15 Days Essential China Odyssey Tour with Guilin Paradise Vacation

Welcome to Shanghai, the China's most cosmopolitan city. Your private tour guide and driver will meet you at the airport or train station, and escort you to your hotel in downtown. The rest of the day is free for you to have fun and relax.

Optional Activity: attend the spectacular acrobatics show at the Shanghai Circus World, featuring incredible acts like aerial ballet, balls of death, and precision juggling, set to dazzling lights and water screens.

Arrival Ideas: As a cosmopolitan city, Shanghai is served by a wide array of international and domestic flights, connecting it to major cities across the globe and throughout China. Additionally, you can conveniently reach Shanghai via high-speed rail from numerous cities, like Beijing (4.5~6 hrs), Xian (6~8 hrs), Hangzhou (1 hr), Suzhou (0.5 hrs), Huangshan (2.5~4 hrs), etc.

Today, your wonderful Shanghai journey starts with a visit to Lujiazui and take a look at Shanghai at present. If the weather is clear, ascending to Shanghai Tower which is the tallest skyscraper in China, and overlooking from the view deck on the 118th floor, a prosperous and majestic Shanghai will reveal its true face in front of you.

Your next stop is Shanghai Museum East. It is one must-see attraction in Shanghai famed for its countless treasured cultural collections, including bronze, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, jade, seal and some other shining exhibits, tracing back to as long as 5,000 years ago. This charming museum will guide you through the craft of millennia as well as the pages of Chinese history.

After exploring Chinese old history, you will be driven to Yu Garden. The private garden built in Ming Dynasty fully shows the architecture and design style of classical Chinese gardens with delicate pavilions, clear ponds and artificial hills. Next, you will walk leisurely through the Yuyuan Bazaar, located right next to the Yu Garden, which is full of tasteful local snacks and elaborate traditional Chinese handicrafts and art works.

Then, stroll along Nanjing Road, and you will be surprised how this paradise for shoppers satisfy your shopping demand. At the east end of the road appears the famous Bund, the symbol of Shanghai situated in the river bank of Huangpu River. Walk along the Bund, feel the perfect fusion of Chinese culture and Western culture, and seize the stunning Shanghai skyline with your own eyes.

Optional Recommended Night Activity: take an enjoyable ship cruise on the Huangpu River to enjoy the beautiful night view of Shanghai.

The first place to visit for today is the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center where multiple media, such as photography, models, videos, machines, etc, are used to help visitors to learn about the past history, present facts and future plan of Shanghai. Next, head to Tianzifang, a charming arts and crafts district that emerged from the transformation of a traditional residential area. Wander through its narrow, picturesque alleys, where you can experience the vibrant life of Shanghai locals, enjoy a drink at an outdoor café, or explore unique shops that blend international styles with authentic Shanghai culture.

In the afternoon, you will go to catch your flight to Guilin (about 2.5 hours). Upon arrival, you will be met by local tour guide at the airport and be transferred to your hotel in a private vhicle. The rest of today is at your leisure to have fun.

As the famous saying in China, "Guilin’s landscape is the best under heaven." Today, you’ll experience this breathtaking beauty firsthand, beginning with a relaxing sightseeing cruise along the Li River, from Mopanshan Pier to Yangshuo Town. On this 84-kilometer journey, prepare to be overwhelmed by the stunning scenery - the winding river, dramatic limestone karst mountains, picturesque countryside, and iconic views of the image famously featured on the back of 20 RMB note, just like a living Chinese painting. (Please note: Lunch will be served onboard, featuring simple local Chinese cuisine. Feel free to bring snacks to enjoy during the cruise.)

After cruise experience, you’ll disembark in Yangshuo Town and check into your hotel. Then you’ll continue your exploration of this enchanting region with a visit to Yulong River, renowned for its idyllic countryside charm. Immerse yourself in the refreshing beauty of the area, where the Karst hills rise dramatically above the rippling river, traditional farms stretch across the landscape, and gentle breezes soothe the soul.

There are various ways to enjoy the stunning beauty of Yulong River, from more active options to relaxing activities. Choose the experience that suits you best:

Biking (Active & Scenic) - For an immersive experience, cycle through picturesque fields and along the river. This route takes you from Yangshuo to Jima, past Shuiedi Dock, Gongnong Bridge, and ends at the famous West Street (1.5-2 hours). Feel the pulse of the countryside as you ride through the heart of nature.

Bamboo Rafting (Relaxing & Scenic) - Drift down the river on a bamboo raft and enjoy the tranquil views. Route A (40 minutes) takes you from Shuiedi Dock to Gongnong Bridge, while Route B (70 minutes) departs from Jima Dock. These serene journeys offer stunning views reminiscent of traditional Chinese ink paintings. (Note: For safety, children under 1 meter tall and seniors over and include 70 are not permitted to take the bamboo rafting.)

Driving (Leisurely & Comfortable) - For a more relaxed pace, take a scenic drive from Jima to Gongnong Bridge. This 30-minute route lets you explore at your own pace, with the option to stop along the way to discover hidden gems of the countryside.

Afterward, enjoy a leisurely walk along West Street, a place where Eastern and Western cultures beautifully converge. You can sip a drink at a local bar, sample some traditional food, or simply relax and take in the vibrant atmosphere of this charming town.

Optional Recommended Night Activity: watch the splendid evening performance of Impression Liu Sanjie with the Li River itself as the stage, which was directed by famous director - Zhang Yimou (usually performs for an hour between around 19:45 and 22:20).

After breakfast, you'll be transferred back to Guilin (1.5~2 hours). Your first stop will be the iconic Elephant Trunk Hill. This towering rock formation, resembling an elephant drinking from the river, is a stunning natural wonder. Then take a visit to the nearby Reed Flute Cave, a captivating underground wonderland. This majestic cavern is filled with awe-inspiring stalactites, stalagmites, and other formations, all illuminated in a dazzling array of colors. The cave is a testament to the artistry of Mother Nature, with millions of years of geological processes creating a truly magical experience.

After your cave adventure, be escorted to the airport to catch your flight to Chengdu (about 2 hours), the hometown of the cute Giant Panda. Upon arrival, you will be met by local tour guide at the airport and be transferred to your hotel in a private vhicle. The rest of today is free for you to relax in this leisure city.

Free-time Evening Ideas: 1) Visit the Jiuyanqiao area to enjoy beautiful night views along the river, highlighted by the iconic Anshun Bridge, especially charming after sunset when the lights reflect on the water. 2) Wander through Chunxi Road and Taikoo Li area, where historic streets blend seamlessly with modern fashion, cafés, and shopping malls, offering a glimpse into Chengdu's vibrant urban life. 3) Treat yourself to an authentic Sichuan cuisine dinner at a local restaurant and discover the bold flavors that make Chengdu a UNESCO City of Gastronomy.

Chengdu is known for its three iconic features: giant pandas, rich history, and a relaxed lifestyle. Today, you will explore these highlights one by one.

Your day begins with a visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, the top attraction in the city. You will leave your hotel early and enjoy a scenic drive of about 30 minutes to arrive in time to witness the most active moments of the pandas. Watch them feeding, playing, climbing trees, and interacting with one another. The base features well-designed enclosures for pandas of different ages, from adorable cubs to energetic juveniles and fully grown adults. Pleasant walking paths connect the enclosures, allowing you to enjoy a close and memorable encounter with these beloved animals.

Next, experience Chengdu's famous leisurely lifestyle at Renmin Park (People's Park), a favorite gathering place for locals. Here, you can observe residents enjoying a slow-paced life—strolling, chatting with friends, or playing mahjong. To truly step into the local rhythm, join in the essential Chengdu ritual: sit on a bamboo chair at a simple wooden table and savor a pot of Chinese tea.

After that, visit the historic Wuhou Temple, one of Chengdu's most important cultural landmarks, dedicated to Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdoms period. Surrounded by ancient cypress trees, the temple features elegant traditional architecture, stone inscriptions, and peaceful courtyards, offering a deep insight into Sichuan's rich history and culture. Adjacent to the temple is Jinli Old Street, where you can continue your exploration at leisure. Wander along this lively traditional street, sample local snacks, browse souvenir shops, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of old Chengdu.

Optional Evening Activity: Enjoy a fascinating Sichuan Opera performance, featuring the famous Face-Changing (Bian Lian) art, at a local theater for a perfect cultural finale to your day.

Today, you will be free until your local guide escorts you to the airport for your flight to Lhasa (about 2~3 hours). Upon arriving at Lhasa Gongga Airport, you will be picked up by local tour guide at the airport hall, then be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa city in a private vehicle. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the local areas and acclimatize yourself to the air, temperature and high altitude of Lhasa.

High Altitude Acclimation Tips:1) go for some leisure walking to acclimate the high altitude but avoid strenuous activity after arrival; 2) you'd better not have bath, in case of catching a cold; 3) drink more water, and have some fruit; 4) have a good rest.

Today, you will explore Lhasa’s city and suburban attractions accompanied by your local guide, gaining deep insight into Tibetan history and culture. Your journey will begin at the Tibet Museum, where carefully curated exhibits trace the region’s past from the Paleolithic era to the rise of early civilization. Highlights include ancient stone tools and pottery, exquisite Buddhist statues, vivid Thangka paintings, and invaluable relics such as gold seals and traditional manuscripts. Next, visit Norbulingka, the summer palace of Lhasa. This expansive garden complex, filled with rare flowers and lush greenery, is often called the “Plateau Oxygen Bar.” Beyond its elegant Tibetan-style architecture, Norbulingka is also a vibrant cultural venue, hosting major Tibetan celebrations and performances, most notably the traditional shows during the annual Shoton Festival (June 30th in the Tibetan calendar, lasting about a week).

In the afternoon, head to Sera Monastery, one of Lhasa’s most renowned monasteries, famous for its daily Buddhist debating sessions. In the courtyard, monks engage in animated debates on Buddhist philosophy, using expressive gestures to sharpen understanding and deepen their studies-an unforgettable cultural experience. After enjoying the "Buddhism Debating", you will be transferred back to the city.

Optional Activity: If there is extra time, it is highly recommended to watch the outdoor live performance of Princess Wencheng at evening. Princess Wencheng Show, performed usually during 21:30~23:00 (late April to Early October), presents the Chinese and Tibetan history and culture through the story that Princess Wencheng of Tang Dynasty married Songtsen Gambo 1,300 year ago. Since the performance is outdoors and the nighttime temperatures in Lhasa are relatively low, please make sure to dress warmly in advance.

The Etiquette of Visiting Monastery: 1) you shouldn't wear short and uncover shoulders; 2) taking off your sunglasses and hat before entering the monastery; 3) taking photos and videos are usually not allowed inside the monastery.

Start today's cultural heritage journey from the Potala Palace Square, where you can admire the grandeur of Potala Palace and capture classic photos of its magnificent front facade. From here, continue to the landmark - Potala Palace, an outstanding symbol of Tibetan architecture mainly composed of the White Palace and the Red Palace with many cherished cultural heritages. After entering the gate of Potala Palace, you need to walk up about 30 minutes along the zigzag stone paths with white-and-red walls to the White Palace. Remember to ascend the steps slowly and take some stops for sightseeing and rest which will be helpful to reduce high altitude sickness. Then you will explore the palace in an orderly way from the White Palace to the Red Palace with explanations accompanied by your local guide. After exploring Potala Palace, enjoy a leisurely walk through Zongjiao Lukang Park, a scenic lakeside park located behind the palace. Here, you can experience authentic local life, often seeing Tibetans gathering for singing and dancing, chatting, exercising, and walking kora. On clear days, the lake also offers beautiful reflections of Potala Palace.

Continuing your exploration, you will then get to Jokhang Temple, widely regarded as the spiritual heart of Lhasa and the most sacred religious site in Tibet as it enshrines the revered Jowo Rinpoche, a life-sized (about 1.5 meters / 5 feet) statue of Shakyamuni Buddha depicting him at the age of twelve. In the square before the temple, you will witness devoted pilgrims performing full-body prostrations, gradually polishing the stone flagstones beneath them-a deeply moving and unforgettable sight. The day’s exploration concludes at Barkhor Street, the bustling circular street that surrounds Jokhang Temple. The local Tibetans usually walk clockwise on the street for several circles, as part of their daily pilgrimage. Lined with lively shops and stalls, Barkhor Street is also an excellent place to browse for traditional Tibetan handicrafts and local specialties, offering a vibrant glimpse into both the spiritual and everyday life of Lhasa.

Optional Activity: If your physical strength permits, you can take a short climb to the Chakpori Hill Viewing Platform, which is precisely the location featured on the back of China's fifth series 50-yuan banknote. From this platform, you can appreciate the terraced architecture of Potala Palace ascending the mountainside.

Tips of today: 1) Potala Palace (3,700m) is situated at a higher elevation than the average city altitude (3,650m) and requires climbing many steps, so please walk slowly and take breaks as needed; 2) taking photos, videos and wearing hats are not allowed in the palace; 3) please bring some water, a hat, sun cream, and sun glasses with you.

Today is free for you until you are transferred to the airport in time for your flight to Xian (about 3 hours).Upon arrival in Xian, your local guide will meet and escort you to your hote, and the rest of today is free at your leisure to explore this great ancient capital city.

Recommended Activities: If you have extra time, you can visit Nanshan Park on the way to the airport or train station. Nanshan Park (Lhasa’s “Green Lung”), a hillside oasis that tells the story of Tibet’s ecological triumph. Pause at viewpoints to marvel at the greening project’s success: once-barren hills now burst with emerald foliage, a testament to local efforts to harmonize with nature. The most highlight part is the panoramic view of Lhasa’s skyline, where the Potala Palace rises like a golden crown against the azure sky-its whitewashed walls and red-tiled roofs glowing in the sunlight, framed by distant snow-capped peaks.

Tips of Today: 1) please pack your luggage carefully, especially for small things like camera charger, power adaptor, mobile phone, phone charger, wallet and towel; 2) if your flight is arranged in the afternoon, please make sure you check out the hotel before 12 PM.

After breakfast, drive about 40 km to witness what is acclaimed as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" - the Terracotta Warriors and Horses. This monumental, man-made wonder was created and buried to guard the tomb of Qin Shihuang, China's First Emperor, for his afterlife. The site features over 8,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers and horses with different looks, alongside a vast array of bronze weapons. You will explore the 3 excavated pits open to the public, each revealing a unique aspect of this ancient underground army. Pit 1 presents the main combat formation, with over 6,000 terracotta soldiers and chariots arranged in battle-ready ranks. Pit 2 displays the tactical diversity of the army, featuring cavalry, archers, and chariots, while its exhibition hall houses iconic figures such as the Kneeling Archer and the General. Pit 3, identified as the military command center, contains high-ranking officers and a ceremonial chariot, reflecting the structure of ancient headquarters.

Optional hands-on activity: Craft your own miniature Terracotta Warrior under the guidance of a local potter.

Following lunch, return to Xian to visit Da Cien Temple, a significant center for Buddhist scripture translation during the Tang Dynasty. Within its grounds stands the iconic Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, erected by the revered monk Xuanzang (玄奘) to safeguard the precious Buddhist texts he brought back from India. At 64.5 meters tall, the pagoda remains an enduring symbol of faith and cultural exchange along the Silk Road. (extra cost: CNY 30 applies for those who wish to climb up the pagoda)

As evening falls, you will explore the Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City. This vibrant cultural district is especially enchanting after dark, when elegant lighting illuminates its Tang-style architecture, evoking the splendor of one of China's most celebrated dynasties. It’s an ideal place for a leisurely stroll, photography, and immersing yourself in the atmospheric legacy of the Tang.

Optional activity: Try on traditional Hanfu and capture your imperial look for a memorable photoshoot.

Start today's Xian tour with a visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, an elegant 43.4-meter-tall brick pagoda with multiple eaves, originally built with 15 storeys during the Tang Dynasty and now preserved with 13. Remarkably, the pagoda has withstood numerous earthquakes over its 1,300-year history while maintaining its elegant silhouette, thanks to its partially buried rammed-earth foundation. It's a testament to the sophisticated seismic wisdom of Tang builders. Adjacent to the pagoda lies the Xi'an Museum, home to a rich collection of over 130,000 cultural artifacts including jade, ceramics, Buddhist statues, and other treasures that narrate the city's profound history.

Next, explore the Ancient City Wall, once a silent witness to the camel bells of the Silk Road. Enterng through the historic Hanguang Gate and walking atop the wall is like stepping into a corridor where past and present converge. This magnificent Ming Dynasty fortification, stretching approximately 13.74 kilometers in length, stands as the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. From the broad walkway of the wall, you are treated to a sweeping panoramic view of modern Xi’an. For a more active experience, opt to rent a bicycle (extra cost: CNY 45) for a scenic ride, with flexible routes tailored to your interest. After that, move to Muslim Quarter, a place to satisfy your stomach with various delicious local snacks.

The rest of today is free for you until get escorted to take a high speed train to Beijing (about 5 hours). After the arrival, the local guide will meed you and escort you to your hotel in downtown. The rest of the day is free tto explore the capital city on your own.

As the nation's political and cultural center for centuries, Beijing stands as the guardian of China's most majestic legacies and cultural heritage. Today your guide will pick you up in the hotel after your breakfast, then start the wonderful ancient China culture and history tour!

You will firstly get to Tian'anmen Square, the world's largest plaza. The grandiose Tian'anmen Gate was the place where the chairman Mao announced the establishment of the People's Republic of China to the world. Passing through Tiananmen Gate, you will enter the splendid Forbidden City, the previous home to 24 emperors of Ming and Qing Dynasties for 600 years. A highlight is the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the highest-ranking hall in the Forbidden City and the ceremonial center. Here you can see the impressive three-tiered white marble terrace, the ten mythical creatures lining its roof ridge, and inside, the magnificent gilded dragon throne. You can also stroll through the serene Imperial Garden and explore deeper into the palace halls to uncover more architectural wonders.

After exploring the Forbidden City, a short walk leads you to Jingshan Park. Ascend the hill to its summit pavilion, and you'll be rewarded with the most iconic bird's-eye view of the Forbidden City. This unparalleled vantage point allows you to fully grasp the majestic scale and layout of the imperial city you've just explored.

In the afternoon, head to visit the exquisite Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese imperial garden design and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Originally a royal summer retreat during the Qing Dynasty, this vast landscape harmoniously blends lakes, hills, pavilions, temples, and corridors into a poetic expression of nature and architecture. The palace grounds are divided into three main areas: Front Hill, Back Hill, and Kunming Lake. At the heart of the garden lies the expansive Kunming Lake, where you can admire the graceful Seventeen-Arch Bridge and take in views that embody the classic Chinese ideal of “borrowed scenery.”

After the sightseeing, you will be taken back to your hotel for rest.

Optional Recommended Night Activities: 1) Watch an exciting acrobatic show featuring incredible feats of strength, balance, and agility; 2) Enjoy a famous Peking Opera Show at Liyuan Theater.

Hiking the Great Wall is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most travelers. Today, you will accomplish this dream. You will be escorted approximately 70km from downtown Beijing to the world-famous Mutianyu Great Wall, a section known for having fewer tourists than Badaling Great Wall, and widely considered the best for appreciating the beautiful scenery. Your journey begins with an enclosed cable car ride to Watchtower No. 14, the starting point of your hike. Walking westward, you will pass historic watchtowers and be rewarded with sweeping, photo-worthy vistas. The path is generally moderate and family-friendly, though those seeking a challenge can ascend Great Man Slope to Watchtower No. 20, the highest point, for truly unparalleled views. After your exploration, return to Watchtower No. 14 to descend by the enclosed cable car.

Optional Toboggan Experience: For an adventurous end to your Great Wall visit, you may choose the exciting toboggan slide down from Watchtower No. 6 (available to visitors under age 60). Note that there might be a queue, especially during peak seasons like Chinese holidays.

After your hike on the Mutianyu Great Wall, you'll begin your journey back to the city. En route, you'll visit the solemn Ming Tombs, the imperial burial complex for 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty. Here, you will walk the Sacred Way, a 7-kilometer ceremonial path lined with majestic stone statues of 12 mythical animals and 12 officials. This path was symbolically regarded as the route through which the emperor, the Son of Heaven, traveled between the celestial realm and the earthly throne. To cap off the day, a stop will be made at the Beijing Olympic Village, where you can capture photos of the world-famed "Bird's Nest" and the"Water Cube" from the outside before proceeding to your hotel.

After breakfast, you'll visit one of the greatest masterpieces in Chinese architectural history - the Temple of Heaven. This was the sacred site where Ming and Qing emperors performed solemn rites to pray for national prosperity and bountiful harvests. Today, the vast outer park has transformed into a lively public space where locals practice Tai Chi, fly kites, and socialize, while the serene inner sanctuary remains a preserved historic site, offering a window into China's profound ancient culture and cosmology.

Later move on to visit the most famous Hutongs which are some old alleys with time-honored courtyard residences dated back to Yuan Dynasty (1271–1368 AD). Exploring these lanes offers an immersive glimpse into the authentic local lifestyle. You can browse quaint antique shops and boutiques while observing the architectural evolution of these historic neighborhoods, and may also have the opportunity to step into a local family’s courtyard home, gaining a personal insight into their daily traditions and contemporary lifestyle.

The rest of today is your free time until your tour guide and driver escort you to catch your flight/train leaving Beijing.