Step into the embrace of old Shanghai and explore Western-style architecture.
Marvel at the magnificent snow-capped mountains, minority cultures, and unique ancient city charm in Yunnan.
Catch the exclusive View of Longji Terraced Rice Fields.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Shanghai Arrival | Airport Pick-up and Hotel Check-in
Nihao! Welcome to Shanghai, the Modern and old elements city of China! Upon your arrival at the airport in Shanghai, the tour guide and driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Shanghai. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest for the jet lag or explore by yourself around your hotel.
Day 2: Shanghai City Tour|Shanghai Museum + Yu Garden + The Bund + Nanjing Road
The Shanghai Museum is a large museum of ancient Chinese art, featuring 12 specialized galleries and over 120,000 exquisite cultural relics. The museum's collection includes significant historical artifacts from various dynasties, with a particular emphasis on ancient bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings. The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions, showcasing domestic and international art and cultural relics.
Yu Garden, adjacent to the Shanghai City God Temple and Yuyuan Tourist Mart, is a famous classical garden in the Jiangnan style. The garden, covering about 2 hectares, is renowned for its beautiful pavilions, rockeries, and lush greenery, reflecting the artistry of Ming and Qing dynasty garden architecture. The layout is intricate, with pavilions, halls, and corridors harmoniously integrated, presenting a sense of grandness in a limited space. And you can freely explore the Yuyuan Market next to the garden, is a busy market specializing in traditional Chinese arts and crafts, a good place for souvenirs.
The Bund is a waterfront area in central Shanghai.The Bund features 52 classical revival buildings in various styles, earning it the nickname "A Gallery of World Architecture." The Shanghai Bund on which you can embrace the best cityscape, feast on the rich architectural fashions ( Gothic, Barogue, Rome, Renaissance, Classic and Mixed Eastern and Western style, etc.) and know why Shanghai is glorified as "Paris of the East". Across the river, you can admire the brilliantly lit Lujiazui area and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, a truly spectacular sight.
Nanjing Road is Shanghai's busiest and most vibrant commercial pedestrian street, known as "China's No. 1 Commercial Street." It is home to numerous upscale shopping malls, well-known brands, and specialty snacks,as well as famous historical buildings and cultural landmarks.
Day 3: Shanghai City Tour|Zhujiajiao Ancient Town + Oriental Pearl Tower
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, commonly known as "Jiao Li," is the nearest ancient water town to Shanghai and one of the city's four historical and cultural towns. The town is characterized by its picturesque waterways, arched bridges, and old-world charm, providing a quintessential snapshot of Jiangnan's water town scenery. The most famous landmark is the Release Bridge, the largest stone arch bridge in the Shanghai area with five spans. The town is also known for its variety of local snacks, which visitors can sample while exploring.
The Oriental Pearl Tower, located on the banks of the Huangpu River and facing the Bund, is one of Shanghai's iconic cultural landmarks. Standing at 468 meters tall, the tower consists of 11 spheres of varying sizes. The revolving restaurant at 267 meters offers a 360° panoramic view of Shanghai's night skyline, making it a perfect spot for dinner. The suspended sightseeing corridor at 259 meters is constructed with steel and glass, allowing visitors to gaze down at the Huangpu River and the entire Lujiazui area, providing a thrilling experience.
Day 4: Dali
Enjoy some free time and fly to Dali. For many years Dali has been a favourite destination for foreign travellers and backpackers, thanks to its laidback atmosphere and spectacular surroundings. There are snow-capped mountains on one side and the vast Erhai Lake on the other, making for an impressive sight. Upon arrival and hotel check-in, enjoy free time exploring the Dali Ancient City area.
Dali Ancient City, located at the foot of the picturesque Cangshan Mountain, was the capital of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom and Dali Kingdom. The city's streets are laid out in a typical grid pattern and form the core tourist area of Dali. Take a leisurely stroll through Dali Ancient City to slow down your pace and immerse yourself in local life.
Day 5: Tour Around Erhai Lake |Xizhou Ancient Town + Zhoucheng Village
Xizhou Ancient Town,around 23 kilometres north of Dali , is a well-preserved Bai ethnic town that has not been overly developed, making it an ideal place for travelers to stroll or cycle around. The top five experiences in Xizhou Ancient Town include wandering around Sifang Street, viewing ancient Ming and Qing residences, enjoying the pastoral scenery, tasting the local Xizhou Baba pastry, and shopping for Bai ethnic tie-dye products. The town's landmark, Zhuanjiao Building, and the Yan Family Courtyard, a classic example of Bai architecture, are must-sees. The roads and fields outside Xizhou Ancient Town have also become popular spots for photography, especially the fields of rapeseed in spring, rice paddies in summer, and wheat fields in autumn.
Zhoucheng is the largest Bai village in Dali and is renowned for its meticulously crafted tie-dye and embroidery, earning it the title "hometown of tie-dye." In Zhoucheng, be sure to visit the local vegetable market, explore the ancient theater, city gates, and narrow alleyways, and visit Bai-style homes, markets, and workshops where traditional tie-dye techniques are practiced (a recognized national intangible cultural heritage). A hands-on experience with traditional tie-dye is a must, as Zhoucheng is the epicenter of Bai tie-dye artistry.
Day 6: Tour Around Erhai Lake, Travel to Lijiang
Enjoy a leisurely tour around Erhai Lake, where you can cycle along the lakeside and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of the lake.Erhai Lake is a highland lake formed by the collapse of the West Er River, named for its ear-shaped appearance. The lake is known for its clear, pristine waters and is often referred to as a "flawless jade between the mountains." It features three islands, four peninsulas, five lakes, and nine bends.
In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Lijiang (approximately 2 hours ).This World Heritage-listed town is home to the Naxi people, a matrilineal society descended from Tibetan nomads.
Day 7: Lijiang Tour |Jade Dragon Snow Mountain + Lijiang Ancient Town
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is considered a sacred mountain by the Naxi people. Its main peak rises to about 5,596 meters, and it is often shrouded in clouds. This majestic, unconquered mountain features diverse landscapes, including snowfields, glaciers, alpine meadows, and ancient forests. The mountain's meltwater forms a crystal-clear, refreshing blue lake in the shape of a crescent, known as Blue Moon Valley. On the Blue Moon Valley Plaza, you can watch the large-scale live performance "Impression Lijiang."
Lijiang Ancient Town is one of the most famous towns along the ancient Tea Horse Road, with a history of 800-900 years. The town is characterized by wooden buildings with green tiles, stone-paved streets, and flowing streams, with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain visible from Dongda Street in the old town. Lijiang is one of the two ancient towns in China that successfully applied for World Cultural Heritage status and is also one of the most distinctive styles of traditional Chinese residential architecture.
Day 8: Fly from Lijiang to Guilin |Night Cruise on the Li River + Elephant Trunk Hill
Upon arriving in Guilin, enjoy a unique night cruise on the Li River, which offers a fresh perspective on the city’s natural beauty and cultural charm. As night falls, the riverbanks and surrounding mountains are softly illuminated, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Unlike the daytime scenery, the Li River at night has a mysterious and tranquil vibe. In certain areas, you can even witness the traditional practice of cormorant fishing, where the glowing lights from the fishermen’s boats add a warm and peaceful touch to the scene, reflecting the harmonious lifestyle of the Guilin people.
Elephant Trunk Hill, named for its resemblance to a giant elephant drinking from the river, is a symbol of Guilin. At night, the hill is beautifully lit, revealing a different and enchanting aspect of this iconic landmark.
Day 9: Guilin Tour |Reed Flute Cave + East-West Alley in Guilin
Reed Flute Cave is a stunning natural landmark known for its spectacular stalactites and stalagmites. It’s often referred to as the “Palace of Natural Art” due to its intricate formations and vibrant colors. The cave’s most beautiful section is the Crystal Palace, located in the deepest part of an ancient underground lake. The stalactites hanging from the ceiling resemble lanterns, creating a magnificent and regal atmosphere.
East-West Alley, located near the Jingjiang Princes' City, is the only remaining historical street area from the Ming and Qing Dynasties in Guilin. It’s a scenic area where you can enjoy the traditional charm of Guilin's historical streets, including Zhengyang East Alley, Jiangnan Alley, and Lanjing Alley.
Day 10:Yangshuo Tour | Li River Cruise to Yangshuo + Exploring West Street+ Chinese Fan-Making + "Impression Liu Sanjie" Performance
Start your Li River Cruise. A cruise along the Li River is an unforgettable experience. On your cruise, see spectacular limestone peaks, graceful bamboo groves, farmers tending rice paddies, and lumbering water buffalo cooling off in the river.
The four-and-a-half hour cruise combines the most essential section of the river with local life experiences and an authentic local lunch in a quiet resort hidden in a picturesque town. Get off the beaten path to walk along the cobblestones of the riverbank and see the surrounding mountains.
Embark on a scenic cruise along the Li River, arriving in the charming town of Yangshuo. Spend the afternoon exploring the famous West Street, a lively pedestrian street lined with shops, cafes, and bars, where you can experience the vibrant local culture. You’ll also have the chance to participate in a traditional Chinese fan-making workshop, creating your own personalized fan as a souvenir.
In the evening, attend the "Impression Liu Sanjie" performance, directed by the renowned Chinese director Zhang Yimou. Set in the world’s largest natural theater, spanning over two kilometers of the Li River, with 12 majestic mountains as the backdrop, this show combines elements of Liu Sanjie’s classic folk songs, ethnic customs, and the magical landscape of the Li River. The performance uses a stunning combination of red, white, silver, and yellow themes to create a breathtaking visual and emotional experience, perfectly capturing the harmony between humans and nature.
Day 11: Longji Rice Terraces
The Longji Rice Terraces are an expansive terraced field system in the Guilin region, divided into the Jinkeng Terraces, Ping’an Zhuang Terraces, and Longji Ancient Zhuang Village Terraces. Visitors typically explore the terraces on foot, taking in the stunning landscapes and capturing breathtaking photos. The terraces are especially popular among photography enthusiasts who seek to capture the beauty of the sunrise.
Spend the afternoon hiking along the Ping’an Zhuang Terraces, where you can admire the intricate patterns and enjoy the serene beauty of the area.
Day 12: Sunrise at Longji Rice Terraces |Return to Guilin, and Departure to Shanghai
Wake up early to witness the spectacular sunrise over the Longji Rice Terraces, a moment that offers unforgettable views and photo opportunities. Afterward, return to Guilin and transfer to the airport for your flight back to Shanghai, concluding your journey.
Day 13: Free Time and Departure
Enjoy some free time and arrange your departure according to your flight schedule.
