01
Overview
A four-day mountain itinerary unfolds at a leisurely pace, tracing the banks of the Li River mid-journey before accelerating towards Shenzhen in the final chapter. Railways connect these shifting landscapes, with local guides welcoming every arriving traveller.
LyrikTrip Travel Designer
Why you'll love this trip
- Zhangjiajie: Yuanjiajie, Jinbian Stream and Tianmen Mountain
- Guilin and Yangshuo: Li River Cruise and Countryside Trails
- Shenzhen: Huaqiang North, Talent Park & Shenzhen Bay
- From the Yuanjiajie viewing platform, take in the sandstone peak forest, then follow Jinbian Stream down to the foot of the mountain.
- Take a Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, viewing karst peaks on both banks.
- Explore the Huaqiangbei electronics market and the waterside promenade at Shenzhen Bay.
Things to do
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05
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10
Nature
Mountain
Walk
Nature
Mountain
River Cruise
Evening
Slow
Tech
CityNatureMountainWalkNatureMountainRiver CruiseEveningSlowTechCityNatureMountainWalkNatureMountainRiver CruiseEveningSlowTechCityItinerary
Arrivals
Zhangjiajie · Day 1 - Day 4
· Arrival: into the mountains
On arrival, head to Wulingyuan for a rest night, then enter the forest park the following day.
· Yuanjiajie & Tianzi Mountain
Ride the Bailong Elevator to ascend to Yuanjiajie, then walk across the viewing platforms of Tianzi Mountain.
· Golden Whip Stream & Huangshi Village
In the morning, stroll along Jinbian Stream at the foot of the peak forest; in the afternoon, take the cable car up to Huangshi Village.
· Tianmen Mountain
First enter the city centre from Wulingyuan, then take the cable car up to Tianmen Mountain. Stay overnight in Zhangjiajie city centre.
High-Speed Rail
Guilin · Day 5
· Rail to Guilin
Head south by rail to Guilin, strolling along the Two Rivers and Four Lakes in the evening.
Lijiang River Cruise
Yangshuo · Day 6 - Day 7
· Li River cruise to Yangshuo
Take a boat cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo, with the afternoon free for check-in and leisure.
· The Yangshuo countryside
Visit scenic viewpoints and country lanes, then choose one activity: cycling, walking, or a bamboo raft ride.
High-Speed Rail
Shenzhen · Day 8 - Day 10
· Rail to Shenzhen
Take a high-speed train from Yangshuo to Shenzhen; upon arrival, explore the city’s architecture and the Shenzhen Bay waterfront.
· Technology and innovation
A city that faces forward. Spend a day reading how it got that way.
· Leaving Shenzhen
Depending on your departure time, browse the shops in Shekou or Nantou before heading to the airport, station, or port.
Departures
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Hotels
These are sample stays typically included in the itinerary. Final pricing depends on the hotel level selected.
Wulingyuan
Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan
Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan. A selected stay in Wulingyuan.
Zhangjiajie
Home Inn Zhangjiajie Dayongfucheng
Home Inn Zhangjiajie Dayongfucheng is located in the city centre near Dayongfucheng, offering comfortable rooms and convenient access to attractions.
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.
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
A peaceful riverside retreat for travellers who want Yangshuo's karst scenery to feel close, quiet and unhurried.
Zhangjiajie
Pullman Zhangjiajie
A comfortable Zhangjiajie base for travellers who want an easier return after long days exploring the national forest park.
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.
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.
Wulingyuan
Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
The hotel is located at No. 18 Jun Di Road, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province.
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.
Zhangjiajie
Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel
Nestled in the heart of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, World Geopark, National Forest Park, and China's premier 5A-level tourist destination.
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.
Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen is a luxury hotel in the Futian CBD, featuring elegant rooms, fine dining, and premium facilities.
Wulingyuan
Crowne Plaza Zhangjiajie
Nestled in the heart of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, the hotel covers an area of approximately 95,000 square metres.
Wulingyuan
Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan
Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan. A selected stay in Wulingyuan.
Zhangjiajie
Home Inn Zhangjiajie Dayongfucheng
Home Inn Zhangjiajie Dayongfucheng is located in the city centre near Dayongfucheng, offering comfortable rooms and convenient access to attractions.
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.
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
A peaceful riverside retreat for travellers who want Yangshuo's karst scenery to feel close, quiet and unhurried.
Zhangjiajie
Pullman Zhangjiajie
A comfortable Zhangjiajie base for travellers who want an easier return after long days exploring the national forest park.
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.
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.
Wulingyuan
Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
The hotel is located at No. 18 Jun Di Road, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province.
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.
Zhangjiajie
Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel
Nestled in the heart of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, World Geopark, National Forest Park, and China's premier 5A-level tourist destination.
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.
Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen is a luxury hotel in the Futian CBD, featuring elegant rooms, fine dining, and premium facilities.
Wulingyuan
Crowne Plaza Zhangjiajie
Nestled in the heart of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, the hotel covers an area of approximately 95,000 square metres.
Wulingyuan
Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan
Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan. A selected stay in Wulingyuan.
Zhangjiajie
Home Inn Zhangjiajie Dayongfucheng
Home Inn Zhangjiajie Dayongfucheng is located in the city centre near Dayongfucheng, offering comfortable rooms and convenient access to attractions.
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.
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
A peaceful riverside retreat for travellers who want Yangshuo's karst scenery to feel close, quiet and unhurried.
Zhangjiajie
Pullman Zhangjiajie
A comfortable Zhangjiajie base for travellers who want an easier return after long days exploring the national forest park.
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.
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.
Wulingyuan
Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
The hotel is located at No. 18 Jun Di Road, Wulingyuan District, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province.
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.
Zhangjiajie
Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel
Nestled in the heart of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, World Geopark, National Forest Park, and China's premier 5A-level tourist destination.
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.
Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen is a luxury hotel in the Futian CBD, featuring elegant rooms, fine dining, and premium facilities.
Wulingyuan
Crowne Plaza Zhangjiajie
Nestled in the heart of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, the hotel covers an area of approximately 95,000 square metres.
Included / Excluded
What's Included
- HotelsAccommodation for nights 1 to 9; breakfast from days 2 to 10
- ExperiencesNational forest park and Bailong Elevator, Huangshi Village and Tianmen cableways, Li River cruise, and one chosen Yangshuo countryside activity
- MealsBuffet lunch on board the Li River cruise on Day 6
Not Included
- Internal railZhangjiajie-Guilin and Yangshuo-Shenzhen rail tickets quoted with confirmation
- MealsLunches and dinners beyond breakfast, other than the Day 6 buffet lunch on the cruise
Special Notes
Weather, water levels and departure timing affect parts of this route.
- Tianmen views — Long views depend on the weather; the cableway, cliff paths and Heaven's Gate remain the core.
- Yangshuo raft — Rafting depends on river levels and safety rules; cycling and walking remain available.
- Shenzhen venue — Confirm a public exhibition or urban-planning venue for the travel date.
Is Ten Days Your Length?
Tell us your arrival point and departure plan. We will keep the mountain, river and city tempo in balance.
Keep the full 10 days
Best when you want Zhangjiajie, Yangshuo and Shenzhen without turning the rail days into a rush.
Shorter on days
We can trim one nature day or the Shenzhen close, but the core Zhangjiajie mountain days should stay intact.
Good to Know
- 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.
- Ports
- Zhangjiajie In · Shenzhen Out
- Gateway markets
- Lead country marker: FR. Gateway markets from inventory: WEU, SEU. Both ends may need a connection.
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.
Less than the mountains suggest. Elevators and cable cars do the climbing while stream and city walks adjust to the group.
Long views are not guaranteed. The cableway, cliff paths, glass skywalk and Heaven's Gate remain the core of the day in most conditions.
No. Rafting follows river levels and safety rules; cycling and walking remain available across the same countryside.
The contrast is the route's point. Shenzhen lets the newest city chapter answer the old landscapes that came before it.
Breakfast is included from day two. Other meals remain flexible and are paid for locally.
