01
Overview
From the Forbidden City and Great Wall in Beijing, to the Terracotta Army in Xi’an, the teahouses of Chengdu, the karst landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo, and the electronics markets of Shenzhen, this route progresses city by city towards the south. On day 14, you will transit through Hong Kong from Shenzhen; after check-in, the afternoon and evening are free. On day 15, head to the airport according to your flight time. High-speed trains, a domestic flight, a Li River cruise, and cross-border transfers connect all stops.
LyrikTrip Travel Designer
Every LyrikTrip journey begins with a conversation. Tell us your travel dates and the number of guests. Initial response within four hours; a clear price quote within one business day.
Why you'll love this trip
- The classic arc, finished differently. The Terracotta Warriors, pandas, the Li River and Shenzhen's markets.
- From a watchtower on Mutianyu Great Wall, follow the Wall until it disappears into the mountains.
- Overlook the slumbering terracotta warrior arrays outside Xi'an, still standing in formation after two millennia.
- Sit by the Sichuan opera stage and try to catch the instant of the face-changing art.
- Drift down the Li River by boat, framed by towering karst peaks, then spend a day among the rice paddies.
- Stroll through Huaqiang North’s component floors, the global supply hub for electronics, then enjoy the skyline.
- On Day 14, transit through Hong Kong from Shenzhen, and keep a free evening for Victoria Harbour.
Things to do
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City
Great Wall
History
Active
City
Nature
Food
Culture
City
Nature
River Cruise
Slow
Tech
FreeCityGreat WallHistoryActiveCityNatureFoodCultureCityNatureRiver CruiseSlowTechFreeCityGreat WallHistoryActiveCityNatureFoodCultureCityNatureRiver CruiseSlowTechFreeItinerary
Arrivals
Beijing · Day 1 - Day 4
· Beijing: arrival & the old lanes
Settle in upon arrival. If time permits, wander along Shichahai into the hutongs.
· Beijing: the Forbidden City
Enter the Forbidden City from Tiananmen Square, then climb to Jingshan for a panoramic view of the entire central axis.
· Beijing: the Great Wall at Mutianyu
Take the cable car up the mountain and walk along the Mutianyu Great Wall, passing by adjacent watchtowers.
· Beijing: Temple of Heaven, followed by a high-speed train to Xi'an
Visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning, then take a high-speed train from Beijing to Xi'an.
High-Speed Rail
Xi'an · Day 5 - Day 6
· Xi'an: the Terracotta Warriors & the old city
Identify the military formations in the Terracotta Warriors pit, then return to the city to walk on the City Wall and explore Muslim Quarter.
· Xi'an: Big Wild Goose Pagoda, followed by high-speed rail to Chengdu
Morning visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda; afternoon high-speed rail journey to Chengdu.
High-Speed Rail
Chengdu · Day 7 - Day 8
· Chengdu: pandas, alleys, opera, tea
Start the morning by visiting the giant pandas, then explore the city’s alleys after returning, and finish the day with tea at the People's Park.
· Chengdu: Dujiangyan & Mount Qingcheng
In the morning, see how Dujiangyan Diversion Dam manages water flow and silt; in the afternooon, take a walk on the forest trails of Mount Qingcheng.
Flight
Guilin · Day 9
· Chengdu to Guilin by air: A first glimpse of the landscape
Arrive in Guilin and choose between Elephant Trunk Hill or the Two Rivers and Four Lakes based on your flight time; enjoy a stroll along the water at night.
Li River Cruise
Yangshuo · Day 10 - Day 11
· The Li River to Yangshuo
Board a Li River cruise in Guilin and sail downstream to Yangshuo; the evening is free for you to explore at your leisure.
· The Yangshuo countryside
Set aside a day for rural Yangshuo. Take it slow along the fields and riverbanks, cycling, walking, or taking a bamboo raft depending on water levels.
High-Speed Rail
Shenzhen · Day 12 - Day 13
· Rail to Shenzhen
Take the high-speed train from Yangshuo to Shenzhen, then explore the Civic Centre and Shenzhen Bay in the afternoon.
· Shenzhen: Inside the Machine
From industrial exhibitions to Huaqiangbei Electronics Market, then to Nanshan and Shenzhen Bay.
Cross-Border Transfer
Hong Kong · Day 14 - Day 15
· The crossing: Hong Kong
Cross the border from Shenzhen into Hong Kong. After check-in, enjoy free time during the afternoon and evening.
· Hong Kong: Return Journey
Spend the morning freely as per your flight schedule, then head to Hong Kong International Airport.
Departures
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Hotels
These are sample stays typically included in the itinerary. Final pricing depends on the hotel level selected.
Beijing
Atour Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station South Square)
Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station South Square.
Xi'an
Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an
A comfortable serviced-apartment option in Xi'an, suited to travellers who like extra space and a more residential feel.
Chengdu
Atour Hotel Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
A simple Chengdu stay near Chunxi Road, ideal for travellers who want easy walks, food stops and short city transfers.
guilin
Shangri-La Hotel Guilin
A softer riverside stay in Guilin, ideal for travellers seeking a greener setting and a calmer break between days of sightseeing.
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Ancient Garden Boutique Hotel
A characterful Yangshuo stay with a countryside feel, suited to travellers who prefer charm over a standard city hotel.
Shenzhen
Kempinski Hotel Shenzhen
A Nanshan hotel beside the Houhai commercial district, with easy access to Shenzhen's western business and cultural areas.
Hong Kong
Hotel ICON
A curated hotel option in Hong Kong, used as the shared route hotel resource.
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
A peaceful riverside retreat for travellers who want Yangshuo's karst scenery to feel close, quiet and unhurried.
Beijing
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
International luxury hotel in Beijing, ideal for business trips and city breaks.
Guilin
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Sheraton Guilin Hotel is situated on the banks of the Li River, offering comfortable rooms and convenient access to Guilin's attractions.
Xi'an
Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel
Sheraton Xi'an North City: five-star luxury five minutes from the Daming Palace, with an indoor pool and wellness centre.
Chengdu
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
With its superior location, it is a desirable place to stay in Chengdu.
Shenzhen
Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen
Locatted in the Futian CBD, close to major landmarks and metro lines. Featuring over 500 elegant guest rooms and suites with exclusive executive floor services.
Hong Kong
Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West
Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Elite Garden
Located in the heart of Yangshuo town, near West Street and the Li River, the Elite Garden Hotel Yangshuo is a comfortable four-star hotel offering convenient access to the area's main attractions.
Beijing
DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road
International upscale hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and leisure stays.
Guilin
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin is situated near Guilin Railway Station, offering comfortable accommodation and convenient amenities for both business and leisure travellers.
Xi'an
Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel Xi'an: five-star luxury near the Terracotta Warriors, 35 minutes from the airport.
Chengdu
The Temple House
Boutique luxury hotel set within a restored Qing-dynasty courtyard near Taikoo Li, boasting one of Chengdu's most striking design statements.
Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen is a luxury hotel in the Futian CBD, featuring elegant rooms, fine dining, and premium facilities.
Hong Kong
The Kowloon Hotel
The Kowloon Hotel
Beijing
Atour Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station South Square)
Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station South Square.
Xi'an
Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an
A comfortable serviced-apartment option in Xi'an, suited to travellers who like extra space and a more residential feel.
Chengdu
Atour Hotel Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
A simple Chengdu stay near Chunxi Road, ideal for travellers who want easy walks, food stops and short city transfers.
guilin
Shangri-La Hotel Guilin
A softer riverside stay in Guilin, ideal for travellers seeking a greener setting and a calmer break between days of sightseeing.
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Ancient Garden Boutique Hotel
A characterful Yangshuo stay with a countryside feel, suited to travellers who prefer charm over a standard city hotel.
Shenzhen
Kempinski Hotel Shenzhen
A Nanshan hotel beside the Houhai commercial district, with easy access to Shenzhen's western business and cultural areas.
Hong Kong
Hotel ICON
A curated hotel option in Hong Kong, used as the shared route hotel resource.
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
A peaceful riverside retreat for travellers who want Yangshuo's karst scenery to feel close, quiet and unhurried.
Beijing
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
International luxury hotel in Beijing, ideal for business trips and city breaks.
Guilin
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Sheraton Guilin Hotel is situated on the banks of the Li River, offering comfortable rooms and convenient access to Guilin's attractions.
Xi'an
Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel
Sheraton Xi'an North City: five-star luxury five minutes from the Daming Palace, with an indoor pool and wellness centre.
Chengdu
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
With its superior location, it is a desirable place to stay in Chengdu.
Shenzhen
Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen
Locatted in the Futian CBD, close to major landmarks and metro lines. Featuring over 500 elegant guest rooms and suites with exclusive executive floor services.
Hong Kong
Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West
Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Elite Garden
Located in the heart of Yangshuo town, near West Street and the Li River, the Elite Garden Hotel Yangshuo is a comfortable four-star hotel offering convenient access to the area's main attractions.
Beijing
DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road
International upscale hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and leisure stays.
Guilin
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin is situated near Guilin Railway Station, offering comfortable accommodation and convenient amenities for both business and leisure travellers.
Xi'an
Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel Xi'an: five-star luxury near the Terracotta Warriors, 35 minutes from the airport.
Chengdu
The Temple House
Boutique luxury hotel set within a restored Qing-dynasty courtyard near Taikoo Li, boasting one of Chengdu's most striking design statements.
Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen is a luxury hotel in the Futian CBD, featuring elegant rooms, fine dining, and premium facilities.
Hong Kong
The Kowloon Hotel
The Kowloon Hotel
Beijing
Atour Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station South Square)
Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station South Square.
Xi'an
Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an
A comfortable serviced-apartment option in Xi'an, suited to travellers who like extra space and a more residential feel.
Chengdu
Atour Hotel Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
A simple Chengdu stay near Chunxi Road, ideal for travellers who want easy walks, food stops and short city transfers.
guilin
Shangri-La Hotel Guilin
A softer riverside stay in Guilin, ideal for travellers seeking a greener setting and a calmer break between days of sightseeing.
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Ancient Garden Boutique Hotel
A characterful Yangshuo stay with a countryside feel, suited to travellers who prefer charm over a standard city hotel.
Shenzhen
Kempinski Hotel Shenzhen
A Nanshan hotel beside the Houhai commercial district, with easy access to Shenzhen's western business and cultural areas.
Hong Kong
Hotel ICON
A curated hotel option in Hong Kong, used as the shared route hotel resource.
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
A peaceful riverside retreat for travellers who want Yangshuo's karst scenery to feel close, quiet and unhurried.
Beijing
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
International luxury hotel in Beijing, ideal for business trips and city breaks.
Guilin
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Sheraton Guilin Hotel is situated on the banks of the Li River, offering comfortable rooms and convenient access to Guilin's attractions.
Xi'an
Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel
Sheraton Xi'an North City: five-star luxury five minutes from the Daming Palace, with an indoor pool and wellness centre.
Chengdu
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
With its superior location, it is a desirable place to stay in Chengdu.
Shenzhen
Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen
Locatted in the Futian CBD, close to major landmarks and metro lines. Featuring over 500 elegant guest rooms and suites with exclusive executive floor services.
Hong Kong
Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West
Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Elite Garden
Located in the heart of Yangshuo town, near West Street and the Li River, the Elite Garden Hotel Yangshuo is a comfortable four-star hotel offering convenient access to the area's main attractions.
Beijing
DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road
International upscale hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and leisure stays.
Guilin
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin is situated near Guilin Railway Station, offering comfortable accommodation and convenient amenities for both business and leisure travellers.
Xi'an
Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel Xi'an: five-star luxury near the Terracotta Warriors, 35 minutes from the airport.
Chengdu
The Temple House
Boutique luxury hotel set within a restored Qing-dynasty courtyard near Taikoo Li, boasting one of Chengdu's most striking design statements.
Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen is a luxury hotel in the Futian CBD, featuring elegant rooms, fine dining, and premium facilities.
Hong Kong
The Kowloon Hotel
The Kowloon Hotel
Included / Excluded
What's Included
- Private vehiclesAir-conditioned private vehicles for listed sightseeing and transfers, including airport and station pick-ups, cross-border transfer to Hong Kong and final airport drop-off.
- Hotels14 nights in selected four-star, five-star or quality boutique stays, with breakfast daily from Day 2.
- GuidesLicensed English-speaking guides in every mainland city; Hong Kong is an independent stay by design.
- Tickets and experiencesListed attractions plus the Li River cruise with its buffet lunch on board, tuk-tuk food route, Sichuan Opera seat, People's Park tea and Yangshuo countryside day; the exact list is itemized in the confirmation.
Not Included
- Long-haulInternational flights to Beijing and onward travel from Hong Kong.
- Internal legsThe Chengdu to Guilin flight and inter-city rail tickets are quoted with the confirmation.
- MealsApart from breakfast and the buffet lunch on the Lijiang cruise on Day 10, lunch and dinner are flexibly arranged and at your own expense.
- PersonalVisas and entry requirements as applicable, gratuities, single supplement and personal spending.
Special Notes
A few things on this route depend on flights, animals, rivers or a border.
- Arrival evening — The Shichahai walk flexes to landing time; arrive late and rest instead.
- Olympic Park — An exterior stop if time permits; the wall is not shortened for it.
- Panda mornings — The early start improves the chance of seeing active animals, but pandas keep their own schedule.
- Guilin's first afternoon — Elephant Trunk Hill or Two Rivers and Four Lakes follows the flight schedule.
- Yulong River rafting — Subject to river levels and safety rules; the same fields and lanes remain accessible by bike or on foot.
- The border day — Queue times vary; the transfer is door to door and the Hong Kong afternoon stays free.
- Hotels and venues — Named in the confirmation; or similar means the same class and comparable location.
Is Fifteen Days Your Length?
Tell us your dates and who's coming; the length can be shaped around you.
Have the full window?
Read the full gradient from palaces and an army to teahouses, river, delta and Hong Kong.
Shorter on days?
Trim a region rather than accelerating the pace.
Want more slow days?
Add time in Yangshuo or Hong Kong.
Good to Know
- Group
- Private; from 1 guest, no minimum.
- Arrival
- Day 1 follows landing time; the full programme begins on Day 2.
- The border
- Day 14 is a full immigration crossing from the mainland into Hong Kong; carry a passport and allow variable queue time.
- Documents
- Entry rules for Mainland China and Hong Kong differ by nationality and are checked during planning.
- Language
- English-speaking guides are available in every mainland city; Hong Kong operates independently, with transfers arranged.
- Shopping Policy
- No shopping stops or commission detours on the route; your time is dedicated solely to the places listed here.
- Tailoring
- Fully flexible. Days, stops, and pace can be added, removed, or swapped. We'll reshape the plan together before you confirm and pay.
- Payment
- A 10% deposit, minimum $399, locks dates and resources; the balance is due 14 days before departure.
- Flexibility
- Walking distances and conditional activities adapt to the group and operating conditions.
- Ports
- Beijing In, Hong Kong Out.
- Gateway markets
- Lead country marker: GB. Gateway markets from inventory: UK, WEU, NCEU, CA. Beijing in and Hong Kong out match the main gateway markets.
Your Private Concierge Service
Jenny
China Private Travel Route Consultant
“A concierge desk offering bilingual planning services for bespoke China journeys”
Our China team carefully tailors the pace of the itinerary, hotel arrangements, and local reception services to suit the style of each route.
20+
Years
300+
Trips Designed
24/7
On-Trip Care
Step 01
Tell us what excites you
Not your dates and budget — your curiosity. Where have you always wanted to go? What do you want to feel? We start there.
24h
First concept delivered
Step 02
We design it around you
Your specialist builds the itinerary from scratch — routes, hosts, hotels, and experiences you won't find anywhere else.
100%
Private, never off-the-shelf
Step 03
Lock it in with 30%
When the plan feels right, a 30% deposit holds your trip. Balance due 30 days before departure.
30%
Deposit to confirm
Step 04
Travel. We handle the rest.
Your Trip Pack arrives before you fly. On the road, your concierge is one message away — for the expected and everything you didn't plan for.
24/7
Support throughout your journey
Cancellation terms agreed in writing
English-speaking concierge
Secure payment via Stripe
Guest Reviews
4.9 / 5 · from 523 verified reviews
E
Emily Carter
🇺🇸 Seattle, USA
Perfect for couples
“My partner and I had an amazing time in China. Everything was arranged for us — transfers, hotels, guides. No stress at all.”
May 2026
C
Claire Brooks
🇬🇧 London, UK
Great for families
“Traveled with my two kids and had zero issues. The team made sure the pace wasn't too rushed and included things the kids would enjoy. Communication was easy throughout. Will definitely use them again for our next Asia trip.”
Apr 2026
L
Laura Bennett
🇨🇦 Toronto, Canada
Alisa made the whole experience easy
“Alisa was our point of contact throughout and she was brilliant — patient, knowledgeable, and always quick to reply. The trip itself was wonderful. Beijing and Guilin were highlights.”
Mar 2026
M
Mark Henderson
🇺🇸 Denver, USA
Good service, minor hiccup but sorted quickly
“Really good service. There was a small mix-up with one of our restaurant bookings but it got sorted quickly. The rest of the trip was seamless.”
Feb 2026
R
Rebecca Miller
🇺🇸 Boston, USA
Really listened to what we wanted
“Really helpful team. They listened to what we wanted and delivered. Beijing and Xi'an were incredible.”
Jan 2026
China Ready
We've solved the hard parts. Here's everything a first-time Western traveller needs to know before arriving.
Do this before you fly
VPN & Internet Access
What's blocked
Google, Gmail, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and most Western news sites are inaccessible in China without a VPN.
Download before you leave
It's nearly impossible to download a VPN once inside China. Install and test at home. Recommended: Astrill (most reliable), Mullvad, ExpressVPN — subscribe to at least two in case one stops working.
Hotel Wi-Fi tip
Some hotels block VPN connections on their Wi-Fi. Use your phone's mobile data as a hotspot if the VPN drops.
Good news
WhatsApp works perfectly through a VPN, so your messaging stays unchanged. Apple iMessage and Signal also work.
Your concierge sets this up on Day 1
Paying in China
China is cashless
Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for almost everything — restaurants, taxis, markets, tickets. Cash is rarely accepted in cities.
International cards now work
Foreign Visa/Mastercard can now link directly to Alipay (set up in minutes, $5,000 single transaction limit). Your concierge walks you through the setup on your first morning.
Carry some cash
We recommend ¥500–800 RMB in cash for the rare vendor that won't accept digital payment, and for small towns.
Booking this trip
Your deposit and balance are charged via Stripe — the same trusted platform used by Airbnb and Booking.com. USD billing, no surprise conversion fees.
We handle the paperwork
Visa & Entry
Do you need a visa?
Most US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand passport holders need a tourist (L) visa for stays over 10 days. We provide a visa invitation letter with every booking — it significantly speeds up approval.
240-hour visa-free transit
Citizens of 55+ countries (including USA, UK, most of EU, AUS, NZ, Canada) can enter China visa-free for up to 10 days if transiting through eligible ports. This covers our 12-day itinerary only if you have a confirmed onward flight.
Processing time
Apply 4–6 weeks before departure. Standard processing: 4–7 business days. Express (3 days) and same-day options available at most Chinese consulates.
What we provide
Visa invitation letter, hotel confirmation for all nights, suggested itinerary document — everything the consulate needs, formatted correctly.
Our responsibility, always
Safety & Practical Tips
Is China safe?
China consistently ranks among the safest countries for foreign tourists. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. Cities have extensive CCTV coverage and a visible police presence.
Emergency numbers
Police: 110. Ambulance: 120. Your concierge is your first call for any non-emergency situation — she has local contacts for every city on the itinerary.
Health & medications
Bring a full supply of any prescription medication. International pharmacies exist in major cities but may not carry your brand. Travel insurance is required — we can recommend policies that cover China specifically.
Language
English fluency outside hotels and tourist sites is limited. Your guides all speak English. We provide a printed pocket card with essential Chinese phrases and emergency contacts for every traveller.
Before You Book
Everything worth knowing before you book.
It is a full immigration crossing inside one country. Queue times vary, so the transfer is door to door and nothing timed is scheduled against it.
It completes the route's contrast and provides a major long-haul departure hub with a free morning before the flight.
Moving is folded into the days, evenings stay largely free, Yangshuo gets a full countryside day and Hong Kong has no scheduled program.
Mornings offer the better chance of eating and climbing, but the animals keep their own schedule and the conservation story remains part of the visit.
Daily breakfast is included from Day 2. Other meals stay flexible and are recommended and booked around the group.
