18-Day China Landscape and Yangtze Tour

Welcome to the Pearl of the Orient—Hong Kong! This vibrant city dazzles with its stunning skyscrapers, bustling shopping districts, colorful cuisine, and rich cultural landscapes. As an international financial hub, Hong Kong beautifully blends Eastern and Western influences, showcasing both modernity and traditional charm.

Whether you're drawn to shopping, culinary adventures, cultural experiences, or natural beauty, Hong Kong offers everything you need for an unforgettable travel experience.

Recommend for Free Time

Victoria Harbor Night View:  Victoria Harbor is the iconic attraction of Hong Kong, you can take a walk along the waterfront or take a night cruise on Victoria Harbor and enjoy the light show on both sides of the harbor from the boat.

Temple Night Market: Temple Night Market is the largest and oldest in Hong Kong. With a variety of snacks, handicrafts and goods available for purchase, it is a great place to sample local cuisine and go shopping.

As a vibrant international city, Hong Kong boasts a well-developed transportation system, rich tourism resources, and diverse cultural attractions, making it easy for visitors to explore independently.

Here’s a suggested itinerary for a day trip in Hong Kong:

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local coffee shop or restaurant, enjoying Hong Kong's specialties like milk tea and pineapple buns.

After breakfast, make your way to The Peak, the highest point in Hong Kong at 552 meters above sea level. Ascend to the observation deck for breathtaking views of the skyline and serene harbor.

Next, visit Repulse Bay, often referred to as the Hawaii of the East. This picturesque spot features beautiful beaches, a long coastline, soft sand, and crystal-clear waters, perfect for relaxation.

In the evening, head to Lan Kwai Fong for dinner at one of the lively bars or restaurants, soaking in the vibrant nightlife atmosphere that Hong Kong is known for.

Today, you'll make your way to Hong Kong's West Kowloon Station to board the Shinkansen to Guilin, a journey of approximately 3 hours. Enjoy the comfortable ride as you travel through scenic landscapes, and get ready to explore the stunning beauty of Guilin upon your arrival.

Recommend for Free Time

You can take a boat trip on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, which is the preferred way for many tourists to visit the new Guilin City, and enjoy the amazing night scenery.

Board the Zhenghang 4-Star Cruise for a scenic journey on the Li River (Bamboo River to Longtou Mountain), cruising for approximately 240 minutes through the stunning 

5A-rated Li River landscapes. This is currently the highest-grade operating cruise ship on the river, offering views of iconic sites like Xingping's charming landscape, the 

Yellow Cloth Reflection, Nine Horses Painting Hill, Stone Waves in Mist, and Yangdi Waterfall. 

Afterward, take the cable car to the top of Ruyi Peak, offering a panoramic view of Yangshuo (tour duration approximately 120 minutes). Ruyi Peak features a 360-degree observation platform where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, such as Yulong River, Moon Mountain, and the Ten-Mile Gallery, which resemble a painting of paradise.

In the evening, enjoy some free time to explore Yangshuo West Street, known for its vibrant, international atmosphere. It's best to visit after 9:00 PM for a lively experience (no transportation or guide provided during this free time).

Recommend Activities: You can enjoy a wonderful evening show - Impression Liu Sanjie. This show, which uses the Li River as a stage, is directed by the famous director Zhang Yimou (the usual performance time is from 19:45 to 22:20).

Morning: Explore the Silver Cave, a karst wonder located in Guilin (AAAA-rated scenic area, approximately 60 minutes of touring). Silver Cave is a typical example of karst topography, and even former U.S. President Bill Clinton was such a fan that he postponed a flight to Hong Kong in 1998 just to visit the cave!

Afternoon: Enjoy a bamboo raft ride on the Yulong River (approximately 40 minutes, depending on water conditions). Known for being “not just like the Li River, but even more

After your cave exploration, you'll transfer to the train station for your journey to Guiyang on a high-speed train, allowing you to relax and enjoy the views as you travel to your next destination.

After breakfast, you'll embark on a scenic drive to Anshun, which takes about 2.5 hours. Your first stop will be the Dou Po Tang Waterfall, famously known as the "Roaring Falls" for its thunderous sound during floods. This breathtaking site was also a filming location for the beloved TV series Journey to the West.

Next, you'll hop on a sightseeing bus to explore the Tianxingqiao Scenic Spot, a miniature wonderland of karst landscapes. As you walk through the cave, you'll be amazed by the diverse shapes of karst stalagmites, columns, and flowers.

Finally, you’ll visit the magnificent Huangguoshu Falls, standing at 77.8 meters high and 101 meters wide. Renowned for its stunning beauty and powerful flow, this waterfall creates a spectacular sight with misty sprays that resemble snowflakes. It's not only the largest waterfall in Asia but also one of the most famous in the world.

After the tour, your guide and driver will transfer you to your hotel in Anshun for a restful evening.

Note

As there is no food or restaurants in Huangguoshu Waterfalls Tourist Area, we recommend you to have lunch at the restaurant at the entrance of the tourist area or bring some food of your own.

After breakfast, you'll embark on a one-hour drive to Loong Palace in Anshun City, renowned as "the panoramic display of the karst world."

Your first stop will be Tenchi Lake, formed by the collapse of a karst cave. This unique lake is notable for having the lowest radiation dose rate in the world.

Next, you'll marvel at the powerful Longmen Waterfall, cascading from a 50-meter-high lake and recognized as the largest karst cave waterfall in China.

You will then explore the Kwan-yin Cave, where nature has sculpted impressive stalactites over 50 meters tall in the shape of Kwan-yin, showcasing the beauty of this natural karst formation.

If time permits, you can visit the Rotating Pool, an extraordinary natural phenomenon where the water rotates clockwise continuously without any wind influence.

After your explorations, you'll head to Qingyan Ancient Town, approximately a 1.5-hour drive away. This historic city, with roots over 600 years old, features well-preserved houses, temples, walls, and gates from the Ming and Qing dynasties, alongside a variety of Buddhist, Taoist, Christian, and Catholic buildings. Enjoy the rich history and sample local delicacies. Today we will stay in Guiyang.

After breakfast, you'll proceed to Guiyang North Railway Station to catch a high-speed train to Leshan.

You will visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest stone Buddha statue in the world. Standing at 71 meters tall, this impressive monument offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. You'll have the opportunity to explore the surrounding area and take in the serenity of the site.

Afterward, you'll head to Emeishan Baoguo Temple, located at the foot of Mount Emei. This ancient temple is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful surroundings. Take some time to stroll through the temple grounds, admire the intricate carvings, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.

Optional Activities

You can enjoy an amazing 30-minute boat ride. The boat will take you to the front of the Giant Buddha to enjoy the wonderful panoramic view.

After breakfast, you'll set off for Mount Emei, one of China's Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains. As you ascend, you'll enjoy the breathtaking views of the lush landscapes that surround you.

Your first stop will be Leidongping, where you'll take a short break and soak in the natural beauty. From here, you can choose to hike further or take a cable car to make your journey easier.

Next, you'll continue your ascent to the Golden Summit, the highest point of Mount Emei. Here, you'll find a stunning golden statue of Samantabhadra and experience panoramic views that stretch across the horizon. This sacred site is a perfect place for reflection and photography.

After enjoying the majestic scenery, you'll descend and have the rest of the day free to explore more of the mountain or visit nearby attractions.

Today, visit the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, located just outside of Chengdu. This is one of the best places to see giant pandas in a natural setting. Spend time observing the playful pandas and learn about the conservation efforts to protect this endangered species.

Afterward, head to Chengdu People's Park, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city. Take a leisurely stroll through its lush gardens, watch locals engage in activities like tai chi, and enjoy a cup of tea at a traditional teahouse.

In the afternoon, make your way to Jinli Old Street, a lively pedestrian area filled with traditional architecture, shops, and food stalls. Here, you can indulge in local delicacies, shop for souvenirs, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of Chengdu's culture.

In the morning, you'll catch a high-speed train to Chongqing. The journey is approximately two hours, offering a comfortable ride through scenic landscapes. Once you arrive in Chongqing, you'll be greeted by its unique blend of mountainous terrain and vibrant urban life, ready to explore this fascinating city.

You will enter the Eighteen Stairs, which is full of historical flavor. The stone paths here have gone through vicissitudes of life, and each piece of green stone plate records the stories of the past. The old houses on both sides of the street are mottled, but you can still see the prosperity of the past. 

Then, you will head to the scene of the spectacle of the Liziba Light Railway passing through the buildings. This incredible sight is breathtaking as the LRT train slowly passes through the residential buildings. You can stand on the observation deck to get a close-up view of this mind-blowing scene and feel the harmonious coexistence between modern transportation and ancient architecture.

Finally, at nightfall, arrived at Hongyadong, the lights, hanging footstools built on the mountain, layers upon layers, like a bright night pearl set in the Jialing River, this is not only the sea of food, but also a perfect place to experience the culture of Bayu.

Start your day at Ciqikou, a historic riverside town with traditional teahouses, snack stalls, and old-style buildings. Enjoy strolling through its lively, culture-rich streets.

Ride the Yangtze River Cableway for a bird’s-eye view of the river and city skyline. This iconic cable car is a must-try and offers a unique perspective of Chongqing.

Visit Bai Xiang Ju, a hidden gem with artistic murals and trendy cafes. It’s a perfect spot for photos and a quiet break from the bustling city.

Explore Chongqing Raffles City, a striking riverside complex known for its skybridge and futuristic design. Enjoy shopping, dining, or simply the panoramic views. Head to Jiefangbei, Chongqing’s central commercial area. It’s great for shopping and people-watching, with lots of food options and a lively local vibe.

End the day by boarding your Yangtze River cruise. Get ready to enjoy a scenic journey through China’s longest river with unforgettable landscapes and onboard comfort.

Begin your day with a scenic Yangtze River Cruise, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the river and surrounding landscapes. As you glide along the water, take in the dramatic cliffs, lush greenery, and charming villages that dot the banks.

In the afternoon, you'll visit Fengdu Ghost City, a fascinating site steeped in Chinese mythology. Explore the eerie temples and sculptures that depict the afterlife and the journey of souls. Learn about the local legends surrounding this unique place, making for a memorable blend of culture and history during your visit.

Note

Exploring Fengdu Ghost City requires a lot of walking, we recommend you wear comfortable shoes.

Today, you will sail through the breathtaking Three Gorges of the Yangtze River, passing through the stunning Qutang Gorges and Wu Gorges.

For today's shore excursion, you can explore either Fengjie County, Wu County, or Badong, each with its unique history and legends. Alternatively, you may choose to visit Baidi City (please note this excursion requires an additional fee).

As the cruise continues, you'll arrive at the Wu Gorges in the afternoon. Here, you'll board a small boat to gently navigate the serene waters of Shennu Creek, Shennong Creek, and the Little Three Gorges, offering you a close-up view of dramatic peaks and ancient coffins perched on cliffs.

In the evening, enjoy a festive Captain's Farewell Party, marking a delightful end to your day on the river.

Today, you will visit the impressive Three Gorges Dam, a marvel of engineering and the world's largest hydroelectric power station. Explore the dam's facilities and learn about its significance in flood control, power generation, and navigation improvement along the Yangtze River.

After your visit, you will take a high-speed train to Shanghai, where you can relax and enjoy the scenic views along the way. Upon arrival in Shanghai, you'll be ready to explore this vibrant metropolis.

Optional Activities:

Experience a voyage on the Three Gorges Dam Boat Lift. This is the world's largest and most complex shiplift, and in just 40 minutes, you can gain a deeper understanding of this great project.

Begin your day at Yuyuan Garden, a beautiful classical Chinese garden known for its exquisite landscaping, traditional pavilions, and tranquil ponds. 

Next, visit the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower. Ascend to the observation deck for stunning views of Shanghai's skyline and the Huangpu River, capturing the city's energy from above.

Stroll down Nanjing Road, Shanghai's premier shopping destination. This bustling thoroughfare features a blend of high-end boutiques and local shops, making it ideal for both shopping and experiencing the city's lively atmosphere.

Conclude your day with a leisurely walk along the Bund. Here, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the historic waterfront and the dazzling skyline, especially enchanting as the lights begin to twinkle at dusk.

Idea for Evening Activities

Take a night cruise on the Huangpu River and enjoy the beauty of the city at night (about 50 minutes).

After breakfast, Begin your day at Qibao Ancient Town, a charming water town with narrow alleys, arched bridges, and local snacks. It's a great place to experience old Shanghai vibes. Visit the peaceful Jade Buddha Temple, famous for its exquisite white jade Buddha statues from Burma. A serene spot to admire traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture.

Explore Tianzifang, a trendy maze of alleyways filled with boutiques, art studios, and cafés. It blends creative energy with the charm of old Shikumen-style buildings.

Wrap up your day with a stroll down Wukang Road. Lined with plane trees and historic villas, it's perfect for photos and soaking up the elegant, old-world charm of Shanghai.

On the final day, check out from your hotel and prepare for departure. Our team will arrange a comfortable transfer to either Shanghai airport or railway station, ensuring a smooth and timely journey as you head home or to your next destination. Safe travels!