--- title: "Half hearth and home, half open green" description: "From the Pearl River at night to a thousand-year Yao village, the Lingnan you have not seen" type: "tour" route_id: "greater-bay-hidden-gems-7d" total_days: 7 price: 2000 highlights: ["Guangzhou", "Qingyuan", "Lianzhou", "Liannan", "Yingde"] url: "https://www.lyriktrip.com/en-GB/tours/greater-bay-hidden-gems-7d" canonical_url: "https://www.lyriktrip.com/en-GB/tours/greater-bay-hidden-gems-7d" locale: "en-GB" alternates: {"en-US":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/greater-bay-hidden-gems-7d","en-GB":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/en-GB/tours/greater-bay-hidden-gems-7d","zh-CN":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/zh-CN/tours/greater-bay-hidden-gems-7d","zh-TW":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/zh-TW/tours/greater-bay-hidden-gems-7d","de-DE":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/de-DE/tours/greater-bay-hidden-gems-7d","fr-FR":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/fr-FR/tours/greater-bay-hidden-gems-7d","es-ES":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/es-ES/tours/greater-bay-hidden-gems-7d","it-IT":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/it-IT/tours/greater-bay-hidden-gems-7d","x-default":"https://www.lyriktrip.com/tours/greater-bay-hidden-gems-7d"} --- # Half hearth and home, half open green From Pearl River night views to the millennium-old Yao village, unlock a Lingnan you've never seen A 7-day Guangzhou in-and-out journey through Qingyuan's gorges, Lianzhou's underground river, Lian'nan's Yao village, and Yingde's tea plantations, before returning to Guangzhou for the Pearl River night views. - Easy–Moderate: some walking in the gorges and Yao villages — The glass bridge offers a route choice based on your stamina; older guests can enjoy a leisurely stroll on the viewing platform. The mountain paths in the Yao villages and the walking section of the Lianzhou Underground River must be covered on foot. The itinerary map is for reference only; actual locations may vary due to the map's scale. ## Overview On the first day, you will arrive in Guangzhou and check into a central hotel for free time to rest. On the second day, you will head north to Qingyuan to view the waterfalls at Gulong Gorge; the glass bridge is optional, and senior travellers can enjoy a leisurely stroll on the viewing platforms. On the third day, you will visit the Lianzhou Underground River for a boat ride and walk to admire the stalactites, then proceed to Luoshen Valley. In the evening, you will check into the Guangdong Yao Nationality Grand Hotel in Liannan to experience a traditional Yao herbal bath. On the fourth day, you will take a boat tour of the Hanchuan Three Gorges and visit the Nangang Millennium Yao Village in the afternoon. On the fifth day, you will travel to Yingde to grind soybeans and enjoy a tofu banquet, walk past the Xiao Zhaozhou Bridge and the Small Fish Scale Dam, and visit the T3 high-mountain tea plantation for a tea tasting session. On the sixth day, you will return to Guangzhou to explore Yongqingfang and Beijing Road, followed by an evening boat tour of the Pearl River and a buffet dinner. On the seventh day, you will depart according to your flight or train schedule. — Travel with Suicheng Itinerary can be adjusted to your dates and group size. A minimum of 2 people is required to form a group. ## Summary - Route ID: greater-bay-hidden-gems-7d - Duration: 7 days / 6 nights - Starting price: $2,000 - Status: active - Highlights: Guangzhou, Qingyuan, Lianzhou, Liannan, Yingde - Cover image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/33b0a91f2a9d.webp ## Hero tags - No shopping - Fully tailored - Multilingual services — Tours run in English. Other languages can be arranged with 30 days' notice and at an added fee. ## Highlight notes - Gulong Gorge: Skyline Glass Bridge & Waterfall - Lianzhou Underground River: Viewing stalactites by boat and on foot - Huangchuan Three Gorges: A boat glides on the river, while you wander through a living painting - Qianyuan Yao Village: The Changgu Drum Dance, Mountain Songs, and Yao Bathing Ritual - Stone-Ground Soy Milk & Tofu Feast: Hands-On Grinding - T3 Tea Plantation: Yingtai Black Tea and Tufeng Mountain - Pearl River Night Cruise: Buffet Dinner on Board ## Selling points - Step into the Gulong Gorge, where the deep valley is lush with green, the Glass Skywalk offers thrilling heights, and the cascading waterfall exudes breathtaking power. - Take a boat ride through the Lianzhou Underground River to view the stalactites; the cave also features a walking section, and the temperature remains a constant 18°C year-round. - Glide through the Three Gorges of the Huang River, where towering precipitous cliffs line both banks, the jade-green waters flow serene and clear, and cascading waterfalls and spring jets are scattered throughout. As the mountains follow the winding river, the scenery shifts with the drifting boat. - Wander the bluestone lanes of Nangang Yao Village, take in the hillside dwellings; in the evening, enjoy a traditional Yao herbal bath at the hotel. - Grind soy milk on a traditional stone mill and enjoy a tofu banquet at lunch. - Ascend the T3 high-mountain tea plantation to savour authentic Yingde black tea while taking in the distant views of Camel Peak. - Take a night cruise on the Pearl River, enjoy a buffet dinner, and watch the Canton Tower and the lights along both banks. ## City highlights - Guangzhou (2 days): Old Dreams of Xiguan & Pearl River Night Views - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/a38f2fdf1983.webp - Guangzhou (1 days): First glimpse of the Flower City, a gentle respite - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/a38f2fdf1983.webp - Qingyuan (1 days): Catch a Breath in the Gorges, Embrace the Wilds - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/0ad217801d7b.webp - Lianzhou (1 days): Underground River & Goddess Luo Valley - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/7177e4e32077.webp - Liannan (1 days): Yao Mountain landscape and the Thousand-Year Yao Village - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4f90ea58734c.webp - Yingde (1 days): Rural crafts and high-mountain tea gardens - Image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/b60eecbc0ab6.webp ## Experiences A 7-day journey through Guangzhou, weaving together canyons, Yao villages, and tea gardens. - Nangang Yao Village & Evening Yao Bath (Qingyuan): Step into the Nangang Yao Village and wander along the bluestone path, taking in the traditional homes tucked into the mountainside. In the evening, return to your hotel to enjoy the瑶 (Yao) herbal bath arranged as part of the itinerary. - Subtitle: The ancient Yao village built on a steep slope at 800 metres above sea level - Tags: Folk Traditions - Host: Qingyuan, Qingyuan Lens — Qingyuan's Gorges, Underground Rivers and Yao Mountains - Access: The entrance fee to the Millennium Yao Village is included in the tour cost; the Yao herbal bath has been specially arranged by Guangdong Yao Ethnic Hotel and can be enjoyed on both D3 and D4 nights. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4f90ea58734c.webp - Handmade Stone-Milled Soy Milk & Organic Tofu Feast (Yingde): Grind soybeans into soy milk by hand using a traditional stone mill, then enjoy a Tofu Feast at lunch. - Subtitle: Be a carefree local for a day - Tags: Intangible Cultural Heritage - Host: Yingde, Yingde Lens — Tea gardens, peak forests and the countryside of Yingde - Access: The soya-bean grinding experience and tofu banquet are included in the tour price. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/b850b1980a3c.webp - T3 High-Mountain Tea Plantation Breeze Afternoon Tea (Yingde): Sip Yingde black tea in the T3 high-mountain tea gardens, gaze across to the Camel Peak mountain, and stroll along the tea fields. - Subtitle: Sip Yingde black tea while checking in at the distant Camel Hump Mountain - Tags: Tea - Host: Yingde, Yingde Lens — Tea gardens, peak forests and the countryside of Yingde - Access: Afternoon tea at the T3 Tea Garden is included in the itinerary fee. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/bb32e2c8a2a8.webp - Pearl River Night Cruise with Waterborne Buffet (Guangzhou): Take a night cruise on the Pearl River, enjoying a buffet dinner while viewing the Canton Tower and the lights along both banks from the boat. - Subtitle: Enjoy a buffet dinner on the cruise and admire the Xiao Man Yao and the night scenery along both banks - Tags: Night Cruise - Host: Guangzhou, Guangzhou Lens — Trade history and southern city life - Access: The Pearl River evening cruise and the self-service dinner are included in the tour cost. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/301f0ca14cca.webp ### Capture banner - Label: Save this itinerary - Title: Send the full route to your inbox - Subtitle: We will include the latest hotels, hosts and pacing notes. - Placeholder: Email address - CTA: Send route - Sent label: Sent ## Itinerary ### Half Mortal, Half Divine - 1 days Guangfu #### Guangzhou (1 days) - Subtitle: First glimpse of the Flower City, a gentle respite - Recommendation: Guangzhou is the starting point of your journey; upon arrival, you’ll check into a city-centre hotel, with free time to explore its laneways and traditional sweet-soup shops. - Transport: Private car · 1.5–2 hours - Transport mode: car No fixed sightseeing is scheduled on arrival day; use the time to rest or take a walk around the hotel. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/a38f2fdf1983.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/301f0ca14cca.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/1cb379fdfd21.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/ee236253c95e.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/637220d8475f.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4773f1e72c4f.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/9d81b34bf6a4.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/3dfdf90ad758.webp ##### Day 1: A First Encounter in the Flower City, Embracing the Slow Rhythm of Lingnan - (transport) — Upon arrival at Guangzhou Airport or the high-speed rail station, your driver will meet you and transfer you to a four-star hotel in central Guangzhou for check-in. - (note) — Unpack, then take a leisurely stroll along the tree-lined avenues around the hotel, or enjoy a bowl of authentic double-skin milk pudding at a street-corner dessert shop to wash away the fatigue of your long flight. - (accommodation) Guangzhou Dingshe Hotel — Evening: free time for leisure. We recommend an early night to conserve energy for the Gulong Gorge itinerary the following day. Accommodation: Dingshe or an equivalent four-star hotel; upgrades may be arranged for clients. ### Half Green Wilderness - 4 days Hills & Valleys #### Qingyuan (1 days) - Subtitle: Catch a Breath in the Gorges, Embrace the Wilds - Recommendation: Gulong Gorge is Qingyuan's signature attraction, featuring a deep, lush-green canyon, thrilling glass skywalks, and majestic cascading waterfalls. - Transport: Private car - Transport mode: car Depart after a leisurely wake-up; the drive takes around 1.5–2 hours. The glass bridge is optional, with elderly relatives able to stroll slowly and admire the waterfalls at the viewing platform. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/0ad217801d7b.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/5efcf64e69fe.webp ##### Day 2: Breathe in the canyon air and embrace the wildness of nature - (transport) — Set off after a leisurely wake-up, leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind to visit Gulong Gorge, Qingyuan's signature attraction (approximately 1.5–2 hours by car). - (sight) — Watch the waterfalls along the Kulung Gorge walkway; you can opt to cross the Sky Cloud Glass Bridge, while older guests can leisurely explore the viewing platform. - (accommodation) Gulong Hotel — Accommodation: Gulong Hotel or comparable homestays in the area. #### Lianzhou (1 days) - Subtitle: Underground River & Goddess Luo Valley - Recommendation: Lianzhou Underground River features both boat and walking sections through the cave system, where you can view stalactites. The temperature is a constant approximately 18℃ year-round. - Transport: Private car - Transport mode: car Morning in the underground river, afternoon in Luoshen Valley, and a Yao herbal bath at the hotel after dinner. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/7177e4e32077.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/999ab04128f4.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/c03996eea298.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/998391693e2a.webp ##### Day 3: Lianzhou Underground River and Yao steam bath evening - (sight) — Board a boat on the Lianzhou Underground River to cruise through the subterranean cavern; follow the walking section to admire the stalactites. The cave maintains a constant temperature of approximately 18°C year-round. - (sight) — Stroll along the stream valley to Luoshen Valley, where you can hear the water flowing between the trees. - (accommodation) Guangdong Yao Ethnic Hotel — Accommodation: Guangdong Yao Nationalities Grand Hotel. - (sight) — After dinner, enjoy the hotel’s specially arranged authentic Yao herbal bath, which uses nature’s botanical essences to relax your muscles and joints, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. #### Liannan (1 days) - Subtitle: Yao Mountain landscape and the Thousand-Year Yao Village - Recommendation: Built on a steep slope at an altitude of 800 metres, the thousand-year-old瑶寨 of Nangang features winding bluestone paths, and the uplifting sounds of long-drum dances and mountain songs. - Transport: Private car - Transport mode: car Enjoy an上午 morning boat trip through the Three Gorges of Huangchuan, savour a signature Lianzhou lunch at noon, visit the millennium-old Yao Village in the afternoon, and return to the hotel for a traditional Yao bath in the evening. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4f90ea58734c.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4ad017aa2540.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/33b0a91f2a9d.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/987e1d516bcc.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/ef2f3af5249f.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/92455608f547.webp ##### Day 4: Yaoshan Scroll: An Immersive Folk Custom and Visual Spectacle - (sight) — Enjoy a boat tour through the Three Gorges of Huangchuan, where waterfalls cascade down steep cliffs on both banks. Drifting through the shimmering waters, you will feel as though the boat is gliding along the river and you are travelling within a living painting. The river water is emerald-green and serene, with mountains winding in harmony with the current, and the scenery ever-changing as your boat moves. - (dining) — Next, proceed to a local restaurant in Lianzhou for a special lunch. - (sight) — Step into the Nangang Yao Village, nestled at an elevation of approximately 800 metres, and follow the bluestone paths to admire the rustic homes built into the mountainside. - (accommodation) Guangdong Yao Ethnic Hotel — Soak in a Yao herbal bath to wash away the day's fatigue and ease into a restful sleep. Accommodation: Guangdong Yao Ethnic Grand Hotel, where you can experience the Yao bath. #### Yingde (1 days) - Subtitle: Rural crafts and high-mountain tea gardens - Recommendation: Hand-grind soya milk, savour an authentic tofu feast, stroll past Little Zhaozhou Bridge and the small fish-scale weir, then climb T3 high-mountain tea gardens to taste Yingde black tea. - Transport: Private car · 2.5 hours - Transport mode: car In the morning, grind soybeans in a stone mill and enjoy a tofu banquet; in the afternoon, visit the tea garden to taste tea. Dinner features figs and chicken, followed by a night at the Shuiyun Yajia. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/b60eecbc0ab6.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/bb32e2c8a2a8.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/b850b1980a3c.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/55e27072bab6.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/a14e0c0adf20.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/6891b25665e0.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4d2a3f593e14.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/820ab53026a0.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/84bdbb9ffb1e.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/019ad91a401f.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/929abaf794b6.webp ##### Day 5: Yingde Stone-Ground Soymilk and High-Mountain Tea Plantations - (dining) — Head to Yingde to grind soy milk by hand on a traditional stone mill, then enjoy a tofu feast for lunch. - (sight) — Cross the Xiao Zhaozhou Bridge and Xiao Scale Dam, stroll through the Heshun karst caves, and take in Yingde’s rural bridges, streams, and mountains. - (dining) — Ascend to the T3 highland tea plantation, savor Yingde black tea, and gaze out at Camel Hump Mountain. - (dining) Cloud Water Elegant Residence — Dinner with fig-marinated chicken, followed by your stay at Shuiyun Yashi. Accommodation: Cloud Dwell / Shuiyun Yashi or a high-end guesthouse. ### Return to the Flower City - 2 days Guangfu #### Guangzhou (2 days) - Subtitle: Old Dreams of Xiguan & Pearl River Night Views - Recommendation: Return to Guangzhou from Yingde, explore the streets of Xiguan and enjoy a night cruise on the Pearl River; depart the next day according to your flight or train schedule. - Transport: Private car transfer to airport or station - Transport mode: car On day six, enjoy traditional morning tea at Tao Tao Ju, explore Yongqingfang, Bruce Lee’s ancestral home, and Beijing Road, then take an evening cruise on the Pearl River with a buffet dinner; day seven is free before transfer to the airport or station. - Images: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/a38f2fdf1983.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/301f0ca14cca.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/1cb379fdfd21.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/ee236253c95e.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/637220d8475f.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4773f1e72c4f.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/9d81b34bf6a4.webp, https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/3dfdf90ad758.webp ##### Day 6: Return to the Bustle: Old West Gate Dreams and a Pearl River Evening Banquet - (transport) — Return to downtown Guangzhou from the countryside. - (dining) — Visit the century-old Tao Tao Ju, savour signature dim sum like shrimp har gow and red rice rolls, and immerse yourself in authentic Cantonese yum cha culture. - (sight) — Stroll through Yongqing Fang, where the charm of the Republican era comes alive. Visit Bruce Lee’s ancestral home and immerse yourself in the East-meets-West culture of the Xiguan district. Blue-brick walls, traditional sliding-bar doors, and Cantonese-style latticed windows showcase the timeless elegance of the Guangfu region, while indoor exhibits recount his life and martial arts legacy. - (sight) — Explore the ancient Beijing Road trade route, view the centuries-old building ruins beneath the glass skywalk, and experience Guangzhou's vibrant local life and bustling commerce. - (dining) — Enjoy a night cruise on the Pearl River with a buffet dinner, taking in the view of Canton Tower and the lights along both banks. - (accommodation) Guangzhou Dingshe Hotel — Accommodation: DingShe or a comparable 4-diamond hotel, with the option to upgrade for guests. ##### Day 7: Fare home with cherished memories, journey complete - (note) — Your morning is free to be spent according to your flight or high-speed rail schedule. If your return journey is later in the day, we can recommend relaxing nearby activities, shopping malls, dessert shops, traditional dim sum breakfasts, or lunch venues based on your hotel's location. - (transport) — If your return journey departs early, the driver will transfer you to the airport or high-speed rail station as agreed. Once the transfer is complete, your itinerary will conclude. ## Daily plan ### Day 1 — First encounters in the flower city, begin your leisurely Lingnan journey Highlight: Arrive in Guangzhou, with a gentle start to rest and settle in - Full-day airport/station pickup: Upon arrival in Guangzhou, a driver will meet you at the airport or station and take you in a private car to your city-centre hotel for check-in. - Free and Easy: A First Glimpse of Guangzhou: After dropping off your luggage, you can take a walk around the hotel or visit a sweet soup shop for a bowl of Double-Skin Milk. - Accommodation: 4-diamond hotels like Dingshe or similar, upgradeable on request - Dining: Room only ### Day 2 — Breathe in the canyon, embrace nature's wildness Highlights: explore hidden valleys, walk among the clouds, fun for all ages - Drive northwards: Set off after waking up naturally, leaving the city's hustle and bustle behind, and head to Gulong Gorge, known as the 'calling card of Qingyuan' (approx. 1.5–2 hours' drive). - Strolling on Clouds: Walk along the Gulong Gorge trail to see the waterfalls, with the option to cross the Yuntian 'God's Walk' glass bridge; older guests can also enjoy the views from the viewing platforms at a leisurely pace. - Serenity in the Canyon: Stay at a hotel near Gulong. - Accommodation: Gulong Hotel or similar standard guesthouse nearby - Dining: At your own expense ### Day 3 — Lianzhou Underground River and a Night of Yao Bathing Highlights: Subterranean wonders, serene landscapes, distinctive Yao bath - Karst Wonders: Take a boat ride through the Lianzhou Underground River to view the stalactites. The cave also includes a walking section and maintains a constant temperature of approximately 18℃. - A Stroll Through Luoshen Valley: Arrive at Luoshen Valley to stroll along the creek valley, listening to the water flow through the forest. - Stay at a Yao ethnic heritage hotel: Check in to Guangdong Yao Ethnic Hotel. - Evening Yao Bath: After dinner, experience the arranged Yao herbal bath at the hotel to relax your body with warm water. - Accommodation: Guangdong Yao Ethnic Hotel, Experience the Yao Bath - Dining: At your own expense ### Day 4 — Yao Mountain Panorama: An Immersive Folk Culture and Visual Feast Highlights: boat cruise, local cuisine, millennium Yao village, Yao bath - Boating through the Gallery: Enjoy a boat cruise through the Three Gorges of Huangchuan, with waterfalls cascading down steep cliffs on both banks. Glide along the shimmering river to experience the poetic feeling of 'the boat sailing through the river, and people wandering within a painting.' - Sensory experience: Proceed to a distinctive restaurant in Lianzhou to savour a特色 lunch. - Journey Through Time: Visit the Nangang Yao Village at around 800m altitude, walking along bluestone paths to see the traditional houses built into the hillside. - Return to hotel: Soak in a Yao herbal bath to wash away the day’s fatigue and drift into a restful sleep. - Accommodation: Guangdong Yao Ethnic Hotel, Experience the Yao Bath - Dining: At your own expense ### Day 5 — Yingde Stone-Milled Soy Milk and Highland Tea Plantations Highlights: stone-ground soy milk, tofu feast and tea garden afternoon tea - Stone-Milled Soy Milk: Head to Yingde to push a stone mill to make soy milk yourself, then enjoy a tofu feast at midday. - The Wizard of Oz: Visit the historically charming 'Little Zhaozhou Bridge' and the babbling 'Little Yuolin Dam', stroll through the Harmonious Cave, and experience the authentic rural charm of Lingnan. - Sipping tea at the summit: Ascend the Ting3 alpine tea plantation, savour authentic Yingde black tea, and capture photos of the distant Camel Hump Mountain. - Taste of Qingyuan: Dinner of fig-infused chicken, then check in at Shuiyun Yashe. - Accommodation: Yundu / Shuiyun Elegance or a high-end boutique guesthouse - Dining: Includes a Tofu Banquet and a tea plantation afternoon tea; other meals are at your own expense. ### Day 6 — Return to the Bustling City: Old Xiguan Dreams and a Pearl River Evening Banquet Highlights: Authentic Cantonese streets, Beijing Road, Pearl River night cruise & buffet - Take full advantage of your journey: Return to downtown Guangzhou. - Authentic Cantonese Flavour: Enjoy a visit to the historic Tao Tao Ju, sampling classic dim sum favourites such as shrimp dumplings and red rice rolls, and immersing yourself in the authentic Cantonese morning-tea tradition. - Roots of Canton: Stroll through Yongqing Fang, with its distinctive Republic of China-era charm, visit the ancestral home of Bruce Lee, and immerse yourself in the rich, East-meets-West culture of Xiguan. - Bustling shopping district: Explore Beijing Road, an ancient commercial thoroughfare over a millennium old. View the historic building ruins visible beneath the glass skywalk and immerse yourself in Guangzhou's vibrant street life and bustling commerce. - Glorious City of Rams: Take a boat for an evening cruise on the Pearl River, enjoy a buffet dinner, and view the Canton Tower and the lights on both banks from the ship. - Accommodation: 4-diamond hotels like Dingshe or similar, upgradeable on request - Dining: Includes buffet dinner on the cruise; other meals are at your own expense ### Day 7 — Return home with cherished memories, a perfect end to the journey Highlights: A Leisurely Departure - Free morning: Arrange your morning freely according to your flight or high-speed train schedule. If your return journey is later in the day, we can recommend nearby leisure activities, shopping centres, dessert shops, morning tea, or lunch based on your hotel's location. - Timely departure transfer: If your return journey begins early, your driver will transfer you to the airport or high-speed rail station at the agreed time, concluding your itinerary. - Port of Entry and Exit: Start from Guangzhou · Return to Guangzhou - Dining: Room only ## Hotels ### Guangzhou Dingshe Hotel - City: Guangzhou - Description: This is a hotel-type accommodation in the center of Guangzhou. Stay for the first and sixth night, or a comparable 4-diamond hotel, with possible client upgrade. ### Gulong Hotel - City: Qingyuan - Description: Accommodation at the designated segment of Gulong Canyon, on the second night of the itinerary, or at a comparable guesthouse in the surrounding area. ### Guangdong Yao Ethnic Hotel - City: Liannan - Description: Accommodation in the Yao Mountain section as specified in the itinerary, with two consecutive nights on the third and fourth evenings, including an authentic intangible cultural heritage Yao herbal bath experience. - Labels: NEW, Feature Stay ### Cloud Water Elegant Residence - City: Yingde - Description: Premium accommodation in the Yingde region, included on the fifth night of the itinerary. Quality comparable to Yun Du or high-end boutique homestays. ## Included / Excluded ### What's Included - Transport: One seat per person, including tolls, fuel, and driver's meals and accommodation. - Accommodation: D1 Guangzhou Dingshe Hotel, D2 Gulong Hotel, D3–D4 Guangdong Yao Ethnic Hotel, D5 Shuiyun Yash, D6 Guangzhou Dingshe Hotel. - Admission ticket: Gulong Gorge tickets, Yuntian Glass Skywalk tickets, Lianzhou Underground River, Millennium Yao Village, traditional soy milk grinding experience, Pearl River night cruise with à la carte dinner. - Catering: T3 Tea Garden Afternoon Tea and Tofu Banquet Experience. - Insurance: Personal travel accident insurance. ### Not Included - Personal expenses: Excluded: personal expenses, shopping, and other incidental costs. - Single supplement: For single occupancy, a supplementary room rate will apply. - Other fees: Items not mentioned in the itinerary. ### Special Notes Listed below are the original items as provided. - Minimum Group Size Requirements: Group booking for two or more people. - Glass Bridge: The Yun-Tian Bo-Ba glass bridge is an optional activity; seniors may choose to leisurely enjoy the view of the waterfall from the observation deck instead. - Yao Bath: On Days 3 and 4, accommodation is at the Guangdong Yao Ethnic Hotel, and the itinerary includes the Yao herbal bath experience arranged by the hotel. - Hotel: For the Guangzhou segment, accommodation is at the Dingshe or a comparable 4-diamond hotel, with upgrade options available on request; for the Gulong Gorge segment, it is the Gulong Hotel or a comparable homestay nearby; and for the Yingde segment, it is the Yunduo, Shuiyun Yasheshe, or a premium homestay. - Itinerary map: The itinerary map is for reference only; actual locations may vary due to map scale. ## Is Seven Days Your Length? This is a 7-day itinerary, adjustable to your dates and group size. ### Seven days to complete the entire route Start and finish in Guangzhou: explore Qingyuan’s gorges and underground rivers, visit the Yao Mountains, enjoy the tea plantations and countryside of Yingde, and round off with a night cruise on the Pearl River. ### Not enough days Tell us whether city or wilderness matters more to you, and we’ll weave the perfect itinerary. ### With elderly or children The glass bridge can be skipped; the underground river tour includes both boat and walking sections, and the pace can be adjusted to suit the stamina of your fellow travellers. ## Good to Know - Group departure: Minimum group size: 2 - Import and Export Ports: Arrive Guangzhou · Depart Guangzhou - Vehicle Hire: One seat per person, including tolls, fuel, and driver's accommodation and meals - Meals: Includes a tofu banquet, T3 tea plantation afternoon tea, and a buffet dinner on the Pearl River cruise; other meals are at your own expense. - Accommodation: D3D4 Guangdong Yao Ethnic Hotel, with Yao Bath Experience ## Your Private Concierge Service - Name: Jenny - Title: China Private Travel Route Consultant - Tagline: A concierge desk offering bilingual planning services for bespoke China journeys - Bio: Our China team carefully tailors the pace of the itinerary, hotel arrangements, and local reception services to suit the style of each route. - Avatar image: https://cdn.lyriktrip.com/s/4g5K6CDX.webp ### Stats - 20+ Years - 300+ Trips designed - 24/7 On-trip care ### The Conversation Every LyrikTrip journey begins with a conversation. Tell us your dates and who's coming — and if this length isn't right for you, we'll say so and shape a shorter arc. First reply within four hours; a clear price for your dates within one business day. - CTA: Start the conversation ### 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 - CTA: Talk to Us ## Guest Reviews - Overall rating: 4.9 - Total reviews: 523 - Count label: from 523 verified reviews 4.9 / 5 ### Platforms - google: 4.9 (312 reviews) - tripadvisor: 5.0 (211 reviews) - Filter tabs: All, Google, TripAdvisor - Emily Carter (🇺🇸 Seattle, USA · 5★ · May 2026 · google): 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. - Claire Brooks (🇬🇧 London, UK · 5★ · Apr 2026 · tripadvisor): 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. - Laura Bennett (🇨🇦 Toronto, Canada · 5★ · Mar 2026 · google): 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. - Mark Henderson (🇺🇸 Denver, USA · 4★ · Feb 2026 · tripadvisor): 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. - Rebecca Miller (🇺🇸 Boston, USA · 5★ · Jan 2026 · google): Really listened to what we wanted - Really helpful team. They listened to what we wanted and delivered. Beijing and Xi'an were incredible. ## China Ready We've solved the hard parts. Here's everything a first-time Western traveller needs to know before arriving. ### VPN & Internet Access - Badge: Do this before you fly - 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. ### Paying in China - Badge: Your concierge sets this up on Day 1 - 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. ### Visa & Entry - Badge: We handle the paperwork - 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. ### Safety & Practical Tips - Badge: Our responsibility, always - 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. ### How much of the seven days is spent in the city versus the wild? Three days in Guangzhou (arrival on Day 1, return to the city on Day 6, departure on Day 7), four days in Qingyuan and Yingde (Gulong Gorge, Lianzhou Underground River & Luoshen Valley, Huangchuan Three Gorges & Millennium Yao Village, Yingde countryside & tea plantations). Entering and exiting via Guangzhou, with mountain and river secrets in between. ### Is it a must-do to walk the glass bridge? Not necessarily. The Yuntian Boda Glass Bridge is optional; older visitors can opt for a leisurely stroll at the viewing platform to enjoy the waterfalls, with activities suited to every preference. The Lianzhou Underground River tour involves a gentle boat ride that requires no strenuous walking. ### What is Yao Bath? Is there an additional fee? 瑶 bath is an intangible cultural heritage wellness practice of the Yao people, using herbal essences for bathing to help relax muscles and bones. A two-night stay at the Guangdong Yao Ethnic Hotel will be arranged for D3 and D4, and the hotel will specially organize the Yao bath experience, already included in the itinerary. ### Which meals are included in the fee? Includes T3 Tea Garden afternoon tea and a tofu banquet experience, along with a water buffet dinner during the Pearl River night cruise (included in the ticket price). Other meals are at your own expense. ### What is the minimum group size? Group tours start with 2 guests. A single supplement applies for those requesting a private room. ### How much of the week is city and how much is countryside? Three days in Guangzhou (arrival, the return to the city on day six, and departure) and four days in Qingyuan and Yingde (Gulong Gorge, Lianzhou Underground River and Luoshen Valley, Huangchuan Three Gorges and the Thousand-Year Yao Village, and the Yingde countryside and tea gardens). Guangzhou in and out, with the hidden landscapes in between. ### Do we have to walk the glass bridge? No. The skywalk and glass bridge are optional, and anyone who prefers a slower pace can stay at the viewing platform and enjoy the waterfalls. Lianzhou Underground River is done by small boat, with very little walking. ### What is the Yao herbal bath, and does it cost extra? The Yao herbal bath is a heritage wellness practice of the Yao people, using herbal essences to relax the body. You stay two nights at the Guangdong Yao Culture Hotel on D3 and D4, and the bath is arranged by the hotel and included in the itinerary. ### Which meals are included? The T3 Tea Garden afternoon tea and the tofu meal experience are included, as is the buffet dinner on the Pearl River night cruise (covered under the ticket items). Other meals are at your own expense. ### What is the minimum group size? A minimum of 2 participants is required to operate the tour. A single room supplement applies if a private room is required. ### Is this route suitable for children and older parents? Yes. Day two at Gulong Gorge suits all ages and the glass bridge is entirely optional; day three's underground river is done by boat with very little walking; day five's hand-ground soy milk is a good hands-on activity for children. The walking on each day can be paced to your group.