Iconic Beijing

Begin the day at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, two of the capital's most important historic landmarks, offering a window into imperial rule, ceremonial tradition, and palace architecture across nearly six hundred years. Continue to Yonghegong Lama Temple, an important center of Tibetan Buddhism in Beijing whose layered courtyards and incense-thick halls offer a quiet contrast to the imperial grandeur of the morning. In the afternoon, take a guided walk through the city's traditional hutong neighborhoods, where narrow alleys and courtyard homes still trace the patterns of old Beijing. The day concludes with the city's signature dish, a Peking Duck dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Peking Duck) Accommodation: Beijing Longcheng Wyndham Grand Hotel or equivalent

Great Wall Experience

Travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, celebrated for its dramatic mountain setting, restored watchtowers, and gentler walking routes. Spend time exploring the ancient ramparts and taking in sweeping views across the surrounding ridgelines, followed by a sparkling wine toast against the backdrop of the Wall. Later, join a glazed tile craftsmanship workshop for an introduction to a decorative tradition that has shaped Chinese imperial architecture for centuries. Spend the night at a boutique hotel near the Wall, a quiet contrast to the city below.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Accommodation: Boutique hotel near the Great Wall or equivalent

Beijing to Zhangjiajie

Begin the day at the Summer Palace, one of the finest examples of imperial garden design in China, where pavilions, lakeside walkways, and Longevity Hill once served as the summer retreat of the Qing emperors. Later, fly to Zhangjiajie, the region of soaring sandstone pillars and forested gorges that helped inspire the floating mountains of Avatar. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in, with the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel or equivalent

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

Spend the day exploring the dramatic landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, part of the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Ride the Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor lift, to Yuanjiajie, famous for the towering sandstone pillars whose otherworldly profile inspired the floating mountains of Avatar. Continue to Yangjiajie and Tianzi Mountain, where rugged rock formations, forested peaks, and sweeping panoramas define one of China's most extraordinary natural landscapes. The day concludes with a cable car descent and a relaxed mini-train ride through the Ten-Mile Natural Art Gallery.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel or equivalent

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Tianmen Mountain

Begin the day at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, where the famous Glass Bridge stretches across the valley high above the forest floor, offering a vertiginous view straight down through the transparent walkway. Continue to Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park and ride one of the world's longest passenger cableways to the summit, where sweeping views open across the surrounding landscape. Spend time on the Glass Skywalk that hugs the cliff face, then visit Tianmen Cave, the natural archway that gave the mountain its name. Descend by express cable car before returning to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel or equivalent

Zhangjiajie to Guilin by High-Speed Train

Enjoy a leisurely morning before boarding a high-speed train to Guilin, traveling through some of the most scenic countryside in southern China. On arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the evening is at leisure, with dinner featuring regional Guangxi cuisine.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner (Guangxi cuisine) Accommodation: Sheraton Guilin Hotel or equivalent

Guilin Scenic Highlights

Today's exploration introduces some of Guilin's most distinctive natural and cultural sights. Visit the spectacular Reed Flute Cave, where illuminated stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years showcase the geology that defines this region. Continue to Elephant Trunk Hill, the most recognizable natural landmark on the Li River and the symbol of the city itself. Walk through Daxu Ancient Town, where old streets and traditional riverside architecture preserve a quieter side of the region, then visit Caoping Hui Ethnic Township, where an electric boat ride offers close views of the karst scenery and rural landscapes that surround the town.

Seasonal Upgrade Option: Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Culture Experience

Travelers may choose to upgrade to the Longji Rice Terraces and Minority Culture Experience in place of the standard Guilin Scenic Highlights tour. The best viewing periods are typically from May to mid-June and from mid-September to mid-October, when the terraces are at their most photogenic. Seasonal activity dates and times are subject to change based on weather and trail conditions.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Accommodation: Sheraton Guilin Hotel or equivalent

Guilin and Yangshuo, Li River Cruise and Countryside

This morning, transfer to the pier to board the renowned Li River Cruise, one of the most celebrated scenic journeys in southern China. As you drift downstream toward Yangshuo, the river winds past a succession of limestone peaks, bamboo groves, fishing rafts, and quiet river villages that define this classic landscape. On arrival, explore West Street, the lively heart of Yangshuo, then head into the countryside for a cycling tour along the Yulong River, where rice fields, water buffalo, and karst hills frame the unhurried rhythms of rural life. Drive back to Guilin in the evening for a final regional dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Guangxi cuisine) Accommodation: Sheraton Guilin Hotel or equivalent

After breakfast, your tour concludes in Guilin. Depending on your onward travel arrangements, you may fly from Guilin via Shanghai or Guangzhou for international connections, or travel by high-speed rail to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, with the earliest estimated arrival around 4:00 PM.

Meals: Breakfast Accommodation: Not included