7-Day Beijing and Guilin Tour: Imperial History Meets Rural Landscapes

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Beijing Arrival

   Welcome to Beijing! Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you at the airport or train station and escort you to your hotel to check in.

   The rest of the time is free for you.

   Free Time Ideas:

   Shichahai, the only historic district open to the public, is a great place to experience the atmosphere of a traditional ‘northern Chinese water town’ and enjoy the sunset view.

   Take a stroll around Sanlitun, Beijing's trendiest shopping and lifestyle district, home to international brands and stylish cafés & boutiques.

   In the evening, relax in Yangmeizhu Xiejie Alley, away from the commercial hustle and bustle. This street retains the tranquillity of old Beijing’s hutongs whilst blending bookshops and creative bars.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
2. Day 2: Beijing City Exploration
   Explore the royal stories and court life of the Qing Dynasty

   Your trip to Beijing begins at Tian'anmen Square. This is the heart of modern Chinese politics and history, where you can see iconic landmarks such as the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, the Great Hall of the People and the National Museum.

   Walking north across the square, enter the Forbidden City, which dates back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. It is the world’s largest ancient wooden architectural complex, comprising over nine thousand rooms.

   During the tour, your guide will share stories of how the emperors conducted state affairs here, as well as little-known secrets of court life amongst the imperial concubines, bringing every red wall and yellow roof to life.

   After bidding farewell to the orderly court life of the Forbidden City, head to the western suburbs to experience a different philosophy of imperial gardening at the Summer Palace.

   Climb up to the Buddha’s Fragrance Pavilion on Wanshou Hill to look out over the shimmering waters of Kunming Lake - the scenery is truly breathtaking.

   

   Optional Activities:

   Take a boat ride on Kunming Lake, passing under the Seventeen-Arch Bridge, and leisurely enjoying this stunning royal landscape painting.

   Watch a thrilling acrobatic performance at night and witness the performers pushing the boundaries of human physical limits.

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
3. Day 3: Beijing to Great Wall of China
   Discover Beijing's treasures from ancient architectural wonders to modern Olympic venues

   In the early morning, go to the Temple of Heaven and stroll along Danbi Bridge to experience the cosmic view of 'round heaven and square earth,' then check out the amazing acoustics at the Echo Wall.

   

   After that, drive to the Mutianyu Great Wall, take the 360-degree cable car straight up to the watchtower, snap a photo at the 'He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true man' stone tablet, and take in the breathtaking view of the endless mountains.

   In the evening, return to the city and walk along the central axis of the Olympic Park, enjoying how the red steel structure of the Bird's Nest and the blue dreamy membrane structure of the Water Cube shine together at night, feeling the brilliance of the 'City of Double Olympics' landmarks.

   

   Optional Activity: We suggest that you take a cable car. It is optional and you tour guide can assist you in purchasing the ticket on site.

   Dinner Recommendation: Try Beijing's signature dish - Peking Duck. Watch skilled chefs expertly carve the roasted duck into thin, delicate slices, then learn the proper way to enjoy it: wrap crispy skin, tender meat, sweet bean sauce, scallions, and cucumber in a soft pancake for a rich, satisfying bite.

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   4-Star Hotel in Beijing
4. Day 4: Beijing to Guilin by Flight
   Experience a historic Hutong rickshaw ride and glimpse local life

   In the morning, take a stroll through the hutongs; Beijing's hutongs are known as ‘walking museums’.

   In contrast to the fast pace of the skyscrapers, the hutongs are brimming with the vibrancy of everyday life. You might spot elderly residents doing their morning exercises, or neighbours playing chess and chatting under the trees. This sense of ‘slow living’ is truly infectious.

   You can also take a rickshaw ride through the hutongs; The cart drivers serve as both ‘drivers’ and ‘tour guides’. Before setting off, they will first regale you with an interesting historical anecdote, before taking you deep into the streets and alleys for an cultural journey.

   Alternatively,  browse the craft shops  that form part of the hutongs’ intangible cultural heritage. Through these immersive, interactive experiences, you’ll soak up the authentic atmosphere of Beijing and take home your own cultural memories.

   

   Next,  take a flight to Guilin. In just three hours, the scenery transforms from the grandeur of China’s northern capital to the tranquility of a southern city.

   Upon arrival in Guilin, your guide will meet you at the airport. After checking into your hotel, you can rest and recharge for the following Guilin tour.

   Optional Activity: Whilst exploring the hutongs, you can take part in fun activities such as making dumplings and paper-cutting or make your own Peking Opera mask. Not only will you take home a unique souvenir, but you’ll also gain a closer insight into traditional Chinese crafts.

   Suggestion for Your Free Evening in Guilin: Take the ‘Two Rivers and Four Lakes’ night cruise, where the karst peaks along the route are resplendent with lights and the waterways are spanned by over twenty bridges, each with its own distinctive character. As you glide gently through the city, you can admire the reflections of the Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas shimmering on the lake’s surface, with golden and silver hues interplaying beautifully.

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   4-Star Hotel in Guilin
5. Day 5: Guilin to Longji Rice Terraces
   Immerse in the harmony of Longji landscapes and Yao traditions

   Go deep into Longsheng County in Guilin: exploring the agricultural arts of the land and the legends of ethnic minorities. First, visit the Longji Terraces, known as the 'Crown of the World's Terraces.' You can stroll along the layered ridges and get up close to the rolling waves of rice fields.

   Then, visit Huangluo Yao Village by the Jinjiang River. This is the only Yao village among the thirteen villages of Longji, famous as the 'Village of the World's Longest Hair' due to the millennium-old tradition of Yao women keeping their hair long. Watch Yao women swing their floor-length hair in a traditional village performance.

   

   Walking among the wooden stilt houses by the mountains and water, you can listen to the sweet mountain songs sung by Yao girls and admire their shiny black hair and exquisite tiger claw embroidery clothing.

   Don’t forget to try authentic bamboo-tube rice or bamboo-tube chicken and soak up the rich ethnic culture.

   Best Time to Visit the Terraced Rice Fields:

   April–May: The terraces are flooded, transforming into countless shimmering mirrors set amongst the mountains.

   June–September: The hillsides are covered in lush, emerald-green rice fields.

   September–November: The landscape transforms into a breathtaking sea of golden yellow.

   Optional Activity:

   Autumn Harvest Experience (late October–early November): Step into the golden rice fields and harvest the rice just like the local farmers!

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   4-Star Hotel in Guilin
6. Day 6: Guilin to Yangshuo by Cruise
   Sail the picturesque Li River to Yangshuo, explore the cosmopolitan West Street

   Step aboard a 3-star Li River cruise ship and embark on a visual feast, as if the boat were sailing through a painting. During the approximately four-hour journey, admire the most enchanting scenery of the Li River’s ‘Gallery’.

   

   The highlight to catch your eye is the Nine-Horse Painting Hill, where the massive cliff face resembles a natural mural. Legend has it that only the most learned scholars can spot all nine horses—why not put your eyesight to the test here?

   Next, the cruise passes Yellow Cloth Shoal, the very spot featured on the reverse of the 20-yuan banknote — ‘Reflection of Yellow Cloth Shoal’. The river is as calm as a mirror, with seven lush mountain peaks perfectly reflected in the water.

   Taking a photo holding a 20-yuan note against this picturesque backdrop is sure to make for the perfect souvenir.

   Once you disembark, your next stop is the vibrant Yangshuo West Street. This historic street dates back over 1,400 years and now offers a perfect blend of Chinese and Western cultures.

   

   You can stroll along the cobbled streets, browse the unique little shops and cosy cafés, and soak up the laid-back yet lively atmosphere of the ancient town.

   Li River Cruise Upgrade Option:

   The tour only includes a 3-star cruise ship. If you’d like to enjoy a more comfortable service and a better lunch on board, your travel adviser can help you upgrade to a 4-star cruise ship.

   Optional Activities:

   To make the most of your afternoon in Yangshuo, you can choose from rock climbing, a cooking class, a countryside cycle ride or a bamboo rafting trip. (Bamboo rafting is not recommended for children under 1 metre in height or adults aged 70 or over.)

   Or enjoy the spectacular ‘Impression Liu Sanjie’ show, which uses the Li River and the karst mountains as a natural backdrop to vividly portray local traditions and daily life.

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   4-Star Hotel in Yangshuo
7. Day 7: Guilin Departure
   Check in the city landmarks and delve into underground karst palaces

   After breakfast, make your way toward Elephant Trunk Hill, capturing shots of the famous “ Elephant Drinking Water ” view at the observation deck. If you want a different perspective, you can try an optional bamboo rafting activity and look up at the full view of Elephant Trunk Hill on the Li River, feeling the lively blend of mountains and water.

   

   Head to Reed Flute Cave, known as the 'Palace of Natural Art,' to start an underground adventure. The cave stays at a constant 20°C, making it a perfect summer getaway. Follow the guide as you wander among the colorful stalactites, spotting classic filming spots like the 'Dragon Palace' and 'Banana Leaf Cave' from one of China’s Four Great Classical Novels, 'Journey to the West,' and experience the magic and awe of the millennia-old karst landscape.

   

   Photography Tip: If you’d like to capture the best panoramic view of Elephant Trunk Hill and its reflection, head to Love Island. For the classic ‘Elephant Drinking from the River’ shot, the First Viewing Platform offers the ideal vantage point.

   As your trip to Guilin draws to a close, we’ll take you to Guilin Airport or railway station to make arrangements for your departure. We look forward to seeing you again in beautiful Guilin!

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