Meet your guide in the lobby of your Beijing hotel, then hop aboard your private air-conditioned vehicle for a direct ride to the Mutianyu Great Wall—one of the best-preserved and most scenic sections of the Great Wall. Your guide will regale you with fascinating historical tales and legends about the wall en route; feel free to ask questions anytime. Upon arrival, take a cable car or ski lift up to the wall, where you’ll be stunned by the sweeping mountain vistas. Wander freely between watchtowers at your own pace, with no rush to leave—you decide how long to soak in this iconic wonder.

One-sentence history: Originally built in the Northern Qi Dynasty (550–577 AD) and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644 AD), Mutianyu Great Wall served as a critical military barrier to defend the imperial capital against northern invaders.

Savor a hearty lunch at a local village restaurant, where you’ll dine alongside friendly villagers and taste authentic Northeast Chinese cuisine. On your way back to the city center, drive past Olympic Park to catch a glimpse of the spectacular modern stadiums built for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, including the iconic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube.

One-sentence history: Constructed for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Olympic Park was designed to showcase China’s architectural innovation and became a symbol of the city’s modern transformation.

Next, head to the Summer Palace—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest and best-preserved royal gardens in the world, celebrated for its harmonious blend of natural landscapes and grand imperial architecture.

After the tour, you’ll be transferred back to your Beijing hotel.

Your private driver will pick you up from your hotel lobby and take you to the airport for your 2.5-hour flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, your local guide will be waiting at the arrival hall exit holding a sign with your name. Hop on your private vehicle and head straight to downtown Guilin.

Kick off your Guilin adventure with Elephant Trunk Hill—the city’s iconic landmark, named for its striking resemblance to a giant elephant drinking from the Li River. Chat with your knowledgeable guide about your interests, and they’ll tailor the rest of your Guilin itinerary just for you. Hike up to the hilltop to visit the Puxian Pagoda, a Ming Dynasty structure dedicated to the Buddhist deity Samantabhadra. Enjoy panoramic views of Guilin’s skyline, the Li River, and the surrounding karst peaks, while your guide shares the hill’s storied past.

One-sentence history: A revered scenic spot since the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), Elephant Trunk Hill has inspired poets and artists for over a millennium with its unique karst formation and tranquil riverside setting.

Continue to Yunfeng Temple, one of Guilin’s most ancient and revered Buddhist temples. This sacred site was once the temporary residence of Monk Jianzhen—a famous Tang Dynasty monk who made six arduous attempts to travel to Japan, finally succeeding in 753 AD to spread Buddhism and promote cultural exchange between China and Japan. Wander the temple grounds and explore the exhibition hall on the second floor to learn more about Jianzhen’s extraordinary journey.

One-sentence history: Founded during the Tang Dynasty, Yunfeng Temple gained fame as the resting place of Monk Jianzhen before his historic voyage to Japan, making it a symbol of Sino-Japanese cultural and religious ties.

Enjoy a flavorful local lunch, then venture into Reed Flute Cave—a magical underground wonderland carved by millions of years of water erosion. Marvel at the dazzling stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations named for their vivid shapes, such as “Tower-Shaped Pine” and “Crystal Palace.” Beyond its natural beauty, the cave is a treasure trove of human history: its walls are covered with 77 well-preserved poems and travelogues dating back to the Tang Dynasty, left by ancient visitors.

One-sentence history: A hidden gem for over 1,300 years, Reed Flute Cave was first documented in the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD) and later became a popular tourist attraction for its otherworldly rock formations and ancient inscriptions.

After the tour, return to your Guilin hotel for the night.

Your private English-speaking guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel at 8:00 am and transfer you to Zhujiang Pier. Board a scenic cruise boat and set sail down the Li River to Yangshuo—this journey is widely regarded as the highlight of any trip to Guilin.

One-sentence history: For centuries, the Li River’s karst landscape has been celebrated as the epitome of Chinese natural beauty, immortalized in countless landscape paintings and poems.

As the boat glides along the crystal-clear water, feast your eyes on the breathtaking scenery: jagged karst peaks rising from lush green fields, traditional fishing villages dotting the riverbanks, and mist-shrouded hills that look like they’ve stepped out of a classical Chinese painting. The river is divided into three distinct sections, each with uniquely named peaks and landmarks that spark the imagination. Let your guide entertain you with mystical fairy tales and romantic love stories associated with each sight—the perfect complement to the dreamlike views. The cruise takes approximately 3.5–4 hours, depending on water conditions.

The boat will pass through Xingping Fishing Village, where the Li River makes a graceful bend to reveal one of its most photogenic views—so iconic that it’s featured on the back of China’s 20 yuan banknote. A favorite among photographers worldwide, Xingping’s scenery has been a staple of Chinese landscape art for centuries. Enjoy a simple yet delicious lunch onboard as you soak in the poetic beauty of the village and its surroundings.

One-sentence history: A historic fishing village dating back over 1,700 years, Xingping has long been a source of inspiration for artists and is now famous for gracing the 20 yuan banknote’s design.

Arrive in Yangshuo at 1:30 pm, then stroll through West Street—the town’s bustling pedestrian thoroughfare lined with quirky shops, art galleries, handicraft stalls, cozy cafes, and souvenir stores. Your guide will be happy to help you bargain for unique local treasures if you wish to take home a memento of your trip.

One-sentence history: Originally a trading post in the Ming Dynasty, West Street evolved into a vibrant melting pot of Chinese and foreign cultures, becoming one of Yangshuo’s most popular tourist hubs.

In the afternoon, explore Ten-Mile Gallery—a scenic country road stretching from Yangshuo town to Moon Hill, often described as a “living landscape painting.” Wander along the tree-lined path and admire the idyllic scenery: rolling green hills, golden rice paddies, traditional farmhouses, and meandering streams that blend seamlessly to create a fairy-tale atmosphere.

One-sentence history: A beloved scenic spot in Yangshuo, Ten-Mile Gallery has enchanted visitors with its unspoiled rural karst scenery and tranquil vibe for generations.

Don’t miss Butterfly Spring Park along the Ten-Mile Gallery route. This scenic spot boasts dramatic karst peaks, strange rock formations, thundering waterfalls, and gurgling springs. Follow a winding path to the observation deck for a bird’s-eye view of the entire Ten-Mile Gallery—an unforgettable panorama of natural beauty.

One-sentence history: Named for the swarms of butterflies that once gathered here in spring, Butterfly Spring Park has been a popular Yangshuo attraction for its combination of stunning natural scenery and peaceful ambiance.

Next, visit a 1,400-year-old Big Banyan Tree—a towering, gnarled relic that has stood witness to centuries of history. Your guide will share the legendary love story of Liu Sanjie, a famous Zhuang ethnic singer from the Tang Dynasty who is said to have sung under this tree. Today, it’s a popular spot for couples to make wishes for a happy future together.

One-sentence history: A living relic dating back to the Sui Dynasty (581–618 AD), the Big Banyan Tree is a symbol of longevity and romance, linked to the folk legend of the singer Liu Sanjie.

Your final stop is Moon Hill, a distinctive karst peak with a large, moon-shaped hole through its center. Let your guide know if you’d like to stop for photos to capture this unique natural wonder. After the tour, you’ll be transferred to the airport for your 2-hour flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, your Shanghai driver will be waiting at the arrival hall with a name sign and take you to your hotel.

Meet your guide in your hotel lobby, hop on your private air-conditioned vehicle, and start your customized Shanghai sightseeing tour. Share your preferred historical highlights and attractions with your knowledgeable guide, who will tailor the itinerary to match your interests. The tour typically begins with the Shanghai Museum.

One-sentence history: Founded in 1952 and relocated to its current iconic building in 1996, Shanghai Museum houses over 120,000 precious relics and is renowned as one of China’s top museums for ancient Chinese art.

Next, visit the Jade Buddha Temple—a serene Buddhist sanctuary in the heart of bustling Shanghai. Admire the two exquisite white jade Buddha statues, which were brought from Myanmar to Shanghai in the late 19th century by a Chinese monk. Wander the temple’s tranquil halls and courtyards with your guide, learn about the temple’s history and Chinese Buddhism, and observe local worshippers burning incense and praying.

One-sentence history: Built in 1882 to house two jade Buddha statues imported from Myanmar, the Jade Buddha Temple has remained a major center of Buddhism in Shanghai despite wars and urban development over the past century.

Enjoy a delicious local lunch, then explore Yu Garden—Shanghai’s largest and most well-preserved classical garden, featuring intricate Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, tranquil ponds, winding corridors, and lush greenery. Your guide will walk you through the garden’s design, revealing the clever techniques used to create a sense of spaciousness and harmony in a compact area. Afterward, wander the bustling Old City God Temple Area nearby, where you’ll find countless local snack shops, traditional craft stalls, and lively streets brimming with Shanghai’s unique charm.

One-sentence history: First built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty as a private garden for a government official, Yu Garden later opened to the public and became a symbol of Shanghai’s traditional urban culture.

Continue to the Bund—Shanghai’s most iconic waterfront promenade, often called the “Gallery of World Architecture.” Stroll along the Huangpu River and admire the stunning skyline: on one side, a row of grand colonial-era buildings that once housed banks, hotels, and trading firms; on the other, the glittering modern skyscrapers of Pudong, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Shanghai Tower. Stop anytime to take photos of this dramatic contrast between old and new.

One-sentence history: Developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a hub for foreign trade and finance, the Bund became a symbol of Shanghai’s colonial-era prosperity and remains one of the world’s most famous waterfronts.

Explore the Former French Concession—a charming, tree-lined neighborhood that retains the elegant ambiance of its colonial past. Beyond its rich historical and religious heritage, this area is a perfect place to relax and soak in Shanghai’s laid-back side. Follow your guide through narrow, winding alleyways lined with red-brick villas, cozy cafes, independent art galleries, and photographic studios. Feel free to stop for a coffee or meal at your own expense—your guide can recommend the best local spots.

One-sentence history: Established in 1849 as a French-administered enclave in Shanghai, the Former French Concession developed a unique European-style urban landscape that still defines its character today.

Finish your tour in Xintiandi—a vibrant dining, shopping, and entertainment district that masterfully blends old and new. This trendy area was created by restoring and converting traditional Shikumen (stone-gate) residential houses into a modern complex filled with international restaurants, boutique shops, chic cafes, and lively bars. As a window to Shanghai’s past and future, Xintiandi perfectly captures the city’s dynamic, cosmopolitan spirit.

One-sentence history: Developed in the early 2000s, Xintiandi transformed a historic Shikumen neighborhood into a world-class entertainment hub, preserving Shanghai’s architectural heritage while embracing modern urban life.

If you’ve already visited some of the above attractions and want to explore something different, just let your guide know—you can choose from other popular spots like the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, or Jinmao Tower. After the tour, you can choose to end your journey in Shanghai or return to Beijing/Xi’an.