China's Grand Contrasts: From Karst Peaks to Metropolis

A 10-Day Journey Through Southern China's Most Dramatic Landscapes and Cities

Day 1: Hong Kong to Guilin - Gateway to Natural Wonders

High-Speed Rail Journey & Guilin Arrival

Board your high-speed train from Hong Kong's West Kowloon Station to Guilin. Upon arrival at Guilin West Railway Station, meet your guide and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest and acclimate to your new surroundings.

Highlights: Scenic train journey through changing landscapes

Meals: No meals included | Accommodation: Guilin hotel

Day 2: Guilin - Longji Rice Terraces Expedition

Cultural Immersion in Zhuang Minority Territory

After breakfast, journey 2-2.5 hours to Longsheng's magnificent Longji Terraces. Marvel at the spectacular layered rice fields cascading down mountain slopes, surrounding traditional minority villages. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before exploring Ping'an Zhuang Village, observing local life and craftsmanship.

Highlights: Longji Rice Terraces, Ping'an Zhuang Village cultural experience

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Guilin hotel

Day 3: Guilin - Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

Karst Landscape & West Street Exploration

Embark on a scenic Li River cruise to Yangshuo, winding through stunning karst formations and bamboo groves. Disembark to explore historic West Street, a 1,400-year-old thoroughfare blending Eastern and Western cultures. Return to Guilin via expressway, enjoying the Yangshuo Ten-mile Gallery en route.

Highlights: Li River cruise, West Street, Yangshuo Ten-mile Gallery

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Guilin hotel

Day 4: Guilin to Chongqing - Urban Transition

Karst Geology & High-Speed Travel

Morning visits to Elephant Trunk Hill park and the spectacular Reed Flute Cave with its illuminated limestone formations. After lunch, transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train to Chongqing. Meet your Chongqing guide upon arrival and check into your hotel.

Highlights: Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, high-speed rail experience

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Chongqing hotel

Day 5: Chongqing - Mountain City Cyberpunk Adventure

Urban Exploration & River Crossings

Full day exploring Chongqing's unique urban landscape. Visit Three Gorges Museum, ancient Ciqikou Town, and the internet-famous Liziba Station where trains pass through buildings. Experience the Yangtze River Ropeway and explore Hongya Cave's stilted buildings and vibrant food scene.

Highlights: Liziba Station, Yangtze River Ropeway, Hongya Cave, Three Gorges Museum

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Chongqing hotel

Day 6: Chongqing to Zhangjiajie - Entering Avatar Mountains

Tianmen Mountain Wonders

Morning high-speed train to Zhangjiajie. After lunch, ascend Tianmen Mountain to experience its six wonders: cable car, Glass Skywalk, Tianmen Temple, Bonsai Garden, Tianmen Cave, and the winding Connected-Heaven Avenue. Transfer to Wulingyuan for hotel check-in.

Highlights: Tianmen Mountain cable car, Glass Skywalk, Tianmen Cave

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Wulingyuan hotel

Day 7: Zhangjiajie - Avatar Hallelujah Mountains

Yuanjiajie & Tianzi Mountain Exploration

Journey to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area via the Bailong Elevator, marveling at the Hallelujah Mountains that inspired Avatar. Explore Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve by battery car, seeking spectacular cloud formations. Conclude with the Ten-mile Gallery's unique rock formations via small train.

Highlights: Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, Bailong Elevator, Tianzi Mountain, Ten-mile Gallery

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Wulingyuan hotel

Day 8: Zhangjiajie to Shanghai - Grand Canyon to Metropolis

Glass Bridge Adventure & Baofeng Lake

Challenge yourself on the world's longest and highest glass bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. After lunch, cruise Baofeng Lake, admiring waterfalls and listening to Tujia folk songs. Evening flight to Shanghai and transfer to your hotel.

Highlights: Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, Baofeng Lake cruise

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Accommodation: Shanghai hotel

Day 9: Shanghai - Past Meets Future

Traditional Gardens to Modern Skyscrapers

Explore Shanghai's contrasts: traditional Shikumen alleyways, classical Yuyuan Garden, and bustling Yuyuan Bazaar. After lunch, visit Shanghai City History Museum and ascend the Oriental Pearl TV Tower for panoramic views. Evening illumination tour of the Bund completes your China experience.

Highlights: Yuyuan Garden, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Bund night view