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
Explore the Great Wall on a Nighttime Adventure.
With fewer crowds of Simatai Great Wall in the night, you can enjoy a tranquil walk along the wall and take in the stunning views without the hustle and bustle. The illuminated wall against the night sky is truly spectacular.
Explore the Imperial Palaces accompanied by a Knowledgeable Guide.
Our knowledgeable tour guide can bring the Forbidden City's history and culture to life, providing fascinating insights and anecdotes that you might miss on your own.
Discover the Bund's Rich History from a Bird's-Eye View.
The Bund remains a symbol of Shanghai's transformation from a small fishing village to a global metropolis. Listen to the stories behind Shanghai's development from your guide.
Suspended at a Dizzying Height above a Deep Canyon.
The Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge is made entirely of transparent glass, allowing you to walk through the air with a bird's-eye view of the valley below.
Hike on the Picturesque Rice Terraces.
Longji Rice Terraces are renowned for their stunning beauty, particularly during the rice-growing season when the terraces turn into varying shades of green.
Experience a Unique Blend of Eastern and Western Cultures.
The unique culture fusion of Hongkong is evident in various aspects of life, including architecture, cuisine, traditions, and lifestyle.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
Albee Ning Surreal China Trip
Albee Ning with China Highlights never fails to create the perfect vacation!!! She listens and understands what interests us and provides a guided tour that is surreal. We will remember and share the marvellous memories of this experience for the rest of our lives!! Thanks for everything Albee!!! (Including our dinner together by the elephant in Guilin!!) more
Oct 2024, Mike and Lucy
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Well organised and interesting
Tom was very helpful and knowledgeable. The walk along the Wall was well planned and really enjoyable. The visit to the Summer Palace and Forbidden City were memorable with excellent guiding more
Oct 2024, Robin
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Tour of Beijing
Tom from China tours guided us for a hike on the Jiansanling section of The Great Wall and then a one day tour of Beijing including Forbidden City Tiananmen Square and the Summer Palace. He was very friendly and accommodating from the begin. He answered all of our questions about Chinese history and culture and gave great explanations of the history of all the monuments we visited. The restaurants he chose and dishes he recommended were very tasty on both days. I would recommend him very highly to anyone looking for an English language tour in Beijing and particularly for people interested in history. more
Oct 2024, Sam M
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tour Price
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