China Escape Tour to Guilin, Guizhou and Zhangjiajie

Itinerary

• Day 1: Hong Kong Arrival

  Hong Kong, a vibrant metropolis where East meets West, is well-known for its stunning skyline, diverse culinary scenes, and rich cultural heritage.

  Begin your journey stress-free with a private transfer from the airport to your hotel, accompanied by your local guide. The remainder of today is at your leisure to rest from the jet lag or explore the dynamic city.

  • Hong Kong

• Day 2: Hong Kong Island Half-Day Classic Tour

  Led by your local guide, navigate the city's efficient MTR system for your half-day tour of Hong Kong Island.
  A scenic ride on the Peak Tram will take you up to Victoria Peak, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of Hong Kong's skyline. After your return tram ride, the next stops are Tai Kwun, a cultural center housed in a former colonial prison, and the Central Market, filled with pop-up shops selling artisanal crafts. Don't miss the chance to sample local delicacies at traditional snack bars near the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator. If traffic allows, your guide will take you on a nostalgic ride aboard the Ding Ding Tram.

  This afternoon is open for your own sightseeing and exploration.

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  • Hong Kong

• Day 3: Kowloon Highlights Half Day Tour

  This morning is reserved for a half-day discovery through the Kowloon Peninsula with your private guide, utilizing public transportation. Start by visiting the renowned Taoist temple of Wong Tai Sin, a serene retreat from the bustling city. As you like, join the locals to seek blessings and divine guidance through traditional practices like Kau Cim and fortune-telling. You'll then visit the lively Mong Kok, where the Ladies' Market, Flower Market, and Bird Garden offer a rich array of goods and local delicacies.

  The next leg of your journey sees you hop on the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui for the Avenue of Stars, originally modeled on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Stroll along the waterfront promenade lined with handprints of famous stars, including Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan, while enjoying breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour and the skyline. Before returning to your hotel, spot the historic Clock Tower and the 1881 Heritage related to Hong Kong's Colonial Past.

  You have the rest of today free to do as much or as little as you like.

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  • Hong Kong

• Day 4: Hong Kong - Guilin

  After breakfast and hotel check-out, enjoy a private transfer to the West Kowloon Railway Station for your high-speed train to the picturesque Guilin.

  Arriving in 3 hours, meet your local guide for a private transfer to the downtown hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

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  • Guilin

• Day 5: Li River Cruise From Guilin to Yangshuo

  Today, a morning drive (about 40 minutes) will take you to Zhujiang Pier for your Li River cruise. This 83-kilometer journey offers a stunning introduction to the region's karst landscapes of crystal-clear water, towering karst peaks, lush rice paddies, and traditional villages. Keep your camera ready for the famed Nine Horse Fresco Hill, the scenery on the CNY 20 note, and other stunning formations along the way.

  Get off at Yangshuo around 13:30 (depending on water levels), stroll around the adjacent West Street, and check into a local hotel. Later in the day, Yangshuo countryside invites you on a leisurely bike ride on quaint backroads along the Yulong River (a major tributary of Li River) to fully enjoy rural scenes.

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  • Yangshuo

• Day 6: Yangshuo - Congjiang, Zhaoxing Dong Village

  Enjoy some leisure time this morning before transferring to the railway station for your onward train (about 1-1.5 hours) to Congjiang County in the neighboring Guizhou province.

  Your arrival at Congjiang Railway Station is met with a private transfer to your local guesthouse in Zhaoxing Dong Village. This afternoon, follow your guide to explore the village's famous drum towers, wind-and-rain bridges, and traditional wooden homes. In the evening, don't miss a captivating Dong folk art performance at an outdoor theater.

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  • Zhaoxing

• Day 7: Minority Villages Around Zhaoxing

  Discover the rich cultural tapestry of Guizhou on today's immersive tour through four distinctive villages. Begin in Basha Miao Village, where you'll witness the unique customs of China's last gun-bearing tribe. Next, visit Zhanli Dong Village, known for its ancient herbal birth control traditions. The last stop is the secluded Huanggang Dong Village surrounded by a dense forest. Admire the traditional wooden architecture, engage with friendly locals, and witness vibrant cultural practices.

  As the tour conclude, transfer back to Zhaoxing and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.

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  • Zhaoxing

• Day 8: Zhaoxing - Kaili

  Kick off with a scenic hike from Zhaoxing Dong Village up to Tang'an Dong Village. It takes around 2.5 hours to trek the winding 7-kilometer trail along the mountain slope, enjoying lush rice terraces and stopping for photographs. After a short drive back to Zhaoxing, freshen up and check out.

  A private transfer (around 3 hours) will take you into the heart of Guizhou province to Kaili, where Miao tribal villages cluster. Along the way, stop at Gaoyao Miao Village to take in the breathtaking vistas of the terraced fields. There follows an insightful visit to Shiqiao Miao Village. Here, witness the traditional paper making, using natural materials like mulberry bark. Finally, spend the night at a local guesthouse.

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  • Kaili

• Day 9: Kaili, Exotic Miao Villages

  Today, venture out the city to explore three unique Miao villages. Upper Langde Village offers a deep dive into authentic Miao culture in a serene, natural setting, from stilted wooden houses to Miao ladies wearing long skirts, traditional Lusheng dance, and exquisite silver jewelry.

  Matang Gejia Village is home to the Gejia people, a distinct ethnic group officially classified as part of the Miao. Here, explore well-preserved wooden houses and observe local artisans creating stunning batik fabric. At a nearby Miao village, women are easily recognized by their traditional short skirts, only 7 inches long. Besides, wooden stilt houses and scenic surroundings add to its charm.

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  • Kaili

• Day 10: Kaili - Zhengyuan

  Today, travel onward by driving (about 2 hours) from Kaili to Zhengyuan, where a timeless ancient town awaits. As you sail along the Wuyang River, marvel at the unique rock formations and lush greenery.

  After disembarkation, stroll through narrow alleys lined with old buildings and discover Qinglong Cave dedicated to Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, all while soaking in the town's rich heritage and serene beauty. When overlooked from a high vantage point, the charming town, divided by the S-shaped river, resembles a Tai Chi symbol from Chinese philosophy.

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  • Zhenyuan

• Day 11: Zhengyuan - Tongren

  The UNESCO-designated Mount Fanjing, rising over 2,500 meters as the tallest summit of the Wuling Mountains, stands out as a biosphere reserve and a sacred Buddhist site.

  After breakfast, set off on a morning drive to the mountain's base, where you'll ascend via cable car for breathtaking views of lush forests and dramatic cliffs. The Golden Summit, crowned by the iconic Fanjing Temple, showcases exquisite architecture and spiritual heritage. As you like, hike along well-marked trails to spot rare wildlife and vibrant flora. Conclude your adventure with a descent and a transfer back, enriched by the beauty of nature.

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  • Tongren

• Day 12: Tongren - Fenghuang

  About 1 hour's drive away, the charming Fenghuang Ancient Town in the neighboring Hunan province is your next destination.

  The Tuojiang River runs through the town's heart, with stilted wooden houses, arched bridges, and narrow cobblestone streets adding to its charm. After settling into a local guesthouse, take your time to explore ancient city walls, temples, traditional homes, and vibrant handicrafts. As evening falls, the town transforms into a peaceful retreat, illuminated by soft lights reflecting on the river.

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  • Fenghuang

• Day 13: Fenghuang - Zhangjiajie

  Today, hit the road again for your onward journey to Zhangjiajie, famously inspiring the floating mountains in the movie "Avatar."

  Arriving in 2.5 hours, begin your half-day tour of Tianmen Mountain with a thrilling ride on the world's longest cable car to fully enjoy Zhangjiajie's stunning landscapes. Challenge the cliff-clinging glass skywalk for an adrenaline-pumping experience, conquer the 999 steps leading up to a massive natural arch named Tianmen Cave, and descend back along the "99 Bends" mountain road by shuttle bus.

  Closing out the day, transfer to your hotel near the Wulingyuan Scenic Area.

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  • Zhangjiajie

• Day 14: Hallelujah Mountain, Mt. Tianzi, and Ten-Mile Gallery

  An exciting day unfolds as the famous Bailong Elevator, the world's highest outdoor lift, whisks you 326 meters up to Yuanjiajie. Prepare to behold the surreal landscape of Hallelujah Mountain.

  Then, take a cable car up to Mt. Tianzi, where a stunning expanse of karst peaks stretches to the horizon. Round off the day with a leisurely train ride through a breathtaking display of vivid rock formations and lush greenery, popularly known as Ten-Mile Gallery.

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  • Zhangjiajie

• Day 15: Zhangjiajie - Shanghai, Golden Whip Stream and Baofeng Lake

  Start your day by hiking along the enchanting Golden Whip Stream, which stretches approximately 7.5 kilometers through the heart of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. With the sound of flowing water, breathe in the fresh air and feast your eyes on towering sandstone cliffs along the way.

  There followed a scenic boat ride on Baofeng Lake, surrounded by towering cliffs and lush forests. The crystal-clear waters reflect the dramatic landscape, offering perfect photo opportunities and a serene backdrop for relaxation.

  This evening, fly to the metropolitan Shanghai and transfer to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 16: Shanghai Introdutory City Tour

  Have a lie-in and enjoy breakfast before strolling along the iconic Bund, where colonial-era buildings contrast with the futuristic Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River. Then, retreat to the elegant 16-century Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden featuring tranquil ponds, rockeries, pavilions, and lush greenery, before getting involved in the lively atmosphere of Yuyuan Bazaar.

  Later in the day, your guide will lead you on an insider walking tour from Fuxing Park to Bugaoli, where you'll uncover the charm of traditional Shikumen architecture, savor local Shanghai-style dim sum, and experience the rhythm of everyday life.

  Top off the day with a breathtaking panoramic view of the city from the soaring Shanghai Tower.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 17: Shanghai, Leisure Day

  Today is free for your further sightseeing and exploration in the energetic city. Alternatively, you may want to explore Shanghai's surrounding water towns, known for their winding canals, arched stone bridges, and old-style architecture.

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  • Shanghai

• Day 18: Shanghai, Departure

  Your unforgettable adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. At the appointed time, your guide will escort you on a private transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.

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