12-Day China Karst Landscapes & Imperial Heritage Tour

Upon arrival in Shanghai, you will be warmly welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner featuring authentic Shanghai and eastern Chinese cuisine—an elegant introduction to your journey.

Begin the day with a visit to the classical Yu Garden, a serene Ming Dynasty masterpiece nestled in Shanghai’s historic Old Town. Continue to the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, ascending to the observation deck for sweeping views over the city’s skyline.

In the afternoon, explore the historic Shikumen neighborhood, where traditional stone-gate houses reveal the fascinating fusion of Chinese and Western influences that shaped modern Shanghai. As evening approaches, take a leisurely walk along the Bund, where colonial-era architecture contrasts strikingly with Pudong’s futuristic skyscrapers—one of the city’s most unforgettable scenes.

Fly to Guilin (approximately 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Later, visit the spectacular Reed Flute Cave, famed for its illuminated stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years, offering an immersive journey into Guilin’s unique karst geology.

This morning, travel to the pier to board the renowned Li River Cruise, widely regarded as the highlight of any visit to China. Drift downstream toward Yangshuo, passing emerald waters, bamboo groves, fishing rafts, and dramatic limestone peaks that resemble a traditional Chinese landscape painting.

Upon arrival, venture into the countryside for a gentle cycling tour, offering close-up views of rural villages, rice fields, and everyday local life.

Return by vehicle to Guilin and board a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, you will be met at the station and transferred to your hotel for check-in and rest.

After breakfast, ascend to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area via the spectacular Bailong Elevator, the world’s highest outdoor lift. Explore highlights such as Mihun Stage, First Bridge Under Heaven, and the iconic Hallelujah Mountains, whose soaring stone pillars inspired the landscapes of Avatar.

Continue by shuttle to Tianzi Mountain, visiting Helong Park and admiring scenic formations such as Fairy Maiden Presenting Flowers, before descending by cable car. In the afternoon, enjoy a relaxed mini-train ride through Ten-Mile Gallery, where imaginative rock formations are brought to life through legend and nature.

Fly to Xi’an, the ancient capital of China. Upon arrival, transfer to the Tang Dynasty Theater for a hands-on dumpling-making experience, learning traditional techniques from local chefs.

In the evening, savor a lavish dumpling banquet, followed by the celebrated Tang Dynasty Music and Dance Show, a vivid recreation of imperial court culture through music, costume, and dance.

Begin with a visit to a Terracotta Army Workshop, where artisans demonstrate traditional sculpting techniques. Continue to the legendary Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, often called the Eighth Wonder of the World, where thousands of life-sized figures stand guard over Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb.

Return to the city to visit the elegant Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a 7th-century Buddhist landmark central to the spread of Buddhism in China.

Walk along Xi’an’s ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved in China, before boarding a high-speed train to Beijing. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Explore the spiritual and political heart of China. Begin at the serene Temple of Heaven, followed by a visit to Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world.

Enter the majestic Forbidden City, once home to emperors and the world’s largest palace complex. Conclude at Jingshan Park, where panoramic views reveal the full grandeur of the palace layout.

Travel to the scenic Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, celebrated for its dramatic mountain setting and relatively fewer crowds. Enjoy cable car access and walk along the ancient ramparts, experiencing one of humanity’s greatest architectural achievements.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your international flight home, bringing this unforgettable journey through China’s landscapes, history, and culture to a close.