20-Day China Highlights & Ethnic Culture Tour
20 Days · From $2,000
Experience China's must-see sights and diverse ethnic cultures in one grand journey.
Itinerary
- 1
Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai
Upon arrival in Shanghai, your private guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel.
- 2
Day 2: Shanghai Exploration
Embark on an in-depth tour of The Bund, strolling along the Huangpu River. After lunch, ascend Shanghai Tower for a panoramic view of the city.Visit Yu Garden to admire traditional Chinese garden art, then wander the quiet streets of the Former French Concession to feel the essence of classic Shanghai.
- 3
Day 3: Shanghai to Guilin to Longsheng
Fly from Shanghai to Guilin in the morning. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and drive 2 hours to Longji Terraces. Walk to Ping'an Zhuang Village, check into a characteristic homestay, and learn to make Zhuang-style oil tea. In the evening, enjoy the stunning terrace views at sunset.
- 4
Day 4: Longsheng to Guilin
Hike through the ancient Longji Terraces, first built in the Qin Dynasty and completed in the Ming Dynasty (over 2,300 years old).Admire the magnificent landscape of terraces winding from the river valley to the cloud-shrouded mountains.
- 5
Day 5: Guilin to Yangshuo
Cruise the Li River, enjoying its unique beauty—clear peaks reflecting in the water on sunny days, misty mountains on cloudy days, and poetic rain scenes on rainy days.After lunch, head to Yangshuo West Street, a 1,400-year-old street with well-preserved Ming and Qing-style buildings.
- 6
Day 6: Yangshuo to Guilin to Kunming
Explore the picturesque Yulong River in the morning—opt for a gentle hike or bike ride in the countryside. After lunch, drive back to Guilin Airport and fly to Kunming. Meet your local guide and check into your hotel.
- 7
Day 7: Kunming to Dali - Stone Forest
After breakfast, visit the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, a unique karst landscape, and watch performances by local Yi people in traditional costumes. Explore Juxing Bird & Flower Market, then take a 2–2.5-hour high-speed train to Dali, followed by a private transfer to your hotel.
- 8
Day 8: Dali - Erhai Lake Cycling
Start a cycling tour along Erhai Lake's west coast from Longkan Wharf, a perfect spot for sunrise.Ride to Caicun Wharf, passing Bai ethnic residences and locals making tie-dye, then continue to the scenic Panxi S-Bend (10km ride, 1-2 hours).
- 9
Day 9: Dali to Lijiang
Take a high-speed train to Lijiang, the home of the Naxi ethnic group. After check-in, explore the UNESCO-listed Lijiang Ancient Town.Wander winding stone paths, admire wooden architecture, and climb Lion Mountain for a panoramic view of the town.
- 10
Day 10: Lijiang - Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Baisha Village
Drive to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a sacred mountain for the Naxi people. Take a cable car to Spruce Meadow (over 3,500m) to admire snow-capped peaks and yaks grazing. Visit Baisha Village, the earliest Naxi settlement, famous for its ancient murals. Return to the hotel afterward.
- 11
Day 11: Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge
Drive 2 hours to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of China’s deepest canyons (4A-level scenic area). Hike down to the viewing platform to enjoy the magnificent scenery and the roaring Jinsha River.
- 12
Day 12: Lijiang to Lhasa
Take an early flight from Lijiang to Lhasa, the sacred city of Tibet. Upon arrival at Gonggar Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day relaxing and acclimatizing to the plateau environment.
- 13
Day 13: Lhasa - Potala Palace & Barkhor Street
Visit the Potala Palace, the world's highest palace complex, with magnificent architecture and precious cultural relics. Take photos at Potala Palace Square for a panoramic view.In the afternoon, hike to Jokhang Temple, moved by devout pilgrims, and wander Barkhor Street to experience Tibetan religious and folk culture.
- 14
Day 14: Lhasa - Norbulingka & Sera Monastery
Morning: Visit Norbulingka, stroll through the park with local Tibetans, and explore one of Tibet's largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries to learn about Gelugpa teachings.Afternoon: Watch lively monk debates on ancient scriptures at Sera Monastery, a unique feature of Tibetan Buddhism.
- 15
Day 15: Lhasa to Xi'an
Fly from Lhasa to Xi'an. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel via private car. Relax for the rest of the afternoon after check-in.
- 16
Day 16: Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors & City Highlights
After breakfast, visit the UNESCO-listed Terracotta Warriors Museum, known as the "Eighth Wonder of the World."Complimentary Experience: Terracotta figurine making or restoration workshop.After lunch, visit the Bell & Drum Tower, cycle atop Xi'an City Wall (complimentary Hanfu experience), and explore the Muslim Quarter. In the evening, enjoy Datang Everbright City's night view.
- 17
Day 17: Xi'an to Beijing
Visit Shaanxi History Museum, a landmark of Xi'an and a "20th-Century Chinese Architectural Heritage."Take a high-speed train to Beijing and check into your hotel.
- 18
Day 18: Beijing - Temple of Heaven & Forbidden City
Your private guide will pick you up from the hotel to visit the Temple of Heaven (full ticket included: Prayer for Good Harvests Hall, Echo Wall, Circular Mound Altar).Later, explore the Forbidden City, the grand imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. En route back, pass by the Bird's Nest for an exterior view.
- 19
Day 19: Beijing - Badaling Great Wall & Shichahai
Visit Badaling Great Wall, a spectacular section of the Great Wall and one of China's top ten scenic spots.Afterward, go to Shichahai and experience authentic Beijing hutong culture with a complimentary rickshaw tour.
- 20
Day 20: Departure from Beijing
Your guide and driver will transfer you from the hotel to Beijing Airport for your return flight, concluding this unforgettable 21-day China journey.We wish you a pleasant trip home and look forward to welcoming you back to China soon.
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 .
Gallery
