20-Day Beijing, Shanxi, Xi’an, Yunnan, Zhangjiajie, Guilin & Shanghai Tour

The tour begins by traversing the nation’s capital, first with a visit to the Forbidden City, which has over 900 buildings and many courtyards and gardens to explore.

We will then observe Beijing’s famous hutongs – archaic alleyways which date back to the Yuan dynasty and are lively local neighbourhoods to this day.

In the morning we will take the train to Datong, Shanxi. This city is relatively small and less familiar to Western tourists.

 We will enter the gigantic Huayan Temple complex. It is around 1000 years old and still largely intact.

We will head to Pingyao by train. Historically the centre of extensive trade routes throughout China, this city has the classic Chinese feel, and is also off the beaten track for Western tourists.

We will start with Chenghuang Miao (Temple of the City God), known for its depictions of heaven and hell in Chinese mythology.

Next comes a visit to the Rishengchang Exchange House, the first draft bank in China that at one time controlled almost half of the country’s economy.

Then, we will check out the Yamen Museum – the “yang” to Chenghuang’s “yin” – the largest ancient government office in China.

We will venture a few miles out of the old city for some temple-hopping: Zhenguo Temple houses the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, and Shuanglin Temple contains over 2000 divine colorful sculptures.

The city of Xi’an contains thousands of years of Chinese heritage, as it was the capital of the Empire throughout several dynasties. First, we will enter the Great Goose Pagoda, offering a panoramic view of the city.

Then we will spend time in the city’s Muslim Quarter, where you can try authentic local cuisine, before dropping by the Eight Immortals Temple.

On this day, we will fly out to Lijiang, Yunnan. We will rest here for the day, and you will be free to explore the picturesque Ancient Town at your leisure.

In the morning, we will make our way up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, starting with the atmospheric Impression Lijiang Show, choreographed by renowned director Zhang Yimou.

We’ll then take the cable car up to the vibrant Spruce Meadow. We’ll continue to Blue Moon Valley, named for its crescent shape, where you can view the mountain overlooking the winding blue river.

The day starts with a hike along the Tiger Leaping Gorge, passing through forests, farmland and villages while overlooking the Yangtze River.

Afterwards, we will take the train to Shangri-La, an alpine city known for its roots in Tibetan culture.

We will travel to the Shibaoshan Caves where historical evidence of the spread of Buddhism into Yunnan can be seen.

We’ll make a stop-over in the beautifully restored market town of Shaxi, once an important stop on the Tea Horse caravan trail.

From Dali, we will drive to the laid-back historical walled town of Weishan, and traverse Weibao Mountain to see its Taoist temples. We will head back to Dali in the evening.

Onwards we go by train to Kunming, the City of Eternal Spring and capital of Yunnan Province. From here, we will head to the stunning Stone Forest, featuring a boundless karst landscape with towering rocks and deep caves to roam through.

In the evening, we will go back to the city to immerse ourselves in the lively heart of Yunnan. Try the local hotpot or barbecue; and check out Kunming’s exciting music and club venues if you’re looking for some nightlife fun.

We will take the train to Fenghuang (Hunan Province) in the morning, and wander around the tranquil Ancient Town. Named after the mythological phoenix, Fenghuang has a delicate charm with cobbled streets and stilted houses along the riverside.

We will head to Zhangjiajie by train. We will ascend the iconic Tianmen Mountain (Gate of Heaven). The mountain is named for its awe-inspiring natural rock arch which frames the sky behind. We can take a cable car to the top and see the subtropical forests below.

We will venture into the misty depths of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Those who dare can cross the notorious Grand Canyon Glass Bridge while gazing at the canyon 300 metres beneath their feet.

The National Park itself is a sight to behold, with over 3000 pillar rock formations, which inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.

We will travel to Guilin (Guangxi Province) by train and explore the city in the evening. This is a popular destination because of its beautiful landscape; this picturesque city is both surrounded by and studded with sheer karst mountains.

In the morning, we will transfer to the pier, and board a cruise boat down the Li River (comfortable seating, open deck for photos) for some relaxing sightseeing. We will pass bamboo groves, water buffaloes and small villages before reaching Yangshuo. Lunch will be served onboard – rice, vegetables, meat or fish, and fruit.

We will fly out to Shanghai, where you can observe an eclectic mix of Chinese and Western culture in the country’s most developed and cosmopolitan city.

Shanghai’s history is deeply rooted in international commerce, transforming the city into a global financial powerhouse.

The tour draws to a close with free time to wander the city.

You will then be driven to Shanghai airport. We hope you enjoyed every moment of your tour, and you’re more than welcome to join us again!