Duration

11 Days

Tour Type

Private & Bespoke

Tour Style

Classic

About This Trip

Discover the rich tapestry of southern China on this 11-day journey. Begin in Guangzhou, exploring its modern skyline and historic sites. Venture to Shameen Island, Yongqing Lane, and the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall. In Chaozhou, visit the ancient Kaiyuan Temple and the Song Dynasty’s porcelain kiln site. Experience the Chen Ci-hong Mansion in Shantou and the Mazu Palace. Delight in the Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster in Nanjing County and the natural beauty of Gulangyu Island. Cruise on the serene West Lake in Hangzhou. Conclude in Shanghai, where you can savor local delicacies and stroll through the French Concession. Each day offers a blend of cultural immersion and scenic splendor.

Itinerary Summary

DAYPLACEHIGHLIGHTS
1 – 2GuangzhouShameen Island, Yongqing Lane, Chen Clan Ancestral Hall
3ChaozhouKaiyuan Temple, Porcelain Kiln Site of Song Dynasty
4 – 6Shantou – XiamenChen Ci-Hong Mansion, Mazu Palace, Tianluokeng Tulou Cluster, Gulangyu Island
7 – 8HangzhouWest Lake Cruise, Lingyin Temple, Meijiawu Tea Village
9 -11ShanghaiThe Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession
Quick Question

Itinerary

Welcome to Guangzhou! Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by our guide and escorted to your hotel. After check-in, explore the vibrant city at your leisure.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Today, embark on an exploration led by your local English guide, starting with the enchanting Shameen Island, a tapestry of European architecture and historical gems like the Goose Pool and the Ancient Cannon. Stroll through Yongqing Lane, a haven for culinary delights and cultural heritage. The Cantonese Opera Museum, a hidden gem, awaits around the corner.

Marvel at the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, an epitome of Lingnan artistry, adorned with intricate sculptures and folk crafts. Honor the father of China’s republic at the Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall, where a bronze statue of the great leader stands sentinel. For history enthusiasts, delve into the Nanyue King Museum, a sanctuary of archaeological wonders, including the exquisite “Thread-by-Thread Jade Garment”.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Board a high-speed train on an adventure to Chaozhou, a journey that will take about 4 hours. Upon arrival, explore the ancient Kaiyuan Temple, a sanctuary of serenity dating back 1200 years, and the porcelain kiln site, a testament to the artistic flair of the Song Dynasty. Lastly, marvel at the Xiangzi Bridge, celebrated as one of China’s four most famous ancient bridges.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Embark on a voyage to Shantou, where the grandeur of the past comes alive at the Chen Ci-hong Mansion, a jewel of the region’s affluent heritage. Stroll through Zhongshan Park, a lush sanctuary nestled within the bustling urban scape, and soak in the essence of everyday life here.

At the Mazu Palace, marvel at the exquisite craftsmanship of the twin dragons on the gatehouse ridge, their porcelain forms engaged in a vibrant play with a pearl, radiating a dazzling array of colors under the warm caress of the sun. In the afternoon, board a high-speed train to Xiamen, where a seamless transfer awaits to your hotel.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

After breakfast, set off on a scenic 3-hour drive to Nanjing County to explore the architectural wonders of the Hakka people. Discover the Tianluokeng tulou cluster, a cluster of earthen buildings that stand as a testament to the region’s heritage. Visit Yuchang Lou, the oldest and largest circular tulou, and Taxia Village, a picturesque settlement that has been listed among the 15 Chinese Landscape Villages. After a day of cultural immersion, return to Xiamen.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Spend a delightful day on Gulangyu Island, starting with the majestic Sunlight Rock, which offers a panoramic view of the island and its vibrant buildings framed by greenery.

Next, step into the Shuzhuang Garden, a serene oasis designed with the principles of ‘hiding elements’ and ‘borrowing from the surroundings’ to create a sense of infinite space.

For a melodic interlude, visit the Piano Museum, home to a collection of over 100 antique pianos that echo the island’s nickname as the ‘Piano Island’.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Setting off from Xiamen today on a high-speed rail adventure to Hangzhou, a swift and comfortable 4-hour ride awaits. If you yearn to embrace the vintage allure of a cheongsam photoshoot, we can craft this experience for you. As you slip into the refined cheongsam and finalize your look with meticulous makeup and a graceful updo, we will document your beauty with a series of artistic photographs, set against the enchanting natural canvas of West Lake’s most captivating vistas (extra cost).

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Set sail on a serene West Lake cruise, where the lake’s reflective waters and surrounding willow-lined banks paint a picture of classic Chinese beauty. Delve into the sanctity of Lingyin Temple, hidden in the embrace of nature, and stand in awe before the enigmatic Feilai Peak. For a cultural journey, step into Meijiawu Tea Village to embrace the traditional Chinese tea craft and steep in the aroma of Longjing tea.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Embark on a scenic morning train journey to Shanghai, a vibrant metropolis rich with history and modernity. Stroll along the Bund, taking in the colonial architecture that lines the waterfront. Next, immerse yourself in the ancient charm of Yu Garden, a classic Chinese garden in the heart of Shanghai. Wander through the bustling Yuyuan market, where you can shop for traditional Chinese goods and snacks. In the afternoon, explore the former French Concession, with its tree-lined streets and quaint shops, offering a taste of old Shanghai’s colonial past.

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Today, you have the freedom to explore Shanghai’s vibrant cityscape at your own leisure. For a touch of culinary adventure, we can organize a hands-on cooking class where you’ll have the pleasure of crafting traditional Chinese delicacies like Xiaolongbao and Baozi (extra costs).

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Savor some free time for personal exploration before a private car service escorts you to the airport for your onward journey. Safe travels!

🍽 Local dining

◷ Flexible timing

▱ Beijing

Why Choose Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd.

12-Year TripAdvisor Award

Travellers’ Choice winner every year since 2013

No Commission Shopping

Zero shopping stops, zero pressure, zero hidden agendas

100% Private

Every tour is exclusively yours — no strangers, no shared buses

Expert Local Guides

Licensed, English-speaking guides with deep local knowledge

Real reviews from real travellers

  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eI highly recommend Inner Mongolia Jiuhong Travel Service Co., Ltd. The team is very easy to work with, has excellent ideas and the guides are knowledgeable and easy to be with. Very solid itineraries and execution — flexible, high quality, and great value for money.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    James T.
    Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe visited both Xi’an and Shanghai under Jiuhong’s arrangement and received the same first-class service in both cities. The guides were knowledgeable, flexible, and happy to discuss all aspects of modern China — giving insights difficult to obtain elsewhere. Strongly recommended.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Greenfly
    Couples · Verified · TripAdvisor
  • u003cemu003eu003cemu003eWe had a wonderful action-packed day. Fei Fei was amazing — her knowledge was very impressive and she was a real pleasure to be with. This was certainly the highlight of our stay in this beautiful city. Thanks so much.u003c/emu003eu003c/emu003e
    Ludovic V.
    Couples · London, UK · Verified · TripAdvisor

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