🌟 Tour Highlights

• Private 4-star tour with minimum 4 travelers, featuring a licensed English-speaking guide, multi-modal transportation (flights + high-speed trains + sleeper train + private air-conditioned car + cruises), and seamless airport/railway station transfers (Beijing pickup + Guangzhou drop-off).
• Explore 17 core cities & 8 geographic zones: Covering imperial capitals, plateau holy lands, river valleys, water towns, canyons, mountains, karst landscapes, and modern metropolises – all top iconic attractions included.
• World-class heritage & landmarks: Visit 10+ UNESCO sites (Forbidden City, Great Wall, Potala Palace, Lijiang Old Town, etc.) + 30+ national landmarks (Terracotta Army, Three Gorges Dam, Huangshan, Li River, etc.).
• Immersive experiences: Peking duck feast, rickshaw hutong tour, Tibetan culture exploration, Yangtze cruise gala, and bamboo rafting on Li River.
• Hassle-free support: 7×24H bilingual customer service, 4-star hotels (Lhasa hotels with oxygen supply) + cruise balcony cabins, and expert guide with in-depth cultural insights.

Day 1: Arrival in Beijing + Imperial City Preview

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
• Meals: None
• Accommodation: Beijing 4-star hotel
   
  Your guide will confirm pickup details via call before 21:00 one day prior. Please keep your phone accessible. Upon arriving at Beijing Capital/Daxing International Airport, your guide will greet you with a sign bearing your name at the exit.

Day 2: Beijing Imperial Core Tour (Tiananmen Square → Forbidden City → Peking Duck Lunch → Temple of Heaven)

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet), Lunch (Peking duck feast)
• Accommodation: Beijing 4-star hotel
   
  After breakfast, depart for 【Tiananmen Square】, a grand landmark surrounded by the Tiananmen Rostrum and Monument to the People’s Heroes.

Next, enter 【Forbidden City】, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and imperial palace of Ming & Qing dynasties. Wander the central axis to admire Taihe Dian (Hall of Supreme Harmony), precious cultural relics, and the grandeur of red walls and yellow tiles.

Lunch features authentic 【Peking duck】 – crispy skin, tender meat, and traditional side dishes (thin pancakes, scallions, sweet bean sauce).

In the afternoon, visit 【Temple of Heaven】, a sacred site for emperors to worship heaven. Explore Qiniandian (Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests), Huiyinbi (Echo Wall), and stroll among ancient cypresses.

Return to the hotel after the tour.

Day 3: Beijing Grandeur & Folk Tour (Badaling Great Wall → Bird's Nest (Exterior) → Rickshaw Hutong Tour)

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)
• Accommodation: Beijing 4-star hotel
   
  After breakfast, drive to 【Badaling Great Wall】, the most preserved section of the Great Wall. Climb the battlements to feel the momentum of “He who does not reach the Great Wall is not a true hero” and overlook the rolling mountains.

Subsequently, visit 【Olympic Park】 to view the 【Bird's Nest (National Stadium)】 (Exterior) – a modern landmark with an innovative steel structure, witness to the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

In the evening, experience 【Rickshaw Tour of Beijing Hutongs】. Ride a traditional rickshaw through crisscrossing hutongs, pass by gray-brick courtyards, and listen to the driver’s stories about local life.

Return to the hotel after the tour.

Day 4: Beijing → Xi'an (Flight) – Royal Garden & Ancient Temple Tour

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car, flight (economy class)

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)
• Accommodation: Xi'an 4-star hotel
   
  After breakfast, depart for 【Summer Palace】, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and China’s largest imperial garden. Enjoy the serene scenery of Kunming Lake, Long Corridor (adorned with 10,000+ paintings), and Foxiangge (Tower of Buddhist Incense).

Next, visit 【Yonghe Temple】, originally Emperor Yongzheng’s residence, later converted into a Tibetan Buddhist temple. Admire its Han-Tibetan architectural style, grand halls, and precious Buddha statues.

After lunch (at own expense), transfer to the airport for the flight to Xi'an. Upon arrival, your guide will greet you with a sign and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Day 5: Xi'an Historical Exploration (Terracotta Army → Giant Wild Goose Pagoda (Exterior) → Datang Everbright City)

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)

• Accommodation: Xi'an 4-star hotel
   
• After breakfast, depart for 【Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum (Terracotta warrior)】, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and “Eighth Wonder of the World”. Marvel at thousands of lifelike terracotta warriors and horses, showcasing the Qin Dynasty’s military power.

 

In the afternoon, view the 【Giant Wild Goose Pagoda】 (Exterior) – a Tang Dynasty landmark built by Monk Xuanzang to preserve Buddhist scriptures. Stroll around the surrounding park and feel the ancient capital’s historical depth.

 

In the evening, visit 【Datang Everbright City】, a pedestrian street themed on Tang Dynasty culture. Enjoy brilliant lights, Tang-style buildings, and live performances (e.g., “Buddha’s Warrior Attendant” dance, Tang poetry recitations).

 

Return to the hotel after the tour.

 

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Day 6: Xi'an → Xining (High-Speed Train) – Ancient City Wall & Food Tour

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car, high-speed train (2nd class)

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)

• Accommodation: Xining 4-star hotel
   
• After breakfast, head to 【Xi'an City Wall】, the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. Walk along the 13.7km-long wall to overlook Xi'an’s urban scenery and imagine the ancient defense system.

 

Subsequently, visit 【Huimin Street】, Xi'an’s famous food street. Taste local delicacies like roujiamo (meat sandwich), yangrou paomo (lamb soup with steamed bread), and zenggao (glutinous rice cake).

 

 

Day 7: Xining Cultural Exploration (Qinghai Tibetan Medicine Culture Museum → Dongguan Mosque → Sleeper Train to Lhasa)

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car, sleeper train

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)

• Accommodation: Sleeper train
   
  After breakfast, depart for 【Qinghai Tibetan Medicine Culture Museum】, China’s only professional Tibetan medicine museum. Explore cultural relics, interactive exhibits, and the 618-meter-long “Chinese Tibetan Culture and Art Painting Scroll” – a world record.

Next, visit 【Dongguan Mosque】, Xining’s largest mosque with a blend of Chinese and Islamic architectural styles. Visit the prayer hall (non-prayer time) or witness thousands of Muslims gathering for Friday noon prayer (if applicable).

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car

• Meals: Breakfast (train)

• Accommodation: Lhasa 4-star hotel (with oxygen supply)
   
  Arrive at Lhasa Railway Station around noon. Your guide will greet you with a sign and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Lhasa is at an altitude of ~3,650 meters – the afternoon is for rest. Drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous exercise, and adapt to the plateau climate.

 

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Day 9: Lhasa Holy City Core Tour (Potala Palace → Yamdrok Yongtso Lake)

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)

• Accommodation: Lhasa 4-star hotel (with oxygen supply)
   
  After breakfast, visit 【Potala Palace】, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Tibet’s iconic building. Built against the mountain, its Red and White Palaces house Buddha statues, thangkas, and precious relics. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Lhasa.

In the afternoon, travel to 【Yamdrok Yongtso Lake】, one of Tibet’s three holy lakes. Its blue waters wind through mountains, with green grasslands and flocks of cattle and sheep along the shore.

Return to Lhasa hotel to rest after the tour.
 

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Day 10: Lhasa Folk & Faith Tour (Jokhang Temple → Barkhor Street → Flight to Lijiang)

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car, flight (economy class)
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)
• Accommodation: Lijiang 4-star hotel (near Lijiang Old Town)
   
  After breakfast, visit 【Jokhang Temple】, a sacred site for Tibetan Buddhists housing the 12-year-old statue of Sakyamuni. Its architecture blends Tibetan, Han, Nepalese, and Indian styles.

Wander 【Barkhor Street】, a circumambulation path around Jokhang Temple. Shop for Tibetan handicrafts and watch devout believers circumambulating clockwise.

Board the flight to Lijiang. Upon arrival, check into a hotel near Lijiang Old Town and freely admire the ancient town’s night view.

 

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Day 11: Lijiang → Dali (Ancient Town & Lake Mountain Tour)

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)

• Accommodation: Dali 4-star hotel (near Erhai Lake)
   
  After breakfast, tour 【Lijiang Old Town】, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built against mountains and water. Wander Sifang Street, visit Mu Mansion ruins, and admire Naxi architecture.

After lunch (at own expense), drive to Dali. Check into a hotel near Erhai Lake and walk along the lakeside to enjoy sunset views.

 

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Day 12: Dali Ancient Town → Cangshan Mountain (View) → Flight to Chengdu

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car, flight (economy class)

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)

• Accommodation: Chengdu 4-star hotel (near Chunxi Road)
   
  After breakfast, explore 【Dali Ancient Town】. Wander bluestone streets, admire ancient city walls, and experience Bai ethnic customs on Foreigner Street.

View 【Cangshan Mountain】 from a distance – its 19 snow-capped peaks contrast beautifully with Erhai Lake, one of Dali’s “wind, flowers, snow and moon” four scenes.

In the afternoon, fly to Chengdu. Check into a hotel near Chunxi Road and enjoy free time to taste Chengdu hot pot or explore the bustling street.

 

Day 13: Chengdu → Chongqing (Panda & Mountain City Night Tour)

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car, high-speed train (2nd class)

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)

• Accommodation: Chongqing 4-star hotel
   
  After breakfast, visit 【Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base】. Watch pandas eating bamboo, playing, and resting in naturalistic enclosures.

After lunch (try dan dan noodles or mapo tofu at own expense), take the high-speed train to Chongqing. In the evening, explore 【Hongya Cave】 (stilted buildings with brilliant night lights) and 【Liberation Monument】 (Chongqing’s commercial core).

（Photo by Yong Peng）

Day 14: Chongqing Featured Tour → Yangtze Three Gorges Cruise Embarkation

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car, Yangtze Three Gorges cruise

• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet), Dinner (cruise restaurant)

• Accommodation: Yangtze Three Gorges cruise (standard balcony double room)
   
  After breakfast, visit 【Liziba Light Rail Viewing Platform】 to witness the “train through building” phenomenon.

（Photo by Yong Peng）


Climb 【Eling Park】 for a panoramic view of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, then visit 【Chaotianmen Square】 (confluence of the two rivers) and 【Raffles City】 (modern landmark).

Day 15: Yangtze Three Gorges Cruise Day 2 (Fengdu Shuanggui Mountain Tour)

• Transportation: Yangtze Three Gorges cruise
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (all at cruise restaurant)
• Accommodation: Yangtze Three Gorges cruise (standard balcony double room)
   
  Wake up to fresh river air and enjoy breakfast on the cruise. In the morning, visit 【Fengdu Shuanggui Mountain】 – lush forests, winding trails, and cultural relics reflecting local history.

Return to the cruise for lunch, then join the captain’s welcome reception and afternoon tea. Relax on the deck as the cruise sails upstream, with stunning river scenery unfolding on both banks.
 

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Day 16: Yangtze Three Gorges Cruise Day 3 (Qutang Gorge → Wu Gorge → Shennvxi Stream → Cruise Gala)

• Transportation: Yangtze Three Gorges cruise
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (all at cruise restaurant)
• Accommodation: Yangtze Three Gorges cruise (standard balcony double room)
   
  The cruise sails through【Qutang Gorge】in the morning – the shortest yet most majestic of the Three Gorges. Its narrow waterway (only 150 meters at its narrowest) and steep cliffs (up to 1,300 meters high) create a dramatic “gateway to the Yangtze” landscape. Spot ancient plank road relics and strange rock formations like “Bell Rock” on the cliff walls.

Continue to 【Wu Gorge】 in the afternoon, known as the “most poetic gorge” with 12 towering peaks (including the iconic “Goddess Peak”). Mist often shrouds the peaks, creating a fairy-tale-like scene inspired by traditional Chinese paintings.

Later, transfer to a small boat to explore 【Shennvxi Stream】 – a crystal-clear tributary of the Yangtze. Glide past limestone peaks and lush vegetation, and listen to local guides share legends about the “Goddess of Wu Gorge.”

In the evening, enjoy a 【cruise gala performance】 – a vibrant show blending traditional Chinese dance (e.g., Yangtze folk dances), folk music, and modern acrobatics. Actors wear gorgeous costumes reflecting regional cultures, creating a memorable night on the river.

 

• Transportation: Yangtze Three Gorges cruise, private air-conditioned car, high-speed train (2nd class)
• Meals: Breakfast (cruise restaurant)
• Accommodation: Wuhan 4-star hotel
   
  After breakfast, the cruise passes through Xiling Gorge – the longest (76 km) and most tortuous of the Three Gorges. Admire scenic spots like “Ox Liver and Horse Lung Gorge” (named for rock formations) and “Bajiao Stream” (a quiet cove with bamboo forests).

Disembark in Yichang and take a private car to the Three Gorges Dam – the world’s largest water conservancy project. Visit the Dam Viewing Platform to overlook the 2,309-meter-long dam and the vast reservoir. Tour the Ship Lift Exhibition Hall to learn how ships bypass the dam (a marvel of engineering) and the dam’s role in flood control, power generation, and navigation.

In the afternoon, transfer to Yichang East Railway Station and take the high-speed train to Wuhan (departure around 15:00). Upon arrival, your guide will greet you with a sign and transfer to the hotel for check-in. Enjoy free time to explore Wuhan’s night food scene – try local specialties like hot dry noodles (chewy noodles with sesame sauce), oil cake wrapped with steamed dumplings, and spicy duck neck (Zhou Hei Ya).

Day 18: Wuhan Cultural & Food Tour (Hubei Provincial Museum → Liangdao Street → Yellow Crane Tower → Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge → High-Speed Train to Suzhou)

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car, high-speed train (2nd class)
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)
• Accommodation: Suzhou 4-star hotel (garden-style)
   
  After breakfast, visit the Hubei Provincial Museum – one of China’s top museums with over 200,000 cultural relics. Don’t miss the Zenghouyi Chime Bells (a 2,400-year-old bronze instrument that still plays music) and the Sword of Gou Jian (a well-preserved sword from the Spring and Autumn Period with a sharp blade). Enjoy a 30-minute chime bell performance to hear ancient melodies like Chu Shang and Jasmine Flower.

In the afternoon, admire the Yellow Crane Tower (exterior) – one of China’s “Three Great Towers” with a history of over 1,700 years. Though the original tower was destroyed, the replica retains its Tang Dynasty architectural style, with sweeping views of the Yangtze River from nearby viewing platforms.

Take a walk along the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge – China’s first double-deck railway and highway bridge over the Yangtze. Feel the breeze as trains rumble below and cars pass above, and watch ships sail along the river.

At 16:30, take the high-speed train to Suzhou. Upon arrival, check into a garden-style hotel – its courtyard features small bridges, flowing water, and traditional Jiangnan architecture.

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)
• Accommodation: Shanghai 4-star hotel
   
  After breakfast, visit the Humble Administrator's Garden – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and China’s largest classical garden. Designed in the Ming Dynasty, it uses water as its core, with pavilions, corridors, and rockeries arranged to create a “garden within a garden” effect. Wander along lotus ponds, cross zigzag bridges, and admire the “Lotus Flower Market” pavilion (a classic example of Jiangnan garden design).

In the afternoon, visit Jinji Lake – a modern landmark of Suzhou Industrial Park. Walk along the lakeside trail to admire the Oriental Gate (locally called “Big Pants” for its unique shape) and take an optional boat tour (at own expense) to enjoy the lake’s serene scenery.

Day 20: Shanghai Urban Panorama Tour (Yu Garden → City God Temple → Lujiazui → The Bund → Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street → Drive to Hangzhou)

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)
• Accommodation: Hangzhou 4-star hotel
   
  After breakfast, explore Yu Garden – Shanghai’s oldest surviving Jiangnan classical garden (built in 1559). Its highlights include the Yulan Magnolia Hall, Jade Rock (a rare porous stone), and Inner Garden (a small garden within the garden). The garden’s layout follows the “small yet complete” principle, with every corner offering a new view.

Adjacent to Yu Garden is the City God Temple – a folk culture landmark with a history of over 600 years. Its red pillars and yellow tiles reflect traditional Chinese temple architecture. Visit the City God Temple Snack Street to taste Shanghai specialties like Nanxiang xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumplings), pear paste candy, and spiced beans.

In the afternoon, head to Lujiazui – Shanghai’s financial center. Admire skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower (China’s tallest building), Shanghai World Financial Center (with a “bottle opener” design), and Jin Mao Tower. Take an optional trip to the Shanghai Tower Observation Deck (at own expense) for a 360-degree view of the city.

In the evening, wander Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street – Shanghai’s busiest commercial street with over 100 years of history. Shop for international brands (e.g., Starbucks, Zara) and local specialties (e.g., Shanghai silk, peony cakes), and feel the city’s vibrant energy.

Drive to Hangzhou (3-hour ride) and check into the hotel.

 

Day 21: Hangzhou Lake & Mountain Tour (West Lake → Su Causeway → Lingyin Temple → Leifeng Pagoda (Exterior) → Qiantang River)

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)
• Accommodation: Hangzhou 4-star hotel
   
  After breakfast, visit West Lake – a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as “Paradise on Earth.” Take an optional boat tour (at own expense) to Three Pools Mirroring the Moon – a small island with three stone pagodas (the design inspiration for the back of China’s 1-yuan coin). The island features winding paths, willow trees, and lotus ponds, offering a peaceful escape from the city.

Wander along Su Causeway – a 2.8-kilometer-long causeway built by the Northern Song poet Su Shi. Lined with willow trees and peach blossoms (blooming in spring), it’s one of West Lake’s “Ten Scenes” (“Su Causeway Spring Dawn”). Stop at pavilions along the way to enjoy the lake view.

Admire the Leifeng Pagoda (exterior) – a landmark of West Lake. The original pagoda was built in 977 AD but collapsed in 1924; the new pagoda (completed in 2002) retains its historical style and offers panoramic views of West Lake from its upper floors (optional, at own expense). “Leifeng Sunset” is one of West Lake’s “Ten Scenes.”

In the evening, visit the Qiantang River – famous for its “Qiantang Tide” (one of China’s largest tidal bores, best viewed in August-September). Even outside the tide season, the river’s wide expanse and sunset views are impressive.

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet), Lunch (lake fresh seafood)
• Accommodation: Qiandaohu 4-star hotel (lake view)
   
  Drive to Qiandaohu (Thousand Island Lake) (2-hour ride) – a man-made lake formed in 1959 by the construction of the Xin’an River Dam. With over 1,078 islands and crystal-clear water (visibility up to 12 meters), it’s known as “China’s clearest lake.”

In the afternoon, take a lake cruise (included) to visit 3-4 core islands:

• Meifeng Island: Climb to the observation deck for a panoramic view of the lake and hundreds of islands.
• Monkey Island: Interact with macaques (feed them under guide supervision).
• Bird Island: Watch flocks of water birds (best in spring and autumn).

Return to the hotel in the evening and enjoy the quiet lake sunset.

Day 23: Qiandaohu → Xidi → Hongcun (Private Car) – Ancient Hui-Style Village Tour

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)
• Accommodation: Hongcun 4-star hotel (ancient village style)
   
  Drive to Hongcun (2.5-hour ride), passing through Xidi (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) along the way. Stop in Xidi first – known as “A Village in the Peach Blossom Spring.” Its layout follows a “water town” design, with a main street and two rivers running through the village. Admire Hui-style architecture (white walls, black tiles, horse-head gables) and the Hu Wenguang Memorial Archway (a stone archway built in 1578 to honor a local official).

• Moon Marsh: A crescent-shaped pond in the village center, surrounded by Hui-style houses (a popular spot for photographers, especially in the morning mist).
• South Lake: A large lake at the village entrance, with a long bridge and willow trees.
• Chengzhi Hall: A grand Hui-style mansion with intricate wood carvings (known as “the Forbidden City of Huizhou”).

Check into an ancient village-style hotel (converted from a traditional Hui house) and enjoy the village’s quiet night view.

 

Day 24: Hongcun → Huangshan (Private Car) – Mountain Adaptation & Preliminary Tour

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)
• Accommodation: Huangshan 4-star hotel (scenic area, mountain foot)
   
  In the morning, take a short walk in Hongcun to capture the village’s morning beauty – mist often lingers over Moon Marsh and South Lake, creating a ink wash painting effect.

Drive to Huangshan (Yellow Mountain) (1-hour ride) – a UNESCO World Heritage Site (both natural and cultural) famous for its “Five Wonders”: strange pines, grotesque rocks, sea of clouds, hot springs, and winter snow.

• Yungu Temple: An ancient Buddhist temple founded in 747 AD, surrounded by pine trees.
• Hot Spring Area: Soak your feet in the hot spring (optional, at own expense) to relax after the drive.

Return to the hotel to rest and prepare for the next day’s mountain climb.

 

Day 25: Huangshan Core Scenic Area Tour (West Sea Grand Canyon → Bright Summit → Greeting Pine → Sunset View)

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car, Huangshan cable car (round trip)
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)
• Accommodation: Huangshan 4-star hotel (scenic area, mountain foot)
   
  After breakfast, take the Yungu Cable Car up the mountain (included) to the core scenic area. Start with the West Sea Grand Canyon – a 15-kilometer-long canyon known as the “Magic Valley.” Hike along the suspended plank road (built into the cliff) to admire steep peaks, deep valleys, and swirling clouds (best viewed in the morning).

Next, hike to Bright Summit – Huangshan’s second-highest peak (1,841 meters). Its flat summit offers 360-degree views of the sea of clouds (most likely to appear after rain) and surrounding peaks like Lotus Peak and Heavenly Capital Peak.

In the afternoon, visit the Greeting Pine – Huangshan’s most iconic pine tree (over 1,300 years old). Its branches stretch outward like a host welcoming guests, and it’s been a symbol of Huangshan since ancient times.

Hike to a sunset viewing spot (e.g., Purple Cloud Peak) to watch the sun set over the peaks, painting the sky orange and pink.

Day 26: Huangshan → Hangzhou → Guilin (Private Car + Flight) – Transportation Day

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car, flight (economy class)
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)
• Accommodation: Guilin 4-star hotel
   
  Drive back to Hangzhou (3-hour ride) – enjoy the scenic countryside views along the way (green tea plantations, rice paddies, and small villages).

 

Day 27: Guilin → Yangshuo (Private Car) – Li River Bamboo Rafting & Countryside Cycling

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car, Li River bamboo raft
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)
• Accommodation: Yangshuo 4-star hotel
   
  Drive to the Li River Wharf (1-hour ride) and take a bamboo rafting trip (included) from Xingping to Yangshuo (2-hour ride). The Li River is famous for its karst landscape – limestone peaks rise from the riverbanks, and the clear water reflects their images, creating a “living Chinese painting” effect. Spot iconic peaks like Elephant Trunk Hill (shaped like an elephant drinking water) and Yellow Cloth Shoal (a stretch of river with golden sandbars).

Arrive in Yangshuo and check into the hotel. In the afternoon, rent a bicycle (included) for a countryside cycling tour:

• Ride along the Yulong River (a tributary of the Li River) – pass through rice paddies, stone bridges, and small villages like Fuli Town.
• Stop at Moon Hill – a karst hill with a circular hole (shaped like a moon) at its top.
• Visit Butterfly Spring Park – a scenic spot with waterfalls and butterfly exhibits (optional, at own expense).

Return to Yangshuo in the evening and explore West Street – a lively pedestrian street with international restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. Try Yangshuo beer fish (a local specialty made with Li River fish) for dinner (at own expense).

 

Day 28: Yangshuo → Guangzhou (High-Speed Train) – Modern City Adaptation

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car, high-speed train (2nd class)
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)
• Accommodation: Guangzhou 4-star hotel
   
  In the morning, take a short walk along the Yangshuo Riverside Path to enjoy the quiet Li River view before leaving.

• Shamian Island: A historic island with European-style buildings (built during the colonial era), tree-lined streets, and riverside cafes.
• Beijing Road Pedestrian Street: A busy commercial street with ancient road relics (exposed on the sidewalk) dating back to the Han Dynasty.

Dinner is at your own expense – try authentic Cantonese cuisine like dim sum (steamed shrimp dumplings, pork buns), roast goose, and salt-baked chicken.

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car, Pearl River tram
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)
• Accommodation: Guangzhou 4-star hotel
   
  After breakfast, visit the Chen Clan Academy – a masterpiece of Lingnan architecture (built in 1894). Its halls and courtyards are adorned with intricate carvings (brick, stone, wood, and ivory) depicting scenes from Chinese history and folk tales. It’s now a museum of Guangdong folk art.

Next, visit Yuexiu Park – Guangzhou’s largest urban park and home to the Five-Goat Statue (the symbol of Guangzhou, based on a legend about five goats bringing grain to the city). Climb to the top of Ming Dynasty City Wall (within the park) for a view of Guangzhou’s skyline.

Return to the hotel after the tour.
 

Day 30: Guangzhou Departure – Journey Conclusion

• Transportation: Private air-conditioned car
• Meals: Breakfast (hotel buffet)
• Accommodation: None
   
  After breakfast, enjoy free time for last-minute shopping – buy Guangdong specialties like osmanthus cakes, Cantonese-style mooncakes (if visiting during Mid-Autumn Festival), or Lingnan silk products at local markets.

✅ What’s Included & Excluded

💡 Useful Tips

1. Plateau Adaptation (Lhasa/Xining):
   • Start taking anti-altitude sickness medicine (e.g., Rhodiola) 3 days before arrival; avoid alcohol, tobacco, and strenuous exercise (e.g., running, climbing stairs quickly) for the first 2 days in Lhasa.
   • Drink 3-4L of water daily to relieve dehydration; if symptoms like headache, nausea, or shortness of breath occur, inform the guide immediately (oxygen is available in the hotel and tour car).
2. Clothing Guide (By Region):
   • Plateau (Lhasa/Xining): Waterproof windbreaker, thermal underwear, sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 50+; UV rays are strong at high altitudes).
   • Jiangnan (Suzhou/Hangzhou/Shanghai): Lightweight breathable clothes (cotton or quick-dry fabric) + foldable umbrella (humid and rainy from May-October).
   • South China (Guilin/Yangshuo/Guangzhou): Quick-dry shirts, shorts, and insect repellent (hot and humid year-round; mosquitoes are common in rural areas).
   • Mountains (Huangshan): Warm jacket (temperatures drop 6-8°C at mountain tops), non-slip hiking shoes (steep trails and stone steps).
3. Cultural Etiquette:
   • Tibet: Circumambulate temples (Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple) and holy sites (Barkhor Street) clockwise; do not take photos of monks, believers, or religious relics (e.g., thangkas) without permission; avoid stepping on temple thresholds.
   • Temples (Lingyin Temple, Chen Clan Academy): Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees); turn off flash when taking photos of cultural relics; avoid loud talking.
   • Ethnic Villages (Xidi, Hongcun, Yangshuo): Ask for permission before taking photos of locals or their homes; respect Hui-style/Bai/Dai customs (e.g., do not touch elderly people’s heads in Dai villages).
4. Health & Safety:
   • Drink only bottled water (avoid tap water); carry hand sanitizer for street food stops.
   • Wear comfortable walking shoes (daily sightseeing involves 4-6km of walking, especially in Huangshan and ancient towns).
   • For Huangshan’s West Sea Grand Canyon, hold the handrail on suspended plank roads; avoid walking alone off designated trails.
5. Payment & Connectivity:
   • Most cities accept Alipay/WeChat Pay, but carry CNY 2,000-3,000 in cash for remote areas (e.g., Tibetan villages, Qiandaohu islands, Yangshuo countryside).
   • Purchase a local China Unicom/Mobile SIM card (with 4G data) at Beijing/Guangzhou airport; signal may be weak in Huangshan’s deep canyons or Tibet’s remote areas.
6. Visa & Tibet Permit:
   • Apply for a China tourist visa (L visa) at least 45 days in advance; provide the tour itinerary, flight bookings, and passport copy (we can issue a tour invitation letter if needed).
   • Tibet travel permit requires 10 working days to process; submit your passport/visa copy 60 days before departure (no last-minute applications for Tibet).
7. Special Itinerary Notes:
   • Yangtze Cruise: Cabins are assigned based on double occupancy; confirm dietary preferences (vegetarian, halal) with customer service 15 days in advance.
   • Huangshan: Check the weather forecast before the trip (sea of clouds is most likely to appear after rain); bring a lightweight raincoat (umbrellas are inconvenient on windy peaks).
   • Li River Rafting: Avoid wearing white clothes (water splashes may stain); bring a waterproof bag for phones/cameras.

📅 Booking Information

• Price: From USD 10,999 per person (varies by travel date, group size, and hotel upgrade; based on 4-person sharing, including all core transportation, accommodation, and attractions as listed).
• Booking Deadline: Book at least 60 days in advance (Tibet travel permit processing + high-speed train/cruise/flight reservations require extra time). Last-minute bookings (≤72 hours) are not available for the Tibet section.
• Cancellation Policy:
  1. Cancel 15 days or more before departure: 10% cancellation fee (90% refund; excludes Tibet permit fees if already processed).
  2. Cancel 7-14 days before departure: 50% cancellation fee (50% refund; Tibet permit fees and cruise cabin fees are non-refundable).
  3. Cancel within 6 days before departure: 100% cancellation fee (no refund; all pre-booked transportation and accommodation fees are non-refundable).
• Suitable For: Travelers aged 12-65 with basic physical fitness (able to walk 4-6km daily and adapt to altitudes up to 3,650m in Lhasa). Not recommended for travelers with severe heart disease, lung disease, hypertension, or a history of altitude sickness. Ideal for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and culture seekers who want a comprehensive exploration of China’s diversity.