13 Days Shanghai Guilin Chongqing Yangtze Xian Beijing Small Group Tour

Experience the perfect blend of modernity and tradition in Shanghai, the “Paris of the East.”

• Shanghai Tower & Lujiazui Skyline: Visit the world’s second-tallest building (632 m) in Pudong’s financial district. Ride the high-speed elevators to the 118th-floor observatory for 360° city views, including Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center.
• Shanghai Museum (East): Explore ancient Chinese art with galleries of bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, jade, furniture, and coins. Don’t miss highlights such as the Da Ke Ding and the legendary Sword of King Goujian of Yue.
• Yu Garden & Bazaar: Stroll through classical pavilions, rockeries, and lotus ponds. Outside, enjoy local snacks, souvenirs, and handcrafted art in the bustling bazaar.
• Nanjing Road & The Bund: Walk along Shanghai’s famous pedestrian street filled with global brands and historic architecture. End at The Bund, a showcase of 52 Gothic, Baroque, and Art Deco buildings with stunning views of Pudong skyline.

Travel Notes:

• Yu Garden closed on Mondays: alternative visit to City God Temple or French Concession.
• Shanghai Museum (East) closed on Tuesdays: visit People’s Square branch or alternative city attraction.

Attractions: 5 key sites.
Transportation: Vehicle.
Dining: Breakfast, Lunch.
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Shanghai downtown.

In the morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin (≈2.5 hours). Upon arrival, your driver will meet you and escort you to your downtown hotel.

Afternoon Highlights:

• Elephant Trunk Hill: Guilin’s iconic symbol, where the Li River meets the Peach Blossom River. This natural limestone formation resembles a giant elephant drinking from the water. Visit Water-Moon Cave, a semicircular opening engraved with Tang and Song dynasty poems.
• Reed Flute Cave: Known as the “Palace of Nature’s Art,” featuring stunning stalactites, stalagmites, stone pillars, and flowstone illuminated by colorful lights. Highlights include Lion Peak at Dawn, The Primitive Forest, and Mountain of Fruits and Flowers. Don’t miss the Crystal Palace and the Water Curtain Movie, a short film projected behind a flowing water screen.

Return to your hotel in Guilin for the night.

Attractions: 2 sites
Transportation: Flight, vehicle
Dining: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Guilin downtown

After breakfast, drive about 1 hour to the pier and board a 4.5-hour scenic Li River cruise to Yangshuo. Enjoy breathtaking scenery along the 84-km route: winding rivers, limestone karst peaks, grazing water buffalo, farmers in lush fields, and idyllic riverside villages. (Lunch Upgrade: Enjoy a customized Western-style lunch prepared on board.)

Upon arrival in Yangshuo, transfer to your hotel for a short rest. Explore the Yangshuo countryside by your choice of:

1. Vehicle + walking
2. Bicycle
3. Scooter (additional cost may apply)

Observe rural life with quaint stone houses, grey slate roofs, and water buffalo grazing in the fields, creating a serene, picturesque scene.

In the evening, stroll through West Street, Yangshuo’s vibrant old town. This bustling area combines Chinese and Western influences with restaurants, cafes, bars, and souvenir shops — perfect for experiencing local culture and nightlife.

Attractions: Li River, Yangshuo Countryside, West Street
Transportation: Vehicle, cruise
Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel in Yangshuo town

After breakfast, transfer to the train station for a high-speed train to Chongqing (≈4–4.5 hours). Arrive in Chongqing, a bustling mountain city known for its hilly landscape, riverside scenery, and spicy cuisine. Upon arrival, your driver will escort you to Chaotianmen Port, where you will board your Yangtze River cruise, the gateway to China’s longest and most famous river.

After checking in, enjoy free time to explore Chaotianmen Port, soak in views of the confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, or stroll along the riverside promenade before the cruise departs at 21:00. The evening signals the start of a memorable journey along the Yangtze, where modern riverside cities gradually give way to tranquil gorges and pristine landscapes.

Travel Notes:

• Confirm the boarding pier with the cruise company one day ahead.
• Departure times may vary due to weather, water levels, and navigation conditions.
• During summer, extreme water levels may require boarding from Fengdu by bus (≈2.5 hours).

Attractions: Explore Chaotianmen Port on your own
Transportation: Vehicle, high-speed train, cruise
Dining: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable onboard cabin

Wake up to the peaceful beauty of the Yangtze River, with misty hills and gentle sunlight reflected on the water. Enjoy a buffet breakfast onboard while the cruise glides through scenic river stretches. Take the morning to relax, enjoy the ship’s facilities, or join cultural activities organized on board.

Afternoon Highlights:

• Fengdu Ghost City: Visit this unique cultural site, a vast complex of temples, memorials, and monasteries dedicated to legends of the afterlife. Learn about Chinese beliefs in heaven, hell, demons, and ancestral spirits through fascinating stories and ancient architecture.
• Optional: Shibaozhai Pagoda (extra fee), one of the eight extraordinary architectures in the world. This striking 12-story wooden pagoda in Zhongxian County offers breathtaking views of the Yangtze River and surrounding gorges.

Evening onboard offers dinner and entertainment, with opportunities to mingle with fellow travelers and enjoy the scenic Yangtze River under the soft glow of sunset. Shore excursions and onboard activities may vary depending on the cruise company, and your travel consultant will assist in choosing the best options for your preferences.

Attractions: Fengdu Ghost City or optional Shibaozhai Pagoda
Transportation: Cruise
Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Comfortable onboard cabin

Enjoy a full day cruising through the spectacular Three Gorges, one of the most famous scenic spots in China. Begin with Qutang Gorge, renowned for its towering cliffs and dramatic scenery. Marvel at the incredible Kui Gate, a natural rock formation celebrated for its grandeur. Continue through Wuxia Gorge, a serene and secluded area offering panoramic views of lush hills, traditional villages, and misty waters. Finally, pass through Xiling Gorge, famous for its rugged shoals and turbulent waters. Follow your guide’s live commentary and learn about the history, legends, and natural wonders of the Yangtze.

Afternoon Highlights:

• Make a shore excursion to Shennv Stream (Goddess Stream) in Wushan County. Transfer to a smaller boat to sail down this pristine stream and enjoy an intimate view of the steep cliffs, hidden valleys, and the famous hanging coffins perched high on the cliffs.
• Optional cultural experience: join local Tujia ethnic performances with traditional singing and dancing for a deeper insight into local life.

Evening onboard features the Captain’s Farewell Party, where you can enjoy a festive dinner and celebrate the shared memories of your Yangtze adventure.

Attractions: Three Gorges & Shennv Stream
Transportation: Cruise
Dining: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Comfortable onboard cabin

After breakfast, check out from the cruise and disembark at Maoping Port. Today’s highlight is the Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydropower project. Marvel at its immense structure, standing 181 meters tall, 2335 meters long, and 115 meters wide. Optional experience: take the Three Gorges Dam Ship Lift for a close-up view of this engineering marvel, a unique and thrilling way to appreciate the scale of the dam.

After visiting the dam, transfer by tourist bus arranged by the cruise company to Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal (around 12:30–13:30). From there, take an afternoon flight to Xi’an (≈1.5 hours). Upon arrival, your driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel in downtown Xi’an, the starting point for exploring China’s ancient capital and its legendary historical sites.

Attractions: Three Gorges Dam (optional Ship Lift)
Transportation: Cruise, tourist bus, flight, vehicle
Dining: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable

After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel for a day exploring Xi’an’s legendary history. Drive about 40 km (≈1 hour) to the Terracotta Warriors Museum, one of the world’s greatest archaeological discoveries. Built by China’s first emperor, Qin Shihuang, to protect him in the afterlife, the site features over 8,000 life-size terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots. Visit the largest pit, home to more than 6,000 warriors, and another pit with around 1,300 figures. Marvel at the army formation, including kneeling and standing archers, chariot arrays, and countless troopers—an awe-inspiring display of ancient craftsmanship.

After lunch, visit the Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved city walls in China. Walk or cycle along the wall to enjoy panoramic views of Xi’an, its watchtowers, and moats. Then, stop at the Bell Tower (or Drum Tower), a Ming Dynasty landmark over 600 years old. The illuminated tower offers stunning photo opportunities showcasing the city’s harmonious blend of history and modernity. Optionally, explore Bell & Drum Tower Square, immersing yourself in Xi’an’s vibrant nightlife.

Attractions: Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Bell Tower (or Drum Tower)
Transportation: Vehicle
Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Comfortable

Start the day with a visit to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a symbol of Xi’an and Tang Dynasty grandeur. Standing seven stories high within the serene Da Ci’en Temple, the pagoda was built in AD 652 to house Buddhist sutras brought from India by the monk Xuanzang, whose journey inspired the classic novel Journey to the West.

Next, explore the lively Muslim Quarter, a bustling 500-meter neighborhood home to Xi’an’s Hui Muslim community. Wander through its vibrant streets, tasting famous local specialties such as Roujiamo, Yangrou Paomo, Biangbiang noodles, and skewers, while enjoying the colorful local atmosphere.

After the tour, transfer to the train station for a high-speed train to Beijing (≈5–6 hours). Upon arrival, your driver will escort you to your hotel. The evening is free for you to rest or explore downtown Beijing at your own pace.

Attractions: Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter
Transportation: Vehicle, High-Speed Train
Dining: Breakfast
Accommodation: Comfortable

Today, explore the heart of Beijing, from imperial grandeur to classical gardens. After breakfast, your guide will pick you up and visit Tian’anmen Square, the world’s largest public square and a symbol of modern China. Continue to the Forbidden City, the world’s largest palace complex and former home to 24 emperors. Walk along the central axis, admire its 8,700+ rooms, and hear stories of imperial life.

Afterward, take a short walk to Jingshan Park for panoramic views of Beijing and the Forbidden City’s iconic roofs. In the afternoon, visit the Summer Palace, a masterpiece of royal gardens with lakes, pavilions, temples, and bridges, offering serene landscapes reminiscent of traditional Chinese paintings.

Travel Note: If the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, alternative visits to the Temple of Heaven or Prince Gong’s Mansion will be arranged.

Attractions: Tian’anmen Square, Forbidden City, Jingshan Park, Summer Palace
Transportation: Coach
Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Comfortable

This morning, drive northwest to Mutianyu Great Wall (≈1.5–2 hours, 73 km), one of the longest and best-preserved sections of China’s iconic Great Wall. Take a cable car up to the 14th watchtower and hike along the wall, passing 23 Ming-era watchtowers, lush greenery, and dramatic vistas. Challenge yourself by continuing to the 20th watchtower and capture panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and wall. The Mutianyu section is renowned for its scenic beauty and fewer crowds, offering an immersive experience into ancient Chinese engineering.

In the afternoon, return to Beijing and visit two Olympic landmarks: the Bird’s Nest (Beijing National Stadium) and the Water Cube (Beijing National Aquatics Center). Admire the modern architectural brilliance and take memorable photos of these iconic structures, symbols of Beijing’s global presence. After sightseeing, transfer back to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Attractions: Mutianyu Great Wall, Bird’s Nest, Water Cube
Transportation: Coach
Dining: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Comfortable

After breakfast, enjoy free time in Beijing for last-minute exploration or shopping. You may choose to stroll around your hotel area, visit nearby markets, or enjoy a relaxing morning coffee before departure. Later, your driver will escort you to the airport or train station for your onward journey.

Trip Extension Ideas: Extend your adventure in China or other Asian destinations. Our travel consultants can help design a personalized extension, from exploring nearby cities to immersive cultural experiences.

Dining: Breakfast
Transportation: Vehicle
Accommodation: N/A