About this Tour
This thoughtfully curated 12-day journey offers an in-depth introduction to China’s most iconic cities, breathtaking natural landscapes, and profound cultural heritage. Blending historic landmarks with immersive cultural experiences and gentle-paced exploration, the itinerary is designed for comfort, insight, and enjoyment. From the futuristic skyline of Shanghai and the poetic karst scenery of Guilin to the legendary Terracotta Warriors and the grandeur of Beijing’s imperial sites, this expedition reveals China’s remarkable diversity, past and present, in a seamless and enriching travel experience.
About China
China is a vast and diverse country known for its rich history, ancient wonders, and vibrant traditions that span thousands of years. From the Great Wall to the Terracotta Warriors, China offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty.
Moments from this Tour
What’s Included
- Transportation: Domestic Flights, High-Speed Train, and Luxury Coach
- Lodging: 4-5 Star Hotels and Cultural boutique inns
- Meals: Every full itinerary day will include 3 meals. Arrival and departure will differ.
- Activities and Tickets: All listed entrance and guided experience fees.
- Tour Guide: Local Chinese-speaking driver and English-speaking tour guide
What’s Excluded
- Transportation: Expenses from Activities and Meals not denoted in the Itinerary
- Tour guide gratuities (recommended 10%)
- Trip and cancellation insurance
- Personal expenses
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Flight tickets outside of the tour
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Shanghai
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, starting off with an elegant introduction to your journey.
Day 2: Shanghai City Discovery
After breakfast at your hotel, we will 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.
Accommodations: Hotel of 4 star quality or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Shanghai → Guilin | Karst Cave Exploration
Upon flight 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.
Accommodations: Hotel of 4 star quality or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Full-Day Jiuzhaigou National Park Exploration
We will take the entire day to go sightseeing in Jiuzhaigou National Park. Some of the main highlights we will visit are: Five-Flower Lake, Nuorilang Waterfall, Long Lake, Arrow Bamboo Lake, Shuzheng Lakes and Mirror Lake. We will take a picnic or buffet inside the park for lunch. At the end of the day we will return to the hotel to rest.
Accommodations: Hotel of 4 star quality or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
.Day 5: Jiuzhaigou – High-Speed Train – Return to Chengdu
We will allow time in the morning for leisure, or if you would like, we will take an optional visit to a Tibetan village. Around noon, we will set off for the Guangyuan/Mianyang train station and take the high-speed train to Chengdu. In the evening we will explore Kuanzhai Alley and have dinner in that area, which we recommend trying the Sichuan hotpot.
Accommodations: Chengdu 5 star hotel or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Chengdu – Kunming – Stone Forest
In the morning we will catch a flight to Kunming, and have a private airport pickup. In the afternoon, we will take a tour of Stone Forest Geopark, admire Karst formations and enjoy Yi ethnic Roast duck. We will then return to Kunming and drop you off at your hotel for the night.
Accommodations: Delta Hotels Kunming 5★ or equivalent hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Kunming – Dali
After eating breakfast, we will travel to Dali. We will then visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Dali Ancient Town, Foreigner’s Street and the Catholic Church in Old Town Dali City. In the evening, we will take a stroll in the ancient town and enjoy Bai Culture and cuisine.
Accommodations: Lanlingge Hotel Dali (Ancient Town) 5 star or equivalent hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Dali – Xizhou – Shaxi
We will visit Xizhou Ancient Town in the morning, exploring the ancient banyan tree and Corner Tower. We will also be able to see a traditional Bai tea ceremony. We will have lunch here and enjoy local Bai cuisine. After lunch, we will spend the afternoon in Zhoucheng for in-depth tie-dye session, and then head to Shaxi Ancient Town for a leisurely evening
Accommodations: Lanlingge Garden Hotel Shaxi 5★ or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Shaxi – Lijiang
We will visit the Xingjiao Temple, Yujin Bridge, South Gate, and Ancient Stage in the morning and then depart for Lijiang at noon. Once we arrive, we will visit Lijiang Old Town and explore Dongba script writing, Naxi wedding customs, and embroidery heritage.
Accommodations: Huazhu Cangyuan Lijing Hotel Lijiang 5★ or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Lijiang – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
We will ascend to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain through either Glacier cableway or Spruce Meadow cableway and tour Snowfield Ranch. In the afternoon we will visit to Blue Moon Valley (electric cart included) and admire the alpine lake scenery.
Accommodations: Huazhu Cangyuan Lijing Hotel Lijiang 5★
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge Adventure
In the morning, we will depart from Shigu Town and visit the historic Iron Chain Bridge, where you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the famous First Bend of the Yangtze River. In the afternoon, embark on a scenic hike through the breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of China’s deepest and most dramatic canyons. Along the way, take in towering cliffs, rushing waters, and unforgettable natural scenery
Accommodations: Huazhu Cangyuan Lijing Hotel Lijiang 5★ or equivalent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Lijiang – Lashihai Wetland – Departure
In the morning, visit Lashihai Wetland Park, where you can enjoy optional horseback riding and boating while experiencing a section of the ancient Tea-Horse Road. Take in the serene landscapes and cultural significance of this historic trade route. In the afternoon, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.
Accommodations: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
Hotel Rating System
Although some hotels on this itinerary may appear to have a lower star rating on international booking websites, they are officially classified by the China National Tourism Administration. This government-regulated system evaluates hotels based on a strict set of standards for quality, facilities, and service. Some differences in rating systems and cultural expectations may account for the variation in online ratings. In order to ensure quality, we rate hotels by this system.