13 Days China Exploration Tour of Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Guilin-Chengdu-Xian-Beijing

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Gangzhou Arrival (No meal)

   Upon your arrival at Guangzhou airport / train station, the local driver will pick you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board with your name and transfer to Guangzhou downtown hotel. Free and easy on your own for rest of the day.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Guangzhou  

2. Day 2: Guangzhou Tour (B, L)
   Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Yuexiu Park, Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Huacheng Square, Exterior look of the Canton Tower

   Your amazing day begins with Chen Clan Ancestral Hall which was built in the 14th year of Guangxu reign (1888), the Qing Dynasty, and was finished in the 20th year (1894). It provided temporary accommodation for the members of the Chen clan when they attended the imperial examination, waited for taking up an official post, paid taxes and handled other matters. You can stroll around to take in its history, appreciate quintessential Lingnan architecture and enjoy various folk arts.

   After that, continue your visit to Yuexiu Park. It is the largest comprehensive park in Guangzhou. You can have a leisurely walk through the park to breathe the fresh air, admire the symbol of the city - the statue of the five rams, and explore some historic spots like Zhenhai Tower.

   The next stop will be Temple of the Six Banyan Trees, a famous ancient temple with a long history. It is not only a tourist attraction but also an active temple where you can see many Buddhist believers praying. It’s a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You will marvel at the colorful Flower Pagoda which is the most prominent building in the temple.

   Afterwards, head to the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall which was established in memory of Sun Yat-sen, a great forerunner of China's democratic revolution and the father of Republic of China. Here you will learn a piece of Chinese history from your knowledgeable tour guide and listen to the life story of this national hero.

   Later, move on to Huacheng Square, the largest square in Guangzhou and also the venue for the yearly Guangzhou International Light Festival. It’s a lovely place to visit both in the daytime and at night. You will be hugely impressed by the awesome modern buildings surrounding the square such as the Opera House and Guangzhou Library. Besides, you can have an exterior look of the Canton Tower, a landmark of Guangzhou city. With a height of 600 meters, it is the tallest tower in China and the fourth tallest in the world. It also has a nickname of "Slim Waist" because of its unique shape. It’s really nice to look at it. You can take some beautiful photos from the outside.

   Optional Night Activity: At night, follow your guide to enjoy the stunning night view of the Pearl River by taking cruise, the third longest river in China. Having a relaxing cruise down the river when the buildings and bridges are lit up with the colorful lights, you definitely will be amazed by the magnificent scenery and have a wonderful night.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Guangzhou

   

3. Day 3: Guangzhou - Shenzhen by High-speed Train (B, L)
   China Folk Culture Village, Windows of the World

   In the morning, you will take high-speed train to Shenzhen. After 1 hour train riding, you will arrive at Shenzhen, another modern city in China. The local English speaking tour guide and driver will pick you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board with your name upon your arrival.

   Your amazing day begins with  the Splendid China Folk Culture Village. Sitting in Shenzhen Bay, it is a large Astourist site with live miniature attractions collected that you must put on your travel list before coming to China: Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, Mogao Caves, Potala Palace…Apart from those exact attractions, you will also encounter the various Chinese cultural activities, famous snakes from the corner of the whole nation, typical landscapes of different areas and so on.

   Later, move on to Windows of the World. As the name suggests, Windows of the World is a place for you to discover those noble attractions or landscapes of the world. Yes, it is a scenic site collects the live miniature Great Wall from China, Eiffel Tower from France, Pyramid from Egypt…In spit of not being to the actual attraction sites by yourself, you will be easily excited on both eyes and inspirits when beholding all of those micro attractions in one place!

   Accommodation: Overnight in Shenzhen

   

4. Day 4: Shenzhen - Guilin by High-speed Train (B, L)
   Reed Flute Cave, Fubo Hill, Elephant Trunk Hill, Seven Star Park

   This morning, you will take high-speed train which rides around 3 hours to Guilin. Upon arrival at Guilin North Train Station, the local English speaking tour guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit gate by holding a welcome board with your name.

   After short rest, your exploration begins with the amazing Reed Flute Cave. The cave got its name because there were reeds at its entrance and people can make flutes by using the reeds. Walking into the cave, you will be surrounded by all kinds of stalactites, stalagmites, stone columns, flowers, and curtains created by water erosion and carbonate deposition day after day and year after year.

   After that, move on to another wonderful site in Guilin, Fubo Hill. The hill boasts both natural beauty and historical relics. You just breathe the fresh air, enjoy the beautiful landscape, and feel the charm of grotto art.

   Later, heading to the Elephant Trunk Hill. The hill got its name from the shape of an elephant sipping water by the riverside. You will see a round opening between the elephant’s trunk and legs, and it has a beautiful name of Water Moon Cave. You can take beautiful pictures to record the pleasant time at this extraordinary place.

   Last, walk around the Seven Star Park to indulge yourself in the natural and cultural beauty of Guilin. The park is called Guilin’s green lung and has become the epitome of Guilin’s landscape and culture integrating mountains, water, caves, stones, courtyards, buildings, and cultural relics.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Guilin

   

5. Day 5: Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin Tour (B, L)
   Li River, Yangshuo West Street

   Today is the highlight of your Guilin tour as you will embark on a ship to cruise down the picturesque Li River!

   Taking the cruise on the Li River, you will admire the picturesque scenery of this land with a harmonious combination of the green hills, rivers, lakes and fields. But its beauty is not like a still painting, it’s alive when vivid – brisk bamboo rafts leaving wrinkles on the water and cormorants hovering under the working fishermen… Our guide will uncover the hidden history and culture behind the natural screen before you during your cruise. You will learn from the local expert about how the city formed and developed and how local people manage their life along the famous Li River.

   Friendly Tip: The Li River Cruise takes around 4 hours, and you will be staying on the boat to enjoy the scenery for most time, so 3-star boat as included would be adequate according to most tourists’ experience. Besides, you are suggested to have a good breakfast at your hotel and take some snack as there will be only simple box lunch be provided on the boat.

   After the 4 hours’ cruise, you will embark at Yangshuo. Follow your guide to explore the famous Yangshuo West Street to admire the antique buildings and local crafts, hanging out in bars and coffee shops, and try some delicious local snacks.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Guilin

   

6. Day 6: Guilin - Chengdu by Flight (B, L)
   Longji Rice Terraces, Long Hair Show

   After breakfast, drive to the painting-like Longji Rice Terraces , which has thousands of years’ history. It is hard to believe that the minority people were able to bring the remote mountains under cultivation by the slash-and-burn method over 2,000 years ago. Now the rice terraces not only feed the local people but also provide the people around the world a retreat from everyday life.

   Arrive at Longji Terraces Scenic Area, you will enjoy the one-of-a-kind Long Hair Show performed by Yao Minority women in Huangluo village, which was awarded the “World’s Longest Hair Village” by Guinness World Records. Famous for their long and shiny hair, the women of Huangluo cut their hair only once in their lives upon turning 18. In addition to that, you can also have a glimpse of the Zhuang and Yao minority people’s lifestyle through this visit.

   After enjoying the spectacular rice terraces, the fragrant bamboo-tube-cooked rice will be waiting for you. The soaked rice is put inside a fresh bamboo tube, and the mouth of the tube is plugged with fresh leaves. The rice will be ready after cooking over a fire for about half an hour. When you cut open the bamboo tube by using a knife, the delicate fragrance will greet your nostrils.

   Finish the sightseeing, you will head to Guilin airport to catch an evening flight to Chengdu. Upon arrival at Chengdu airport, you will find the local driver waiting for you at the exit gate by holding a welcome board with your name. Later, transfer to local hotel.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Chengdu

   

    

7. Day 7: Chengdu Tour (B, L)
   Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, Jinsha Site Museum, Renmin Park, Kuanzhai Alley

   The first scenic site will be the exciting Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding Research Base, which is well known for the protection and breeding of the endangered giant pandas which are unique to China. The base is definitely a highlight for most visitors to Chengdu. There are adorable pandas everywhere. You can watch them eating bamboo, playing with each other, and of course sleeping. Your tour guide will navigate you through the huge area, share some information about the pandas, and help you take amazing photos.

   After lunch, continue your visit to Jinsha Site Museum. It is an excellent place to learn about Chengdu's history. There are thousands of cultural relics that can date back to 3000 years ago. You will follow your knowledgeable tour guide to appreciate the precious artifacts such as golden sun bird disc, golden mask, bronze standing figure and stone tiger, and get to know the stories behind them. You also can enjoy a leisurely walk around the lovely park.

   Later, enjoy some relaxing tea time in Renmin Park. Renmin Park is a perfect place to do people watching. Here you can enjoy a cup of tea in a nice tea house and watch local people while away the time with various activities such as playing cards, doing tai chi, playing mahjong, dancing, and napping.

   Afterwords, come to explore the local food and culture in Kuanzhai Alley, which has a long history and can date back to the Qing Dynasty. Now the old alleys have been converted into one of the top attractions in Chengdu. Strolling along the streets, you still can see many well-preserved Qing Dynasty buildings. In addition to appreciating the traditional architecture, you also can savor some local delicacies. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Chengdu will surprise you with its delicious food.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Chengdu

   

8. Day 8: Chengdu - Xian by High-speed Train (B, L)
   Giant Buddha in Leshan

   Today, you’ll head to the amazing Giant Buddha in Leshan. Drive around 2 hours from Chengdu city, you can enjoy the urban scenery on the way.

   Regarded as the tallest stone Buddha in the world, Leshan Giant Buddha was carved out of a cliff face 1300 years ago. When you look up to it from its toes, it’s hard to imagine how ancient Chinese people built this massive statue which withstood the ravages of wind and rain as well as man-made damages. You will climb up the stairs to the top of the mountain to enjoy wonderful scenery. The stairs may seem intimidating, but the hiking is well worth the time and effort.

   Friendly Tip: There are 2 ways to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, one is climbing up the mountain, one is taking a cruise along the river to take far view of it. Climbing up the mountain was included in the package as most tourists said this way is better. Taking cruise is optional. If you would like to take cruise instead of climbing up the mountain, or if you want to try both these 2 ways, just ask your tour guide for assistance.

   In the afternoon, you will head to Chengdu East Train Station to catch high-speed train to Xian. The train rides around 3-4 hours, you can have a nap on the train or just enjoy the scenery on the way. When you arrive at Xian North Train Station, the local driver will pick you up and drive to local hotel.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xian

   

9. Day 9: Xian Tour (B, L)
   Terracotta Warriors and Horses, Ancient City Wall, Muslin Quarter, Bell Tower & Drum Tower Square

   After breakfast, you will head to the must-see Terracotta Warriors and Horses.  Known as “the Eighth Wonders of the World”, the museum shows a surprisingly high level in sculpture, which is listed in the most significant discoveries of the 20th century. The splendid scene and format will leave you an impressive memory. You can spend 2.5-3 hours there.

   After lunch, continue to visit Ancient City Wall. It is the most completely preserved and the largest city wall in China, which was built for the military defense in the ancient time. Since it is cycling the city, visitors can ride a bike around the city wall(optional).

   Later, go to Muslim Quarter to have relaxing sightseeing and enjoy the local food/ snacks. Muslin Quarter is the most famous food street in Xian. It consists of Islamic food area, ethnic group shopping center, Great Mosque and living area of Hui people, with a history of more than 1,000 years. The tour guide will give recommendations for you to have the best local food experience.

   After that, move to Bell Tower & Drum Tower Square which is a strategically important building that marks the geographical center of the ancient capital of Xian, have some relaxing walk here would be very worthwhile to experience local people’s life.

   Accommodation: Overnight in Xian

   

10. Day 10: Xian - Beijing by High-speed Train (B, L)
    Big Wild Goose Pagoda, Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street

    As one of the most famous historical cities, Xian has lots of interesting places to go! Today you will explore the must-see sights in Xian downtown area.

    Firstly, come to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. On the way to the attraction spot, your guide will introduce the history and culture of this ancient city for you to catch a glimpse of reason why so many well-known relics were discovered on this land. Big Wild Goose Pagoda was originally built to hold Buddhist sutra and figurines of the Buddha that Xuanzang brought back from India in Tang Dyansty, 652 A.D. Now there is a big square divided into North Square and South Square, surrounding the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. The design of the buildings and statues is in Tang style, showing people the ever glory of that great time. It’s busier in the evening when many activities with Tang elements held by local amateur.

    Later, take a nice stroll down Shuyuanmen Ancient Culture Street. This quaint street lined with many shops selling the four basic items for Chinese calligraphy (writing brush, ink stick, ink slab and paper) is different from any other streets in Xian. The structures built in the style of the Ming and Qing dynasties add the place more charm. If you are interested in Chinese arts and crafts, you can pick some souvenirs here. Don’t forget to bargain!

    In the afternoon, you will head to Xian North Train Station to catch high-speed train to Beijing. The train rides around 5-6hours, you can have a nap on the train or just enjoy the scenery on the way. When you arrive at Beijing West Train Station, the local driver will pick you up and drive to local hotel.

    Accommodation: Overnight in Beijing

    

11. Day 11: Beijing Tour (B, L)
    Tian'anmen Square, Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Beijing Hutongs

    You will start today’s tour with the largest city square in the world - Tian'anmen Square. The square has a very important role in China’s history and visiting it is a dream for many generations of Chinese people. So don’t be surprised when you see the square is teeming with Chinese people. You can just wander around the square and take in the rich history.

    Walking through the square, you will arrive at the incredible Forbidden City, once was the royal palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties with more than 70 big and small palaces and over 9,000 rooms. It is one of the largest and most well-preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. Walking into the grand and majestic complex, you will steep in China’s long history and marvel at this architectural masterpiece.

    After lunch, move on to Temple of Heaven, famous for its meticulous layout, unique architecture and magnificent decoration, this grand complex was built for the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to offer sacrifices to the heaven and pray for good harvests. It was listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1998. You will definitely marvel at the craftsmanship and learn more historical facts about ancient China.

    Beijing Hutongs are full of history which attracts many worldwide tourists! Today your tour guide will take you to feel the charm of the hutongs in Shichahai scenic Area. Taking a rickshaw to ride along the ancient alleys, you will know more about the background information of the Hutongs, experience authentic old Beijing life, and witness the blending of tradition and modernity.

    Accommodation: Overnight in Beijing

    

12. Day 12: Beijing Tour (B, L)
    Mutianyu Great Wall, Bird's Nest and Water Cube , Summer Palace

    After breakfast, you will move to today’s highlights - the famous world’s heritage Mutianyu Great Wall. It would be around 2 hours’ driving, you can take this chance to see the urban and suburban scenery of Chinese capital on the way.

    Mutianyu Great Wall is the most scenic part of Chinese Great Wall. It was built in the early Ming Dynasty at 1368 and stretches for 5400 meters. 90 percent of the Mutianyu is covered by vegetation. So in each season this part of the Great Wall will treat visitors with its unique scenery. If pure-hiking is too much for you, there are also options of cable car and toboggan to see the spectacular scenery from different angles (optional).

    Finish the amazing hiking, you’ll go back to Beijing city. On the way, you can take an exterior visit of the marvelous Bird's Nest and Water Cube which were built for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. Walking around the outside of the building to appreciate the unique design and take some pictures would be perfect.

    Arriving at Beijing city, you will pay a visit to the royal garden, Summer Palace. With an area of 2.9 square kilometers, this palace was the best place where the emperors of the Qing Dynasty spent their summers. Here you will enjoy the amazing lake view, explore the exquisite long corridor, appreciate precious cultural relics, step on the elegant stone bridge, see high old trees, etc. You will love every minute here with so much to see!

    Accommodation: Overnight in Beijing

    

13. Day 13: Beijing Departure (B )

    Free and easy on your own until the pickup time for departure. The driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer you to Beijing airport/train station to see you off. Your 13 days Shenzhen Guilin Chengdu Xian Beijing tour ends here.

    Accommodation: N/A