Landscapes of China: Hong Kong, Guilin, Zhangjiajie & Shanghai - 11 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Hong Kong, Explore the Kowloon Peninsula

Welcome to Hong Kong! Touch down in this multicultural metropolis, where a private driver will be waiting to take you to your accommodation for the next few nights. Drop your bags and catch your breath, then hit the ground running with an exploration of the Kowloon Peninsula. The rainbow-hued temple of Wong Tai Sin is your first stop of the day. A cultural treasure, many locals come here to worship for good luck. Visitors can also have their fortunes read if they dare!

Your next stop is the Nan Lian Garden. Perched on Diamond Hill, this 8.6-acre (3.5 ha) slice of leafy prime real estate was designed in the Tang Dynasty style. Discover golden pavilions and lush gardens that offer a delightful respite from the sprawling cityscape. Your last stop of the day is the Yuen Po Street Bird Market. Tucked away in a narrow alley, diverse species of birds flit around in whimsical cages of varying sizes. The popular Mong Kok Flower Market is also right next door if you love beautiful blooms.

Day 2: Visit Repulse Bay, Victoria Peak, Aberdeen Fishing Village & Stanley Market

Today is all about getting to know Hong Kong like a local as you set out with a guide who knows the city like the back of their hand. Kick things off in Repulse Bay, a more secluded area of the city with its own beach. This is where most Hongkongers come to swim and it also happens to be one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the city, known for its ideal feng shui that draws in luxury property owners. After getting your seaside fix, it's time to head for new heights as you ride the famous Peak Tram through the forest to reach Victoria Peak.

This spot offers one of the city's most iconic views, and it helps put the sparkling sprawl into perspective. Next, you'll head back down the mountain to the Aberdeen Fishing Village, also known as Old Hong Kong. Fishing villages once stood in this harbor, the original settlement of the city. Dive straight into a cultural experience here, hopping in a traditional sampan boat with a local guide. These flat-bottomed wooden boats provide an intimate peak at what life was like in Victoria Harbor centuries ago. Finish up the day at Stanley Market, known for its excellent shopping and street food.

Day 3: Train to Guilin, Explore the Reed Flute Cave

Board your first high-speed train in China this morning to make your way 3.5 hours north to the city of Guilin. Take the opportunity to relax as beautiful scenery passes outside your window. Upon arrival, drop your bags in at your accommodation in this vibrant river town and set off on your next adventure—heading west of Guilin to spend the afternoon uncovering the mystical Reed Flute Cave. 

Step inside the caverns to reveal towering stalagmites and dripping stalactites, alive in an array of colorful light. These rock formations were created over millions of years and reach a whopping 1,640 feet (500 m) into the earth. Venture deeper into the cave's hidden chambers to reveal rushing waterfalls and ink inscriptions that date back to the eighth century CE. As you exit, admire the reeds growing near the entrance that give the cave its name, then transfer back to Guilin for the afternoon.

Day 4: Day Trip to the Longji Rice Terraces

Located just two hours north of Guilin, the Longji Rice Terraces are a striking example of Asia's coveted rice cultivation. Make the journey with your guide to see these emerald waves of grain blanketing the hillsides. Also known as the Longsheng Rice Terraces, both of these names translate directly to "dragon's backbone," a description of the curvature of the rice paddies as they undulate from the river's edge all the way to the hilltops. As the sun reflects off the terraces in the peak of summer, the entire region takes on hues of neon green.

Ten ethnic minorities live in this region, cultivating the rice on these terraces for hundreds of years. You'll be invited to the villages of both the Yao and Zhuang peoples for a cultural experience you won't find anywhere else. Many Yao women only cut their hair once in their life, on their 18th birthday, and you'll be treated to a display of their beautiful locks at the Long Hair Show. Often over 7.5 feet (2.3 m) in length, watch as they wash and intricately braid their hair, a symbol of both longevity and prosperity. 

Day 5: Li River Cruise Experience, Visit West Street

Capturing the imagination of artists, poets, and weary travelers alike for thousands of years, the Li River is quintessential China at its best. You'll experience its distinctive landscapes today on a 4.5-hour river cruise, making your way downriver from Guilin to the city of Yangshuo. Watch as the karst rock formations rise up from the green and yellow fields, standing like giants in the morning mist. 

The boat will arrive in Yangshuo in the early afternoon, just in time for you to explore West Street. Situated in the shadow of towering limestone pillars, the city is well known for its ancient architecture that lines either side of this wide pedestrian boulevard strung with lanterns. You'll also find steaming street food stalls and lively performances seemingly around every corner. After plenty of time to explore, you'll transfer back to Guilin in the afternoon.

Day 6: Bullet Train to Zhangjiajie

Fuel up on a delicious breakfast in Guilin because you're in for a long journey today. Your destination is Zhangjiajie, a city in the Hunan province and the gateway to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. The train takes 7.5 hours, but you'll spend the trip in comfort as you watch diverse and ever-shifting landscapes pass your window. China's high-speed trains are luxurious, and you won't want for anything along the way, whether it be delicious food or an immaculate bathroom. A driver will be waiting for you on arrival, and you'll have the evening free to rest up for tomorrow's adventures.

Day 7: Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianzi Mountain & Golden Whip Stream

You'll spend the next two days exploring the nooks and crannies of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Today, you'll focus on two specific areas: Yuanjiajie and Tianzi Mountain. Start discovering the park in Yuanjiajie. This area is famous for its sandstone rock pillars, covered in vegetation that rises out of the mist, a landscape so otherworldly its thought to have inspired the movie "Avatar." Take a cable car to the viewing platform, where you can better appreciate the karst towers, including the Southern Sky Column. You'll also see other natural rock formations like the "First Bridge Under Heaven."

In the afternoon, you'll take the shuttle to the Tianzi Mountain section of the park. The limestone pillars in this area are particularly impressive, towering 3,280 feet (1,000 m) in the sky. Finish the day with a hike along the Golden Whip Stream, one of the most scenic areas of the entire national forest. You'll pass idyllic pagodas and lookouts while following the stream itself for 4 miles (7 km). 

Day 8: Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, Tianmen Mountain & Cliff Hanging Walkway

Begin your second day in the park at the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, where you can stand atop one of the world's tallest and longest glass bridges for a dizzying view of the canyon and the almost 1,000-foot (300 m) drop. After a thrilling morning, head to Tianmen Mountain, also called Heaven's Gate Mountain. You'll take the Heaven's Linking Avenue Cable Car, the longest in the entire world at 24,459 feet (7,455 m), to reach one of the most spectacular sights in all of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. 

Step off the cable car and climb the 999 stairs to a giant natural archway surrounded by sky and forest. Created by wind and water erosion, this striking monolith looks like a window leading straight into the clouds (the opening of the arch is known as the Tianmen Cave). If you want to continue your death-defying feats, you can also opt to walk the Cliff Hanging Walkway. Clinging to the side of the mountain, this path is a thrilling adventure with nothing but sheer drops on one side and craggy cliffs on the other.

Day 9: Fly to Shanghai, Self-Guided Tour of Nanjing Road

Say goodbye to Zhangjiajie this morning as you catch a flight to Shanghai. The journey only takes about two hours, and upon arrival, a driver will take you to your hotel to drop off your bags. Then, set off on your own for a stroll down Nanjing Road. One of the busiest shopping streets in the world, you'll find everything from luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Hermes to simple souvenirs lining its packed pavement. 

The facades of many of the buildings lining Nanjing Road hearken back to the 1920s, with Art Deco architectural details living in harmony beside neon signage. Architect buffs won't want to miss the Peace Hotel and the Shanghai Museum, while foodies will be in heaven with the plentiful street stalls hawking Shanghainese specialties like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and da bing (scallion wheat pancakes).

Day 10: Visit The Bund, Yu Garden & Shikumen

Get even better acquainted with the skyline that Shanghai is famous for at The Bund. Spanning over 1 mile (1.6 km), this colonial symbol of the city has changed dramatically over the last century. The waterfront promenade is situated along the Huangpu River and offers sweeping views with a mix of modern and historic architecture that has evolved over time. Head off with your guide toward the Yu Garden next, a sprawling green space tucked against the City God Temple. The first iteration of these gardens was built in the 16th century by a Ming governor and dedicated to his father. 

Don't miss the chance to stop for refreshing snacks, like tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls) and a cup of tea, at one of the tea houses at the nearby Yuyuan Market. After a little refreshment, it's time to head for your final stop of the day at the Shikumen Stone Gate Houses. Originally built as tenement homes, these well-preserved buildings showcase the unique Shikumen architectural style that combines both European and Asian influences to reflect Shanghai's complicated history.

Day 11: Depart Shanghai

Your private driver will be waiting to whisk you off to the airport today. Wave goodbye to Shanghai's famously colorful skyline as you ascend into the clouds. Whether you're headed home or to your next destination, safe travels!

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