Epic China Explorer: Ancient Wonders & Natural Marvels
An 8-Day Exploration of Guangzhou, Guilin & Shanghai
Day 1: Lisbon - Guangzhou
- Depart from Lisbon, Portugal to Guangzhou with transit options through Rome, London, Dubai or other major cities
- Recommended flight: Emirates Airlines EK192 (14:15/00:50) via Dubai with 3.5-hour layover, then EK362 (04:25/16:10) to Guangzhou
- Alternative: Portugalia Airlines TP1352 (10:05/12:45) via London with China Southern Airlines CZ304 (16:25/11:00)
- Check into JI Hotel Yuexiu Park Guangzhou, accessible via subway line 2 from Baiyun International Airport
- Visit adjacent Yuexiu Park featuring the iconic Five Rams Sculpture, symbol of Guangzhou
Day 2: Guangzhou City Exploration
- Morning visit to Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, honoring the founder of modern China
- Taxi to Temple of the Six Banyan Trees with its distinctive flower-shaped pagoda offering panoramic city views
- Bus transfer to Ancestral Temple of the Chen Family, showcasing Qing Dynasty architecture
- Afternoon exploration of Shamian Island's colonial architecture in Baroque, Gothic and classical styles
- Return to hotel via taxi
Day 3: Guangzhou - Guilin by Bullet Train
- Check out and take subway line 2 to Guangzhou South Railway Station
- Approximately 3-hour scenic bullet train journey through rural landscapes to Guilin North Railway Station
- Check into Hotel Universal Guilin near city center
- Arrange Li River cruise booking through hotel
- Optional visit to Seven Stars Park with karst cave formations
Day 4: Guilin - Yangshuo via Li River Cruise
- Morning departure to Mopanshan Dock for Li River cruise (approx. 1-hour taxi ride)
- 4-hour scenic cruise through karst landscape with rolling hills and clear waters
- Arrive in Yangshuo around 13:00, check into New Century Hotel near Yangshuo Park
- Explore West Street's restaurants, bars and craft shops
- Afternoon bicycle tour through countryside along Ten-Mile Gallery to Moon Hill
Day 5: Yangshuo - Guilin Return
- Early check out and battery car to Yangshuo North Bus Station
- Direct bus to Guilin General Bus Station (approx. 1 hour)
- Visit Reed Flute Cave featuring spectacular limestone formations
- Taxi to Elephant Trunk Hill at Li and Taohua River confluence
- Evening riverside walk enjoying Guilin's night scenery
- Return to Hotel Universal Guilin
Day 6: Guilin - Shanghai Flight
- Morning transfer to Guilin Airport (40-minute taxi ride)
- Flight to Shanghai (Pudong PVG or Hongqiao SHA airports)
- Taxi transfer to Golden River-view Hotel
- Note: Transfer time varies significantly depending on arrival airport
Day 7: Shanghai Cultural & Urban Exploration
- Morning visit to Shanghai Museum at People's Square via subway line 1
- Taxi to Yu Garden, 400-year-old Ming Dynasty classical garden
- Lunch at nearby restaurants or Town God's Temple for local cuisine
- Subway line 10 to Nanjing East Road for shopping district exploration
- Evening walk along the Bund admiring architectural styles and night scenery
- Taxi return to hotel
Day 8: Shanghai - Lisbon Departure
- Check out from hotel before noon
- Subway line 1 to People's Square, transfer to line 2 for Pudong Airport
- Return flight options via Zurich (Swiss International), Frankfurt (Lufthansa), or Paris (Air France)
- Total journey time approximately 18-19 hours including layovers