With a diversity of attractions, southern China offers unrivalled experiences to both domestic and international tourists.
In Guilin, you can enjoy a lovely river cruise. While in Longsheng, you can admire the terraced rice fields. And, if you’re a culture lover, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable visit to Zhaoxing Don Village, in Guizhou province.
Further south, Hainanese culture is on show at the Hainan Museum, where you can learn all about the island and its capital, Haikou. You’ll also have chance to check out Haikou’s Crater Park.
With a diversity of attractions, southern China offers unrivalled experiences to both domestic and international tourists.
In Guilin, you can enjoy a lovely river cruise. While in Longsheng, you can admire the terraced rice fields. And, if you’re a culture lover, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable visit to Zhaoxing Don Village, in Guizhou province.
Further south, Hainanese culture is on show at the Hainan Museum, where you can learn all about the island and its capital, Haikou. You’ll also have chance to check out Haikou’s Crater Park.
Itinerary
Day 1: Beijing Arrival and Transfer to Guilin
Landing in Beijing, you’ll be welcomed to a world of wonders. You will have some time to rest a little after your arrival, before taking a transfer to Guilin. You’ll be met by a tour guide and transported to your hotel for the night.
Hotel Options: Sheraton Hotel Guilin *****
Day 2: Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave & Night Cruise
Get set for a full-day city tour of Guilin. You’ll start off with a visit to an important landmark, The Elephant Trunk Hill, in Xiangshan Park, at the confluence of Taohua and Li rivers.
Nearby, you can also find fascinating, ancient structures such as the Puxian Pagoda, Yunfeng Temple and Sarira Dagoba.
Later, you’re invited to enter into the magical world of the Reed Flute Cave, owing its name to the reeds growing inside. In this water-eroded wonderland, you’ll find plenty of stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations, all highlighted by coloured lighting.
It’s also worth checking out the East-West Alley in Guilin’s city centre. And you can finish your day with a night cruise.
Hotel Options: Sheraton Hotel Guilin *****
Day 3: Li River Cruise & Impression Liu Sanjie
Embark on a four-hour Li River cruise, with lunch onboard, from Guilin to Yangshuo.
Once at your destination, be sure to visit West Street which, at 1,400 years old, is the oldest street in Yangshuo.
You can also take in the famous show, ‘Impression Liu Sanjie,’ at what’s billed as the world’s largest natural theatre, nestled within plants and trees, providing a unique experience.
Hotel Options: Yangshuo Resort *****
Day 4: Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces
Head to Longsheng by road for a day-long visit to the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces, considered the most amazing terraces in China.
They stretch across vast areas of land, coiling from the base of Longji (the dragon’s backbone) Mountain to its summit.
You can also catch a glimpse of how local Yao and Zhuang ethnic tribes live.
Hotel Options: Ping’an Grand Hotel *****
Day 5: Lu Family Village
Back to Guilin and you can discover a unique place called Lu Family Village. It boasts 98 retro houses of Anhui construction style and Guangxi North residential style.
Tofu is a popular food here, with village residents very good at cooking it alongside soybean milk products. Don’t miss the chance to try some of the local delicacies.
Hotel Options: Sheraton Hotel Guilin *****
Day 6: Travel to Zhaoxing Dong Village
Head to the train station, to catch a bullet train, from Guiling city to Congjiang station.
On arrival, you can visit the Zhaoxing Dong Village, nestled on a mountain and boasting wooden houses among other fascinating features.
Dong people love music, so don’t miss out on the chance to enjoy the Dong grand song, locally known as ‘Galao.’ Women and men sing together, highlighting the sense of unity in the village. An amazing musical treat.
Hotel Options: Local Brand Hotel ****
Day 7: Tang’an Dong Village & Basha Miao Village
Day 7 will take you to Tang’an Dong village, where you can immerse yourself in history in harmony with nature.
In the afternoon, head to Basha Miao Village, which still preserves the Miao culture. The area is full of maple trees, that become even more magic when the sun, worshipped by locals, starts to set.
Hotel Options: Metro Park Kaili Hotel ****
Day 8: Langde Miao Village and Guiyang
Upon your arrival at the Langde Miao Village, you might be surprised with a traditional welcoming ceremony and performance by the local villagers. Take time to enjoy the experience before visiting the typical wooden houses.
If you’re feeling energetic, why not do some hiking around the area. But don’t use up all of your battery, as in the afternoon you’ll be heading to Guiyang.
Hotel Options: Sofitel Guiyang Hotel *****
Day 9: Qingyan Ancient Town & Jiaxiu Pavillion
As one of the most famous historical and cultural towns in Guizhou Province, the Qingyan Ancient Town, is the first stop for you today.
You’ll get to know more about the history of the province before going back to Guiyang to visit the outstanding Jiaxiu Pavilion, with a history of more than four centuries.
Built during the Ming Dynasty, it is a three-level, 20-metre-high building that perfectly represents the local architectural style. Here you can enjoy a wide collection of stone engravings, calligraphy works, paintings and woodworks.
Hotel Options: Sofitel Guiyang Hotel *****
Day 10: Transfer to Haikou
Have your breakfast and then head to the airport to take a flight to the capital city of Hainan province, Haikou.
Once you arrive, your guide will escort you to your hotel.
If you’ve got some free time, why not head off on a city tour or go shopping for some souvenirs. If you’re a golf lover, this is a paradise.
Hotel Options: Marriot Hotel in Haikou***** / Novotel Haikou Xinbudao ****
Day 11: Hainan Museum, Temple of the Five Lords & Arcade Streets
Hainan is steeped in history and culture and a great way to get to grips with it is by visiting the Hainan Museum. Also be sure to check out the fascinating Temple of the Five Lords, which is dedicated to five historical figures.
In the afternoon, you’re invited to lose yourself in the iconic Arcade Streets, with plenty of buildings showing off unique architectural styles you can’t miss.
Hotel Options: Marriot Hotel in Haikou ***** / Novotel Haikou Xinbudao ****
Day 12: Leiqiong Global Geo Park of China & Movie Town
A visit to the Leiqiong Global Geo Park of China is a must-do while you’re here.
A guide will take you to discover an area rich in volcanic landscaped, local flora and fauna.
In the afternoon, you’ll do something completely different. Checking out Haikou’s Movie Town, originally built as a set for films. With time, it’s become a picture-perfect attraction for tourists.
Hotel Options: Marriot Hotel in Haikou ***** / Novotel Haikou Xinbudao ****
Day 13: Flight to Beijing
You have a free day until your local guide takes you to the airport to take-off to Beijing. Sit down, enjoy and relax.