The Grand Panorama: China's Cultural & Natural Wonders
A 10-Day Journey Through Southern China's Natural Wonders and Urban Marvels
Itinerary Overview
This redesigned 10-day Southern China adventure showcases the breathtaking contrasts of modern and ancient China. Journey from Hong Kong's vibrant streets through Guilin's legendary karst landscapes, experience Chongqing's cyberpunk cityscape, marvel at Zhangjiajie's Avatar-inspired peaks, and conclude in Shanghai's futuristic skyline. Perfect for second-time visitors seeking deeper immersion into China's diverse natural and urban environments.
Detailed Daily Itinerary
Day 1: Hong Kong to Guilin - Gateway to Karst Country
Highlights: High-speed rail journey, Guilin arrival - Board morning high-speed train from Hong Kong's West Kowloon Station to Guilin - Meet your guide at Guilin West Railway Station - Hotel check-in and orientation - Evening at leisure to explore Guilin's city center - Meals: No meals included - Accommodation: Guilin city hotel
Day 2: Guilin Countryside - Dragon's Backbone Terraces
Highlights: Longji Rice Terraces, Ping'an Zhuang Village - Morning departure to Longsheng (2-2.5 hour scenic drive) - Explore magnificent Longji Terraces Scenic Area - Authentic local lunch featuring Zhuang minority cuisine - Afternoon cultural immersion in Ping'an Zhuang Village - Return to Guilin with panoramic mountain views - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch - Accommodation: Guilin city hotel
Day 3: Li River Marvels - Karst Landscape Cruise
Highlights: Li River cruise, Yangshuo exploration - Full-day Li River cruise through stunning karst formations - Disembark in Yangshuo for West Street cultural exploration - Scenic drive back via Yangshuo Ten-mile Gallery - Photography opportunities at iconic river bend viewpoints - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch - Accommodation: Guilin city hotel
Day 4: Guilin to Chongqing - Underground Wonders to Mountain City
Highlights: Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, high-speed rail experience - Morning visit to iconic Elephant Trunk Hill park - Explore the spectacular Reed Flute Cave with its illuminated formations - Afternoon high-speed train to Chongqing - Evening arrival in the mountain metropolis - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch - Accommodation: Chongqing city hotel
Day 5: Chongqing Immersion - Cyberpunk Metropolis
Highlights: Three Gorges Museum, Ciqikou Ancient Town, urban landmarks - Comprehensive city tour beginning at Three Gorges Museum - Step back in time at Ancient Town of Ciqikou - Witness the internet-famous Liziba Station (subway through building) - Experience Yangtze River Ropeway for panoramic city views - Evening exploration of Hongya Cave's illuminated stilted buildings - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch - Accommodation: Chongqing city hotel
Day 6: Chongqing to Zhangjiajie - Heavenly Mountain Adventure
Highlights: High-speed rail to Zhangjiajie, Tianmen Mountain - Morning transfer to Chongqing railway station - Scenic high-speed rail journey to Zhangjiajie - Afternoon ascent of Tianmen Mountain via cable car - Explore six wonders: Glass Skywalk, Tianmen Temple, Bonsai Garden - Witness the magnificent Tianmen Cave and Connected-Heaven Avenue - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch - Accommodation: Wulingyuan area hotel
Day 7: Zhangjiajie National Park - Avatar-Inspired Landscapes
Highlights: Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, Bailong Elevator, Tianzi Mountain - Full-day exploration of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park - Ascend via Bailong Elevator to Yuanjiajie Scenic Area - Marvel at the Hallelujah Mountains (Avatar filming location) - Battery car tour through Tianzi Mountain Nature Reserve - Scenic train ride through Ten-mile Gallery (optional expense) - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch - Accommodation: Wulingyuan area hotel
Day 8: Zhangjiajie to Shanghai - Glass Bridge Thrills
Highlights: Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, Baofeng Lake, flight to Shanghai - Morning adventure on the world's longest/highest glass bridge - Serene boat ride on crystal-clear Baofeng Lake - Cultural immersion with Tujia ethnic folk songs - Afternoon transfer to Zhangjiajie airport - Evening flight to Shanghai, transfer to hotel - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch - Accommodation: Shanghai city hotel
Day 9: Shanghai Exploration - Past Meets Future
Highlights: Shikumen architecture, Yuyuan Garden, Oriental Pearl Tower - Morning walk through Shikumen alleys for local life immersion - Explore classical Yuyuan Garden and bustling Yuyuan Bazaar - Ascend Oriental Pearl TV Tower for panoramic city views - Visit Shanghai City History Museum - Evening illumination tour of the Bund's iconic skyline - Meals: Breakfast, Lunch - Accommodation: Shanghai city hotel
Day 10: Shanghai Departure
Highlights: Final Chinese breakfast, departure transfer - Morning at leisure for last-minute souvenir shopping - Transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport - Board international flight with unforgettable memories - Meals: Breakfast - Service Ends