18-Day Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai-Chengdu-Guilin-Yangshuo-Hong Kong Tour
Experience the journey of a lifetime with an 18-day tour through Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Shanghai, Guilin, Yangshuo, and Hong Kong. Immerse yourself in China's rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant modern cities. Walk through Beijing's imperial history, marvel at Xi'an's ancient Terracotta Warriors, and visit Chengdu's beloved panda sanctuaries. Explore the futuristic skyline of Shanghai, drift through the karst landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo, and end your adventure in the dynamic city of Hong Kong. With expert guides, private transfers, and luxurious accommodations, this unforgettable journey ensures a seamless and enriching exploration of China's beauty and diversity.
Itinerary
Our thoughtfully planned 18-day China tour ensures you make the most of your time in China's most iconic cities, offering rich cultural experiences that will leave a lasting impression:
Day 1: Arrival in Beijing – Begin Your Journey
Arrive in Beijing, the vibrant capital of China, where your journey begins. Upon arrival, your guide will warmly welcome you at the airport and accompany you to your elegant city-center hotel. Conclude your first day with a delicious Peking Duck dinner, a must-try dish in Beijing.
- Meals: Dinner
- Transportation: Private transfer from airport to hotel
Day 2: Exploring Beijing's Icons at the Forbidden City and Tian'anmen Square
Today, dive into Beijing's imperial history with a visit to Tian'anmen Square, one of the world's largest public squares and a symbol of modern China. Walk through the grand Forbidden City, the imperial palace complex, where emperors once lived. Afterward, visit the Temple of Heaven, a majestic temple that emperors once visited to offer prayers for good harvests. Conclude the day with a traditional Chinese dinner.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 3: Discovering the Wonders of the Great Wall and Summer Palace
Begin your day with a highlight of your Beijing journey: the Great Wall. Take a hike along a less-crowded Mutianyu section of the wall, experiencing its vastness and grandeur. Afterward, explore the Summer Palace, a former imperial retreat that features a vast landscape of gardens, lakes, and pavilions. Enjoy a peaceful boat ride on Kunming Lake before returning to your hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 4: Exploring Beijing's Hutongs and Ancient Treasures
Today, discover the charming hutongs of Beijing. These narrow alleyways, some dating back to the Yuan Dynasty, offer a glimpse into the life of traditional Beijing residents. You'll visit the traditional courtyard homes, some of which have been preserved for centuries. In the afternoon, fly to Xi'an, the ancient capital of China and home to one of the country's greatest archaeological treasures. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel to relax after your journey.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight from Beijing to Xi'an, private transfer to hotel
Day 5: Xi'an and the Legendary Terracotta Warriors
Begin your day by visiting the Terracotta Warriors, an archaeological marvel of thousands of life-sized clay soldiers that once protected the tomb of China's first emperor. Enjoy a local lunch, followed by a visit to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a historical Buddhist site. As evening falls, enjoy a delightful dinner and the Tang Dynasty Show, a dazzling performance that brings the history of ancient China to life.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 6: Exploring Ancient Xi’an with History and Culture
Start with a visit to the Shaanxi History Museum to view the rich treasures of Xi'an's past. Later, explore the Ancient City Wall and take a leisurely walk or bike ride along this well-preserved monument. Stroll through Huimin Street for local snacks and immerse yourself in the culture of the Muslim Quarter. Afterward, board a flight to Shanghai.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight from Xi'an to Shanghai, private transfer to hotel
Day 7: Shanghai – A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Arrive in Shanghai, China's modern financial capital. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Bund, where you can admire the city's colonial-era architecture along the Huangpu River. From here, take in the views of Shanghai's ultra-modern skyline, dominated by the towering Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower. In the afternoon, head to the Yu Gardens, a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city, featuring classical Chinese landscaping, intricate pavilions, and koi-filled ponds.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 8: Exploring Shanghai's Art and Culture
Today, delve deeper into Shanghai’s vibrant art scene with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, home to a vast collection of Chinese art, from ancient bronze vessels to contemporary paintings. Afterward, enjoy a stroll through the French Concession, a charming area filled with tree-lined streets, quaint boutiques, and cafes. Later, experience the pulse of modern Shanghai with a visit to Xintiandi, a trendy district that blends traditional Shikumen architecture with a modern lifestyle.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 9: Shopping and Scenic Views in Shanghai
Spend your day exploring Shanghai's world-renowned shopping districts. Start with Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets in the world, lined with international luxury brands, local boutiques, and bustling department stores. In the afternoon, take a ride up to the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower for panoramic views of the city. Afterward, enjoy a relaxing Huangpu River cruise dinner to see the city's dazzling skyline lit up at night.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 10: Flight to Chengdu – The Land of Pandas
After breakfast, fly to Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province, famous for its spicy cuisine and, of course, its giant pandas. Upon arrival, settle into your hotel before taking some free time to explore the vibrant streets of Chengdu. For dinner, sample the city's famous hot pot and stroll through ancient Jinli Street, known for its traditional architecture and local crafts.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight from Shanghai to Chengdu, private transfer to hotel
Day 11: Chengdu's Giant Pandas and Sichuan Cuisine
Today, you'll visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Research Center, where you'll see giant pandas and their adorable cubs in their natural habitat. Learn about panda conservation efforts and get the chance to take some memorable photos. Afterward, enjoy a Sichuan cooking class where you'll learn how to prepare authentic dishes such as Kung Pao Chicken and mapo tofu, before indulging in the dishes you've just created.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 12: Tea Houses and Culture in Chengdu
Spend your day in Chengdu's historic heart, where you'll visit the Wuhou Shrine, dedicated to the famous strategist Zhuge Liang, and stroll through the surrounding gardens. Then, head to the Sichuan Opera for a mesmerizing face-changing performance, a traditional art form unique to the region. Finally, unwind in one of Chengdu's tea houses, where you can sample local teas and watch the locals play mahjong - or try it for yourself!
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 13: Guilin – A Scenic Journey to Nature's Beauty
Fly to Guilin, famous for its striking karst mountains and picturesque rivers. After arrival, take a scenic drive to the Longji Rice Terraces, a breathtaking landscape of terraced fields that have been cultivated for over 650 years. You'll visit the Zhuang Minority Village, where you can explore the traditional wooden houses and interact with the local villagers.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Flight from Chengdu to Guilin, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 14: Li River Cruise and Yangshuo
Embark on a mesmerizing Li River cruise, where you’ll float past dramatic karst peaks, emerald waters, and traditional fishing villages. This is a chance to witness some of China's most famous landscapes. After the cruise, visit the charming town of Yangshuo, where you can shop for souvenirs or enjoy a relaxed meal at one of the riverside cafes. In the evening, enjoy the Impression Liu Sanjie show, a grand performance set against the stunning natural backdrop of the Li River.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Li River cruise, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 15: Yangshuo's Countryside and Scenic Views
Today, take a bike ride or bamboo raft down the Yulong River, a peaceful and scenic river surrounded by towering karst mountains. You'll have plenty of opportunities to capture the beauty of this region through photos. Afterward, visit Xianggong Hill, which offers panoramic views of the Li River and the surrounding peaks – a perfect spot for a memorable photograph.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 16: Travel to Hong Kong – East Meets West
In the morning, you will take a high-speed train to Hong Kong, a city where the East meets the West, with a dynamic skyline, rich history, and diverse culture. After arriving, take in the city's breathtaking views from Victoria Peak, offering sweeping vistas of the harbor and surrounding islands. Spend the afternoon shopping or strolling through the bustling streets of Kowloon.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Transportation: High-speed train from Guilin to Hong Kong, private vehicle with professional driver
Day 17: Hong Kong's Markets and Cultural Insights
Begin your day with a visit to the Hong Kong Museum of History, where you'll gain insights into the city's rich past—from its early days as a fishing village to its growth as a bustling international hub. After exploring the museum, stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and take the Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour. Later in the evening, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of the Temple Street Night Market, where you can haggle for local goods, sample delicious street food, and enjoy the bustling energy of one of Hong Kong's most iconic market experiences.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver
Day 18: Departure from Hong Kong
On your final day, enjoy a relaxing morning in Hong Kong, perhaps taking a last stroll along Victoria Harbour or shopping for final souvenirs. Later, your guide will assist you with the transfer to the airport for your flight home or to your next destination, marking the end of this unforgettable 18-day journey.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Transportation: Private vehicle with professional driver, transfer to the airport
Accomodations
You may choose 5-star or 4-star accomodations for your journey. The following list is a sample of hotels you may stay in. An alternative hotel of similar grade may be chosen if the following hotels are not available. All of our accomodations are carefully selected for comfort and convenience.
5-Star Hotels List:
- Beijing:
- JW Marriott Hotel Beijing
- The Regent Beijing
- Xi'an
- Hilton Xi'an
- Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square
- Chengdu
- Grand Hyatt Chengdu
- Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu
- Shanghai
- Hilton Shanghai City Center
- Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre
- Guilin
- Shangri-La Hotel Guilin
- Yangshuo
- Shixi Landscape Hotel
- Lijiang Resort (Yangshuo West Street Lijiang Store)
- Hong Kong
- Inter-Continental Grand Stanford
- Hotel ICON
4-Star Hotels List:
- Beijing:
- Novotel Beijing Peace
- Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang U-Town
- Xi'an:
- Mercure Xi'an On Renmin Square
- Holiday Inn Xi'an Big Goose Pagoda
- Chengdu:
- Chengdu Taihe International Hotel
- Mercure Chengdu Chunxi Taikoo Li
- Shanghai:
- Novotel Shanghai Atlantis
- Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
- Guilin:
- Lijiang Waterfall Hotel Guilin
- Lijiang Moon Hotel
- Yangshuo:
- Steigenberger Guilin
- Hong Kong
- Park Hotel
- Empire Hotel Kowloon - Tsim Sha Tsui
Inclusion/Exclusion
- What's Included:
- Panda Tourism's expert travel director and skilled professional driver
- Luxury 5-stars hotels with proven quality or comfortable high-end 4-stars hotels
- Inclusive of porterage and restaurant gratuities
- All hotel service charges, tips, and local taxes covered
- Daily breakfasts and up to half your evening meals included
- Iconic sightseeing highlights plus unexpected extras
- Audio headsets for special destination tours
- Private premium transportation coach/vehicle
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Optional experiences and plenty of leisure time
- Flights and train rides within China included
- What's Not Included:
- International flights to and from China
- China visa fees
