18 Days Splendid China Cultural & Ethnic Tour:
Beijing-Xian-Chengdu-Guizhou-Guilin-Guangzhou

Tour Highlights

⦁ Experience the rich diversity of landscape and local cultures across different regions of China, from north to south.
⦁ Sample a variety of regional cuisines, and learn about Chinese cuisine culture.
⦁ Go deep into the primitive villages to witness the real life of ethnic groups in Guizhou.
⦁ Immerse yourself in the picturesque Yangshuo countryside and pay a visit to a local farm family.

Itinerary Overview

D1-D4 Beijing Arrival & Sightseeing

Visit Forbidden City, Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, Great Wall, Hutongs.

D5-D6 Xian Sightseeing

Visit Terracotta Warriors, Ancient City Wall, Muslim Quarter, Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

D7-D8 Chengdu Sightseeing

Visit Dujiangyan Panda Base, Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Renmin Park, Kuanzhai Alley, Wenshu Temple.

D9-D14 Guizhou Sightseeing

Visit Huangguoshu Waterfall, Matang Village, Langde Miao Village, Shiqiao Miao Village, Xiaoqikong Park, Jiabang Rice Terraces, Biasha Village, Zhanli Dong Village, Zhaoxing Dong village.

D15-D16 Guilin&Yangshuo Sightseeing

Take Li River cruise, and visit Yangshuo countryside, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave

D17- D18 Guangzhou Sightseeing&Departure

Visit Yuexiu Park, Chen Clan Temple, Shamian Island, Canton Tower.

Detailed Itinerary

(B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)

D1 Beijing Arrival

Welcome to Beijing, the capital city of China! Upon arrival, our professional tour guide will pick you up at the arrival hall of Beijing Capital International Airport or Daxing Airport, and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from the jet lag.

D2 Beijing (B,L)

After breakfast, the local guide and driver will pick you up at the hotel lobby. Transfer to the scenic Shichahai area, known for its interconnected lakes—Qianhai, Houhai, and Xihai. Dive into the labyrinthine network of narrow alleys known as Hutongs. Wander down Yandai Xiejie, a 700-year-old sloping street once famed for its tobacco pipe shops. These alleyways are home to some of Beijing’s oldest neighborhoods and provide a glimpse into the daily lives of local residents. Hop on a rickshaw to shuttle through the Hutong streets and alleys, and get knowledge of the lifestyle of old Beijing.

For lunch, indulge in one of China's most celebrated dishes, Peking Roasted Duck, savoring the flavors that have made it world-renowned.

The highlight of your day continues as you walk cross the city moat en route to the Forbidden City (Palace Museum), one of the world's five major palaces. This vast complex, with over 9,000 rooms, once served as the imperial residence for 24 emperors throughout the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Traverse through various gateways to marvel at its splendid architecture adorned with yellow glazed tile roofs, white marble foundations, and exquisite colorful paintings.

Optional activity: In the evening, you can watch a breathtaking acrobatic show at the Red Theater.

D3 Beijing (B,L)

After breakfast, you will visit the Temple of Heaven first. The Temple of Heaven is a complex of religious buildings situated in the southeastern part of central Beijing. It was the place where the Emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshiped heaven and prayed for good harvest.

After the visit, drive about 70km to witness one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the Great Wall. Visit Mutianyu which is one of the best preserved yet less crowded sections of the Great Wall. The Mutianyu Great Wall serves as a strategic link between the Juyongguan Great Wall to the west and Gubeikou to the east, effectively safeguarding Beijing throughout history. It has earned the moniker "Perilous Mountain and Mighty Pass". You will take a cable car up to the half way to enjoy some hiking. After that, descend Mutianyu Great Wall by cable car.

Then dive back to Beijing downtown, and make a stop at Beijing Olympic Village to view Bird’s Nest and Water Cube from the outside.

Optional experience: Appreciate the classic Chinese art performance of Beijing Opera at Liyuan Theater.

D4 Beijing&High speed train to Xian (B,L)

In the morning, drive to Summer Palace, China's largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Here you can leisurely stroll amidst ancient pavilions, mansions, temples, bridges, and corridors. Take a leisure stroll on the rippling Kunming Lake to enjoy the verdant mountain view of Longevity Hill. You will visit the Long Corridor, boasting a total length of 728 meters and housing 273 rooms. Renowned for its exquisite architectural design, meandering layout, and vibrant color paintings, it has long been hailed as an epitome of artistic brilliance.

After the visit, you will be transferred to the railway station to take a high speed train to Xian(abt 5hrs). On your arrival, you will be picked up by our tour guide, and escorted to your hotel for check in.

D5 Xian (B,L)

After breakfast, you will visit Terracotta Warriors Museum which is one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in human history. There are more than 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses, and 150 cavalry horses made to protect the first emperor of China Qin Shihuang in this afterlife. The Terracotta Warriors and horses are all life-sized, and the warriors carry real bronze battle weapons. Orderly arrayed in rows and lines, these figures of warriors and horses make up a great underground army consisting of war chariots, infantrymen, cavalrymen and other armed servicemen. You will also learn to make a miniature Terracotta Warrior on your own under the instruction of a local potter.

Then drive back to downtown area and pay a visit to the Ancient City Wall. The wall was built for defensive purposes, enclosing and protecting the city from invading forces, constructed initially during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). You will get up to the wall to get panoramic views of the city. If you like, you can also enjoy a relaxing bike riding on the Wall(optional). Leave the City Wall, head to Muslim Quarter, where you can try different local snacks and explore Muslim culture.

Optional activity: You can have a dumpling banquet for dinner, followed by a wonderful Tang Palace Dance Show.

D6 Xian&High speed train to Chengdu (B,L)

In the morning, you will visit Da Cien Temple, where the Big Wild Goose Pagoda stands as a renowned architectural masterpiece. Soaring to a height of 64.5 meters, this pagoda was constructed by the esteemed Buddhist master Xuanzang during the early Tang Dynasty to safeguard invaluable scriptures he acquired from India. Notably, Xuanzang served as the inspiration for Tang Seng in the celebrated Chinese novel Journey to the West. (Note: An additional fee of 30 RMB is required for ascending the Big Wild Goose Pagoda).

In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the railway station for a high speed train to Chengdu(abt 3.5-4hrs). Welcome to Chengdu! The hometown of Giant panda. You will be greeted by your tour guide on arrival, and transferred to your hotel in downtown area.

D7 Chengdu-Dujiangyan-Chengdu(B,L)

In the morning, drive about 1.5hrs to Dujiangyan Panda Base. This base features large, open enclosures designed to simulate the pandas' natural habitat, allowing them to roam more freely and adapt to wilderness conditions. You can have a close encounter with the cute pandas here.

After lunch, head to visit Dujiangyan Irrigation System. Constructed around 256 BC during the Warring States period by the statesman and engineer Li Bing, along with his son, Dujiangyan Irrigation System remains a functioning masterpiece of ancient engineering, and ingeniously regulates water flow to prevent flooding and ensure irrigation for the Chengdu Plain.

Optional Activity: In the evening, you can enjoy a wonderful performance of Sichuan Opera which includes folk opera, face changing, fire spitting, rolling lights, etc.

D8 Chengdu&High speed train to Guiyang (B,L)

After breakfast, you will pay a visit to a significant Buddhist temple - Wenshu Temple. The temple complex includes several halls and pavilions, including the Great Buddha Hall, the Hall of Heavenly Kings, and the Mahavira Hall. Take your time to enjoy the tranquil gardens and ponds within the temple grounds.

Then pay a visit to Chengdu Renmin Park. Make a stop at Heming Teahouse which is an iconic venue that embodies the essence of Sichuanese tea culture. Here, you can relax in a traditional environment, savor local teas like jasmine or Longjing. Visit the famous “Matchmaking Corner”.

Next to Renmin Park, take a stroll at Kuanzhai Alley. Literally translated as "Wide and Narrow Alleys," this charming neighborhood comprises three parallel alleys — Kuan Street (Wide Alley), Zhai Alley (Narrow Alley), and Jing Alley (Well Alley).

In the late afternoon, you will take a high speed train to Guiyang(abt 3.5hrs). On arrival, your guide will pick you up and escort you to check in to your hotel.

D9 Guiyang-Huangguoshu-Guiyang(B)

After breakfast, your guide and driver will escort you to the majestic Huangguoshu Waterfall—the pride of Asia as its largest waterfall. One of the highlights of your visit will be the unique opportunity to venture behind the cascading veil of water, where you can witness firsthand the powerful force of nature as the water begins its dramatic descent. This up-close encounter allows you to feel the cool mist and almost touch the waterfall itself.

After the tour, drive 2 hours back to Guiyang for rest.

D10 Guiyang-Kaili (B)

This morning you will embark on a scenic 3-hour drive from Guiyang to Kaili, the vibrant capital of the Southeast Guizhou Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture.

Visit Matang Village, home to the unlisted Gejia ethnic group. Renowned for their reverence of the bow and arrow, Gejia folklore traces their lineage to a mythical archer capable of shooting down the sun. Immerse yourself in the village's heritage by observing the intricate Gejia batik craft up close and even trying your hand at this ancient art form(optional).

In the afternoon, you will proceed to the picturesque Langde Miao Village, a living testament to Miao culture where women don their signature long skirts. The village, essentially an open-air museum, showcases meticulously preserved wooden architecture dating back to the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1616-1911).

Stay overnight in Kaili.

D11 Kaili-Libo (B)

Begin your day with a leisurely exploration of Shiqiao Miao Village, renowned for its time-honored paper making techniques. Here you can witness the entire process of papermaking. If you like, you can also design your very own unique flower paper using leaves, petals, and pulp(optional). Once dried, take away your masterpiece as a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Following Shiqiao Miao Village, we'll drive about 2 hours to visit the enchanting Xiaoqikong (Small Seven Holes) Park. Renowned as a terrestrial gemstone, this scenic area stretches over 7 kilometers. A highlight of the park is the historic seven-holed bridge, dating back to 1836. As you meander through the park, you'll have the chance to immerse yourself in the diverse and exquisite landscapes, each one more breathtaking than the last.

After the visit, drive 40 minutes to Libo County for accommodation.

D12 Libo-Jiabang(B)

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Jiabang(abt 3 hrs).

The Jiabang Rice Terraces, carved meticulously into the undulating hills, span an impressive 25 kilometers, earning them a reputation as one of China's finest. Witness the terraces transform with the seasons: mirrors of water in spring, vibrant green carpets in summer, and golden hues come autumn. Embark on a gentle hike through these terraced marvels and the surrounding villages, immersing yourself in panoramic vistas, traditional wooden architecture, and the unique rhythms of local life.

D13 Jiabang-Zhaoxing (B)

After breakfast, drive about 2 hours to uncover the secrets of Biasha Village, an isolated realm inhabited by the fabled Biasha Miao tribe. This village is known as China's last stronghold of gunmen, where men uphold the tradition of wearing their hair in a topknot. Upon reaching the age of 16, young males undergo a rite of passage marking their entry into adulthood. Adorned with hunting rifles slung over their shoulders and equipped with gunpowder bags, bullet pouches, and knives, the men of Biasha resemble warriors of antiquity, preserving a living link to their ancestral past.

Later this afternoon, drive about 50mins onwards to the tranquil Zhanli Dong Village, a picturesque hamlet blessed with breathtaking scenery. Here, an unusual demographic balance prevails: families are typically blessed with one son and one daughter. Legend has it that the well by the "Banyan Tree for Boys" and another for girls, both found within the village, play a pivotal role; consuming the herb with water from the respective wells is believed to ensure the birth of a child of the desired gender.

After the visit, head to Zhaoxing for accommodation.

D14 Zhaoxing&High speed train to Guilin(B)

This morning you will visit Zhaoxing Dong village, China's largest Dong village, boasting over a thousand households and a history that spans two millennia. Divided into five natural sections, each boasts its own clan, complete with a drum tower, wind-rain bridge, and performance stage.

After the tour, we will escort you to the nearby Congjiang Railway Station for a high speed train to Guilin(abt 50mins). On arrival, your guide will pick you up and escort you to your hotel.

D15 Guilin-Yangshuo(B,L)

After breakfast, start your Guilin tour with Li River cruise (4-star ship). The cruise begins in Guilin City and ends in Yangshuo after 4-5hrs, covering a distance of approximately 83 kilometers (52 miles). As you glide along the Li River, you'll encounter a picturesque tapestry of towering karst peaks, verdant bamboo groves, lush rice paddies, and rustic villages. The dramatic limestone cliffs rising from the riverbanks form a backdrop that seems straight out of a traditional Chinese ink painting. During the cruise, you will witness the scene depicted on the 20 yuan note near Xingping town. Lunch is served on the cruise.

After the cruise, disembark at Yangshuo, and start the exploration of Yangshuo countryside. You can take either mini bus or bicycle to explore the countryside. Passing through quaint villages, rice paddies, and fruit orchards, you will never get bored with its breathtaking countryside scenery. During the tour, you will visit a local farm family. Try some local snacks and interact with friendly locals to know their daily life.

After the that, have some leisure time at West Street, a great place to try local delicacies, buy handcrafted souvenirs.

Optional Activity: You can watch the amazing outdoor night-time performance Impression Liu Sanjie.

D16 Guilin & High speed train to Guangzhou(B,L)

After breakfast, drive back to Guilin city(1.5-2hrs). You will visit the symbol of Guilin- Elephant Trunk Hill first. Elephant Trunk Hill gets its name because it resembles an elephant dipping its trunk into the Li River. Hike up to the pagoda for panoramic views of the city and the Li River. There are trails that lead around the base of the hill and across the arch bridge, allowing for close-up views and photo opportunities.

Afterwards, drive to the Reed Flute Cave. Inside, the cave extends for approximately 240 meters (787 feet), with various chambers connected by narrow passageways. These chambers showcase an incredible display of illuminated natural wonders that resemble everything from landscapes and plants to mythical creatures and heavenly palaces.

After the tour, transfer to the railway station for a high speed train to Guangzhou(2.5hrs). Welcome to Guangzhou! Your guide will pick you up and transfer you to your hotel.

D17 Guangzhou (B,L)

Start your day at Yuexiu Park, the largest park in downtown Guangzhou. You will visit the iconic Five Rams Statue, a symbol of the city, which represents the city's legend and prosperity. Take a stroll around the park to enjoy its serene lakes, pavilions, and historical sites like Zhenhai Tower.

Then pay a visit to the Chen Clan Temple. It was originally constructed in the late Qing Dynasty (1890-1894) by the Chen clansmen from the surrounding counties who pooled their resources to build it as a place for worshiping their ancestors and as a venue for clan activities. Here you will be amazed by its exquisite and elaborate decorations, including intricate wood carvings, stone carvings, brick carvings, ceramic figurines, cast-iron works, and exquisite artistry in enamel work.

After that, transfer to Shamian Island, a leafy oasis in the heart of the city that was once a foreign concession. Stroll along tree-lined avenues, admire the colonial European architectures.

Followed by a visit to the iconic Canton Tower, the tallest TV tower in China. You will go to the observation deck for a panoramic view of Guangzhou's skyline. If you like, you can also experience the thrilling Sky Drop or Bubble Tram rides(optional).

Optional Experience: Enjoy the 70-minute Pearl River night cruise and marvel at the illuminated cityscape, including the stunning light show of Canton Tower and the various bridge.