14-Day Group China Tour | Guilin Yangtze Cruise Zhangjiajie

Jinmao Tower

After breakfast, head to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center to see how the city transformed from a small fishing village to a global metropolis. Next, visit the beautiful Yu Garden, a classic Chinese garden, and try some local snacks at the Yu Garden Bazaar.

Then, tour a Silk Factory to learn about Chinese silk culture. Finish with a visit to the Jinmao Tower for an impressive view of Shanghai.

Optional evening activity: Acrobatics Opera.

Nanjing Road

After breakfast, visit the Bund to enjoy Shanghai’s skyline. A scenic waterfront in central Shanghai, the Bund runs along Zhongshan Road on the west bank of the Huangpu River, facing Pudong. Known for its iconic architecture and historic wharves, it's a must-see Shanghai landmark.

Then, take a stroll down Nanjing Road, China’s top shopping street. This 3.4-mile-long shopping street, from the Bund to Jingan Temple, is the most famous in China. It’s a vibrant destination for shoppers from around the world, offering fashion, food, and entertainment.

Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted and taken to your hotel.

Yangshuo Countryside

After breakfast, drive to Zhujiang Pier about 40 minutes, to begin your Li River cruise. Enjoy the refreshing air and scenic beauty of Li River. The gentle breeze and breathtaking landscapes make this cruise unforgettable.

After checking into your hotel, spend the rest of the day cycling through Yangshuo’s stunning countryside along the Yulong River. Enjoy the peaceful views and visit a local farmer's house to learn about their daily life.

Elephant Trunk Hill

Drive back to Guilin (1.5 hours) and visit Yaoshan Mountain, the city's highest peak, featuring attractions like Yao Temple and White Deer Temple. Ride the cable car to the top for panoramic views of the limestone peaks and the TV tower.

Next, stop at Elephant Trunk Hill, the city's iconic landmark. A unique limestone formation at the junction of the Li and Taohuajiang Rivers. Standing 55 meters above the water, it resembles an elephant drinking from the river. It’s a symbol of Guilin and a must-see attraction.

Then, explore the Reed Flute Cave, where you’ll see stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and stone formations shaped over millions of years. Visitors can explore its colorful, illuminated stalactites, stalagmites, and underground lakes.

End the tour with a visit to the Southern Pearl Museum to learn about the local pearl culture. Return to your hotel in Guilin for check-in.

Ciqikou Old Town

Today, you are free until we transfer you to the airport for your flight to Chongqing. Upon arrival, our guide will meet you and take you to Ciqikou Old Town, where situated on a hill overlooking the Jialing River, Ciqikou, or "Porcelain Village," dates back to the late Ming Dynasty. Explore Ming and Qing buildings, local shops, tea houses, and enjoy Sichuan street performances.

Then, head to Three Gorges Museum. This museum is China’s largest monographic museum, covering 40,000 square meters. It showcases the history and culture of the Three Gorges Project and is located near People’s Square and the Great Hall of the People.

Later, board your Yangtze cruise around 8:00-8:30 PM.

Fengdu Ghost City

Today, you’ll take a shore excursion to visit Fengdu Ghost City, an ancient site filled with shrines to the underworld gods. Nestled in misty mountains, it was once seen as a gateway between the material and spiritual worlds. Later, enjoy the Captain’s Farewell Party, Chinese Folk Dance, and other onboard cultural activities.

Note: Some cruises also offer a shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda, known as the "Pearl on the Yangtze." This 12-story red pagoda stands against a lush mountain backdrop. A short walk up the stairs will reward you with panoramic views. 

Shennv Stream

Today, you’ll board a smaller boat to explore Shennv Stream, also known as Goddess Stream. This untouched valley along the Yangtze River offers stunning gorges, hanging coffins, and a chance to enjoy a local sampan ride while learning about Tujia minority culture.

Note: Some cruises visit Shennong Stream instead, where you can see the same beautiful gorges, hanging coffins, and experience the local sampan ride and Tujia culture. You can choose which excursion you prefer, as we offer great rates for all cruise options!

Three Gorges Dam

Today, you’ll take a shore excursion to the famous Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydropower project in the world. Learn about its power generation and flood control functions, and visit Tanziling Park and the Gorges Exhibition for a closer look at this impressive construction.

The ship will continue to Yichang Pier for disembarkation, arriving around 13:00-13:30. There, you’ll be met by our guide and transferred to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, your guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel in Wulingyuan. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the city.

Gold Whip Stream

Today, you will visit Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Located 32 km from the city, this park is known for its unique peaks, lush forests, and stunning views. The area has thousands of quartz peaks rising steeply. In 1982, it became part of the larger Wulingyuan National Park, and in 2004, it was designated a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Then, take the cable car up to Huangshi Village, 1080m above sea level. It’s the best spot for panoramic views of the park. Locals say, "If you don’t visit Huangshi Village, you haven’t truly seen Zhangjiajie."

Next, explore the 7.5 km Golden Whip Stream, known for its clear water, lush greenery, steep cliffs, and peaceful valleys. The path is lined with beautiful flowers, trees, and plants, making it a serene paradise.

Bailong Elevator

Today, you'll start with a ride to the Bailong Elevator, which takes you up to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, also known as Avatar Mountain, where the movie Avatar was filmed. You'll see the Hallelujah Mountain, the world’s tallest natural bridge, and more. After lunch, take a 40-minute drive to He Long Park and visit Tianzi Mountain. Then, ride the cable car down and explore the Ten-mile Gallery by tram in Suoxiyu Scenic Spot.

Finally, you'll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Beijing. Upon arrival in Beijing, your guide will take you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to discover the city on your own.

Tiananmen Square

Today, you’ll visit Tiananmen Square first. It is known as the Gate of Heavenly Peace, this historic square holds great cultural importance and has been the site of many key events in Chinese history. It is the largest city square in the world. Then, head to the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City was the seat of Imperial power. Known also as the Imperial Palace Museum, it houses 9999.5 rooms over 183 acres, with some areas not open to the public.

In the afternoon, we will visit the largest and best-preserved imperial garden, Summer Palace. It was used by the royal family for 800 years. In the 19th century, Empress Dowager Cixi funded major renovations. It covers 293 hectares, with 220 hectares of water. The highlights include Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake.

In the evening, enjoy a Kungfu Show to explore Chinese martial arts culture. This one-hour show tells the story of Chin Yu's journey to becoming the Abbott through martial arts. It features impressive Kungfu demonstrations and colorful costumes. No photos or videos are allowed, but DVDs of the show can be purchased.

Water Cube

This morning, you will visit the famous Mutianyu Great Wall, a less crowded section. Enjoy flexible visiting time with 1-2 hours of hiking. Mutianyu Great Wall is Located about 70 km northeast of Beijing, this well-preserved section of the Great Wall stretches for over 2 kilometers. On the way, you can see the Olympic sites – the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube.

After that, visit the Changling Tomb, this is the tomb of the third emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Part of the Ming Tombs site, it is known for its impressive architecture and cultural significance. Sacred Road. This road leads to the Ming Tombs and was considered the pathway to heaven for Chinese emperors. Both during their reign and after death, emperors traveled this road as part of rituals to communicate with the heavens.

In the evening, enjoy a Peking Roast Duck Dinner. A famous Beijing dish, known for its crispy skin and tender meat, a must-try when visiting Beijing.

Temple of Heaven

Today, you will visit the Temple of Heaven, where emperors once prayed for good harvests and peace. This historic site is a peaceful complex with beautiful buildings and gardens. Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties came here every year to pray for a good harvest.

Afterward, you'll be taken to the airport for your flight home or your next journey.