Open menu

Moderate. The walk from the Forbidden City to Jingshan Park includes an uphill stretch; at Mutianyu, we plan to ascend by cable car or chairlift, though walking on the city wall is still required—final arrangements depend on daily operations. Local transport in the Yulong River countryside will be confirmed with each booking.

Overview

线路从上海抵达日开始，经过北京的故宫与长城、西安的兵马俑、成都的熊猫基地与茶馆，再经桂林沿漓江前往阳朔，最后到深圳华强北。离境当天可按航班时间选择蛇口或南头古城。四段高铁、一段国内航班和漓江航段串联各站；具体班次与水路方案按出行日期确认。

— LyrikTrip 旅行设计师

每一次LyrikTrip之旅都始于一次对话。请告诉我们您的出行日期、同行人数以及您从哪个机场返程，因为离开深圳的方式将影响最后两天的安排。我们会根据您的订单核实酒店、河上航段和离境交通，并在书面报价中说明具体方案。

Why you'll love this trip

  • From Shanghai to Shenzhen, a 14-day journey through seven cities, featuring the Forbidden City, the Terracotta Army, the Chengdu Giant Panda Base, and the banks of the Li River.
  • From the lanes of Shanghai to Huaqiangbei in Shenzhen, discover distinct cities across high-speed rail, flights, and Li River segments.
  • After the Bund's dazzling night views, cross the Huangpu River by commuter ferry the following morning to admire the skyline from the water.
  • At the Mutianyu Great Wall, plan to ascend by cable car or chairlift, then walk along the city wall; the ascent method is subject to the day's operations and pricing.
  • Lean against the railing overlooking the Terracotta Army pit and spot the generals among the crossbowmen by their armor—afterward, you'll know exactly what you really saw.
  • After visiting the Chengdu Panda Base in the morning, enjoy a traditional gaiwan tea session at People's Park in the afternoon, followed by free time at your leisure.
  • The Guilin to Yangshuo itinerary features a cruise along the Lijiang River; during the low-water season, the route may switch to a combination of sightseeing boat and land shuttle, with the actual segments subject to the final quote in your order.
  • Accompany a guide through Huaqiangbei Electronics Market to explore components, development boards, and finished devices; specific vendors and floors are subject to the day's operations.
  • Four high-speed rail segments cover Shanghai to Beijing, Beijing to Xi'an, Xi'an to Chengdu, and Yangshuo to Shenzhen; the Chengdu to Guilin leg is by domestic flight, with actual schedules confirmed on your booking.
Tour route mapTour route: Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin, Yangshuo, ShenzhenShanghai · ArrivalsD1–D2BeijingD3–D5Xi'anD6–D7ChengduD8–D9GuilinD10YangshuoD11–D12Shenzhen · DeparturesD13–D14

Things to do

Yuyuan Garden & the Old City, Shanghai
01
Shanghai Museum, Shanghai
02
The Bund, Shanghai
03
Former French Concession and Wukang Road, Shanghai
04
The Bund & Huangpu River Ferry, Shanghai
05
Forbidden City, Beijing
06
Jingshan Park, Beijing
07
Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing
08
Tiananmen Square, Beijing
09
Temple of Heaven, Beijing
10
National Museum of China, Beijing
11
Terracotta Army, Xi'an
12
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'an
13
Chengdu Panda Base, Chengdu
14
Learn more
Tea at People's Park, Chengdu
15
Learn more
Kuanzhai Alley & Taikoo Li, Chengdu
16
Community Opera House, Chengdu
17
Lijiang River Cruise, Guilin
18
Yulong River Bamboo Rafting, yangshuo
19
Yulong River Countryside, Yangshuo
20
Riverside Afternoon Tea, Yangshuo
21
Huaqiangbei, Shenzhen
22
Urban Planning Exhibition, Shenzhen
23
Shekou or Nantou, Shenzhen
24
Yuyuan Garden & the Old City, ShanghaiHeritage
Shanghai Museum, ShanghaiMuseum
The Bund, ShanghaiRiverfront
Former French Concession and Wukang Road, ShanghaiCity
The Bund & Huangpu River Ferry, ShanghaiCity
Forbidden City, BeijingHeritage
Jingshan Park, BeijingViewpoint
Mutianyu Great Wall, BeijingGreat Wall
Tiananmen Square, BeijingLandmark
Temple of Heaven, BeijingCulture
National Museum of China, BeijingMuseum
Terracotta Army, Xi'anHeritage
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'anPagoda
Chengdu Panda Base, ChengduNature
Learn more
Tea at People's Park, ChengduCity
Learn more
Kuanzhai Alley & Taikoo Li, ChengduCity
Community Opera House, ChengduCulture
Lijiang River Cruise, GuilinRiver Cruise
Yulong River Bamboo Rafting, yangshuoSlow
Yulong River Countryside, YangshuoSlow
Riverside Afternoon Tea, YangshuoSlow
Huaqiangbei, ShenzhenTech
Urban Planning Exhibition, ShenzhenCity
Shekou or Nantou, ShenzhenCity
Yuyuan Garden & the Old City, ShanghaiHeritage
Shanghai Museum, ShanghaiMuseum
The Bund, ShanghaiRiverfront
Former French Concession and Wukang Road, ShanghaiCity
The Bund & Huangpu River Ferry, ShanghaiCity
Forbidden City, BeijingHeritage
Jingshan Park, BeijingViewpoint
Mutianyu Great Wall, BeijingGreat Wall
Tiananmen Square, BeijingLandmark
Temple of Heaven, BeijingCulture
National Museum of China, BeijingMuseum
Terracotta Army, Xi'anHeritage
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'anPagoda
Chengdu Panda Base, ChengduNature
Learn more
Tea at People's Park, ChengduCity
Learn more
Kuanzhai Alley & Taikoo Li, ChengduCity
Community Opera House, ChengduCulture
Lijiang River Cruise, GuilinRiver Cruise
Yulong River Bamboo Rafting, yangshuoSlow
Yulong River Countryside, YangshuoSlow
Riverside Afternoon Tea, YangshuoSlow
Huaqiangbei, ShenzhenTech
Urban Planning Exhibition, ShenzhenCity
Shekou or Nantou, ShenzhenCity
Yuyuan Garden & the Old City, ShanghaiHeritage
Shanghai Museum, ShanghaiMuseum
The Bund, ShanghaiRiverfront
Former French Concession and Wukang Road, ShanghaiCity
The Bund & Huangpu River Ferry, ShanghaiCity
Forbidden City, BeijingHeritage
Jingshan Park, BeijingViewpoint
Mutianyu Great Wall, BeijingGreat Wall
Tiananmen Square, BeijingLandmark
Temple of Heaven, BeijingCulture
National Museum of China, BeijingMuseum
Terracotta Army, Xi'anHeritage
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Xi'anPagoda
Chengdu Panda Base, ChengduNature
Learn more
Tea at People's Park, ChengduCity
Learn more
Kuanzhai Alley & Taikoo Li, ChengduCity
Community Opera House, ChengduCulture
Lijiang River Cruise, GuilinRiver Cruise
Yulong River Bamboo Rafting, yangshuoSlow
Yulong River Countryside, YangshuoSlow
Riverside Afternoon Tea, YangshuoSlow
Huaqiangbei, ShenzhenTech
Urban Planning Exhibition, ShenzhenCity
Shekou or Nantou, ShenzhenCity

Itinerary

Arrivals

Shanghai · Day 1 - Day 2

Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai

Day 1 · Arrive in Shanghai and allow time to rest

Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel, with the evening at your leisure.

Airport pickup Upon arrival, airport pickup will be arranged according to the flight details listed on the confirmation document; for longer flights, you may rest en route into the city.
Shanghai through the window Elevated roads first, then the plane trees and lit shopfronts of an ordinary street. The country you flew this far for shows up before you have opened a bag.
Evening Free time in the evening. Meals for the day are not included; please arrange dinner at your convenience near the hotel.

Stay — Shanghai · Meals — None included today

Day 2 · A garden, a collection, two skylines

Shanghai gets introduced oldest first and newest last, in one day. By dark you can date the buildings on both banks yourself.

Yu Garden and the old city Pavilions, rockery, ponds and a path that never runs straight, dropped inside the oldest quarter of the city. Walk the rockery loop rather than around it: the path is built to hide what comes next, and it works every time.
Shanghai Museum Select a few pieces to examine closely from the bronzes, ceramics, and calligraphy and painting collections. You do not need to tour every gallery; specific visiting times will depend on your reservation.
The Bund after dark The historic waterfront on one bank, the Pudong towers on the other, about a century apart and facing each other across the Huangpu River. Stand at the rail on the old side and turn around once: behind you the buildings are stone and columns, in front of you they are glass. Your guide stays with you through the evening.

Stay — Shanghai · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

高铁

Beijing · Day 3 - Day 5

Beijing
Beijing
Beijing

Day 3 · Morning stroll through Shanghai's quiet lanes, afternoon high-speed train to Beijing

In the morning, explore Wukang Road and take the Huangpu River commuter ferry; in the afternoon, head to Beijing by high-speed rail.

The former French Concession and Wukang Road Plane trees over the street, historic houses behind low walls, small independent shops at ground level. Walk it in the first half of the morning while the shops are opening and the streets still belong to the people who live on them.
The Huangpu River ferry The commuter crossing, a few minutes on a working boat with people and their scooters, not a sightseeing deck. Stand at the bow rail: the same two skylines you looked at from the ground last night arrive from the water instead.
High-speed rail to Beijing Take the high-speed train from Shanghai to Beijing. Please refer to your itinerary confirmation for details on the train schedule, seat class, and station pickup arrangements.

Stay — Beijing · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 4 · The Central Axis of the Forbidden City and Views from Jingshan

Stroll along the central axis of the Forbidden City; after exiting through the North Gate, climb up Jingshan Park to look back on the halls you just passed.

The Forbidden City The Forbidden City requires time-slot reservations; refer to your confirmation for exact details. Walk the central axis past the ceremonial halls, the Inner Court, and the Imperial Garden, then exit via the North Gate. Pause in the main courtyard to look back through the layers of connected doorways.
Pace The palace is large and guests tell us it is tiring, so the route holds to that single line and stops at the places we know you can sit.
Jingshan Park Straight out of the north gate and up the hill to the pavilion, the only real climb of the day and a short one. From the top the palace roofs lie below you in gold ranks, and the Beijing Central Axis runs out of the frame in both directions.

Stay — Beijing · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 5 · Walk along the ridge of Mutianyu Great Wall

Plan to ascend by cable car or chairlift; the specific method will depend on that day's operations and the quote sheet; walking is still required after reaching the city wall.

Drive out to Mutianyu The run north out of Beijing takes a good part of the morning, which is exactly why nothing else is scheduled; the vehicle stays with you all day.
Cable car or open chairlift up You can take a cable car or open-air chairlift up; after reaching the city wall, you still need to walk, and along the way you can see the watchtowers on the ridge.
Walking the towers Your guide reads the wall out to you: which tower is a beacon, where the pass sits below, and why a sightline that works decides where a tower stands. Look along the ridge with the towers stepping down it one after another: that is the fifteen seconds worth filming.

Stay — Beijing · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

高铁

Xi'an · Day 6 - Day 7

Xi'an
Xi'an
Xi'an

Day 6 · Arrive at three key stops in Beijing, then take a high-speed train to Xi'an in the afternoon

In the morning, visit Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, and the National Museum of China; in the afternoon, take a high-speed rail to Xi'an. Time slots must be confirmed based on reservations and train schedules.

Tian'anmen Square An early start, because everyone is screened to enter and the queue takes its own block of time, counted separately from your time on the square. Your guide walks you to the nearest screening entrance rather than the busiest one.
The Temple of Heaven Three buildings on one line, the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven and the Circular Mound Altar. Once you know that round belongs to heaven and square belongs to earth, the whole compound reads without a single caption. Stand at the center of the Circular Mound and speak once.
The National Museum of China Bronzes, ceramics, Buddhist sculpture and calligraphy, on the east side of the square, with your slot booked ahead. The objects you met in Shanghai four days ago come back here in one chronological line, which is the point of visiting them in this order.
High-speed rail to Xi'an The afternoon plan is to travel to Xi'an by high-speed train; specific train numbers, seat classes, and station pickup arrangements are subject to the order quote and confirmation letter.

Stay — Xi'an · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 7 · Terracotta Army Pit

From the military formations in Pit 1, move on to the smaller pits to admire the bronze armor, hair buns, and traces of original paint.

View the military formations from above the pits The terracotta warriors were excavated on-site. Standing above the main pit, you can see the rows of the army in formation; take a closer look at the armor and hair buns to distinguish the attire of different figures.
The newer excavation areas Some terracotta figures retain faint traces of original pigments, and the display case allows for a close-up view of their archaeological details.
Timing Crowds run heavy in peak season, so the day is ordered to put you at the main pit before the middle of the day and to leave the smaller pits and the bronze chariots for after.

Stay — Xi'an · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

高铁

Chengdu · Day 8 - Day 9

Chengdu
Chengdu
Chengdu

Day 8 · Great Wild Goose Pagoda, then a high-speed train to Chengdu

Visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda and surrounding courtyards in the morning, then ride the high-speed train through the Qinling Mountains to Chengdu in the afternoon.

The Giant Wild Goose Pagoda The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is located next to nearby temples and traditional neighborhoods. In the morning, first explore the temple courtyards, then stroll through the surrounding streets.
High-speed rail to Chengdu Take a high-speed train from Xi'an to Chengdu, passing through the Qinling Mountains; the specific train and seat assignments are subject to the itinerary confirmation.
Arrival Your Chengdu guide meets the train, and the evening is left open on purpose after a travel day.

Stay — Chengdu · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 9 · Panda Base and People's Park

Start the morning watching pandas, then enjoy gaiwan tea at People's Park in the afternoon, followed by free time.

Chengdu panda base You are there in the morning, the hours when the pandas are generally moving: eating, climbing down off a platform, going back to sleep in the fork of a tree. Flat shaded paths and benches throughout. Get to an enclosure early and wait rather than walking the whole park: the animal comes to the fence on its own schedule.
Teahouse sitting in People's Park Sit in the shade of the trees at People's Park and enjoy a bowl of gaiwan tea, watching the comings and goings in the teahouse. Note that snacks and other extras are self-paid.
The point of today This is one of two days in the fourteen with nothing scheduled after the middle of the afternoon. It sits here, at the halfway mark, rather than at the end.

Stay — Chengdu · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

航班

Guilin · Day 10

Guilin
Guilin
Guilin

Day 10 · Chengdu’s Alleys & Sichuan Opera, Then Fly to Guilin

Explore the Kuanzhai Alley and Taikoo Li, watch a Sichuan opera, then fly to Guilin for the night.

Kuanzhai Alley and Taikoo Li A historic neighborhood built around three parallel lanes, and the open retail quarter beside it. Both are busy and both are commercial, and we would rather say so than sell them as something else: what they show you is what a Chinese city center does with its old buildings once it has money.
Community Sichuan opera house Plan a Sichuan opera face-changing performance in Chengdu; subject to venue, seating, and backstage tour availability, to be confirmed by the operator and included in the quote.
Flight south to Guilin Fly from Chengdu to Guilin. This is the only domestic flight on this itinerary; flight times, cabin class, and airport transfers are subject to the confirmed itinerary.

Stay — Guilin · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

漓江游船

Yangshuo · Day 11 - Day 12

Yangshuo
Yangshuo
Yangshuo

Day 11 · Cruise from Guilin down the Li River to Yangshuo

The itinerary plans to travel downstream on the Li River by boat; the actual route depends on water levels and will be confirmed in the quotation.

Down the Li River Karst hills stand straight up out of flat farmland on both banks: a wall of them, then a gap, then another wall, and buffalo and bamboo at the waterline in between. There is nothing to do on this stretch and that is the design.
Watch from the rail If the cabin features an open deck, you can stand at the rail to view the peaks on both banks; specific cabin types and routes are subject to the quotation.
How to Confirm the Li River Cruise Segment The Guilin to Yangshuo itinerary involves a river cruise on the Li River; navigation may be shortened or suspended during the low-water season. The specific combination of river and road segments, transfer arrangements, and the scope of inclusions will be confirmed based on your travel date and clearly outlined in the quote before payment.

Stay — Yangshuo · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 12 · Yulong River and Yangshuo Countryside

Glide on a bamboo raft and stroll along country lanes, with an afternoon stop by the river.

Bamboo rafting on the Yulong River Take a bamboo raft down a selected stretch of the Yulong River, riding low and close to the water. Unlike yesterday’s cruise on the Li River, the channel here is narrower, flanked by farmland on both banks.
The countryside outing Rice fields, farmhouses, riverside lanes and hills standing over the whole of it, taken by bicycle, by electric bike or by vehicle at your own choice on the day. Choose in the morning rather than in advance, once you have felt what the weather is doing.
Riverside afternoon tea The stop in the middle of the afternoon, at the water, hills on both banks. Sit facing upstream and stay put for a while: this is the last unhurried hour of the trip before the country speeds up again.
Weather All three of today's items are outdoors and this is the longest unsheltered stretch on the route. For a November or December departure, the wet-weather arrangement for your exact dates is written into your quote before you pay.

Stay — Yangshuo · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

高铁

Shenzhen · Day 13 - Day 14

Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Shenzhen

Day 13 · Out of the hills, into the market

Take a high-speed train from Yangshuo to Shenzhen. In the afternoon, visit Huaqiang North to see electronic components, prototypes, and finished devices.

High-speed rail to Shenzhen Take a high-speed train from Yangshuo to Shenzhen, with views of the changing landscapes and towns along the route. Train schedules and seat classes are subject to your itinerary confirmation.
Huaqiangbei Follow a guide through the Huaqiangbei Electronics Market to view components, development boards, and finished devices. Specific stores and floors are subject to the day's operating hours.
The afternoon This afternoon holds Huaqiangbei and nothing else. It is a working market rather than an exhibit, and half a day is what it takes to stop looking like a tourist in it.

Stay — Shenzhen · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 14 · Shenzhen Exhibition Hall and Pre-Departure Neighborhood Walk

Depending on the departure time of your international flight, we will arrange visits to a city museum and the Shekou or Nantou Ancient Town, before transferring to the airport.

A Shenzhen urban-planning or technology exhibition hall Models, plans and hardware laying out how a city this size got built inside four decades. Which hall you visit is named in writing in your quote. Look at the dated aerial photographs first and then out of the window.
Shekou or Nantou Ancient City Choose the Shengzhou or Nantou Ancient Town pickup point on foot, based on your departure flight time; final boarding points and transfer details will be confirmed in your booking.
Airport drop-off Airport transfers will be scheduled based on the final departure flight time. If early departure prevents visiting both morning stops, the quotation must explicitly specify which stop is retained prior to payment.

Stay — Trip ends · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Departures

Free PDF

Read it on your own time

We'll send this itinerary guide to your inbox for free.

No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.

Hotels

These are sample stays typically included in the itinerary. Final pricing depends on the hotel level selected.

Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort Area)
Shanghai
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort Area)
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: A luxurious garden hotel near Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering complimentary shuttle service to both destinations.
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
yangshuo
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
A peaceful riverside retreat for travellers who want Yangshuo's karst scenery to feel close, quiet and unhurried.
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
Beijing
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
International high-end hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and city stays.
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel
Shanghai
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang, located in the South Huangpi Bridge area near the French Concession, is just steps from Metro Line 9 and the Expo site.
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Guilin
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Sheraton Guilin Hotel is located by the Li River, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to Guilin’s attractions.
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
Chengdu
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
Located near Jianshe Road and the Eastern Suburb Memory Park, its prime location makes it a desirable choice for accommodation in Chengdu.
Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel
Xian
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.
Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen
Located in Futian CBD, close to major landmarks and metro lines. Featuring 500+ elegant rooms and suites with exclusive Horizon Club services.
Yangshuo Elite Garden
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Elite Garden
Located in central Yangshuo near West Street and the Li River, Yangshuo Elite Garden Hotel is a comfortable four-star hotel offering convenient access to the area’s main attractions.
DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road
Beijing
DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road
International upscale hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and leisure stays.
Atour S Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Center Aegean Sea
Shanghai
Atour S Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Center Aegean Sea
Inside the Aegean Sea Shopping Park at the intersection of Wuzhong Road and Hongjing Road in the golden commercial district of Hongqiao Town, directly connected to Longbai Xincun Station on Metro Line 10.
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin
Guilin
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin is near Guilin Railway Station, offering comfortable stays and convenient facilities for business and leisure travelers.
The Temple House
Chengdu
The Temple House
Boutique luxury hotel inside a restored Qing-dynasty courtyard near Taikoo Li with one of Chengdu's strongest design statements.
Shangri-La Hotel
Xian
Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel Xi'an: five-star luxury near the Terracotta Warriors, 35 minutes from the airport.
The Langham, Shenzhen
Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen is a luxury hotel in Futian CBD, featuring elegant rooms, fine dining, and premium facilities.
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort Area)
Shanghai
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort Area)
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: A luxurious garden hotel near Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering complimentary shuttle service to both destinations.
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
yangshuo
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
A peaceful riverside retreat for travellers who want Yangshuo's karst scenery to feel close, quiet and unhurried.
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
Beijing
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
International high-end hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and city stays.
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel
Shanghai
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang, located in the South Huangpi Bridge area near the French Concession, is just steps from Metro Line 9 and the Expo site.
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Guilin
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Sheraton Guilin Hotel is located by the Li River, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to Guilin’s attractions.
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
Chengdu
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
Located near Jianshe Road and the Eastern Suburb Memory Park, its prime location makes it a desirable choice for accommodation in Chengdu.
Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel
Xian
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.
Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen
Located in Futian CBD, close to major landmarks and metro lines. Featuring 500+ elegant rooms and suites with exclusive Horizon Club services.
Yangshuo Elite Garden
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Elite Garden
Located in central Yangshuo near West Street and the Li River, Yangshuo Elite Garden Hotel is a comfortable four-star hotel offering convenient access to the area’s main attractions.
DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road
Beijing
DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road
International upscale hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and leisure stays.
Atour S Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Center Aegean Sea
Shanghai
Atour S Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Center Aegean Sea
Inside the Aegean Sea Shopping Park at the intersection of Wuzhong Road and Hongjing Road in the golden commercial district of Hongqiao Town, directly connected to Longbai Xincun Station on Metro Line 10.
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin
Guilin
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin is near Guilin Railway Station, offering comfortable stays and convenient facilities for business and leisure travelers.
The Temple House
Chengdu
The Temple House
Boutique luxury hotel inside a restored Qing-dynasty courtyard near Taikoo Li with one of Chengdu's strongest design statements.
Shangri-La Hotel
Xian
Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel Xi'an: five-star luxury near the Terracotta Warriors, 35 minutes from the airport.
The Langham, Shenzhen
Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen is a luxury hotel in Futian CBD, featuring elegant rooms, fine dining, and premium facilities.
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort Area)
Shanghai
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai (Shanghai International Resort Area)
Royal Garden Hotel Shanghai: A luxurious garden hotel near Pudong Airport and Disneyland, offering complimentary shuttle service to both destinations.
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
yangshuo
Yangshuo Mountain Retreat
A peaceful riverside retreat for travellers who want Yangshuo's karst scenery to feel close, quiet and unhurried.
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
Beijing
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
International high-end hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and city stays.
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel
Shanghai
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang Hui Hotel
Pullman Shanghai Zhonggang, located in the South Huangpi Bridge area near the French Concession, is just steps from Metro Line 9 and the Expo site.
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Guilin
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Sheraton Guilin Hotel is located by the Li River, offering comfortable rooms and easy access to Guilin’s attractions.
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
Chengdu
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
Located near Jianshe Road and the Eastern Suburb Memory Park, its prime location makes it a desirable choice for accommodation in Chengdu.
Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel
Xian
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.
Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Futian Shangri-La, Shenzhen
Located in Futian CBD, close to major landmarks and metro lines. Featuring 500+ elegant rooms and suites with exclusive Horizon Club services.
Yangshuo Elite Garden
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Elite Garden
Located in central Yangshuo near West Street and the Li River, Yangshuo Elite Garden Hotel is a comfortable four-star hotel offering convenient access to the area’s main attractions.
DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road
Beijing
DoubleTree by Hilton Beijing East Third Ring Road
International upscale hotel in Beijing, suitable for business and leisure stays.
Atour S Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Center Aegean Sea
Shanghai
Atour S Hotel Shanghai Hongqiao Center Aegean Sea
Inside the Aegean Sea Shopping Park at the intersection of Wuzhong Road and Hongjing Road in the golden commercial district of Hongqiao Town, directly connected to Longbai Xincun Station on Metro Line 10.
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin
Guilin
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin is near Guilin Railway Station, offering comfortable stays and convenient facilities for business and leisure travelers.
The Temple House
Chengdu
The Temple House
Boutique luxury hotel inside a restored Qing-dynasty courtyard near Taikoo Li with one of Chengdu's strongest design statements.
Shangri-La Hotel
Xian
Shangri-La Hotel
Shangri-La Hotel Xi'an: five-star luxury near the Terracotta Warriors, 35 minutes from the airport.
The Langham, Shenzhen
Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen
The Langham, Shenzhen is a luxury hotel in Futian CBD, featuring elegant rooms, fine dining, and premium facilities.

Included / Excluded

What's Included

  • Intercity transportFour high-speed rail segments are included: Shanghai to Beijing, Beijing to Xi'an, Xi'an to Chengdu, and Yangshuo to Shenzhen; additionally, a domestic flight from Chengdu to Guilin and a Li River cruise segment from Guilin to Yangshuo. Actual schedules, rail-and-cruise combinations, seat or cabin classes, and the scope of included fees are subject to the booking quote and confirmation.
  • Private vehicleVehicles and drivers will be arranged for city tours and transfers in each destination. The specific coverage for round trips to Mutianyu, rural Yangshuo, and transfers to/from stations, airports, and terminals will be based on the quote provided in your order.
  • HotelsThe itinerary is planned for 13 nights of accommodation; specific hotels, room types, and breakfast inclusions are subject to the order quote and confirmation.
  • GuideEnglish-speaking guides are provided for city tours; exact service dates, times, and scope are subject to the quote and confirmation in your booking.
  • Tickets and experiences, ShanghaiYu Garden with the old city quarter · Shanghai Museum · the Bund and the Pudong skyline in the evening with your guide · the former French Concession and Wukang Road on foot · the Huangpu River commuter ferry crossing
  • Tickets and experiences, BeijingThe Forbidden City · Jingshan Park · Mutianyu Great Wall with the cable car or open chairlift ascent · Tian'anmen Square · the Temple of Heaven · the National Museum of China
  • Tickets and experiences, Xi'anThe Terracotta Warriors · the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda with its surrounding cultural quarter
  • Tickets and experiences, ChengduSee panda cubs up close at the Breeding Base of Giant Pandas, sip traditional gaiwan tea at the People's Park, and stroll through Kuan Zhai Alley and Taikoo Li. Please note that details and inclusions for opera performances and backstage tours will be confirmed on your final quote.
  • Tickets and experiences, Guilin and YangshuoLi River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo · Yulong River bamboo rafting · Yulong River countryside tour — bicycle, e-bike, or car options; specific mode, rental fees, and river-side afternoon tea availability are subject to confirmation on your booking.
  • Tickets and experiences, ShenzhenHuaqiangbei Electronics Market; walking tour of the city exhibition pavilions and Shekou or Nantou Ancient City on the final day, subject to your outbound flight and quote confirmation.
  • MealsBreakfast at the hotel is included from Day 2 through Day 14; specific inclusions are subject to the order quote.
  • InsuranceTravel accident insurance

Not Included

  • International flightsFlights into Shanghai and out of Shenzhen, and any connecting sector you need in order to leave from Shenzhen, together with any hub-city night it forces
  • VisasVisa fees and processing for any guest who needs a Chinese visa
  • Lunches and dinnersLunch and dinner are at your own expense, except for items specified in the written quotation; the exact scope of tea and snacks at People's Park, dining in the Kuancha Alley, and in-vessel meals on the Li River is subject to order confirmation.
  • In-park shuttles and in-museum spendingSite shuttles at the Terracotta Warriors, the panda base, the Temple of Heaven and the river piers are named one by one in your quote, which states whether each is operating on your dates and whether it sits inside your price. Audio guides and hired human guides inside the museums, and photography or refreshments sold on the boats and rafts, are your own
  • Optional add-onsAn extra night in the south, or extra nights in Shenzhen after day fourteen. Priced separately at the time of choosing, never added by default
  • PersonalGratuities to guides and drivers, single-room or extra-room difference, and all personal spending including laundry and shopping

Special Notes

A few things on this route follow the calendar, the season, a supplier's confirmation or a river's water level. Here they are, told straight.

  • Booking and Order-by-Order Confirmation — This tour is now available for booking. Please provide your travel dates, number of travelers, and departure flight. Hotels, train numbers, flights, reservations, and seasonal activities will be verified item by item for each order and specified in the written quotation and confirmation. Unconfirmed specific inventories or inclusions are not guaranteed.
  • The Li River passage — This segment serves both as the day's activity and the transfer from Guilin to Yangshuo. We plan to board a boat along the Li River, but itineraries may be shortened or suspended during the low-water season. The specific water and land combinations, inclusions, and transfer arrangements will be verified for your travel dates and clearly detailed in your pre-payment quote.
  • The Mutianyu ascent in winter — The plan is to ascend by cable car or open-air chairlift; service may be suspended during snow or icy conditions. Confirm the actual method of transport and the scope of included fees based on the travel date, and specify these in the quote.
  • The outdoor day in Yangshuo — rafting, the countryside outing and the riverside tea are all outdoors, and it is the longest unsheltered stretch on the route. A November or December departure has the wet-weather arrangement for those exact dates written into the quote.
  • Departure dates — This route is now available for booking. Please verify scenic area operating hours, real-name reservation requirements, and intercity schedules against your planned travel dates. In the event of the Palace Museum being closed, the sightseeing sequence for the Beijing segment will be adjusted in the written itinerary.
  • 13-Night Accommodation — The itinerary is planned for 13 nights: 2 in Shanghai, 3 in Beijing, 2 in Xi’an, 2 in Chengdu, 1 in Guilin, 2 in Yangshuo, and 1 in Shenzhen. Specific hotels, room types, and inclusions are subject to the order quote and confirmation.
  • Timed reservations — Shanghai Museum, the Forbidden City and the National Museum of China all require a timed entry, and their booking systems sit poorly with overseas mobile numbers. Admission to all three is included. Who books each one, and how many days ahead, is stated in writing in your quote.
  • Day six — the square, the temple and the national museum sit on the same day as the afternoon train west. Entry to Tian'anmen Square runs through security screening, so your quote states the day's start time and the screening allowance in writing.
  • Face-changing and the backstage visit — The Sichuan Opera performance is tentatively scheduled for Chengdu. Please confirm the specific theater, seating arrangements, backstage tour availability, and what is included in the fees with the supplier based on your booking, and ensure these details are clearly stated in the quote.
  • The last morning — On the final day, we will visit the City Exhibition Hall and choose to walk through either Shekou or Nantou Ancient Town based on your departure flight time. If an early flight prevents you from covering both the exhibition and the neighborhood, the quote will specify, before payment, which items are retained and how the airport transfer will be arranged.
  • Leaving from Shenzhen — Shenzhen departure flights and connection options vary by travel date and destination. Please verify actual routes, connection times, and fees before booking; whether international flights are included in the quoted price is subject to the written order.
  • Visa window — Visa or visa-free eligibility depends on your passport, entry date, and length of stay. Please refer to the current policies officially published by China and verify the specific conditions before booking and paying.
  • Timetables — The four high-speed rail segments, one domestic flight, and the water-land transfer from Guilin to Yangshuo will be verified against your booking date; specific train and flight numbers, seat assignments, routes, and departure times are not guaranteed until confirmed.
  • Confirmation and changes — The written quote will specify confirmation deadlines, modification and refund terms. Changes affecting high-speed rail, flights, Li River segments, hotel and attraction bookings are subject to the rules in your confirmed order.

Is Fourteen Days Your Length?

Fewer than fourteen days?

Fewer than fourteen days?

The arc comes apart cleanly at the joints. Shanghai and Beijing stand on their own as the first week; the Chengdu and Yangshuo stretch is the part that slows the trip down; Shenzhen is the closing argument rather than a stop you have to make. Tell us your dates and who is coming, and we cut stops rather than cutting the pace.

Good to Know

Group
The itinerary is arranged according to your group, starting from 1 traveler; the exact number of participants and price are subject to the quotation in your order.
Pace
14 days, 13 nights: 2 nights in Shanghai, 3 in Beijing, 2 in Xi'an, 2 in Chengdu, 1 in Guilin, 2 in Yangshuo, and 1 in Shenzhen. The itinerary includes four high-speed rail segments and one domestic flight, plus a Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. Specific train schedules and waterway arrangements will be confirmed at the time of booking.
Effort
Moderate. The heaviest day is the Forbidden City morning followed by the climb to the Jingshan viewpoint. The Great Wall ascent is by cable car or open chairlift, and the Yulong River day can be taken by bicycle, by electric bike or by vehicle
Ports
Shanghai in, Shenzhen out; airport pickup on day one and drop-off on day fourteen. Connections out of Shenzhen are checked for your market before your order is taken
Visas
Visa or visa-exemption eligibility is subject to your passport, itinerary dates, and current Chinese government policies. Please verify before booking and payment.
Language
The cities, dates, and time slots for English-speaking guides are subject to the quote and confirmation in your booking.
Payment
This itinerary is now available for booking. The deposit amount, final payment deadline, and amendment and refund terms are subject to your written quote and booking agreement.
Season
The departure date and operational schedules for outdoor activities on the Li River, Mutianyu, and in Yangshuo are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.

Your Private Concierge

Jenessa

Jenessa

Private China Route Concierge

“A bilingual planning desk for tailor-made China journeys.”

Our China team tunes pacing, hotels and local hosts around each route style.

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 traveler 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 traveler.

Before You Book

Everything worth knowing before you book.

It is six stops and five long moves, and the moves are the reason it works rather than the cost of it. Four of the five are on high-speed rail, city center to city center, so there is one internal flight in fourteen days and no 5 a.m. airport runs around it. Three stops get two nights, Beijing gets three, and two days are built to end in the middle of the afternoon: the panda and teahouse day in Chengdu, and the countryside day in Yangshuo.

You travel from Guilin to Yangshuo on the water, and that passage is both the day's activity and the day's transport. What is included is the passage and the river scenery along it. A full-length downstream sailing is what the plan is built on, but November and December are low-water months on this river and a sailing can be shortened or suspended, which is not in anyone's hands. So we do not print a sailing length or a departure time: the format of your own passage, full sailing or a shortened sailing with a road sector, is written into your quote before you book. What holds either way: you reach Yangshuo, you sleep two nights in one town, and the karst hills are there from either the deck or the road.

Because Shenzhen is the argument. You spend the first eleven days with a country that measures itself in dynasties, and then you spend two days in a city that was built inside four decades, walking a market where a phone comes together floor by floor, and one walled old town that stands inside the same city limits. Practically, it also means the last day is a day of the trip rather than a transfer: your flight home leaves from there. Connections out of Shenzhen are thinner than out of Shanghai, so we check your return airport against the current timetable before we take your order.

Not yet, and we would rather say so on the page than after you have written to us. Four things have to be settled first: the group type and party cap, the ground arrangements confirmed with our partners for the October to December 2026 season, the city of two of the thirteen nights, and the October and December departure calendar. Until all four are done we take no orders and no deposits. What you can do now is tell us your dates and who is coming; we hold nothing back and we write to you on the day this route opens.

Most guests on this route do not. British, French, German, Dutch, Belgian, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Greek, Nordic, Central European, Irish, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passports currently enter visa-free for stays up to 30 days. Before you pay we check your 14 days plus any other days in China against that window. The current policy runs through December 31, 2026, so a departure on or before December 18, 2026 finishes inside it; for a later departure we quote only after the official renewal is announced. If you entered China on the ten-day visa-free transit policy, this trip does not fit inside it and we will tell you that rather than sell around it.

Ready when you are.

No pressure. Browse our trips, or talk to a real person. Either way, your inbox stays clean.

Browse all tripsPlan with us