Step into Beijing's imperial heart with visits to Tian'anmen Square and the Forbidden City, where palace courtyards and ceremonial spaces reveal the scale of China's dynastic past. Continue to Yonghegong Lama Temple, an important center of Tibetan Buddhism in the capital. Later, walk through traditional hutong neighborhoods for a more intimate look at old Beijing street life before dinner featuring classic Peking Duck.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner (Peking Duck)

Accommodation: Beijing Longcheng Wyndham Grand Hotel or similar 5-star property

Leave the city for the Mutianyu Great Wall, a scenic and well-preserved section set among northern Beijing's mountain ridges. Time is included to walk along the Wall and take in broad views across the surrounding landscape, followed by a sparkling wine toast in this memorable setting.

Later, join a glazed tile craftsmanship workshop to learn how color, pattern, and architectural detail have shaped historic Chinese buildings. That evening, stay at a boutique residence near the Wall, giving the day a quieter sense of place after most visitors have returned to the city.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner 

Accommodation: Boutique Wall-Side Heritage Residence or similar feature stay

Begin with the Summer Palace, where lakes, pavilions, and covered corridors show another side of imperial life and landscape design. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check-in and an evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation: Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel or similar 5-star property

Spend the day exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, part of the UNESCO-listed Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Your guide will use the park’s scenic-area transport, including the Bailong Elevator, cableways, and shuttle buses, according to the day’s route. Visit highlights such as Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain, where sandstone pillars, forested valleys, rugged rock formations, and layered mountain views create one of China’s most recognizable landscapes, often associated with the floating mountains of Avatar. Later, enjoy a mini-train ride through the Ten-Mile Natural Art Gallery before returning to your hotel.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation: Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel or similar 5-star property

Today is devoted to Tianmen Mountain National Forest Park, one of Zhangjiajie’s most dramatic mountain settings. With your guide, use the mountain’s cableways, shuttle buses, and scenic-area transport as arranged to explore the upper scenic area, selected cliffside paths, and the Glass Skywalk where conditions allow. Continue to the Tianmen Cave area, also known as Heaven’s Gate, before returning to your hotel. The route and sightseeing order may be adjusted based on weather, visibility, crowd levels, and scenic-area operations.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation: Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel or similar 5-star property

After several active days in Zhangjiajie's mountain landscapes, enjoy a slower morning before boarding a high-speed train to Guilin. The journey takes approximately seven hours and offers a chance to transition from Hunan's peaks to the softer limestone scenery of Guangxi. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The evening is at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast / Dinner (Guangxi cuisine)

Accommodation: Sheraton Guilin Hotel or similar 5-star property

Today slows the pace and introduces Guilin's karst landscape, city landmarks, and riverside local life. Visit Reed Flute Cave to see the region's limestone formations, then stop at Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin's best-known natural landmark on the Li River. In the afternoon, continue to Daxu Ancient Town for a walk through old streets and traditional riverside houses, then travel toward the Caoping area for a glimpse of rural landscapes, village scenery, and everyday life along the Li River.

Seasonal Upgrade Option: Longji Rice Terraces & Minority Culture Experience

When the season and schedule align, the Longji Rice Terraces may be arranged as an upgrade or alternative to the standard Guilin day. Based on past experience, the terraces are typically most scenic and photogenic from May to mid-June and from mid-September to mid-October. This option involves a longer drive and more walking than the standard Guilin day.

Note: Seasonal activity dates, viewing conditions, and walking routes are subject to weather, planting or harvest timing, trail conditions, and local arrangements.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation: Sheraton Guilin Hotel or similar 5-star property

This morning, transfer to the pier for the Li River Cruise, one of southern China's classic scenic journeys. As the boat moves downstream toward Yangshuo, limestone peaks, bamboo groves, fishing rafts, and riverside villages create a landscape long associated with Chinese painting and poetry. Upon arrival, explore West Street, then experience the Yangshuo countryside through light cycling or a relaxed countryside visit, depending on weather, road conditions, and guest preference. This gentler local experience offers a closer look at rural life around the Yulong River, with karst hills, fields, and village scenery before returning to Guilin.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner

Accommodation: Sheraton Guilin Hotel or similar 5-star property

After breakfast, your journey will conclude in Guilin. Your transfer to the airport or railway station will be arranged according to your onward travel plans.

Meals: Breakfast 

Accommodation: Not included

- Accommodation in listed or similar-standard properties, including selected feature stays where noted, based on double occupancy

- Meals as listed in the itinerary, with complimentary bottled drinking water provided daily

- All tour transportation as outlined in the itinerary, including premium tour vehicles and scheduled intercity travel by high-speed train or domestic flight

- Professional English-speaking guides

- Entrance fees and scheduled activities listed in the itinerary

- International flights and airport taxes

- Visa fees (if applicable)

- Meals not specified in the itinerary

- Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, and alcoholic beverages; optional activities arranged on request; and any costs not listed as included

- Travel insurance (highly recommended)

- Single room supplement

- Gratuities for the guide and driver