Beijing Guilin Shanghai 9-Day Tour

• Tiananmen Square -- Forbidden City -- Summer Palace  

• 4+ star hotels

• Breakfast

Begin your day at Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest public square (765 × 282 meters) and a UNESCO-listed segment of Beijing’s Central Axis. This iconic site has witnessed pivotal moments in Chinese history, from the Ming Dynasty’s establishment in 1420 to the 1949 founding ceremony of the People’s Republic of China. Explore the Monument to the People’s Heroes, the Great Hall of the People, and the Mausoleum of Mao Zedong, each symbolizing China’s political and cultural legacy. The square’s design, enlarged fourfold in the 1950s, reflects its role as a stage for national ceremonies and protests.

Next, step into the Forbidden City, a 600-year-old imperial palace complex that served as the residence of 24 Ming and Qing emperors. This UNESCO World Heritage Site showcases traditional Chinese architecture, blending cosmological principles, feng shui, and hierarchical design. The complex’s 980 surviving buildings, including the Hall of Supreme Harmony with its ten-ridge roof, exemplify imperial grandeur. Wander through the Outer Court, where emperors held court, and the Inner Court, where they resided. The Palace Museum, housing over 1.8 million artifacts, offers insight into royal life, from intricate jade carvings to ceremonial robes.

After lunch, escape to the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. This 297-hectare park combines Kunming Lake’s natural beauty with human-made wonders like the Longevity Hill, Marble Boat, and the iconic Long Corridor adorned with 14,000 paintings. Built in 1750 under Emperor Qianlong and reconstructed in 1886 by Empress Dowager Cixi, the palace blends imperial leisure with spiritual harmony. Stroll through the Suzhou Street market, explore the Buddhist Wenchang Gallery, and admire the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity. The site’s UNESCO designation highlights its role in influencing global horticulture and landscape design.

To enhance your experience, wear comfortable shoes for extensive walking, and visit early to avoid crowds. Sample local snacks like Peking duck at nearby Quanjude or Siji Minfu, where crispy skin and tender meat create a culinary masterpiece.

• Mutianyu Great Wall--Bird Nest

• 4+ star hotels

• Breakfast

Rise early for the 90-minute drive to Mutianyu Great Wall, a UNESCO-listed section renowned for its 23 watchtowers and stunning autumn foliage. Unlike more crowded sections, this segment offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the opportunity to walk on original Ming Dynasty bricks. After a picnic lunch featuring local specialties like roasted chestnuts and steamed buns, descend to the valley for cable car rides and toboggan adventures.

In the afternoon, visit the Bird’s Nest Stadium, designed by Herzog & de Meuron for the 2008 Olympics. The steel structure’s 110,000 tons of recycled steel create a lattice that mimics bird nests, while the Water Cube’s ETFE membrane panels shimmer in blue hues. The Olympic Park tour includes the Linglong Pagoda, a modern pagoda-shaped observation tower offering 360-degree views of Beijing’s skyline. As dusk falls, the park’s illuminated fountains and laser shows create a mesmerizing spectacle.

• Temple of Heaven--Hutongs--Fly to Guilin

• 4+ stars hotels

• Breakfast

Begin your morning at the Temple of Heaven, a 15th-century complex where Ming and Qing emperors performed annual harvest prayers. Marvel at the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests’ circular design and the Echo Wall, where whispers travel along its curved surface. Join locals in morning tai chi sessions in the surrounding park. For lunch, dive into hutong culture with a rickshaw tour through Nanluoguxiang’s narrow alleys. Visit a traditional courtyard home to learn about paper-cutting and calligraphy, and sample local snacks like douzhi (fermented bean juice). In the afternoon, transfer to Beijing Capital International Airport for your flight to Guilin, where your driver awaits at Liangjiang Airport. Transfer to a boutique hotel overlooking the Li River, with evening free for exploring local markets.

• 3-Star Li River Cruise Ship--Ruyi Peak--Yangshuo West Street

• 4+ star hotels

• Breakfast

• Hot Air Balloon--Yulong River Bamboo Rafting--Yulong Bridge Golden Dragon Parade

• 4+ star hotels

• Breakfast

Embark on an unforgettable 10-hour journey through Guilin's most spectacular landscapes. Your day begins in the morning when your private guide and driver pick you up from your hotel, setting the stage for a day of diverse and breathtaking experiences.

Your first adventure takes you sky-high for a Hot Air Balloon Ride. As you gently ascend, witness a breathtaking bird's-eye view of Guilin's iconic karst mountains unfolding beneath you. The patchwork of green fields, winding rivers, and dramatic limestone peaks at sunrise or in the soft morning light creates a picture-perfect moment, offering unparalleled opportunities for photography and a truly serene start to your day.

In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the tranquility of the Yulong River with a scenic Bamboo Rafting trip. Glide peacefully along the crystal-clear, emerald waters, passing by water buffalo grazing on the riverbanks and local farmers working in the fields, all set against a backdrop of magnificent rolling hills. (Please note: During winter months when water levels are low, the bamboo rafting will be replaced with a visit to the stunning Silver Cave - a magnificent underground world filled with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites illuminated in a rainbow of colors.)

As evening falls, the magic continues with the magnificent Yulong Bridge Golden Dragon Parade. Watch as a shimmering, golden dragon weaves its way across the ancient, illuminated bridge, reflecting on the river below in a vibrant display of light and local culture. (In the event this performance is not scheduled, you will instead enjoy the captivating "One River and Four Lakes" Night Cruise in Guilin city. This stunning boat tour takes you past beautifully lit pagodas, bridges, and parks, showcasing the city's enchanting skyline after dark.)

• Fly to Shanghai--Free Time

• 4+ stars Hotel

• Breakfast

After a morning flight from Guilin, you will arrive in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai. Upon landing and making your own way to the hotel (we can assist with pre-booking a transfer if needed), the day is yours at leisure to discover the pulse of this incredible city at your own pace.

[Recommended Activities]

We highly recommend embarking on your own "Citywalk" adventure starting from the legendary Nanjing Road. As one of the world's busiest shopping streets, it offers a thrilling blend of historic department stores, global flagship brands, and lively entertainment. Immerse yourself in the buzzing atmosphere as you stroll towards the iconic Bund.

As evening approaches, the Bund transforms into a breathtaking spectacle. Here, you'll be greeted by the stunning panorama of Shanghai's skyline, where the historical architecture of the "Wall Street of the East" stands in dramatic contrast to the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong across the Huangpu River. This is the perfect spot for unforgettable photos. The area is also a food lover's paradise, offering everything from sophisticated riverside restaurants serving local Shanghainese delicacies like soup dumplings (Xiaolongbao) to international cuisine. After a day of exploration, you can leisurely return to your hotel, filled with the dynamic energy of Shanghai.

• Qibao Ancient Town--Oriental Pearl TV Tower--Yu Garden

• 4+ star hotels

• Breakfast

Your day of contrasts begins as your knowledgeable guide meets you at your hotel. Your first destination is the charming Qibao Ancient Town, a preserved water town nestled within the modern city. Stroll along cobblestone lanes flanked by traditional Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, cross over ancient stone bridges spanning quiet canals, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of its old street. Here, you can sample an array of local delicacies—from sweet glutinous rice cakes and savory braised pork to the distinctive aroma of stinky tofu. Explore quaint shops selling intricate handicrafts, silk products, and traditional Chinese paintings, offering a peaceful glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage without leaving Shanghai.

In the afternoon, journey from the past into the future as you return to the city center to visit the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Ascend to one of its renowned observation decks for a breathtaking, panoramic view of the Huangpu River, the historic Bund, and the jaw-dropping skyline of Pudong's financial district. For the adventurous, the transparent glass-floor deck provides a thrilling sensation of walking on air high above the city.

Your cultural exploration culminates with a visit to the classical Yu Garden, a masterpiece of the Ming Dynasty. Wander through this serene oasis of peaceful pavilions, intricate rockeries, gnarled trees, and tranquil ponds—a beautiful representation of a traditional Chinese landscape garden. Adjacent to the garden, you can explore the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar, with its array of souvenir shops and snack stalls, before perhaps concluding your visit with a moment of relaxation in a traditional tea house. After this full day encompassing both old and new Shanghai, your guide will see you back to your hotel.

• Free Time--Shanghai Departure

• Breakfast

Enjoy a leisurely final day in Shanghai at your own pace. With no fixed schedule, this is your perfect opportunity to soak in the city's unique blend of cultures. We highly recommend a visit to the charming Sinan Road, a leafy boulevard that offers a peaceful retreat from the city's buzz.

Once the heart of the French Concession, this area is famed for its well-preserved European-style architecture. Stroll past historic garden villas and elegant mansions, many of which have been transformed into stylish boutiques, art galleries, and cozy cafes. Find a quiet spot to enjoy a cup of coffee and simply watch the world go by, capturing the last, beautiful memories of your trip.

According to your flight schedule, your designated driver will meet you at your hotel or a pre-arranged location and ensure a comfortable and timely transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport or the railway station, marking the smooth conclusion of your journey. We wish you a pleasant trip home and hope to welcome you back to China soon