15 Days Classic China Tour with Yunnan and Guilin

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing Arrival

   Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival, a local private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the well-selected hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. The guided China tour in Beijing will begin on the next day. There is no tour guide service today.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Beijing

2. Day 2: Beijing City Tour
   Explore the World Heritage Sites of Beijing

   After breakfast, meet your private Beijing tour guide at the hotel lobby and then head to Tian'anmen Square. Covering an area of 440,000 square meter, it can accommodate one million people. The square has been used for many public celebrations, ceremonies, and demonstrations for over a hundred years.

   Next, walk north to explore the Forbidden City. It was the royal palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and a sign and symbol of ancient China. There are large wooden palaces and millions of precious relics, and your guide will lead to on the best visiting route according to your time. You will learn more about the mysterious stories of ancient China.

   After the visit, if time permits, we will walk up to Jingshan Park to overlook the panoramic view of the Forbidden City.

   

   In the afternoon, continue your Beijing trip to the Summer Palace, a royal garden from the Qing Dynasty in China located in the western suburbs of Beijing. It is based on Kunming Lake and Wanshou Mountain, drawing inspiration from the design techniques of Jiangnan gardens. The entire park covers an area of 3.009 square kilometers, with water surface accounting for about three-quarters and over 3,000 ancient buildings. You can spend a leisurely afternoon here. A boat trip on Kunming Lake is optional (at your own expense).

   In the evening, if you are interested in Chinese Kungfu, you are recommended to pay extra to watch a wonderful Kungfu Show at the Red Theater. Your tour guide can arrange it for you.‌

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Beijing

3. Day 3: Beijing Great Wall Tour
   Hike the Most Beautiful Part of the Great Wall

   Today, you will be transferred to take the Great Wall hiking tour on Mutianyu Section. Built in the early Ming Dynasty in 1368 and stretching for 5,400 meters, it is the most scenic part of the Chinese Great Wall. The walls here are well preserved, with dense enemy buildings, showcasing the ancient charm and profound history of the Great Wall.

   

   Mutianyu has different scenery throughout the four seasons, with blooming mountain flowers in spring, verdant mountains in summer, red leaves in autumn, and white snow in winter. It was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site in 1987. ‌  ‌

   If pure hiking is too much for you, there are options for cable car and toboggan to see the spectacular scenery from different angles (optional).

   After lunch, we drive to the Ming Tomb. On the way to the Ming Tomb, you will pass through the Sacred Way. The Ming Tomb is the place where 13 emperors of the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) were buried. On the way back to the downtown center, we will visit the Bird's Nest and Water Cube which were built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

   For dinner, you are suggested to sample Beijing Roast Duck, a famous palace dish, cooked with charcoal fire, crispy on the outside and tender inside. You will learn the proper way to eat it.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Beijing

4. Day 4: Beijing to Xian Tour by High-speed Train
   Gain an Insight into the Lives of Beijing's Locals

   Today is the last day of your private China tour package in Beijing. After breakfast, you will be taken to admire the Temple of Heaven. Located in the southern part of Beijing, it served as a complex of sacrificial buildings where emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties prayed for peace and harvest.

   

   Then, go to explore the old Beijing by taking a rickshaw ride through the narrow lanes of the Beijing hutongs. We will make a special arrangement - visiting a local family in the Siheyuan. You can gain an insight into traditional Beijing life and culture.

   After the trip, it's time to say goodbye to Beijing! Be escorted to the train station for your high-speed train to Xi'an. Upon arrival, a local private driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate and then transfer you to the hotel in downtown area.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Xian

5. Day 5: Xian Terracotta Warriors Tour
   Be Amazed by the Life-size Clay Soldiers, Explore Local Snacks

   In the morning, start your private tour of China in Xian from the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. Known as the Eighth Wonder of the World, there are over 1,000 terracotta soldiers with different images. Now the museum includes Pit 1 (the largest pit), Pit 2, Pit 3, and the exhibition hall of the chariots and horses. Given its large scale, it will take 2 to 2.5 hours to visit. Your guide will explain stories behind these terracotta warriors to help you learn more about them.

   

   After lunch, drive back to Xian downtown area to walk on the Ancient City Wall, a military defensive system in old times. It is one of the largest and most well-preserved city walls in China. You can take a leisure stroll or rent a bike (optional) on the top of the wall and enjoy panoramic views of the city.

   Next, go to visit the famous Muslim Street, a paradise for food lovers. Here, you can find many kinds of delicious local snacks such as Biang Biang Noodles, Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger), and Yangrou Paomo (Mutton and Bread Pieces in Soup). If time permits, explore a mosque hidden in Muslim Street with a history of over 1,300 years called Great Mosque. It is not only one of the four major mosques in China, but also the largest mosque in Xi'an, where over 60,000 Muslims engage in religious activities. Unlike other mosques, this mosque is the only Chinese garden style mosque in the world.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Xian

   

6. Day 6: Xian to Lijiang Tour by Flight
   Appreciate Naxi Buildings & Culture While Strolling Lijing Old Town

   After breakfast, you will be transferred to Xianyang Airport to take a flight to Lijiang. Upon arrival, the Lijiang tour guide and driver will pick you up and send you to the hotel in the Old Town of Lijiang to check in.

   Start your Yunnan tour in Lijiang Old Town in the afternoon. The Ancient City has a history of about 800 years and is inhabited by the Naxi ethnic minority. Strolling along the antique streets, you can appreciate various buildings and learn about the culture of the Naxi people. Sifang Street is the center of the Old Town and the most important hub on the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

   

   Optional Activity: Embark on a leisurely stroll up to Lion Hill and ascend the 33-meter-high Wanggu Tower to savor a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire old town.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Lijiang

7. Day 7: Lijiang Highlights Tour
   Learn about Baisha Mural Paintings, Stroll around Shuhe Ancient Town

   Today, the private Lijiang trip will take you to the foot of Yulong Snow Mountain - Yuhu Village. In the village you can stroll along the quiet lakes and admire unique stone houses.

   Continuing on to Baisha Village, further learn about the history of the Naxi people and appreciate the well preserved traditional architecture here. This village was once the political and economic center of Lijiang. Another must see here is Baisha Mural Paintings, which has a history of five hundred years. It is one of the four major murals in China and combines the painting styles of various ethnic groups such as Han, Tibetan, and Naxi.

   

   Afterward, be transferred to visit Shuhe Ancient Town. You will see that the houses are built along the river. Admire the quaint architecture and experience peaceful atmosphere, just like traveling back to ancient times. Next is the Dongba Culture Museum, which showcases the unique Dongba culture of the Naxi people, including precious scriptures and cultural relics.

   The last stop is Black Dragon Pool Park, located at the foot of Elephant Mountain, which is an excellent place to enjoy the "Reflecting Yulong Snow Mountain".

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Lijiang

   

8. Day 8: Lijiang to Shangri-La Tour
   Take a Hike on One of the Deepest Canyons in China

   After breakfast, your private driver and guide will transfer you to The First Bend of Yangtze River. When the yellow Yangtze River flows through this area, it forms a rare "V" - shaped bend. Tourists can enjoy the magnificent scenery of Jinsha River here. In addition, this is also an important memorial site for the Long March of the Red Army, with red tourism facilities such as the Red Army Long March Memorial.‌

   Then continue driving north for about 1 hour to one of the deepest canyons in China - Tiger Leaping Gorge. Hiking the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, you can get a challenging but rewarding experience. You can see the huge Tiger Leaping Rock. It is said that a tiger once leaped from one side of the gorge to the other with this rock. This is why the gorge is called "Tiger Leaping Gorge".

   

   After the hiking tour, drive to Shangri-La. Upon arrival, check in at the local hotel and have a slow-paced tour of Dukezong Old Town. One of the largest Tibetan residential areas in China, Dukezong boasts a history of over 1,300 years, and once served as an important hub along the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

   A big highlight of the town is the largest prayer wheel in Guishan Park. You can join locals or other tourists to turn the wheel and invoke blessings and good fortune. Also, you can ascend to a higher point of the park to see the entire ancient town and surrounding snow mountains.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shangri-La

9. Day 9: Best Shangri-La Tour
   Experience Tibetan Culture by Monastery & Local Family Visits

   Today, you will visit the highlights of Shangri-La from Songzanlin Monastery. Known as the 'Little Potala Palace', the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan Province, Songzanlin Temple, is built along the mountain with an architectural style that blends Tibetan tradition and Buddhist culture. You can go up to exquisite murals and magnificent Buddha statues. ‌

   

   After lunch, transfer you to Pudacuo National Park, one of the main attractions of the Shangri-La trip in Yunnan. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful lakes, forests, meadows, valleys, streams, and rare flora and fauna here. If you are a photography enthusiast, the park is a great travel destination especially during the spring and autumn seasons.

   Continue your tour in Shangri-La to a local Tibetan family. The hospitable host will entertain you with their homemade snacks, like butter tea, yak cheese, and barley wine. This is a rare chance to look into local Tibetan's daily life and activities. After that, go back to Shangri-La hotel.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shangri-La

10. Day 10: Shangri-La to Kunming Tour by Flight
    See Spectacular Karst Landscapes at Stone Forest

    After breakfast, say goodbye to Shangri-La and take a flight to Kunming, the capital city of Yunnan province.

    After arrival, the local guide will pick you up and directly take you on your Kunming tour of the famous Stone Forest. Thanks to its spectacular karst landscape of diverse stone pillars, peaks, and caves, Stone Forest was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showing millions of years of geological evolution. You will marvel at some of its most iconic formations in both the Greater and Lesser Stone Forests.

    After the tour, drive you to Kunming downtown area for check-in.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Kunming

    

11. Day 11: Kunming to Guilin Tour by High-speed Train

    Today you are going to leave Yunnan. The Kunming driver will take you to the train station and take a 7-hour high-speed train to Guilin. Along the way, enjoy the pastoral scenery of rural China. After arriving, a local private driver will pick you up and transfer you to check in at a hotel in the city center.

    Meal: Breakfast

    Accommodation: in Guilin

12. Day 12: Guilin to Yangshuo Tour by Cruise
    Enjoy a Li River Cruise with the Karst Landscapes

    Start your Guilin tour to Yangshuo after breakfast. You will board a cruise ship and shuttle through magnificent mountains and waters. The boat sails down the Li River, covering a total distance of about 68 kilometers and taking about 4 hours.

    Along the way, you can fully enjoy the green mountain peaks and crystal clear river waters on both sides of the Li River. Also, pass by many famous attractions such as Nine Horse Fresco Hill and Yellow Cloth Shoal, which is depicted on the back of the 20 RMB note.

    

    Upon arrival at Yangshuo, the tour guide will first take you to the hotel to check in. After a brief rest, experience activities (optional, extra payment needed) such as cycling, hiking, bamboo rafting... in the picturesque karst landscape.

    After that, take a leisurely walk along the ancient West Street, the oldest street in Yangshuo with a history of over 1,400 years. Explore cafes, bars, and cultural activities. Taste local and international cuisine, purchase souvenirs, watch street performances...

    Optional evening idea: you can enjoy the performance of Impression Liu Sanjie, a grand open-air show featuring local folk songs and stunning visual effects (at an additional expense).

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Yangshuo

13. Day 13: Yangshuo to Guilin Tour, Guilin to Shanghai Tour by Flight
    Explore City Landmarks of Karst and Stalactite Landscapes

    After breakfast, drive back to Guilin to visit the city landmark - Elephant Trunk Hill. Located at the confluence of the Taohua River and the Li River. Due to the unique karst landscape, it is a must-see attraction on a Guilin tour. The mountain looks like an elephant drinking water.

    

    Next, transfer you to Reed Flute Cave, located in the northwest suburbs of the city. The cave is 240 meters deep and 500 meters long, with a large number of beautiful and varied stalactite landscapes inside, known as the "Palace of Art in Nature". The cave is brightly lit, with stalagmites, stone curtains, and other dazzling elements.

    ‌After the visit, you will be escorted to the airport for a flight to Shanghai, a cosmopolitan city in China.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Shanghai

14. Day 14: Shanghai Essence Tour
    Have a Historical and Modern Exploration of Shanghai

    Shanghai Museum is the beginning of your China trip in Shanghai. It is home to an extensive collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts. Your private guide will lead you to explore various galleries, to see ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, and more.

    Next, go to experience the tranquil charm of Yu Garden, which is a classical Chinese garden with exquisite architecture, scenic pavilions and ponds. Adjacent to the garden, you can explore the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar, finding local snacks, crafts, and souvenirs.

    

    Then, transfer you to ascend Shanghai World Financial Center, the fourth tallest building in China. You will see the breathtaking skyline and a panoramic view of the city. Stroll along the first commercial pedestrian street in China, Nanjing Road, to savor the openness and prosperity of this city.

    Last, go to the famous Bund, a must-see for visitors during the Shanghai tour. Here you will admire the 52 buildings, blending various international architectural styles. Besides, you can experience an optional activity - a relaxing Huangpu River night cruise (at your own expense).

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: in Shanghai

    

15. Day 15: Shanghai Departure
    Explore the Peaceful Land and a Creative District

    In the morning, be transferred to Jade Buddha Temple. We mainly visit the the Main Hall and the Jade Buddha Building. As one of the top ten attractions for Shanghai tours, it is a piece of pure land in the busy downtown.

    Next, explore a creative industry park - Tianzifang. It was converted from a Shikumen complex, where studios, galleries and cafes of artists and designers are gathered. Strolling through the alleys, you can enjoy various art exhibitions, handicrafts and creative decorations.

    

    In the afternoon, your driver will escort you to take a flight to your next destination or home. Your 15-day private tour of China to Yunnan and Guilin ends here. If you want to extend your Shanghai tour to Suzhou / Hangzhou / Huangshan, we will be happy to arrange it for you.

    Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

    Accommodation: N/A