The Bund, the Shanghai Tower, cruise on Huangpu River
6-7
Zhangjiajie
The Hallelujah Mountain, the Tianzi Peak, the glass bridge
8-10
Guilin
Longji Rice Terraces, cruise on Li River to Yangshuo, cycle in rural village
11-12
Hong Kong
Free to explore

Tour 'Wow' Points

Be captivated by the top-ranked section of Great Wall on a nighttime adventure.

Simatai Great Wall
Simatai Great Wall

Explore the lavish imperial palaces accompanied by a knowledgeable guide.

The Forbidden City
The Forbidden City

Discover the Bund's rich history from a bird's-eye view.

Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower

Suspended at a dizzying height above a deep canyon in Zhangjiajie.

Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge

Hike on the picturesque rice terraces that cascade down the hillsides.

Longji rice terraces
Longji rice terraces

Experience a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong
Hong Kong

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Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

Day 1 Beijing Arrival

Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at the arrival hall in Beijing. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you to check-in.

Day 2 Beijing | The Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven

The Temple of Heaven is a magnificent complex that showcases the beauty and symbolism of traditional Chinese architecture. This triple-tiered white stone terrace is where emperors made sacrifices to heave, Nowadays, many locals use the park as a place to practice tai chi and do morning exercises.

Embark on a 3-hour guided journey through the Forbidden City, exploring 12 of its most captivating sites. Delve into the rich history, architecture, feng shui principles, and artistic masterpieces that define this imperial palace. Discover captivating stories of influential figures from the Ming and Qing dynasties, including dedicated emperors, enduring empress dowagers, and remarkable concubines.

Day 3 Beijing| The Mutianyu and Simatai Great Wall
 

In the morning, you would discover the Mutianyu Great Wall, a TripAdvisor favorite renowned for its picturesque scenery and beautifully restored architecture. It can be accessed with round-way cable car and avoid steep climbs.

Next, we will head to Simatai Great Wall, the only section that is illuminated and accessible after dark. Experience a more rugged and authentic Great Wall, with less restoration and a wilder atmosphere. You will stay in Gubei Water Town, nestled against the majestic Simatai Great Wall, for accommodation tonight.

Day 4 Beijing to Shanghai | High Speed Train Transfer

Traveling between Beijing and Shanghai by high-speed train is incredibly convenient. The journey covers 1,300 kilometers and takes just 4 to 5 hours, making it a seamless and efficient way to travel between these two major cities.

Shanghai, a dynamic metropolis, offers a wide range of attractions. While our tour includes a single day in Shanghai, you can easily customize your itinerary to explore more of this exciting city.

Day 5 Shanghai to Zhangjiajie | The Bund and Shanghai Tower

Embark on a leisurely stroll along the Bund, Shanghai's iconic waterfront promenade. Admire the harmonious blend of European and Oriental architecture as you pass historic buildings, offering a glimpse into the city's rich trading past.

Ascend to the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower, the world's second-tallest building. Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline from this dizzying height.

To optimize your travel time, we recommend take an evening flight to Zhangjiajie. This ensures a seamless connection to your next adventure.

Day 6 Zhangjiajie | The National Forest Park

Today we'll visit the famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Its iconic pillar-like formations are the result of centuries of erosion.

The Bailong Sightseeing Elevator, the world's tallest and fastest of its kind, can transport 3,000 people per hour in four transparent elevators. Enjoy a stunning two-minute journey to the mountain's summit.

Zhangjiajie is celebrated for its four natural wonders: the mist-shrouded peaks, the breathtaking sunrises, the enchanting moonlit nights, and the snow-capped winter landscapes. Explore over 80 natural platforms that offer panoramic views. Take a cable car ride to Tianzi Mountain for a leisurely ascent and unforgettable vistas.

Day 7 Zhangjiajie | The Grand Canyon with Glass Bridge

Today, our guide will lead you to visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, which is a stunning natural attraction that has recently been developed into a wonderland for visitors. It offers a combination of majestic mountains, flowing streams, intriguing caves, towering cliffs, and lush forests. One of the highlights of this scenic area is the world's longest and highest glass bridge. Imagine the thrill of walking on this bridge, suspended 300 meters above the ground! It's definitely an experience you wouldn't want to miss during your tour.

Visit the Tianmen Mountain, the awe-inspiring heart of Zhangjiajie! As the highest peak in the area, this majestic mountain offers unrivaled views of ancient trees, stunning karst formations, and scenic roads carved into cliff sides. Hop on the world's longest cable car ride, a thrilling 30-minute journey from the city center, and ascend to the mountain's summit.

At 1430 meters above ground, you'll find the renowned Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway, a remarkable observation platform that extends from a sheer cliff. This narrow 1.6-meter-wide, 60-meter-long glass walkway offers brave souls not only breathtaking views of the mountains below but also the exhilaration of treading nervously above such heights.

Day 8 Zhangjiajie to Guilin | Reed Flute Cave
 

The most efficient way to travel from Zhangjiajie to Guilin is by high-speed train, taking approximately 7 hours. While the journey may be lengthy, the scenic views along the railway make it a worthwhile experience.

After arrival in Guilin, you will head to Reed Flute Cave firstly. The cave is filled with intricate formations of stalagmites (rising from the ground) and stalactites (hanging from the ceiling), creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Discover formations that resemble various animals and plants, adding to the magical atmosphere.

Day 9 Guilin | Longji Rice Terraces
 

Located approximately a 2-hour drive from Guilin, Longji boasts a rich history dating back 600 years and serves as a testament to the ingenuity of local minority people.

Our journey begins in Ping'an Zhuang Village, home to over 50 families and nestled amongst the terraces at an elevation ranging from 300 meters to a staggering 1,100 meters above sea level. You can choose to hike up the mountain and soak in the panoramic views from each step.

Day 10 Guilin to Yangshuo | Li River Cruise

A cruise along the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo is an unforgettable experience. As you navigate the scenic river, there's always something captivating to discover around every bend.

Amidst the towering limestone peaks, you'll encounter graceful bamboo groves, farmers tending rice paddies, and water buffaloes leisurely pulling carts or cooling off in the river.

Yangshuo's countryside is renowned for its idyllic scenery. Your guide will lead you through the picturesque countryside on a bike, exploring the rice paddies and surrounding mountains.

Day 11 Guilin to Hong Kong | High Speed Train Transfer

High-speed rail service to Hong Kong commences after 1 PM, arriving within 3 hours. Upon arrival, your dedicated tour guide and private vehicle will be waiting to escort you safely to your hotel.

As a cosmopolitan city, Hong Kong is a traveler-friendly destination with minimal language barriers. Exploring Hong Kong independently is recommended. However, if you prefer a guided experience, we're happy to assist you in planning personalized day tours.

Day 12 Hong Kong Departure

Our guide will assist you with a private car or van transfer from your hotel to Hong Kong Airport, ensuring a smooth and efficient departure. We hope this trip leaves you with cherished memories.

Hotel Selection

—the Icing on the Cake

Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.

Hotel in Yangshuo
Hotel in Shanghai

Tour Price

FromUS$ 3,329p/p Based on a private tour including 4-star hotels for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel.

Price includes:

  • Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
  • English speaking local guide
  • Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
  • 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling

Tour code: cht-11

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