China Photo Tour with Fujian Tulou

Itinerary

• Day 1: Arrival, Shanghai

  Welcome to Shanghai, the most dazzling metropolis of China! Landing at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, your personal tour guide is just outside to greet you, with an Odynovo welcome board in hand. After that, you will be escorted to the hotel. It will take about one hour on the road.

  • Shanghai

• Day 2: Shanghai City Highlights Tour

  Kick off your day with a 2.5-hour city walk for a deep exploration of the Bund. Follow your guide to past historic landmarks such as Shanghai Mansion, Waibaidu Bridge, Peace Hotel, and the Bund Weather Station. View the Lujiazui skyline across the river, soak in centuries of East-West cultural fusion that shaped this international metropolis.

  In the afternoon, visit Yu Garden, a classic Jiangnan Garden that fully displays traditional Chinese architectural aesthetics, and enjoy an escape from the bustling urban scene. Following this, stop briefly at a silk workshop before heading to the Jade Buddha Temple, where you will admire exquisite jade Buddha statues, observe local people's religious life, and enjoy a rich Zen atmosphere.

  Conclude the tour today by strolling the Former French Concession, where leafy streets are lined with western heritage buildings, many of which are now chic cafes, galleries, and boutiques.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 3: Shanghai - Huangshan

  Today, transfer to Huangshan City on a 2.5-hour train ride. Upon arrival, proceed by car to Nanping, a tranquil Huizhou-style ancient village known as "Chinese Film Village".

  Visit a local home, step into their vegetable garden to pick up fresh ingredients, clean your harvest beside a hundred-year-old well, and then fire up a traditional wood-burning stove to cook an authentic dinner with help from the host. After everything is done, enjoy your meal in the way locals have for generations. Afterward, drive to a countryside hotel in Yi County for a peaceful night.

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  • Huangshan

• Day 4: Hongcun Village

  The highlight today is Hongcun Village, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rich history, rural scenery, and well-preserved Huizhou-style ancient architecture.

  Approaching the entrance of the village, the first thing that catches your eye is a mirror-like lake, reflecting the white walls and black tiles of centuries-old Hui-style buildings. A small arched stone bridge spans the water, while willows sway along the shore, creating the illusion of stepping into a tranquil ink painting. Inside the village, stroll narrow alleys, explore a few celebrated houses, and read interesting details of local life.

  Next, head to Mt. Huangshan Scenic Area (the Yellow Mountain) and take a cable car up to your hotel on the mountaintop for a break.

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  • Mt. Huangshan

• Day 5: Mt. Huangshan - Huangshan

  Today's itinerary is primarily focused on Mt. Huangshan, known as "the most spectacular mountain in China." Get up early to catch a stunning sunrise near the hotel. After breakfast, hike through the sea of clouds to Xihai (West Sea) Valley - renowned for dramatic rocks and strange pines, to experience its steep and thrilling paths. Then head back to Bright Summit Peak, the highest peak of Mt. Huangshan, to witness the sunset before descending by cable car.

  Later in the day, drive back to downtown Huangshan City. Explore local cuisines and handicrafts in Tunxi Ancient Street, and settle in your hotel nearby.

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  • Huangshan

• Day 6: Huangshan - Xiamen

  This morning, board a high-speed train to Xiamen. After about 4.5 hours, you'll arrive at the city often called "Garden by Sea" for its coastline and greenery. Enjoy the rest of the day relaxing or exploring on your own.

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  • Xiamen

• Day 7: Xiamen, Fujian Tulou

  Fujian Tulou is a kind of rammed-earth dwelling unique to the Hakka people and famous for its grand scale, scientific design, and reasonable layout. In the morning, take a 3-hour car ride to Yongding District, where the most well-preserved and largest groups of Hakka Tulou in the world are located. At Tulou Folk Village, you'll visit Zhencheng Lou, Rusheng Lou, Fuyu Lou, and Kuiju Lou. Each has unique shapes and specific functions, showcasing the wisdom and cultural heritage of the Hakka people. Finish the tour in the late afternoon and then head back to Xiamen.

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  • Xiamen

• Day 8: Gulangyu Island, Xiamen to Guilin

  Start your day by taking a 30-minute ferry to the most famous island of Xiamen - Gulangyu, known for its coastal views, gardens, and various Western-style architecture. Climb up the highest point, Sunlight Rock, for a panorama. Stroll through Shuzhuang Garden, visit the Piano Museum to explore the island's music heritage. After sightseeing, return to the city by ferry.

  Transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin. Upon arrival, you will be met by your new guide and moved to the hotel.

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  • Guilin

• Day 9: Longji Rice Terraces

  This morning, take a 2.5-hour car ride to Longji Rice Terraces, famed as one of the most beautiful terraces in China. Step into Longji Rice Terraces and Ping'an Village, you'll see rice terraces ascending hundreds of meters on the mountain slopes. Visit a local family where you can make a cup of Guilin Oil Tea, admire the magnificent scenery, and learn about the rich ethnic cultures in this area. Afterward, drive back to Guilin for the night.

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  • Guilin

• Day 10: Guilin - Yangshuo, Li River Cruise

  Today, you'll board a 4-hour cruise from Guilin Zhujiang Dock to enjoy stunning karst landscapes along the way. Marvel at dramatic peaks and jade-green Li River, while passing by pastoral countryside scenery.

  After disembarking in Yangshuo, stroll through the energetic West Street before heading to your quiet countryside to taste the rural leisure.

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  • Yangshuo

• Day 11: Yangshuo - Guilin - Zhangjiajie

  Start your day with a car ride back to Guilin city and catch the train to your next destination. After a 7-hour journey, you'll arrive at Zhangjiajie - the inspiration for Hallelujah Mountain in the movie "Avatar". Overnight stay at the hotel in Zhangjiajie.

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  • Zhangjiajie

• Day 12: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park

  Spend a full day exploring the fascinating Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Take the world's highest outdoor elevator - Bailong Elevator, up to Yuanjiajie. Admire the "Avatar mountains", explore iconic spots such as the First Bridge under the Sun, Fairy Maiden Present Flowers, and Imperial Brush Peak.

  Afterward, transfer to Tianzi Mountain by cable car for views of stunning peak forests. Finish the journey with a round-trip scenic train at Ten-Mile Gallery, where a variety of natural rock sculptures stand. Descend from the park and return to your hotel in Zhangjiajie.

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  • Zhangjiajie

• Day 13: Huanglong Cave & Hike along Golden Whip Stream

  In the morning, head to Hanglong Cave, praised as the "World Wonder of Caves", featuring vast caverns, secluded underground rivers, hanging waterfalls, and intricate stalactites.

  Then, transfer to Golden Whip Stream and take a slight hike. With a pristine ecosystem, you'll see monkeys on the paths and fish in the water while walking along the stream through lush forests. Take a deep breath and savor the fresh mountain air.

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  • Zhangjiajie

• Day 14: Tianmen Mountain, Zhangjiajie to Chengdu

  Your last stop in Zhangjiajie is Tianmen Mountain, which perfectly blends stunning scenery and exciting adventure. Ride the longest mountain cable car in the world to soar above the peaks and clouds. Challenge 999 steps to reach the legendary "Gate to Heaven". Walk on the glass walkways and glass bridge to see the magic view beneath your feet.

  At the end of the tour, transfer to the railway station and catch the train to Chengdu - the Land of Abundance. Check in and rest at your hotel in Chengdu.

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  • Chengdu

• Day 15: Giant Panda, Sanxingdui Museum

  This morning, meet adorable pandas at the Giant Panda Breeding Base. You'll have the chance to see pandas of all ages, stroll through their habitats, and watch them play outdoors. Meanwhile, learn about panda breeding and conservation, and meet other animals such as red pandas.

  Next, transfer to the Sanxingdui Museum. Marvel at exquisite bronze artifacts from 3,000 years ago, and witness the ancient Sanxingdui city and relics restoration process through modern interactive technology. Finish the visit and return to your hotel in Chengdu.

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  • Chengdu

• Day 16: Play Mahjong, Chengdu - Xi'an

  Start your day by exploring the People's Park. Early in the morning, retired people leisurely practice Tai Chi - slow yet powerful - while teahouses bustle with locals playing mahjong over cups of tea. Find a table and mingle with the locals, sip a bowl of Gaiwan tea, and try your hand at mahjong. The crisp clatter of mahjong pieces, accompanied by casual Sichuanese conversation and interwoven with birdsong, forms the perfect beginning to a leisurely day.

  Later, transfer to the railway station and catch your 4-hour train to Xi'an, the ancient capital of thirteen dynasties. Upon arrival, be welcomed by your local guide and driver.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 17: Terracotta Warriors

  Get up early this morning to visit the incredible Terracotta Warriors, famed as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Marvel at more than 8,000 life-sized terracotta warriors with unique expressions and postures, along with other burial artifacts such as bronze chariots and horses. This vast underground mausoleum was first built in 246 BC, showcasing the remarkable military and artistic achievements of the Qin Dynasty.

  Later, back to the city and visit the ancient City Wall, which is not only a military defense structure but also an ideal place to overlook downtown Xi'an.

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  • Xi'an

• Day 18: Muslim Street, Xi'an to Beijing

  After breakfast, explore Muslim Street, the most vibrant street for food and folk in Xi'an, where Hui and Han cultures blend. Visit Gao's Courtyard on the street, enjoy a traditional shadow puppet play and a Chinese calligraphy lesson while immersing in traditional Han arts. After lunch, get on a 5 to 6-hour train towards the final stop of this trip: Beijing. Upon arrival, your guide will meet you at the railway station and escort you to your hotel.

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  • Beijing

• Day 19: Beijing, Forbidden City

  Your tour in the capital city begins with Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing. From there, walk to the Forbidden City, where the feudal emperors worked and lived. Step into the largest surviving wooden architecture in the world, admire luxurious imperial artifacts, and glimpse into the history and daily life of China's royalty during the Ming and Qing eras. Then climb up to Jingshan Hill for a panorama of the Forbidden City.

  Afterwards, move to the Temple of Heaven, once used for imperial rituals, and explore its grand halls and exquisite gardens. Return to the hotel for rest.

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  • Beijing

• Day 20: Beijing, Great Wall

  The last highlight of your China tour is the longest man-made defensive structure - the Great Wall, officially recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Travel 130 km away from downtown Beijing to Jinshanling Great Wall, a well-preserved section of the Great Wall built in the Ming Dynasty. With fewer people, enjoy a hike on the Great Wall and immerse yourself in the dramatic scenery and historic depth. After exploring the Great Wall, go back to the hotel to relax.

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  • Beijing

• Day 21: Beijing, Departure

  Farewell time now. Bring the photos of China you've taken from all perspectives when your guide and driver send you to the airport for your flight back home

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