Moderate — up to about 12,000 steps a day, with some stairs

City walking, Great Wall steps, one gentle forest path, and low-altitude travel throughout; cable cars do the climbing.

Overview

从北京的故宫和长城,到西安的兵马俑、成都的茶馆、桂林与阳朔的山水,再到深圳的电子市场,这条线路按城市逐站向南。第14天从深圳过境香港,入住后留出下午和晚上自由活动;第15天按航班时间前往机场。高铁、一趟国内航班、漓江游船和跨境接送串联各站。

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Why you'll love this trip

  • The classic arc, finished differently. The Terracotta Warriors, pandas, the Li River and Shenzhen's markets.
  • From a watchtower along the Mutianyu Great Wall, follow the wall forward until it vanishes into the surrounding mountains.
  • Overlooking the silent terracotta army outside Xi'an, still standing in perfect formation after two millennia.
  • Sit beside the Sichuan opera stage and try to catch the instant of a face change.
  • Boat down the Li River, framed by towering peaks on both sides, and spend a day amidst the rice paddies.
  • Stroll through Huaqiangbei's component floors—the global hub for electronics—and take in the skyline.
  • On Day 14, transit through Shenzhen to Hong Kong, setting aside an open evening for a leisurely time at Victoria Harbour.
Tour route mapTour route: Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin, Yangshuo, Shenzhen, Hong KongBeijing · ArrivalsD1–D4Xi'anD5–D6ChengduD7–D8GuilinD9YangshuoD10–D11ShenzhenD12–D13Hong Kong · DeparturesD14–D15

Things to do

Hutong & Shichahai Walk, Beijing
01
Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing
02
Terracotta Army, Xi'an
03
Xi'an City Wall, Xi'an
04
Night in the Muslim Quarter, Xi'an
05
Panda Base at Dawn, Chengdu
06
Rickshaw Food Trail, Chengdu
07
Sichuan Opera Up Close, Chengdu
08
People's Park Tea Break, Chengdu
09
Dujiangyan & Mount Qingcheng, Chengdu
10
Li River Cruise, Guilin
11
A Rural Day in Yangshuo, Yangshuo
12
Huaqiangbei, Shenzhen
13
Free Time in Hong Kong, Hong Kong
14

Itinerary

Beijing · Day 1 - Day 4

Beijing
Beijing
Beijing

Day 1 · Beijing: arrival & the old lanes

Once you've settled in, if time allows, wander the hutongs along Shichahai.

Arrival Your local guide meets you at the airport, and a private vehicle takes you to the hotel; the rest of the day is shaped around your landing time.
Shichahai & the hutongs If your arrival time and energy allow, stroll along the shores of Shichahai into the nearby hutongs, walking toward the area of the Drum and Bell Towers; if you arrive later in the day, head straight to your accommodation to rest.

Day 2 · Beijing: the Forbidden City

Step into the Forbidden City from Tiananmen Square, then head to Jingshan Park to take in the full Central Axis.

Tian'anmen Square You begin on the great square at the heart of Beijing's historic Central Axis, the straight line the old capital was built along.
The Forbidden City You enter the former palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties and walk its sequence in order: monumental gates, ceremonial courtyards, palace halls; your guide reads the architectural hierarchy as you go, which roofs outrank which, where the emperor worked and where the court actually lived.
Jingshan Park Climb to Jingshan Park on the north side of the Forbidden City to look back on the palaces, gates, and central axis you have just traversed, and pinpoint their positions within the old city.

Day 3 · Beijing: the Great Wall at Mutianyu

Ride the cable car up the mountain, then walk along the Mutianyu Great Wall between neighboring watchtowers.

Up to the wall You drive into the mountains north of the city, and the cable car lifts you to the upper wall; from there you walk the ridge between watchtowers, valleys dropping away on both sides.
Entering the Watchtower Gazing from the window of the enemy tower, the city wall undulates along the ridgeline, gradually fading into the distant mountains.
Back to the city If your return schedule allows, stop by the Olympic Park to view the Bird's Nest and Water Cube from the outside.

Day 4 · Beijing: Temple of Heaven, then high-speed train to Xi'an

Visit the Temple of Heaven in the morning, then take a high-speed train from Beijing to Xi'an.

Temple of Heaven You walk the complex where Ming and Qing emperors performed the ceremonies for good harvests: the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, the Imperial Vault of Heaven, the Circular Mound Altar; the round halls rise out of square courtyards, and you can read the old cosmology, heaven round, earth square, from where you stand.
Rail to Xi'an After visiting the Temple of Heaven, head to the station for a high-speed train to Xi'an; your local guide will meet you there.
高铁

Xi'an · Day 5 - Day 6

Xi'an
Xi'an
Xi'an

Day 5 · Xi'an: the Terracotta Warriors & the old city

Identify the military formations in the Terracotta Warriors pit, then head back to the city to walk along the city wall, and finally stroll through the Muslim Quarter.

The Terracotta Warriors Stand above the Terracotta Warriors pits and observe the formation, armor, and hairstyles of the figures to identify the different soldier ranks.
Xi'an City Wall Back in the center, you go up onto the Ming-era rampart and take a stretch on foot or by bike: gate towers ahead of you, the moat below, old streets on one side and the modern city on the other.
The Muslim Quarter In the evening you walk the Bell and Drum Tower area into the Muslim Quarter: charcoal smoke, flatbread ovens, shopfronts generations old; your guide steers, what you eat is on your account.

Day 6 · Xi'an: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, then high-speed rail to Chengdu

Visit the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in the morning, then take a high-speed train to Chengdu in the afternoon.

Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Approach the Great Wild Goose Pagoda and look up at its tiered, tapering brick structure to learn about Tang Dynasty Chang'an, the spread of Buddhism, and cultural exchanges along the Silk Road.
High-speed train to Chengdu The afternoon train carries you into Sichuan; your Chengdu guide meets you at the station, and the evening is yours for rest or a first walk around the hotel neighborhood.
高铁

Chengdu · Day 7 - Day 8

Chengdu
Chengdu
Chengdu

Day 7 · Chengdu: pandas, alleys, opera, tea

Watch the giant pandas in the morning, then wander the city's lanes after heading back; in the evening, enjoy a cup of tea at People's Park.

Morning visit to the Panda Base Head to the Chengdu Panda Base early in the morning, observe giant pandas eating and moving along the park trails, and learn about the base's conservation efforts; the activities you can see depend on the day's conditions.
Tuk-tuk food route Return to the city and ride in a tuk-tuk through residential neighborhoods and old alleyways, passing small eateries, street stalls, and markets along the way.
Sichuan Opera Face Changing In the afternoon, watch a Sichuan opera performance at the theater, featuring cymbals, gongs, stage movements, and the iconic face-changing art.
People's Park Your final stop is People's Park. Settle in for a bowl of gaiwan tea and watch the locals chat and play chess, carving out a moment to simply pause.

Day 8 · Chengdu: Dujiangyan & Mount Qingcheng

In the morning, see how Dujiangyan diverts water and discharges sand; in the afternoon, walk the forest trails of Mount Qingcheng.

Dujiangyan You walk the main sections of the ancient irrigation system that still regulates water across the Chengdu Plain, and stand where the river is made to divide itself: the design borrows the water's own movement to split flow, release flood pressure and carry sediment away, no dam required.
Mount Qingcheng In the afternoon, head to Mount Qingcheng and stroll along the forest path, then pause at a tea seat for a rest.
航班

Guilin · Day 9

Guilin
Guilin
Guilin

Day 9 · Chengdu to Guilin: A First Look at Mountains and Waters

Upon arrival in Guilin, choose between Elephant Trunk Hill or the Liangjiang Four Lakes based on your flight schedule, then take an evening stroll along the water.

The flight south A short flight takes you from Chengdu to Guilin; your local guide meets you at arrivals.
First Time in Guilin Depending on your flight schedule, you visit Elephant Trunk Hill or walk the Two Rivers and Four Lakes area: a first pass at this city's particular arithmetic of rivers, lakes and limestone peaks rising straight from the streets.
Evening Walk by the Water After dark, stroll along the waterside in Guilin to see the reflections of the karst peaks and city lights on the water.
漓江游船

Yangshuo · Day 10 - Day 11

Yangshuo
Yangshuo
Yangshuo

Day 10 · The Li River to Yangshuo

Board a Li River cruise in Guilin and travel downstream to Yangshuo; the evening is free for independent exploration.

Lijiang River Cruise Board a ship in Guilin and drift downstream, taking in limestone karst peaks, bamboo groves, and riverside villages along the way, arriving in Yangshuo in the afternoon.
Yangshuo You step off in the afternoon and check in; the evening is yours for West Street or the riverside, whichever noise level suits you.

Day 11 · The Yangshuo countryside

Spend a day in Yangshuo’s countryside. Take it slow along the fields and riversides, cycling, walking, or drifting on a bamboo raft, depending on water conditions.

Fields and villages Enjoy cycling or strolling through the fields, villages, and riverside paths; take a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River if water conditions and safety regulations allow.
Free Time in the Countryside Take time to linger along country lanes and through villages, capturing the rice paddies, rivers, and surrounding mountain peaks along the way.
高铁

Shenzhen · Day 12 - Day 13

Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Shenzhen

Day 12 · Rail to Shenzhen

Take the high-speed rail from Yangshuo to Shenzhen, and in the afternoon visit the Civic Center and Shenzhen Bay.

The train south The high-speed rail carries you from Yangshuo into the Pearl River Delta; your Shenzhen guide meets you at the station.
First pass at the new city After arrival, visit the Civic Center and Gangxia North Station in sequence, then enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Shenzhen Bay waterfront near Talent Park.
Across the bay Looking across the water from Shenzhen Bay, you can see the hills in the direction of Hong Kong; two days later, you will cross the border from Shenzhen to Hong Kong.

Day 13 · Shenzhen: inside the machine

From industrial exhibitions to the Huaqiangbei electronics market, then to Nanshan and the Shenzhen Bay.

Shenzhen Industrial Museum You start with the backstory: exhibitions on manufacturing, urban growth and emerging industries that trace how a small border settlement became a center of innovation inside a few decades.
Huaqiangbei Step into the Huaqiangbei Electronics Market to explore how components, prototypes, and finished devices are displayed and sold, floor by floor.
Nanshan & the waterfront In the afternoon, head to Nanshan to view the exterior of the science and technology park, then take a stroll at Talent Park and along the Shenzhen Bay waterfront; the evening is at leisure.
跨境接送

Hong Kong · Day 14 - Day 15

Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Hong Kong

Day 14 · The crossing: Hong Kong

Cross from Shenzhen into Hong Kong. After check-in, enjoy free time in the afternoon and evening.

Transit through Hong Kong from Shenzhen By car from Shenzhen to the border checkpoint; after completing entry/exit formalities, continue to your hotel in Hong Kong. Customs clearance time depends on conditions on the day.
Free Time in Hong Kong After check-in, you are free to explore Victoria Harbour, nearby districts, or local restaurants in the afternoon and evening; no scheduled sightseeing is arranged for the rest of the day.

Day 15 · Hong Kong: Departure

Enjoy a free morning at your own pace before heading to Hong Kong International Airport, timed to your flight schedule.

Free Morning Free time shaped by your flight schedule: the harbour once more, a last neighborhood walk, or a slow breakfast.
Proceed to the Airport Depart from the hotel by car at the agreed time and head to Hong Kong International Airport, allowing ample time for check-in and security.
Departures

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Hotels

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

Included / Excluded

What's Included

  • Private vehiclesAir-conditioned private vehicles for listed sightseeing and transfers, including airport and station pick-ups, cross-border transfer to Hong Kong and final airport drop-off.
  • Hotels14 nights in selected four-star, five-star or quality boutique stays, breakfast daily from Day 2.
  • GuidesLicensed English-speaking guides in every mainland city; Hong Kong is an independent stay by design.
  • Tickets and experiencesListed attractions plus the Li River cruise with its buffet lunch on board, tuk-tuk food route, Sichuan Opera seat, People's Park tea and Yangshuo countryside day; the exact list is itemized in the confirmation.

Not Included

  • Long-haulInternational flights to Beijing and onward travel from Hong Kong.
  • Internal legsThe Chengdu to Guilin flight and inter-city rail tickets are quoted with the confirmation.
  • MealsExcept for breakfast and the buffet lunch on the Lijiang River cruise on Day 10, lunch and dinner are arranged flexibly and at your own expense.
  • PersonalVisas and entry requirements as applicable, gratuities, single supplement and personal spending.

Special Notes

A few things on this route depend on flights, animals, rivers or a border.

  • Arrival evening — The Shichahai walk flexes to landing time; arrive late and rest instead.
  • Olympic Park — An exterior stop if time permits; the wall is not shortened for it.
  • Panda mornings — The early start improves the chance of active animals, but pandas keep their own schedule.
  • Guilin's first afternoon — Elephant Trunk Hill or Two Rivers and Four Lakes follows the flight schedule.
  • Yulong River rafting — Subject to river levels and safety rules; the same fields and lanes remain accessible by bike or on foot.
  • The border day — Queue times vary; the transfer is door to door and the Hong Kong afternoon stays free.
  • Hotels and venues — Named in the confirmation; or similar means the same class and comparable location.

Is Fifteen Days Your Length?

Tell us your dates and who's coming; the length can be shaped around you.

Have the full window?

Read the full gradient from palaces and an army to teahouses, river, delta and Hong Kong.

Shorter on days?

Trim a region rather than accelerating the pace.

Want more slow days?

Add time in Yangshuo or Hong Kong.

Good to Know

Group
Private; from 1 guest, no minimum.
Arrival
Day 1 follows landing time; the full program begins Day 2.
The border
Day 14 is a full immigration crossing from the mainland into Hong Kong; carry a passport and allow variable queue time.
Documents
Mainland and Hong Kong entry rules differ by nationality and are checked during planning.
Language
English-speaking guides through every mainland city; Hong Kong is independent with transfers arranged.
Shopping Policy
No shopping stops or commission detours on the route; your time is dedicated solely to the places listed here.
Tailoring
Fully flexible. Days, stops, and pace can be added, removed, or swapped. We'll reshape the plan together before you confirm and pay.
Payment
A 10% deposit, minimum $399, locks dates and resources; the balance is due 14 days before departure.
Flexibility
Walking distances and conditional activities adapt to the group and operating conditions.
Ports
Beijing In, Hong Kong Out.
Gateway markets
Lead country marker: GB. Gateway markets from inventory: UK, WEU, NCEU, CA. Beijing in and Hong Kong out match the main gateway markets.

Your Private Concierge

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

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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 a full immigration crossing inside one country. Queue times vary, so the transfer is door to door and nothing timed is scheduled against it.

It completes the route's contrast and provides a major long-haul departure hub with a free morning before the flight.

Moving is folded into the days, evenings stay largely free, Yangshuo gets a full countryside day and Hong Kong has no scheduled program.

Mornings offer the better chance of eating and climbing, but the animals keep their own schedule and the conservation story remains part of the visit.

Daily breakfast is included from Day 2. Other meals stay flexible and are recommended and booked around the group.

Ready when you are.

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