Open menu

Overview

On day one you stand in a palace completed in 1420. On day seventeen, a driverless car takes you across a city that was a fishing village forty years ago. Most first-time journeys to China choose one era; this one runs through them all in order: the empire, the high country, the old earth, and Shenzhen last, so the journey ends facing forward. Trains, flights and a private van link the whole arc, and your guides hand you from city to city. Once you're home, you'll notice the souvenir: you never read a headline about China quite the same way again.

— LyrikTrip travel designers

Every LyrikTrip journey begins with a conversation. Tell us your dates and who's coming, and if eighteen days is the wrong length for you, we'll say so and shape a shorter arc. First reply within four hours; a clear price for your dates within one business day.

Why you'll love this trip

  • Best for: first-time China visitors, couples, families, repeat visitors seeking depth
  • 18 days from the Forbidden City to driverless taxis. See the whole of China.
  • Stand on Jingshan hill above the golden roofs of the Forbidden City, then walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu: the empire in two mornings.
  • Meet the eight thousand, the buried army of China's first emperor, no two faces alike, then cycle the top of the wall that still rings old Xi'an.
  • Climb into the Aba highlands for Jiuzhaigou's glass-clear lakes and Huanglong's terraced pools, then deeper still, to panda country and a Baima village that welcomes you as guests, not a tour group.
  • Learn the Chengdu way of sitting: in a People's Park teahouse, with nowhere to be after.
  • Ride the Bailong Elevator into the sandstone pillars *Avatar* borrowed, then walk out over the gorge on a pane of glass<!--F-->, farther than you thought you would<!--/F-->.
  • Cruise Guilin's lit waterways by night, drift a bamboo raft down the Yulong River, then stand at sunrise above the bend of the Li River that appears on the back of China's 20-yuan banknote.
  • End in Shenzhen, a fishing village turned tech metropolis in forty years: a ride in a driverless taxi is reserved ahead for your dates.
Tour route mapTour route: Beijing, Xi'an, Chuanzhusi, Jiuzhaigou, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Yangshuo, ShenzhenBeijing · ArrivalsD1–D3Xi'anD4–D5ChuanzhusiD6JiuzhaigouD7–D8ChengduD9–D10ZhangjiajieD11–D13GuilinD14YangshuoD15–D16Shenzhen · DeparturesD17–D18

Things to do

Huanglong Terraces, Aba
01
Baima Village Welcome, Jiuzhaigou
02
Jiawuhai Panda Centre, Jiuzhaigou
03
Teahouse Morning, Chengdu
04
Chinese Medicine, Introduced, Xi'an
05
Sajinqiao Food Walk, Xi'an
06
Cloth-Shoe Workshop & Tea Ceremony, Beijing
07
Tianmen by Day, Lit by Night, Zhangjiajie
08
City Wall by Bike, Xi'an
09
Tibetan Leather Craft, Songpan
10
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, Zhangjiajie
11
Xianggong Hill at Sunrise, Yangshuo
12
Yulong River Slow Day, Yangshuo
13
Tujia Brocade, Zhangjiajie
14
Two Rivers & Four Lakes by Night, Guilin
15
Robotaxi & Huaqiangbei, Shenzhen
16
Huanglong Terraces, AbaNature
Baima Village Welcome, JiuzhaigouFolk
Jiawuhai Panda Centre, JiuzhaigouNature
Teahouse Morning, ChengduCity
Chinese Medicine, Introduced, Xi'anWellness
Sajinqiao Food Walk, Xi'anFood
Cloth-Shoe Workshop & Tea Ceremony, BeijingCraft
Tianmen by Day, Lit by Night, ZhangjiajieNature
City Wall by Bike, Xi'anActive
Tibetan Leather Craft, SongpanCraft
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, ZhangjiajieGlass Bridge
Xianggong Hill at Sunrise, YangshuoPhoto
Yulong River Slow Day, YangshuoSlow
Tujia Brocade, ZhangjiajieCraft
Two Rivers & Four Lakes by Night, GuilinNight
Robotaxi & Huaqiangbei, ShenzhenTech
Huanglong Terraces, AbaNature
Baima Village Welcome, JiuzhaigouFolk
Jiawuhai Panda Centre, JiuzhaigouNature
Teahouse Morning, ChengduCity
Chinese Medicine, Introduced, Xi'anWellness
Sajinqiao Food Walk, Xi'anFood
Cloth-Shoe Workshop & Tea Ceremony, BeijingCraft
Tianmen by Day, Lit by Night, ZhangjiajieNature
City Wall by Bike, Xi'anActive
Tibetan Leather Craft, SongpanCraft
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, ZhangjiajieGlass Bridge
Xianggong Hill at Sunrise, YangshuoPhoto
Yulong River Slow Day, YangshuoSlow
Tujia Brocade, ZhangjiajieCraft
Two Rivers & Four Lakes by Night, GuilinNight
Robotaxi & Huaqiangbei, ShenzhenTech
Huanglong Terraces, AbaNature
Baima Village Welcome, JiuzhaigouFolk
Jiawuhai Panda Centre, JiuzhaigouNature
Teahouse Morning, ChengduCity
Chinese Medicine, Introduced, Xi'anWellness
Sajinqiao Food Walk, Xi'anFood
Cloth-Shoe Workshop & Tea Ceremony, BeijingCraft
Tianmen by Day, Lit by Night, ZhangjiajieNature
City Wall by Bike, Xi'anActive
Tibetan Leather Craft, SongpanCraft
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge, ZhangjiajieGlass Bridge
Xianggong Hill at Sunrise, YangshuoPhoto
Yulong River Slow Day, YangshuoSlow
Tujia Brocade, ZhangjiajieCraft
Two Rivers & Four Lakes by Night, GuilinNight
Robotaxi & Huaqiangbei, ShenzhenTech

Itinerary

Arrivals

Beijing · Day 1 - Day 3

Beijing
Beijing
Beijing

Day 1 · Beijing: the Imperial Axis

Start at the center of it all. One straight line through six centuries.

Tian'anmen & the Forbidden City You start on the Great Square, then walk through the Meridian Gate into the palace completed in 1420. The route takes you the way the court moved: ceremonial halls first, then the residential quarters, then the imperial garden: public grandeur giving way, room by room, to private life. You'll recalibrate what the word "big" means.
Jingshan Hill You climb to the hilltop pavilion and turn around: below you, the golden roofs run to the horizon along Beijing's central axis: one straight line, laid down six centuries ago.
Shichahai hutongs You wander courtyard lanes, lakeside streets and the small shops of old Beijing; your guide knows which lanes still live like lanes. The evening is yours around Houhai.

Stay — Beijing · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 2 · Beijing: the Great Wall at Mutianyu

The wall, without the crush. Stand where the empire drew its line.

Up to the ridgeline The cable car or open chairlift lifts you to the ridge; the wall carries you from watchtower to watchtower while your guide reads its logic aloud: beacon towers, passes, the sightlines that made it work.
On the brick You'll catch yourself running a hand along the parapet: the same gesture as the soldiers who stood here six hundred years ago.
Lunch below the wall A lunch stop near the foot of the wall; your guide books it, on your account.
Olympic Park Back in the city, you stand between the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube: Beijing's other century, an hour from the Ming one you walked this morning.

Stay — Beijing · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 3 · Beijing: Temple of Heaven · rail to Xi'an

The emperor's final audience with heaven, then the fast train west.

Temple of Heaven You stand where emperors prayed for the harvest: the Hall of Prayer, the Imperial Vault, the round Circular Mound: architecture doing astronomy around you, circles for heaven, squares for earth.
National Museum In one building, you pick up the backstory for everything you'll see in the next fifteen days: bronzes, ceramics, sculpture, calligraphy.
Hands and leaves You watch layered soles stitched by hand at a cloth-shoe workshop, then sit down to your first proper gaiwan: how to brew, pour and hold it. Both fit around your train; then the high-speed rail carries you west, about 4.5 hours to Xi'an.

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

High-speed rail

Xi'an · Day 4 - Day 5

Xi'an
Xi'an
Xi'an

Day 4 · Xi'an: the Terracotta Warriors

Meet the army that waited 2,200 years. One emperor, eight thousand faces.

The pits You look down into the pits at an estimated eight thousand soldiers ranked for the first emperor: you learn to tell generals from archers by armour and hairstyle, and if you look closely at the newer excavations, you'll find traces of the original paint.
A Shaanxi lunch stop The hand-pulled noodles the province is famous for; your guide books the place, on your account.
Chinese medicine, gently Someone reads your pulse, opens the herb drawers for you, and walks you through the logic of seasonal balance: a working introduction, not a lecture; any treatment stays optional and unhurried.

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

Day 5 · Xi'an: City Wall, Sajinqiao, rail to Chengdu

The empire ends on a bicycle. Then the road to Sichuan.

City Wall by bike You pedal the ramparts of one of China's most complete ancient walls, wide enough to ride two abreast; the full circuit is about 14 kilometres: you ride as much as suits you, walk a stretch if you'd rather. Old city on one side of you, new city on the other.
Sajinqiao You eat your way down Xi'an's Muslim culinary quarter, one street from the tourist crowds: roujiamo pressed warm into your hand, crisp bread, slow-braised pork, noodles pulled long on the counter, lamb straight off the charcoal. Your guide steers, you graze.
Rail to Chengdu Your evening train crosses the Qinling range, the mountains that divide China's north from its south; you're in Chengdu in about 3.5 hours.

Stay — Chengdu · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Private vehicle

Chuanzhusi · Day 6

Chuanzhusi
Chuanzhusi
Chuanzhusi

Day 6 · Into the mountains: Songpan

The old trade road climbs all day: by evening you are about 2,500 metres higher than you woke up.

The drive north Your van climbs out of the Chengdu Plain and into the Aba highlands in long switchbacks; you step out wherever a view or a village market earns it.
Songpan Ancient Town You walk city gates, old streets and a covered bridge on the former Tea-Horse road: for centuries, tea went up to the plateau from here and horses came down, and your guide shows you where Han, Tibetan, Qiang and Hui traders kept shop in the same lanes.
A leather workshop Cut, stitch and stamp a small piece under a Tibetan craftsman's hands; it goes home in your pocket.

Stay — Chuanzhusi · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Private vehicle

Jiuzhaigou · Day 7 - Day 8

Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou
Jiuzhaigou

Day 7 · Huanglong

Terraced pools the colour of glacier water, built by the water itself.

The calcite terraces The cable car lifts you up, then you walk the boardwalks down beside pools terraced like rice paddies, their calcite rims holding water in blues and golds. You're above 3,000 metres here, so your pace stays gentle, with rest stops built in and oxygen in your van.
Weather honesty Huanglong closes seasonally and checks the weather daily; if conditions close it, we switch that same day to Mounigou Valley, whose waterfalls and calcite pools fulfil the same wish.
On to Jiuzhaigou The private van carries you on; checked in by evening.

Stay — Jiuzhaigou · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 8 · Pandas & the Baima village

The gentlest day in the mountains. A dance, a dish, a village.

Panda conservation centre You spend the morning at the centre, watching keepers' routines and walking the habitat corridors: pandas at close quarters, in their own forests rather than a city enclosure, and you hear how a mountain community lives alongside them.
The Baima welcome The masked Zhou dance in the village square; then flour on your hands, as you join in making potato cakes the home way, and eat them together.
Village lanes The afternoon stays slow: wooden houses, prayer flags, and time to talk. You come through as guests, not as an audience.

Stay — Jiuzhaigou · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

High-speed rail

Chengdu · Day 9 - Day 10

Chengdu
Chengdu
Chengdu

Day 9 · Jiuzhaigou

The lakes you've seen in photographs, in every blue the water owns.

The valleys Park shuttles carry you between the tiers of lakes and falls; your guide picks your circuit by season and crowds. You'll want two names: Five-Flower Lake, where sunken logs glow under mineral-clear water below you, and Nuorilang, a waterfall wider than it is tall.
Colour on record You'll take a few pictures, then put the phone away: the lens can't capture it, your eyes can.
Rail back to Chengdu You're out of the park by mid-afternoon, and the new Sichuan–Qinghai line runs you back: you leave the mountains after lunch and are among teahouses by dark.

Stay — Chengdu · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 10 · Chengdu, at Chengdu's pace

A rest day that doesn't feel like one, in a city that never hurries.

People's Park teahouse Bamboo chairs, a lidded cup kept topped up, cards slapping at the next table; if the ear-cleaner's tuning fork rings past, that's part of the furniture. You'll learn the Chengdu way of sitting: not waiting for anything.
Wenshu Monastery You step into an active monastery: monks on their rounds, incense coils, long quiet courtyards, and beside it, a vegetarian kitchen locals queue for. Join the queue.
Kuanzhai Alley & Taikoo Li You walk three restored lanes of Qing courtyards, then Taikoo Li's open-air blocks: in a single glance you take in a temple roofline and a flagship store. Old and new Chengdu, two streets apart.

Stay — Chengdu · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

High-speed rail

Zhangjiajie · Day 11 - Day 13

Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie

Day 11 · To Zhangjiajie · Tianmen Mountain

You land, and the mountain already has a doorway open for you.

Morning flight A short flight out of Chengdu; your Hunan guide is waiting at arrivals.
The long cableway One of the longest passenger cableways of its kind carries you 7.4 kilometres from the city centre: rooftops under you first, then forest, then cloud against your window.
Cliff paths & Heaven's Gate You walk the cliff-hung paths, glass underfoot if you choose it, a solid path always beside you, then stand in the great opening itself, about 130 metres high, formed when the cliff face collapsed in AD 263.

Stay — Zhangjiajie · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 12 · Yuanjiajie · Tianzi · Golden Whip Stream

The pillar forest from the balconies, then along its floor.

Yuanjiajie The Bailong Elevator lifts you into the sandstone pillar forest: you stand on platforms above the spires that James Cameron's Avatar borrowed, and cross the natural arch known as the First Bridge Under Heaven.
Tianzi Mountain You look down from the high balconies over the densest stand of pillars: a mountain named for a Tujia leader who called himself the Son of Heaven.
Golden Whip Stream You walk a flat path beside water clear to the pebbles, cliffs closing overhead, macaques supervising you from the boulders; the length is cut to fit your day.

Stay — Wulingyuan · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 13 · The Glass Bridge & Tujia brocade

Glass over the canyon in the morning, thread on a loom after lunch.

Grand Canyon Glass Bridge You cross 430 metres of clear pane above the gorge, the record-holder at its 2016 opening, a solid walkway beside you, with the canyon floor a long way down through your own feet.
Tujia brocade You watch Tujia brocade grow thread by thread on a wooden loom, and try a few rows yourself when the workshop is open.

Stay — Wulingyuan · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

High-speed rail

Guilin · Day 14

Guilin
Guilin
Guilin

Day 14 · Rail to Guilin · the lit waterways

Change stones: sandstone out, limestone in, and the country turns soft.

Rail south Your train runs south at high speed; the karst starts crowding your window before Guilin arrives.
Old town on foot You drift through pedestrian streets and riverside snacks, beneath the osmanthus trees for which the city is named, at whatever pace your afternoon has left.
Two Rivers & Four Lakes cruise Your boat threads the ring of waterways inside the city: banyan banks slide past you, the twin pagodas stand lit on the water, and bridge after bridge passes over your head, each a different silhouette.

Stay — Guilin · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

High-speed rail

Yangshuo · Day 15 - Day 16

Yangshuo
Yangshuo
Yangshuo

Day 15 · Yangshuo: the slow day

Two weeks in, the trip exhales.

Bamboo raft on the Yulong Your poler steers from the stern while rice paddies, stone bridges and water buffalo slide past you. Half an hour in, you'll realise you haven't said anything, and haven't needed to.
Country lanes by bike You follow quiet lanes between paddies and peaks; bike, e-bike or car: your legs decide.
Coffee on the hillside A table waits for you on the slope above the valley, karst ranked away on both sides, nothing on your schedule until dinner.

Stay — Yangshuo · Meals — Breakfast; hillside cafe afternoon tea included

Day 16 · Xianggong Hill & underground karst

The Li River's great bend, from above and from inside the rock. What water does, given time.

Xianggong Hill You start before dawn and climb a short stair of stone steps; below you opens the river's most photographed bend, layered peaks turning silver, then gold, as the light comes up around you.
A karst cave You walk underground among stalactites, stone curtains and still pools: the same mineral-rich water you watched building Huanglong's terraces last week, caught working underground.
Back to Yangshuo The rest of the day is yours: the river, a pool chair, or the town's cafe streets.

Stay — Yangshuo · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

High-speed rail

Shenzhen · Day 17 - Day 18

Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Shenzhen

Day 17 · Shenzhen: the driverless ride

The last city runs on a different clock. Forty years, one city.

Rail from Yangshuo Your train runs about three hours south into the Pearl River Delta; outside your window, the karst gives way to container ports and towers.
Robotaxi Reserved ahead for your dates: you book the ride on a screen, sensors and cameras read the street, and the wheel turns itself at the first corner. You'll stare at the empty steering wheel for a long moment, and then laugh.
Huaqiangbei You climb floor after floor of components, prototypes and finished gadgets; your guide decodes who buys what here, and where your own phone was probably born.

Stay — Shenzhen · Meals — Breakfast at the hotel

Day 18 · Departure

The morning bends to your flight. Home, with a longer answer.

Optional science museum Aerospace, AI and robotics exhibits, if your departure time allows and booking opens for your date.
Onward After a leisurely lunch (at your own expense), a private transfer to Bao'an Airport or the railway station, with time to spare.

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.

The Temple House
Chengdu
The Temple House
Boutique luxury hotel set within a restored Qing-dynasty courtyard near Taikoo Li, boasting one of Chengdu's most striking design statements.
Home Inn Zhangjiajie Dayongfucheng
Zhangjiajie
Home Inn Zhangjiajie Dayongfucheng
Home Inn Zhangjiajie Dayongfucheng is located in the city centre near Dayongfucheng, offering comfortable rooms and convenient access to attractions.
Shangri-La Hotel Guilin
guilin
Shangri-La Hotel Guilin
A softer riverside stay in Guilin, ideal for travellers seeking a greener setting and a calmer break between days of sightseeing.
Seercuo International Grand Hotel
Chuanzhusi
Seercuo International Grand Hotel
A practical highland stay in Songpan County, well positioned for the road between Huanglong, Chuanzhusi, and Jiuzhaigou.
Hotel Indigo Jiuzhai, an IHG Hotel
Jiuzhaigou
Hotel Indigo Jiuzhai, an IHG Hotel
A boutique luxury resort inspired by Tibetan and Qiang culture, offering stylish accommodation and immersive local experiences near Jiuzhaigou National Park.
Atour Hotel Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
Chengdu
Atour Hotel Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
A simple Chengdu stay near Chunxi Road, ideal for travellers who want easy walks, food stops and short city transfers.
Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan
Wulingyuan
Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan
Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan. A selected stay in Wulingyuan.
Yangshuo Ancient Garden Boutique Hotel
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Ancient Garden Boutique Hotel
A characterful Yangshuo stay with a countryside feel, suited to travellers who prefer charm over a standard city hotel.
Kempinski Hotel Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Kempinski Hotel Shenzhen
A Nanshan hotel beside the Houhai commercial district, with easy access to Shenzhen's western business and cultural areas.
Atour Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station South Square)
Beijing
Atour Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station South Square)
Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station South Square.
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.
Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an
Xi'an
Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an
A comfortable serviced-apartment option in Xi'an, suited to travellers who like extra space and a more residential feel.
Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel
Zhangjiajie
Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel
Pullman Zhangjiajie, in Wulingyuan District, offers easy access to the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area plus taxi pickup.
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
Beijing
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
International luxury hotel in Beijing, ideal for business trips and city breaks.
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Guilin
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Sheraton Guilin Hotel is situated on the banks of the Li River, offering comfortable rooms and convenient access to Guilin's attractions.
Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel
Xi'an
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.
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
Chengdu
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
A practical Chengdu base for travellers who want easy city access, relaxed days out, and a comfortable return after sightseeing.
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.
Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Wulingyuan
Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. A selected stay in Wulingyuan.
Noble Guest Hotel
Jiuzhaigou
Noble Guest Hotel
A culturally inspired hotel near the entrance to Jiuzhaigou National Park, offering convenient access and a comfortable stay for travellers exploring the scenic valley.
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.
Zhangjiajie Rezen One S Hotel
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie Rezen One S Hotel
An upmarket city hotel offering comfortable accommodation, dining and meeting facilities, making it an ideal base for travellers exploring Zhangjiajie’s scenic 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.
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin
Guilin
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin is situated near Guilin Railway Station, offering comfortable accommodation and convenient amenities for both business and leisure travellers.
Shangri-La Hotel
Xi'an
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 the Futian CBD, featuring elegant rooms, fine dining, and premium facilities.
The Temple House
Chengdu
The Temple House
Boutique luxury hotel set within a restored Qing-dynasty courtyard near Taikoo Li, boasting one of Chengdu's most striking design statements.
Home Inn Zhangjiajie Dayongfucheng
Zhangjiajie
Home Inn Zhangjiajie Dayongfucheng
Home Inn Zhangjiajie Dayongfucheng is located in the city centre near Dayongfucheng, offering comfortable rooms and convenient access to attractions.
Shangri-La Hotel Guilin
guilin
Shangri-La Hotel Guilin
A softer riverside stay in Guilin, ideal for travellers seeking a greener setting and a calmer break between days of sightseeing.
Seercuo International Grand Hotel
Chuanzhusi
Seercuo International Grand Hotel
A practical highland stay in Songpan County, well positioned for the road between Huanglong, Chuanzhusi, and Jiuzhaigou.
Hotel Indigo Jiuzhai, an IHG Hotel
Jiuzhaigou
Hotel Indigo Jiuzhai, an IHG Hotel
A boutique luxury resort inspired by Tibetan and Qiang culture, offering stylish accommodation and immersive local experiences near Jiuzhaigou National Park.
Atour Hotel Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
Chengdu
Atour Hotel Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
A simple Chengdu stay near Chunxi Road, ideal for travellers who want easy walks, food stops and short city transfers.
Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan
Wulingyuan
Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan
Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan. A selected stay in Wulingyuan.
Yangshuo Ancient Garden Boutique Hotel
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Ancient Garden Boutique Hotel
A characterful Yangshuo stay with a countryside feel, suited to travellers who prefer charm over a standard city hotel.
Kempinski Hotel Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Kempinski Hotel Shenzhen
A Nanshan hotel beside the Houhai commercial district, with easy access to Shenzhen's western business and cultural areas.
Atour Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station South Square)
Beijing
Atour Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station South Square)
Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station South Square.
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.
Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an
Xi'an
Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an
A comfortable serviced-apartment option in Xi'an, suited to travellers who like extra space and a more residential feel.
Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel
Zhangjiajie
Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel
Pullman Zhangjiajie, in Wulingyuan District, offers easy access to the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area plus taxi pickup.
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
Beijing
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
International luxury hotel in Beijing, ideal for business trips and city breaks.
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Guilin
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Sheraton Guilin Hotel is situated on the banks of the Li River, offering comfortable rooms and convenient access to Guilin's attractions.
Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel
Xi'an
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.
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
Chengdu
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
A practical Chengdu base for travellers who want easy city access, relaxed days out, and a comfortable return after sightseeing.
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.
Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Wulingyuan
Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. A selected stay in Wulingyuan.
Noble Guest Hotel
Jiuzhaigou
Noble Guest Hotel
A culturally inspired hotel near the entrance to Jiuzhaigou National Park, offering convenient access and a comfortable stay for travellers exploring the scenic valley.
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.
Zhangjiajie Rezen One S Hotel
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie Rezen One S Hotel
An upmarket city hotel offering comfortable accommodation, dining and meeting facilities, making it an ideal base for travellers exploring Zhangjiajie’s scenic 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.
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin
Guilin
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin is situated near Guilin Railway Station, offering comfortable accommodation and convenient amenities for both business and leisure travellers.
Shangri-La Hotel
Xi'an
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 the Futian CBD, featuring elegant rooms, fine dining, and premium facilities.
The Temple House
Chengdu
The Temple House
Boutique luxury hotel set within a restored Qing-dynasty courtyard near Taikoo Li, boasting one of Chengdu's most striking design statements.
Home Inn Zhangjiajie Dayongfucheng
Zhangjiajie
Home Inn Zhangjiajie Dayongfucheng
Home Inn Zhangjiajie Dayongfucheng is located in the city centre near Dayongfucheng, offering comfortable rooms and convenient access to attractions.
Shangri-La Hotel Guilin
guilin
Shangri-La Hotel Guilin
A softer riverside stay in Guilin, ideal for travellers seeking a greener setting and a calmer break between days of sightseeing.
Seercuo International Grand Hotel
Chuanzhusi
Seercuo International Grand Hotel
A practical highland stay in Songpan County, well positioned for the road between Huanglong, Chuanzhusi, and Jiuzhaigou.
Hotel Indigo Jiuzhai, an IHG Hotel
Jiuzhaigou
Hotel Indigo Jiuzhai, an IHG Hotel
A boutique luxury resort inspired by Tibetan and Qiang culture, offering stylish accommodation and immersive local experiences near Jiuzhaigou National Park.
Atour Hotel Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
Chengdu
Atour Hotel Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
A simple Chengdu stay near Chunxi Road, ideal for travellers who want easy walks, food stops and short city transfers.
Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan
Wulingyuan
Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan
Hilton Garden Inn Zhangjiajie Wulingyuan. A selected stay in Wulingyuan.
Yangshuo Ancient Garden Boutique Hotel
Yangshuo
Yangshuo Ancient Garden Boutique Hotel
A characterful Yangshuo stay with a countryside feel, suited to travellers who prefer charm over a standard city hotel.
Kempinski Hotel Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Kempinski Hotel Shenzhen
A Nanshan hotel beside the Houhai commercial district, with easy access to Shenzhen's western business and cultural areas.
Atour Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station South Square)
Beijing
Atour Hotel (Beijing West Railway Station South Square)
Upscale local hotel near Beijing West Railway Station South Square.
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.
Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an
Xi'an
Somerset Xindicheng Xi'an
A comfortable serviced-apartment option in Xi'an, suited to travellers who like extra space and a more residential feel.
Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel
Zhangjiajie
Pullman Zhangjiajie Hotel
Pullman Zhangjiajie, in Wulingyuan District, offers easy access to the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area plus taxi pickup.
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
Beijing
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast
International luxury hotel in Beijing, ideal for business trips and city breaks.
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Guilin
Sheraton Guilin Hotel
Sheraton Guilin Hotel is situated on the banks of the Li River, offering comfortable rooms and convenient access to Guilin's attractions.
Sheraton Xi'an North City Hotel
Xi'an
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.
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
Chengdu
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
A practical Chengdu base for travellers who want easy city access, relaxed days out, and a comfortable return after sightseeing.
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.
Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Wulingyuan
Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Hampton by Hilton Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. A selected stay in Wulingyuan.
Noble Guest Hotel
Jiuzhaigou
Noble Guest Hotel
A culturally inspired hotel near the entrance to Jiuzhaigou National Park, offering convenient access and a comfortable stay for travellers exploring the scenic valley.
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.
Zhangjiajie Rezen One S Hotel
Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie Rezen One S Hotel
An upmarket city hotel offering comfortable accommodation, dining and meeting facilities, making it an ideal base for travellers exploring Zhangjiajie’s scenic 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.
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin
Guilin
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin
China Southern Airlines Pearl Hotel Guilin is situated near Guilin Railway Station, offering comfortable accommodation and convenient amenities for both business and leisure travellers.
Shangri-La Hotel
Xi'an
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 the Futian CBD, featuring elegant rooms, fine dining, and premium facilities.

Included / Excluded

What's Included

  • Private vehiclesAir-conditioned private vehicles for all listed sightseeing and transfers, including station and airport pick-ups
  • Hotels17 nights in selected four-star, five-star or quality boutique stays, breakfast daily
  • GuidesLicensed English-speaking guides throughout every region
  • Tickets & experiencesAll listed attractions, plus: city-wall bikes · cloth-shoe & tea sittings (Beijing) · Chinese medicine intro (Xi'an) · leather craft (Songpan) · Baima village programme · Yulong rafting & bikes · hillside cafe afternoon tea · Tujia brocade visit
  • AlsoBottled water on touring days · travel accident insurance

Not Included

  • Long-haulInternational flights to Beijing and onward travel from Shenzhen
  • Internal legsThe Chengdu–Zhangjiajie flight and inter-city rail tickets are quoted with your confirmation: one figure, no surprises
  • MealsBeyond the included meals, lunches and dinners stay flexible: each day your guide recommends and books around the group's tastes
  • PersonalVisas, gratuities, single supplement, personal spending, and any optional treatments or museum reservations not included in your confirmation

Special Notes

A few things on this route depend on weather, seasons or operators. Here they are, told straight: with the backup already planned.

  • Huanglong — opens seasonally and reads the weather daily; if conditions close it, we switch the same day to Mounigou Valley: waterfalls and calcite pools that answer the same wish.
  • Jiuzhaigou circuit — your guide picks the valleys by season, crowds and the confirmed train time; the visit runs to mid-afternoon so the evening rail to Chengdu is never a rush.
  • Day 11 afternoon — Yuanjiajie is paced to your actual landing time in Zhangjiajie; if the flight runs late, the pillars simply wait for the next morning.
  • Tianmen evening lights — a seasonal programme on the attraction's official calendar; we confirm it for your date before you fly.
  • Guilin night cruise — scheduled once your train arrival is fixed; if the evening departures are sold out, we move it to your Yangshuo return.
  • Bamboo rafting — subject to river levels and safety rules on the day; the riverside cycling and afternoon tea go ahead either way.
  • Robotaxi — reserved ahead on the operator's routes and confirmed before you land; on a rare service pause, Huaqiangbei still puts Shenzhen's future in your hands.
  • Brocade workshop & science museum — the hands-on session follows the workshop's daily hours; the museum is an optional add-on, fitted to its calendar and your departure time.
  • Hotels & venues — named in your confirmation; "or similar" always means the same class and comparable location, never a quiet downgrade.

Is Eighteen Days Your Length?

Tell us your dates and who's coming: we'll shape the length around you.

Have the full window?

This is the whole arc, empire, high country, old earth, future, in their proper order.

Shorter on days?

We trim a region, not the pace: tell us what matters most and we'll cut the line to fit.

Travelling with older parents or kids?

The highland days can soften further, and every climb has a cable-car answer.

Good to Know

Group
Private; from 1 guest: no minimum
Arrival
The programme starts the morning after you land in Beijing: we plan your arrival evening with you
Language
English-speaking guides throughout
Shopping Policy
No shopping stops or commission detours on the route; your time is dedicated solely to the places listed here.
Tailoring
Fully flexible. Days, stops, and pace can be added, removed, or swapped. We'll reshape the plan together before you confirm and pay.
Payment
A 10% deposit (minimum $399) secures your dates and resources; the balance is due 14 days before departure
Flexibility
Walking distances adapt to your pace throughout; weather-dependent items and their backups are listed in Special Notes
Best season
Spring and autumn are ideal across all six regions; summer is green and full, winter quiet and crisp.
Ports
Beijing In · Shenzhen Out
Gateway markets
Lead country marker: FR. Gateway markets from inventory: WEU, SEU. Shenzhen outbound access is narrower than the inbound side.

Your Private Concierge Service

Jenny

Jenny

China Private Travel Route Consultant

“A concierge desk offering bilingual planning services for bespoke China journeys”

Our China team carefully tailors the pace of the itinerary, hotel arrangements, and local reception services to suit the style of each route.

20+
Years
300+
Trips Designed
24/7
On-Trip Care

Step 01

Tell us what excites you

Not your dates and budget — your curiosity. Where have you always wanted to go? What do you want to feel? We start there.

24h

First concept delivered

Step 02

We design it around you

Your specialist builds the itinerary from scratch — routes, hosts, hotels, and experiences you won't find anywhere else.

100%

Private, never off-the-shelf

Step 03

Lock it in with 30%

When the plan feels right, a 30% deposit holds your trip. Balance due 30 days before departure.

30%

Deposit to confirm

Step 04

Travel. We handle the rest.

Your Trip Pack arrives before you fly. On the road, your concierge is one message away — for the expected and everything you didn't plan for.

24/7

Support throughout your journey

Cancellation terms agreed in writing
English-speaking concierge
Secure payment via Stripe

Guest Reviews

4.9 / 5 · from 523 verified reviews

E
Emily Carter
🇺🇸 Seattle, USA

Perfect for couples

“My partner and I had an amazing time in China. Everything was arranged for us — transfers, hotels, guides. No stress at all.”

May 2026
C
Claire Brooks
🇬🇧 London, UK

Great for families

“Traveled with my two kids and had zero issues. The team made sure the pace wasn't too rushed and included things the kids would enjoy. Communication was easy throughout. Will definitely use them again for our next Asia trip.”

Apr 2026
L
Laura Bennett
🇨🇦 Toronto, Canada

Alisa made the whole experience easy

“Alisa was our point of contact throughout and she was brilliant — patient, knowledgeable, and always quick to reply. The trip itself was wonderful. Beijing and Guilin were highlights.”

Mar 2026
M
Mark Henderson
🇺🇸 Denver, USA

Good service, minor hiccup but sorted quickly

“Really good service. There was a small mix-up with one of our restaurant bookings but it got sorted quickly. The rest of the trip was seamless.”

Feb 2026
R
Rebecca Miller
🇺🇸 Boston, USA

Really listened to what we wanted

“Really helpful team. They listened to what we wanted and delivered. Beijing and Xi'an were incredible.”

Jan 2026

China Ready

We've solved the hard parts. Here's everything a first-time Western traveller needs to know before arriving.

Do this before you fly

VPN & Internet Access

What's blocked

Google, Gmail, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and most Western news sites are inaccessible in China without a VPN.

Download before you leave

It's nearly impossible to download a VPN once inside China. Install and test at home. Recommended: Astrill (most reliable), Mullvad, ExpressVPN — subscribe to at least two in case one stops working.

Hotel Wi-Fi tip

Some hotels block VPN connections on their Wi-Fi. Use your phone's mobile data as a hotspot if the VPN drops.

Good news

WhatsApp works perfectly through a VPN, so your messaging stays unchanged. Apple iMessage and Signal also work.

Your concierge sets this up on Day 1

Paying in China

China is cashless

Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for almost everything — restaurants, taxis, markets, tickets. Cash is rarely accepted in cities.

International cards now work

Foreign Visa/Mastercard can now link directly to Alipay (set up in minutes, $5,000 single transaction limit). Your concierge walks you through the setup on your first morning.

Carry some cash

We recommend ¥500–800 RMB in cash for the rare vendor that won't accept digital payment, and for small towns.

Booking this trip

Your deposit and balance are charged via Stripe — the same trusted platform used by Airbnb and Booking.com. USD billing, no surprise conversion fees.

We handle the paperwork

Visa & Entry

Do you need a visa?

Most US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand passport holders need a tourist (L) visa for stays over 10 days. We provide a visa invitation letter with every booking — it significantly speeds up approval.

240-hour visa-free transit

Citizens of 55+ countries (including USA, UK, most of EU, AUS, NZ, Canada) can enter China visa-free for up to 10 days if transiting through eligible ports. This covers our 12-day itinerary only if you have a confirmed onward flight.

Processing time

Apply 4–6 weeks before departure. Standard processing: 4–7 business days. Express (3 days) and same-day options available at most Chinese consulates.

What we provide

Visa invitation letter, hotel confirmation for all nights, suggested itinerary document — everything the consulate needs, formatted correctly.

Our responsibility, always

Safety & Practical Tips

Is China safe?

China consistently ranks among the safest countries for foreign tourists. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. Cities have extensive CCTV coverage and a visible police presence.

Emergency numbers

Police: 110. Ambulance: 120. Your concierge is your first call for any non-emergency situation — she has local contacts for every city on the itinerary.

Health & medications

Bring a full supply of any prescription medication. International pharmacies exist in major cities but may not carry your brand. Travel insurance is required — we can recommend policies that cover China specifically.

Language

English fluency outside hotels and tourist sites is limited. Your guides all speak English. We provide a printed pocket card with essential Chinese phrases and emergency contacts for every traveller.

Before You Book

Everything worth knowing before you book.

The line breathes on purpose: a slow teahouse day in Chengdu after the highlands, a raft-and-tea day in Yangshuo after the mountains, and no packed mornings after late arrivals. Cable cars and park shuttles do the climbing; walking flexes to your group every day.

The high stretch is exactly D6-D9, about 1,500-3,500 metres, with the highest night around 3,000 metres on D6, and you are back at Chengdu's roughly 500 metres by D9 evening. Huanglong itself sits above 3,000 metres and reads the weather daily, so the day is paced gently, with rest stops built in, oxygen and a pulse oximeter arranged for the van on the highland days, and the summit boardwalk is never compulsory. If conditions close it, we switch to Mounigou Valley: waterfalls and calcite pools that answer the same wish.

It runs on a real operator's routes, so we reserve ahead for your dates and confirm before you land. On the rare day the operator pauses service, Shenzhen still shows you its future hands-on: Huaqiangbei's markets and the tech that fills them.

Deliberately so. Over eighteen days, tastes diverge, and prepaid set menus mean paying for meals you may not fancy. Daily breakfast and the riverside afternoon tea are included; for the rest, your guide recommends and books around your tastes each day. Budget guide: about $20–40 per person per day covers lunch and dinner at places locals rate; street-food days come in well under.
Our fulfilment partner Tuniu works with national tourism boards including

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