China’s Land of Giants

Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and settle in. This evening, why not choose from two fantastic optional experiences — cruise along the Pearl River and see the city lights sparkle, or join a guided food tour to sample local flavours and street eats.

This morning, depart Guangzhou and travel by high-speed bullet train to Guilin (approx. 2.5 hours), a city famed for its dramatic limestone karst peaks and scenic rivers.
Upon arrival, explore the otherworldly Reed Flute Cave, an illuminated underground wonder filled with colourful stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations that have inspired poets and painters for centuries. Then visit Elephant Trunk Hill Park, home to Guilin’s most recognisable landmark — a natural stone arch resembling an elephant drinking from the river. This evening, enjoy a special group dinner showcasing the bold flavours of traditional ethnic minority cuisine.

Today is yours to explore Guilin at leisure, or join an optional full-day tour to nearby Yangshuo where you will cruise the serene Li River by bamboo raft, enjoy lunch in Yangshuo town, visit a rural village and learn about local life.

Start the day with a visit to Chuanshan Park, home to the picturesque Cockfighting Hills, where two limestone peaks resemble birds mid-battle. This scenic park offers one of the most beautiful views along the Li River.

Stop by a traditional Tea House before boarding a high-speed train to Zhangjiajie (approx. 7 hours), where you’ll experience some of China’s most dramatic natural scenery. Travelling in spring or autumn offers an extra treat, with bursts of pink and purple blossoms in spring and golden yellows and fiery reds in autumn painting the landscape.

Today, explore the breathtaking beauty of Tianzi Mountain, where mist-shrouded stone peaks rise high above the clouds. These giant landscapes inspired the floating mountains in the movie Avatar.

Ascend the mountain via the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor lift, and soak up panoramic views over towering sandstone formations. Opt to join an optional tour to Baofeng Lake or Yellow Dragon Cave to continue an amazing day of sightseeing or choose to return to the hotel to rest.

Discover more of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park with visits to the Golden Whip Stream and Shili Gallery, famed for their lush beauty and jagged cliffs.

Later, visit the Junsheng Sandstone Painting Institute, known for its unique art made from layered sand and minerals. Finish with a stop at a local Jade Store.

In the evening, you can choose to walk the thrilling Grand Canyon Glass Bridge or attend a vibrant local cultural show.

Enjoy a relaxing morning or join an optional tour to Tianmen Mountain, reached via one of the world’s longest outdoor cable car rides. At the summit, take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, including the famous ‘Stairway to Heaven’ and the 99 bending roads that snake dramatically up the mountain. The scenery from the top is truly unforgettable.

Later, fly from Zhangjiajie to Changsha for an overnight stay.

Fly to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Upon arrival, explore the peaceful People’s Park, where locals sip tea, play mahjong, and enjoy music.

Continue to Kuanzhai Alley, a lively mix of historic courtyards and bustling shops. This evening, you can opt to try Chengdu’s legendary hot pot, a fiery local favourite.

Visit the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can see these national treasures up close in a natural habitat.

After lunch, explore the 2,000-year-old Dujiangyan Irrigation System, still in use today and an engineering marvel of the ancient world. Later, visit a Sichuan embroidery and silk workshop.

In the evening, consider attending a Sichuan Opera, known for its dramatic face-changing performance art.

Enjoy breakfast before transferring to Chengdu Airport to meet your flight home.