12-Day Southbound China Adventure Tour
12 Days · From $1,399
Discover China's highlights on a 12-day journey through Xi'an, Chengdu, Zhangjiajie, Guilin, and Guangzhou, featuring Terracotta Warriors, giant pandas, Avatar Mountains, Li River scenery, and seamless high-speed rail travel.
Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival in Xi'an
Arrive in Xi'an and enjoy a convenient transfer to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation after your journey. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore nearby streets and get a first impression of this historic city. As one of China's oldest capitals with over 3,000 years of history, Xi'an blends ancient heritage with modern city life and serves as an ideal starting point for your China adventure.
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Day 2: Xi'an
After breakfast, begin your day at the Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved city walls in the world, where you can enjoy a walk or optional cycling experience. Continue to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a landmark of Buddhist culture and history. In the evening, visit Datang Everbright City, where illuminated streets, Tang Dynasty architecture, cultural performances, and lively nightlife create an unforgettable atmosphere blending tradition and modern entertainment.
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Day 3: Terracotta Warriors
Today join a guided excursion to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, one of China's greatest archaeological discoveries. Explore thousands of life-sized soldiers and learn about the fascinating history behind Emperor Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum. After lunch, optional time may be spent visiting Huaqing Palace before returning to Xi'an. This experience offers valuable insight into China's imperial history and ancient civilization while showcasing one of the country's most significant cultural treasures.
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Day 4: Xi'an to Chengdu
Spend the morning exploring Bell and Drum Tower Square and Shuyuanmen Cultural Street, where traditional architecture, local art, and calligraphy create a charming atmosphere. Later, transfer to the railway station and board a high-speed train to Chengdu. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy free time in the evening. Known for its laid-back lifestyle, tea culture, and famous cuisine, Chengdu offers a completely different atmosphere from Xi'an.
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Day 5: Chengdu Panda Base
This morning visit the Chengdu Panda Base, where you can observe giant pandas during their most active feeding hours. Learn about conservation efforts while watching these beloved animals in a natural setting. Later, explore Jinli Ancient Street, known for its traditional architecture and lively local atmosphere. Enjoy opportunities to sample regional snacks and experience the unique blend of history, culture, and everyday life in Chengdu.
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Day 6: Chengdu to Zhangjiajie
Begin the day at Kuanzhai Alley, where traditional Chengdu culture and leisurely tea-drinking customs can still be experienced today. Continue to Wuhou Shrine, an important historical site associated with the Three Kingdoms period. Later, collect your luggage and take a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and rest for the evening while preparing for the spectacular mountain landscapes awaiting in the coming days.
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Day 7: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Spend the day exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, famous for its towering sandstone pillars and dramatic scenery that inspired landscapes in Avatar. Visit Yuanjiajie and admire highlights including Hallelujah Mountain and the First Bridge Under Heaven. Continue to Tianzi Mountain and Yangjiajie for panoramic views and remarkable natural formations. The incredible scenery and unique mountain landscape make this one of China’s most impressive natural destinations.
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Day 8: Tianmen Mountain & Glass Bridge
Today discover Tianmen Mountain and experience some of Zhangjiajie's most exciting attractions. Ride one of the world's longest cable cars and visit Tianmen Cave, a remarkable natural opening within the mountain. Walk along the Glass Skywalk for breathtaking cliffside views before continuing to the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge in the afternoon. Combining thrilling experiences with extraordinary scenery, today offers unforgettable moments and stunning panoramic landscapes.
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Day 9: Zhangjiajie to Guilin
After breakfast, transfer to the railway station and travel by high-speed train to Guilin. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy free time at leisure. Known worldwide for its beautiful karst mountains and peaceful environment, Guilin offers a slower pace and a relaxing atmosphere. Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy an evening walk around the city and experience the charm of one of China's most scenic destinations.
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Day 10: Longji Rice Terraces
Travel to the spectacular Longji Rice Terraces, where layered fields stretch across mountainsides in remarkable patterns resembling dragon scales. Explore the scenic landscape and visit traditional Zhuang and Yao villages to learn more about local customs and architecture. The terraces create stunning scenery throughout different seasons, from lush green fields to golden harvest views. This experience offers a peaceful connection with nature and highlights China's agricultural heritage.
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Day 11: Li River
Today enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Li River, famous for its breathtaking karst mountains and picturesque countryside scenery. Along the journey, admire many iconic landscapes including Nine Horse Fresco Hill and beautiful views around Xingping. The peaceful river setting and dramatic natural surroundings create one of China's most celebrated travel experiences. This memorable cruise provides an ideal opportunity to appreciate Guilin's internationally recognized beauty.
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Day 12: Guilin to Guangzhou
Travel by high-speed train from Guilin to Guangzhou and enjoy free time before your journey concludes. Depending on your schedule, you may explore local streets, sample authentic Cantonese cuisine, or simply relax before departure. Guangzhou combines historical traditions with modern city life and provides a fitting conclusion to your China journey.
What's Included
- ✓Costs for a private, air-conditioned business vehicle throughout the tour.
- ✓Services of a private English-speaking tour guide.
- ✓Hotels, entrance fees to scenic spots (first gate tickets), and meals as listed in the itinerary.
- ✓Travel insurance coverage during the tour (details available on the Insurance Policy page).
- ✓Inter-city flights or high-speed train travel.
- ✓24-hour customer service support during the trip.
- ✓Service fees, covering tour planning, handling, operation, and communication costs.
- ✗Chinese Visa fees.
- ✗Round-trip ticket. (We offer Air Ticket Booking Service, if you need it, please let us know.)
- ✗Personal expenses.
- ✗Meals, transportation transfers, and tourist attraction fees not listed in the itinerary.
- ✗Optional activities recommended at scenic spots or other commercial establishments.
- ✗Luggage overweight charges.
- ✗Optional activities provided by the driver or guide.
- ✗Personal Accident Insurance during Travel .
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