Upon arrival in Beijing, you’ll be greeted by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure to rest and recover from your journey, or take a stroll through the lively streets near your accommodation. In the evening, you might wish to explore the nearby Wangfujing area, famous for its vibrant night market and street food stalls offering everything from local snacks to exotic delicacies.

Begin your discovery of China’s grand capital with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares and a symbol of modern China. Walk through the Gate of Heavenly Peace to enter the Forbidden City, home to emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for nearly five centuries. Explore its grand courtyards, intricate halls, and the vast Imperial Garden.

In the afternoon, visit the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Ming architecture set in a vast park where locals practice Tai Chi and play traditional instruments. End the day in Beijing’s Hutongs, the narrow alleyways that showcase the city’s old-world charm

Today, explore the Summer Palace, the former summer retreat of the imperial court, renowned for its landscaped gardens, tranquil lakes, and graceful pavilions. Stroll along the Long Corridor, and take in the serene beauty of Kunming Lake from the Marble Boat.

Later, witness the contrast between ancient and modern as you drive past the Bird’s Nest Stadium and Water Cube, iconic landmarks from the 2008 Olympics. The rest of the afternoon is free for shopping along Wangfujing Street or to experience Beijing’s rich culinary heritage at one of its celebrated Peking duck restaurants.

Depart Beijing for Chengde, a scenic drive of around three hours through rolling hills and countryside. On arrival, visit the Mountain Resort of Chengde, once a favored summer retreat of Qing emperors. Stroll through its vast gardens, palaces, and pavilions nestled among wooded hills and tranquil lakes.

Later, visit the Putuo Zongcheng Temple, modeled after Lhasa’s Potala Palace, blending Han and Tibetan architectural styles in a striking display of imperial power and faith.

Continue your exploration of Chengde with visits to Puning Temple, known for its immense wooden statue of the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, and Pule Temple, famous for its harmonious design that combines Manchu, Han, and Tibetan influences.

In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely walk through the old town, where you can observe local artisans at work and taste regional specialties.

Drive to one of the most breathtaking sections of the Great Wall, such as Jinshanling or Mutianyu, known for their well-preserved watchtowers and stunning mountain scenery. Walk along the ancient ramparts, soaking in panoramic views of the wall snaking over the ridges as far as the eye can see.

For those seeking adventure, take the cable car up and hike between towers before descending by toboggan or cable car. Return in the late afternoon with a deep appreciation for this timeless monument to human perseverance.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its otherworldly sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and spend the evening at leisure. If time permits, take a stroll around Xibu Street, a lively pedestrian area lined with local craft shops and street food vendors.

Spend the day exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, one of China’s most spectacular natural wonders. Ride the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor lift, to the mountaintop for breathtaking views of the quartz-sandstone pillars. Walk across the Glass Bridge suspended high above the canyon for a thrilling experience.

Continue to the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, the park’s most iconic formation, and wander along forest trails surrounded by mist-shrouded peaks. End your day at the Golden Whip Stream, a peaceful valley lined with towering cliffs and crystal-clear waters.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China’s dynamic metropolis where East meets West. After checking in, begin your exploration along the Bund, the famous riverside promenade lined with colonial-era architecture facing the futuristic skyline of Pudong.

In the evening, you may wish to take a Huangpu River cruise to see the city illuminated by a dazzling array of lights.

This morning, travel to Suzhou, a city celebrated for its classical Chinese gardens, stone bridges, and poetic charm. Begin your visit at the Humble Administrator’s Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s finest examples of Ming Dynasty landscape design, with tranquil ponds, bamboo groves, and graceful pavilions. Continue to the Lingering Garden, another masterpiece renowned for its exquisite rockeries, covered walkways, and artistic layout that embodies harmony between man and nature.

Stroll through Pingjiang Road, a beautifully preserved canal-side street lined with whitewashed houses, tea shops, and traditional dwellings. Take a boat ride on Suzhou’s ancient canals, often called the “Venice of the East,” to witness local life unfolding along the waterways.

After lunch, visit a silk embroidery workshop, where Suzhou’s centuries-old craft of producing fine silk is brought to life by skilled artisans. End your tour at the Panmen Gate, the only remaining part of Suzhou’s ancient city wall, combining both land and water gates. Return to Shanghai in the late afternoon, passing by the scenic Taihu Lake region en route.

Today, immerse yourself in the contrasting faces of Shanghai, where history and innovation coexist in perfect balance. Begin with a visit to the Jade Buddha Temple, a serene sanctuary that houses two rare jade Buddha statues brought from Myanmar. Continue to the Old Town, where narrow alleys, tea houses, and antique shops surround the classical Yu Garden, a Ming-era masterpiece of ponds, rockeries, and ornate pavilions.

Wander through the City God Temple Bazaar, a vibrant market offering local snacks and crafts, before heading to the Former French Concession, a leafy district of colonial villas, boutiques, and cafés that recall Shanghai’s cosmopolitan heyday. Stroll along Nanjing Road, the city’s premier shopping avenue, leading to the iconic Bund, where grand colonial buildings face the futuristic skyline of Pudong across the river.

In the afternoon, cross to Pudong and ascend the Shanghai Tower or Oriental Pearl TV Tower for breathtaking views of the cityscape. Conclude your day with an optional acrobatic show or Huangpu River night cruise, the perfect finale to your Shanghai experience as the city’s lights shimmer across the water.

Take a morning high-speed train to Hangzhou, often described by Marco Polo as “the most beautiful and elegant city in the world.” Begin your visit at the serene West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounded by willow-lined shores, temples, and tea houses. Enjoy a boat ride across the lake, passing by picturesque landmarks such as Broken Bridge, Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, and Leifeng Pagoda.

Visit the Lingyin Temple, one of China’s largest and most important Buddhist temples, founded in the 4th century and home to exquisite carvings and peaceful incense-filled courtyards. Nearby, stroll through Feilai Peak, a forested area dotted with ancient grottoes and stone Buddhas carved into limestone cliffs.

In the afternoon, explore Meijiawu Tea Village, where the famous Dragon Well (Longjing) tea is cultivated. Learn about traditional tea-picking and enjoy a tasting session while overlooking lush terraced hillsides. End your day with a relaxing walk along Hefang Street, a lively old town filled with traditional shops and local snacks.

Fly from Hangzhou to Guilin (direct flight approx. 1.5–2 hours). Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and begin exploring the city’s iconic karst scenery. Visit Elephant Trunk Hill, the graceful natural arch that is Guilin’s emblem, and head to Reed Flute Cave, a spectacular limestone grotto filled with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites. Later, enjoy a relaxed stroll along Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, sampling local snacks and browsing artisan stalls.

Embark on a scenic Li River cruise to Yangshuo, one of China’s most picturesque regions. As your boat glides down the river, marvel at the dramatic limestone peaks reflected in the clear waters, a scene long celebrated in Chinese art and poetry.

Arrive in Yangshuo and explore its charming West Street, lined with cafes, boutiques, and art galleries. In the late afternoon, you may wish to take a short bike ride or bamboo raft through the countryside to admire the rural scenery.

Transfer to the airport for your flight to Hong Kong, the dynamic gateway where East meets West. Upon arrival, be met and transferred to your hotel. After settling in, take a leisurely evening stroll along Victoria Harbour and the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, where the city’s dazzling skyline reflects on the shimmering waters.

You may wish to visit the Avenue of Stars, honoring Hong Kong’s cinematic legends, or enjoy an optional Symphony of Lights show — the world’s largest permanent light and sound display illuminating the city’s skyscrapers each evening.

This morning, embark on an exploration of Hong Kong Island, beginning with a visit to Man Mo Temple, one of the city’s oldest temples dedicated to the gods of Literature (Man) and War (Mo). The air here is thick with the scent of incense coils, creating a timeless, spiritual ambiance amidst the urban bustle of Sheung Wan.

Continue to Aberdeen Fishing Village, where traditional sampans and floating homes provide a rare glimpse into Hong Kong’s maritime heritage. Drive to Repulse Bay, famous for its sweeping sandy beach and the colorful statues of deities at Tin Hau Temple, protector of fishermen and sailors.

Ascend Victoria Peak by the historic Peak Tram for panoramic views of the harbor and surrounding islands. Take time to walk the Victoria Peak Circle Trail, a scenic 3.5-kilometer path that circles the summit and offers some of the most breathtaking city and harbor views, especially at sunset. Conclude your day exploring the boutiques and cafés at Stanley Market, a beloved seaside destination blending relaxation, local crafts, and colonial charm.

After breakfast, cross over to Lantau Island, Hong Kong’s largest and most serene island, home to lush mountains and sacred temples. Ride the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, offering spectacular aerial views of the South China Sea and verdant peaks, before arriving at the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) — one of the world’s largest outdoor bronze statues. Climb the 268 steps for sweeping views across the island and South China Sea.

Visit the nearby Po Lin Monastery, an active Buddhist monastery known for its intricate architecture, giant incense burners, and peaceful gardens. Continue to the Tai O Fishing Village, a charming community of stilt houses that offers a glimpse into Hong Kong’s traditional village life.