01
Overview
Three days later, the boatman will paddle you through the stone arches at a single-stroke pace. On the fourth day, a guide will interpret the digital floor for you, where the latest season of electronic goods has already been laid out on the counters. In between, the Li River flows, its rhythm more leisurely than any town on either bank. Most eight-day itineraries pick just one; this journey unfolds three in sequence: canal, river, city. Three nights in Shanghai, two in Yangshuo, two in Shenzhen—one flight plus one high-speed rail leg covers all the long-distance travel. What you take away is a recalibration: you will only know, once home, that in China, speed is a choice.
LyrikTrip Travel Designer
Every LyrikTrip journey begins with a conversation. Tell us your travel dates and group size, and if eight days isn’t the right fit, we’ll be candid about it and reshape the plan. First response within four hours; a clear, fixed price within one working day.
Why you'll love this trip
- Three worlds in one journey. Yu Garden, a canal town, the Li River's peaks and Shenzhen's tech floors.
- Board the Huangpu ferry at dusk, century-old banking halls on one bank, Pudong's towers on the other.
- Sit low in a sculling boat as Zhujiajiao glides past, stone bridges overhead, kitchens at the water's edge.
- Pedal the level lanes along the Yulong River, with rice paddies on both sides and limestone peaks all around.
- Wake for first light at Xianggong Hill as it finds the Li River's great bend.
- Walk Huaqiangbei with a guide who reads it aloud, where a sketch becomes a boxed product.
- Unpack just three times in eight days, with three nights in Shanghai and two each in Yangshuo and Shenzhen.
Things to do
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City
Heritage
City
Water Town
Craft
Slow
Photo
Nature
Tech
City
Tech
Night
CityCityHeritageCityWater TownCraftSlowPhotoNatureTechCityTechNightCityCityHeritageCityWater TownCraftSlowPhotoNatureTechCityTechNightCityItinerary
Arrivals
Shanghai · Day 1 - Day 3
· Shanghai: arrival
Land, check in, slow down. The city will still be there at dusk.
· Shanghai: gardens, lanes, two banks of one river
The whole city in one arc. Start in a Ming garden, end between two skylines.
· Zhujiajiao: the town at oar speed
A town that still runs at the speed of one oar. Sit low and let it pass you.
Flight
Yangshuo · Day 4 - Day 5
· Shanghai to Yangshuo
Arrive in Guilin and transfer by car to Yangshuo; in the afternoon, visit the Yulong River countryside.
· First light on the Li River
The one early alarm of the trip. The river spends the whole day paying it back.
High-speed rail
Shenzhen · Day 6 - Day 8
· The gear change
Leave at the river's pace. Arrive at Shenzhen's.
· Shenzhen: Tech Districts and Bays
A city that treats the future as a working day. Spend one inside it.
· Shenzhen: Departure
Depending on your flight, ferry, or border crossing times, choose between Shenzhen Bay Park and OCT Creative Culture Park before heading to your departure point.
Departures
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Hotels
These are sample stays typically included in the itinerary. Final pricing depends on the hotel level selected.
Shanghai
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort)
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: a luxurious garden hotel adjacent to Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering a complimentary shuttle service to both.
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.
Shanghai
Artyzen Habitat Shanghai Taopu
Inspired by the concept that each Yazen Hotel is a chapter in the city's story, our stylish and fully equipped comfortable guest rooms offer a modern retreat.
Shenzhen
Kempinski Hotel Shenzhen
A Nanshan hotel beside the Houhai commercial district, with easy access to Shenzhen's western business and cultural areas.
Shanghai
Ruizhenmeili Hotel (Shanghai City Centre, The Bund)
Nestled along the Suzhou Creek on Beijing East Road, enjoy breathtaking views of the Shanghai Bund.
Shanghai
CitiGO Hotel Nanjing West Road, Jing'an Temple, Shanghai
CitiGO Hotel: A vibrant accommodation option located in the Jing’an Temple business district of Shanghai, just a three-minute walk from Line 14 of the metro.
Shanghai
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel
The Pullman Shanghai South Harbour, located in Dapuqiao and adjacent to Tianzifang, is just steps away from Metro Line 9 and the Expo site.
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
A peaceful riverside retreat for travellers who want Yangshuo's karst scenery to feel close, quiet and unhurried.
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.
Shanghai
Atour S Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Centre Aegean
Located in the Aegean Sea Shopping Park at the intersection of Zhongguo Road and Hongjing Road in the Golden Business District of Hongqiao Town, with direct access to Longbai Xincun Station on Metro Line 10.
Shanghai
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort)
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: a luxurious garden hotel adjacent to Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering a complimentary shuttle service to both.
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.
Shanghai
Artyzen Habitat Shanghai Taopu
Inspired by the concept that each Yazen Hotel is a chapter in the city's story, our stylish and fully equipped comfortable guest rooms offer a modern retreat.
Shenzhen
Kempinski Hotel Shenzhen
A Nanshan hotel beside the Houhai commercial district, with easy access to Shenzhen's western business and cultural areas.
Shanghai
Ruizhenmeili Hotel (Shanghai City Centre, The Bund)
Nestled along the Suzhou Creek on Beijing East Road, enjoy breathtaking views of the Shanghai Bund.
Shanghai
CitiGO Hotel Nanjing West Road, Jing'an Temple, Shanghai
CitiGO Hotel: A vibrant accommodation option located in the Jing’an Temple business district of Shanghai, just a three-minute walk from Line 14 of the metro.
Shanghai
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel
The Pullman Shanghai South Harbour, located in Dapuqiao and adjacent to Tianzifang, is just steps away from Metro Line 9 and the Expo site.
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
A peaceful riverside retreat for travellers who want Yangshuo's karst scenery to feel close, quiet and unhurried.
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.
Shanghai
Atour S Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Centre Aegean
Located in the Aegean Sea Shopping Park at the intersection of Zhongguo Road and Hongjing Road in the Golden Business District of Hongqiao Town, with direct access to Longbai Xincun Station on Metro Line 10.
Shanghai
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort)
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: a luxurious garden hotel adjacent to Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering a complimentary shuttle service to both.
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.
Shanghai
Artyzen Habitat Shanghai Taopu
Inspired by the concept that each Yazen Hotel is a chapter in the city's story, our stylish and fully equipped comfortable guest rooms offer a modern retreat.
Shenzhen
Kempinski Hotel Shenzhen
A Nanshan hotel beside the Houhai commercial district, with easy access to Shenzhen's western business and cultural areas.
Shanghai
Ruizhenmeili Hotel (Shanghai City Centre, The Bund)
Nestled along the Suzhou Creek on Beijing East Road, enjoy breathtaking views of the Shanghai Bund.
Shanghai
CitiGO Hotel Nanjing West Road, Jing'an Temple, Shanghai
CitiGO Hotel: A vibrant accommodation option located in the Jing’an Temple business district of Shanghai, just a three-minute walk from Line 14 of the metro.
Shanghai
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel
The Pullman Shanghai South Harbour, located in Dapuqiao and adjacent to Tianzifang, is just steps away from Metro Line 9 and the Expo site.
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
A peaceful riverside retreat for travellers who want Yangshuo's karst scenery to feel close, quiet and unhurried.
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.
Shanghai
Atour S Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Centre Aegean
Located in the Aegean Sea Shopping Park at the intersection of Zhongguo Road and Hongjing Road in the Golden Business District of Hongqiao Town, with direct access to Longbai Xincun Station on Metro Line 10.
Included / Excluded
What's Included
- Private vehiclesAir-conditioned private vehicles for all listed sightseeing and transfers, with airport and station pick-ups.
- Hotels7 nights in selected four-star, five-star or quality boutique stays, breakfast daily.
- GuidesLicensed English-speaking guides in Shanghai, Guilin, Yangshuo and Shenzhen.
- Tickets and experiencesIncludes all listed attractions, as well as a shikoba ride in Zhujiajiao, a single water town handicraft experience, a rural tour of the Yulong River (by bicycle, e-bike, or car), sunrise at Xianggong Mountain, a bamboo raft or cruise on the Li River, and the Urban Planning Exhibition.
- Featured mealsFour featured meals, a Shanghainese lunch, a Jiangnan-style lunch in Zhujiajiao, a riverside lunch or afternoon tea in Yangshuo, and a modern Cantonese dinner in Shenzhen.
Not Included
- Long-haulInternational flights to Shanghai and onward travel from Shenzhen.
- Internal legsThe Shanghai to Guilin flight and Yangshuo to Shenzhen rail tickets are quoted with your confirmation.
- MealsBeyond breakfasts and the four featured meals, lunches and dinners remain flexible and are at your own expense.
- PersonalVisas, gratuities, single supplement, personal spending, and optional items not included in your confirmation.
Special Notes
A few things on this route depend on weather, seasons or operators.
- Afloat on the Li River — Whether you take a bamboo raft or a cruise boat depends on the season, water level and the day's operating rules; either way, you'll explore Xingping's streets and enjoy a riverside meal.
- Xianggong Hill sunrise — The light depends on the weather; the platform, the river bend and the ranked peaks remain the highlight of the visit in any sky.
- Water-town craft session — The available session is subject to venue schedules and the group's interests; one of the three sessions is included.
- Day 6 train — Once your travel dates are confirmed, the itinerary will feature either a direct connection or a transfer at Guangzhou South Station, depending on the specific train schedules. Ticket prices will be provided separately.
- Drone show — This is scheduled rather than nightly; dates without a show use the Civic Center's lit towers instead.
- Robotaxi and company visits — These depend on operator or company approval and are promised only after written confirmation.
- Day 8 — The final morning follows the departure time and mode.
- Hotels and venues — Named in the confirmation; or similar means the same class and comparable location.
Is Eight Days Your Length?
Tell us your dates and who's coming; the length can be shaped around you.
Have a few more days?
Add nights in Yangshuo or a Guilin chapter without changing the pace.
Shorter still?
The Shanghai leg can be condensed to two nights.
Travelling with older parents or kids?
Cycling can become a car ride, the boat rides remain, and sunrise stays optional.
Good to Know
- Group
- Private; from 1 guest, no minimum.
- Arrival
- Day 1 is a deliberately light landing day; the full programme begins on Day 2.
- Language
- English-speaking guides throughout.
- 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 and cycling distances adapt to the group's pace.
- Ports
- Arrive in Shanghai, depart from Shenzhen; travel on to Hong Kong by air, sea or overland.
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.
No. The line has two long moves, every stay is at least two nights, and Day 1 carries no heavy program.
The Xingping river section is fixed; the vessel is not. Raft or cruise boat follows season, water level and operating rules.
The DJI flagship or technology showroom is part of the standard day. Headquarters and company visits require written approval for the group and date.
Breakfasts and four featured meals are included. The rest stay flexible and are recommended and booked around the group.
