12-Day China Exploration Tour to Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Guilin & Beijing

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Shanghai Arrival

   Upon your arrival in Shanghai, your local guide and driver will welcome you in the arrivals hall or at the exit by holding a board with “China Xian Tour” and escort you to your hotel in downtown Shanghai for check-in. Enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace. Sleep early to recharge for tomorrow’s sightseeing.

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   4-star hotel in Shanghai
2. Day 2: Shanghai Highlights Tour
   Explore Classical Gardens, Shopping Areas & Museums, Marvel at Contrasting Cityscape

   Begin your exploration of Shanghai at Yu Garden. It was originally a private garden, built by a Ming Dynasty official to fulfill his filial duty to his father. Follow the winding paths and corridors to pass the pavilions, ponds, rockeries and traditional buildings. As you stroll through the courtyards, see how the architecture is arranged in the classical Jiangnan gardens to create a sense of harmony.

   

   Walk to the nearby City God Temple commercial area, which is lined with traditional shops, snack bars and handicraft stores. Walk along the old street, browse the shops and taste classic Shanghai food such as xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and crab shell yellow (crispy sesame pastries with savory or sweet fillings).

   Head to Shanghai Museum East in the afternoon. Appreciate ancient Chinese artifacts such as bronze wares, ceramics, calligraphy and paintings, and learn about Chinese history and art through exhibits spanning different periods.

   At Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, one of Shanghai’s busiest commercial streets, you can find both long-established stores and modern international brands.

   Lastly, walk to the Bund. Stroll along the waterfront and capture photos of classic cityscape with historical buildings on one side and Lujiazui skyline featuring a cluster of modern skyscrapers on the other.

   

   Optional Night Activity: Take a night cruise on the Huangpu River, where the city's iconic landmarks glisten beneath the veil of night.

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   4-star hotel in Shanghai
3. Day 3: Shanghai to Zhangjiajie by Flight
   Wander Through a Tranquil Water Town

   After breakfast, drive about one hour to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, a classic Jiangnan-style water town.

   Take a walk along the riverside and cobbled streets, cross the stone bridges and admire the traditional local residences on both banks. Then, take a relaxing gondola ride to see the town unfold along the canals.

   

   Return to Shanghai and head to the airport to catch a flight to Zhangjiajie, a journey of 2 - 2.5 hours. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will pick you up and take you to your hotel near the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

   You can walk around Xibu Street on your own and try local snacks, or rest at the hotel to recover for tomorrow's tour.

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   4-star hotel in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan District
4. Day 4: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park & Glass Bridge
   Hike Through Sandstone Peaks & Lush Valleys, Challenge a Thrilling Glass Bridge

   Spend the whole day in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park discovering its iconic quartz-sandstone peak forests.

   Huangshi Village is the first stop. Take the cable car uphill and then follow the mountain-top trails to different viewpoints and take in the dense peak forests and valleys from above.

   

   Note: You may encounter wild macaques in the scenic area. Please do not feed them or get too close. Also, keep your food and belongings securely stored.

   Continue to Golden Whip Stream. The trail here follows the stream through the valley. Hike along the path and feast your eyes on the towering sandstone peaks on both sides along the way.

   Take a private vehicle to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon for a thrilling walk across the glass bridge. It is the world's tallest pedestrian glass bridge, suspended about 300 meters above the valley floor. Stepping onto the transparent walkway, you can overlook the deep canyon below and the surrounding forest and mountain scenery. Go back to your hotel after the tour.

   

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   4-star hotel in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan District
5. Day 5: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
   Discover Avatar Peaks, Experience a Spectacular Cliffside Descent by Elevator

   Today, continue your visit to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park.

   Take the Tianzi Mountain Cableway up the mountain. As it goes up, look out over the rock formations and forest from above. After reaching the summit, wander along the trails and see the sandstone pillars rising from the valley at different viewing platforms.

   Transfer to the shuttle bus to Yuanjiajie, known for its “Southern Sky Column”, the real-life inspiration behind Avatar's Hallelujah Mountain which draws many international travelers every year. Walk along the mountain paths and see the peaks and valleys from different angles.

   

   Go downhill by the Bailong Elevator. This outdoor elevator is built into the cliff and provides a quick connection between the summit and the valley floor. During the ride, look through the glass for views of the surrounding rugged cliffs and peaks. Return to your hotel and have a good rest.

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   4-star hotel in Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan District
6. Day 6: Zhangjiajie to Guilin by High-Speed Train
   Take the morning high-speed train from Zhangjiajie to Guilin after breakfast.

   Take the morning high-speed train from Zhangjiajie to Guilin after breakfast.

   Today is a travel day. The exact duration and whether a transfer is required depend on the train schedule. A direct train takes about 7 hours, so it is advisable to bring water and light snacks.

   Upon arrival in Guilin, your local guide and driver will meet you at the station and escort you to your hotel.

   Recommended Night Activity: If your arrival time allows, go for a walk near the Sun and Moon Twin Towers. After dark, the lit pagodas reflect across the lake. It is a good spot for a walk after a long train journey.

   

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   4-star hotel in Guilin
7. Day 7: Guilin to Longji Rice Terraces
   Admire Layered Rice Terraces, Experience Yao Traditions, Enjoy Hands-on Local Cuisine

   Drive about 2.5 hours from Guilin to Longji Rice Terraces. After entering the hilly countryside, you will see vast terraced fields stretching up the slopes. Head to the main viewing areas and enjoy sweeping views of the terraces, villages and mountains from different points.

   The Longji Rice Terraces reveal a different view at each season. After irrigation from late spring to early summer, layers of terraced fields mirror the sky and mountains. In summer, the paddies turn green, while they gradually turns into golden yellow in autumn.

   

   Move on to the Huangluo Yao Village to learn about the local Red Yao culture, traditional dress and the long-hair custom. Depending on the day’s schedule, you may also watch a traditional long-hair performance.

   For lunch, try a local specialty, bamboo tube rice. Try your hand at its simple preparation process by putting glutinous rice and other ingredients into bamboo tubes and then cooking them over heat. It offers a glimpse into local mountain cuisine. After that, return to Guilin.

   

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   4-star hotel in Guilin
8. Day 8: Guilin to Yangshuo by Cruise
   Cruise through Karst Landscapes and Immerse in Yangshuo’s Relaxed Atmosphere

   Embark on a 4-star Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo this morning, which takes about 4 hours.

   As the boat moves downstream along the Li River, lose yourself in iconic Guilin landscapes of karst peaks, rivers, fields and villages. Relax in the comfortable cabin then go out onto the deck to see the scenery from different angles.

   

   Buffet lunch is served on board. You can also order local specialties or tea at an additional cost.

   Upon arrival in Yangshuo, head to West Street, a lively pedestrian street known for its mix of traditional character and international influences. Walk along the street to browse the shops, cafes and snack stalls.

   Optional Night Activity: Watch the live-action performance Impression Liu Sanjie, a large-scale outdoor show set against the Li River landscape.

   

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   4-star hotel in Yangshuo
9. Day 9: Yangshuo to Guilin by Private Vehicle & Guilin to Beijing by Flight
   Admire Underground Karst Caves and Iconic Peaks

   Check out and drive about 1-1.5 hours back to Guilin.

   Start with a visit to Reed Flute Cave. Follow the paths and see the stalactites, stalagmites and stone pillars formed over millions of years, illuminated by colored lights.

   

   Continue to Elephant Trunk Hill, one of the city’s most representative landmarks. Wander along the riverside path and appreciate the rock formation that looks like an elephant dipping its trunk into the water.

   Your Guilin tour ends here. Take a 3-hour flight to Beijing. Upon arrival, a local guide and driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel.

   

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   4-star hotel in Beijing
10. Day 10: Beijing History Discovery
    Uncover Imperial History and Explore Traditional Hutongs

    Walk across Tian’anmen Square to learn about the main buildings and its significant role in Beijing’s history.

    Enter the Forbidden City through the Meridian Gate. Follow the central axis to see the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hall of Central Harmony, Hall of Preserving Harmony, and the main areas such as the Inner Court.

    Along the way, your guide will introduce the functions of the palace halls and architectural details, as well as the royal ceremonies and life during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

    

    Leave for the Temple of Heaven. Walk through the park to see the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, and get insights into the tradition of emperors worshiping heaven and the symbolism behind the buildings.

    At Shichahai Hutong, stroll along the old streets for a closer look at the quadrangle courtyards, gate towers and traditional alleys. After that, hop on a rickshaw to travel through the alleys for a more relaxed way to explore the historic quarters of Beijing.

    For dinner, taste Beijing Roast Duck, a former imperial cuisine and one of the most representative traditional delicacies of Beijing. Watch the duck being expertly carved and eat it wrapped in thin pancakes with sweet bean sauce and fresh accompaniments.

    

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    4-star hotel in Beijing
11. Day 11: Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace
    Trek along the Great Wall and Wander through Imperial Gardens

    After a 1.5- to 2-hour drive to the entrance of the Mutianyu Great Wall, take the sightseeing bus to the foot of the wall. It is one of the best-preserved sections of the Ming Great Wall, with over 96% vegetation coverage, and it is more secluded than the more famous Badaling.

    

    You can either hike upwards or take the cable car or chairlift. Then, walk along the wall to see watchtowers and views of the Great Wall winding its way across the mountain ridges. Take the cable car downhill. If you prefer a more interesting experience, opt for the toboggan, depending on availability.

    Travel Tip: The toboggan is usually available for ages 3 to 60, and children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

    Return to the downtown area and visit the Summer Palace, the largest extant imperial garden in China built by Emperor Qianlong for his mother's birthday. Stroll along Kunming Lake and the walkways while enjoying the Long Corridor, lakes, bridges and traditional buildings. As you’re under the Long Corridor, feast your eyes on rich painted decorations.

    Optional Activity: Take a leisurely boat ride on Kunming Lake to capture the imperial garden from the water, if weather and boat operation permit.

    

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    4-star hotel in Beijing
12. Day 12: Beijing Departure

    Before departure, you have free time. Rest and pack your luggage at the hotel. If time allows, take a short walk nearby.

    Your guide and driver will pick you up at the appointed time and escort you to the airport. Your 12-day journey comes to an end here. Have a safe and pleasant journey home!

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