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18-Day Classic China & Yunnan Tour

Customisable Itinerary
5.0 • (1 review)

Trip Overview

Journey across China, beginning with Shanghai’s tranquil Yuyuan Garden, the heights of Shanghai Tower, and the vibrant Bund. Explore Daxu Ancient Town and Guilin’s Elephant Trunk Hill before cruising the Li River past misty limestone peaks. Experience Yangshuo’s markets and riverside villages, Kunming’s Stone Forest, and Dali’s Erhai Lake. Wander Lijiang’s cobbled lanes, learn Naxi traditions, and ride to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Marvel at Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri-La’s Songzanlin Lamasery, and Pudacuo National Park. In Chengdu, savor Sichuan cuisine and meet pandas. Conclude with Xi’an’s Terracotta Army, Beijing’s Forbidden City, the Great Wall, and classic Roast Duck.

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Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Shanghai

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Arrival in Shanghai

Arrive in Shanghai and take a private transfer to your hotel. Check in upon arrival. The remainder of the day is at your leisure, allowing you to rest or explore the city independently.

  • accommodation icon
    Accommodation

    Sunrise On The Bund Hotel5 star

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Luxury

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    Destinations

    Shanghai

Day 2

Guided Tour of Shanghai

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Guided Tour of Shanghai

Explore Yuyuan Garden, the Former French Concession, Shanghai Tower, and The Bund in Shanghai. Walk through the Former French Concession to see historic French colonial buildings along streets like Huaihai, Fuxing, and Taikang. Visit Shanghai Tower, the world’s second-tallest building, and enjoy views from the 118th-floor observation deck. Stroll along The Bund’s 1.5-kilometer waterfront, lined with 52 preserved European-style buildings, and experience its vibrant mix of restaurants, shops, and nighttime lights.

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    Accommodation

    Sunrise On The Bund Hotel5 star

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    Activities

    Yu Garden

    The Bund

    Shanghai Tower(including 118th Floor Observation Deck)

    French Concession

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Shanghai

Day 3

Fly from Shanghai to Guilin

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Fly from Shanghai to Guilin

Start your day with an easy transfer from your Shanghai hotel to the airport, then fly to Guilin. Visit Daxu Ancient Town to see traditional wooden houses and local craftsmen. Discover authentic cupping therapy. Explore Elephant Trunk Hill, famous for its unique shape at the meeting point of two scenic rivers.

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    Accommodation

    Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel4 star

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    Activities

    Daxu Ancient Town Maozhou Island

    Elephant Trunk Hill

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Sunrise On The Bund Hotel Luxury to Shanghai Pudong International Airport

    Plane from Shanghai to Guilin

    Private Driver from Guilin Liangjiang International Airport to Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Shanghai

    Guilin

Day 4

River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo

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River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo

Travel from Guilin to Yangshuo on a four-hour Li River cruise aboard a modern four-star vessel with capacity for 80 passengers. See limestone peaks, bamboo groves, and rural life, including farmers and water buffaloes. Enjoy a buffet or semi-buffet lunch featuring local cuisine as you observe the scenic landscape.

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    Accommodation

    Guilin Lijiang Waterfall Hotel4 star

    Yangshuo Mountain Retreat4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Guilin to Li River Cruise Ticket Office

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Guilin

Day 5

Yangshuo to Guilin to Kunming

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Yangshuo to Guilin to Kunming

Venture beyond the well-trodden paths as you journey through the untamed countryside of Yangshuo. Roam tranquil villages where farmers lead water buffalo to emerald rice paddies beneath towering limestone peaks. Step inside a traditional home, swapping stories with locals who embody a timeless way of life. Cruise past ancient riverside buildings that echo with history, then hop a ferry to Fuli. Dive into the vibrant market, where the pulse of rural China comes alive with every bustling trade and spirited conversation.

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    Accommodation

    Cachet Boutique Kunming Artime4 star

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    Activities

    Discover the Rural China by Exploring the Less Touristy Countryside in Yangshuo

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Yangshuo County to Guilin

    Train from Guilin to Kunming

    Private Driver from Kunming Nanyao Railway Station to Cachet Boutique Hotel NYC

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Guilin

    Kunming

Day 6

Guided Tour of Kunming

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Guided Tour of Kunming

Begin your day by exploring Yuantong Temple, Kunming’s largest and most historically significant Buddhist sanctuary, boasting over 1,200 years of heritage. Marvel at its architectural grandeur and reflect on its role as a key religious site. Journey next to the Ancient Stone Forest, or Naigu Shilin, where striking black limestone formations stretch across 5,000 mu, offering a distinct landscape shaped by time and tradition. Conclude your experience at Green Lake Park, where tranquil waters and lively local performances invite you to immerse yourself in Kunming’s vibrant community life.

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    Accommodation

    Cachet Boutique Kunming Artime4 star

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    Activities

    Yuantong Temple

    Stone Forest Scenic

    Green Lake Park in Kunming (West Gate)

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Kunming

Day 7

Kunming to Dali with Afternoon Tour

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Kunming to Dali with Afternoon Tour

Begin your day with a transfer from your Kunming hotel to the train station, where you will catch a train to Dali. Upon arrival, you will be welcomed and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, embark on a guided tour to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Xizhou, where the Bai people's houses showcase exquisite murals and centuries-old architecture. Wander through the storied streets of Dali’s ancient city, framed by Cangshan Mountain and vibrant local gardens. Savor a relaxing cruise on Erhai Lake, discovering lush landscapes and authentic fishing villages. Breakfast and a satisfying local lunch are included.

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    Accommodation

    Landscape Hotel4 star

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    Activities

    Houses of Bai People in Xizhou

    Dali Ancient City

    Cruise on the Erhai Lake

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Cachet Boutique Hotel NYC to Kunming Nanyao Railway Station

    Train from Kunming to Dalian

    Private Driver from Dali Railway Station Ticket Office to Landscape Hotel

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Kunming

    Dali

Day 8

Travel from Dali to Lijiang with Afternoon Guided Tour

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Travel from Dali to Lijiang with Afternoon Guided Tour

Travel from Dali to Lijiang with your guide and driver. Explore Lijiang Ancient Town, located over 2,400 meters above sea level. Known for its well-preserved architecture and rich minority culture, the town is lively in the afternoon and evening but quieter in the early morning. Visit Black Dragon Pool, a scenic park recognized as one of China’s most famous pools. Enjoy lunch or dinner at popular local restaurants, selected by your guide to match your preferences and schedule.

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    Accommodation

    Sedona Sanhe Hall (Lijiang Ancient City Waterwheel Store)4 star

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    Activities

    Lijiang Ancient Town (South Gate)

    The Black Dragon Pool

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Dalian to Lijiang

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Dali

    Lijiang

Day 9

Lijiang - Cultural, Food and Scenic Day Tour

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Lijiang - Cultural, Food and Scenic Day Tour

Visit a Naxi shaman’s family for 40 minutes to learn about Dongba, the Naxi culture’s spiritual leader and creator of the Dongba script. Experience Naxi music and discover the people’s connection with nature. Next, spend 30 minutes in a local restaurant learning to make Naxi pancakes, known as Naxi baba. Knead the dough, add your choice of fillings, and enjoy your creation with lunch. Then, take a cable car up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to Glacier Park, walking 40 minutes to view the glacier and surrounding cloud sea.

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    Accommodation

    Sedona Sanhe Hall (Lijiang Ancient City Waterwheel Store)4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Naxi Shaman Family Visit

    Learn to Make Naxi Pancakes

    Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Visiting Glacier Park by cable car)

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Lijiang

    China

Day 10

Lijiang to Shangri la

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Lijiang to Shangri la

Going on on a scenic journey from Lijiang to Shangri-La, accompanied by your expert guide and driver. Marvel at the breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge, renowned as one of the world’s deepest and most spectacular gorges. Located in Hutiaoxia Town, approximately 105 kilometers from Shangri-La, this natural wonder promises awe-inspiring views and dramatic landscapes. Experience the gorge at its most dynamic in spring, when melting mountain snow fuels the river’s powerful currents, creating an unforgettable display of nature’s energy and beauty.

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    Accommodation

    The 5th Meteorite · Light-year Hotel4 star

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    Activities

    Tiger Leaping Gorge

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Lijiang to Zhongdian

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Lijiang

    Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Day 11

Shangri-La Discovery & Evening Flight to Chengdu

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Shangri-La Discovery & Evening Flight to Chengdu

Begin your guided tour in Shangri-La with a visit to Songzanlin Lamasery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province. Explore its grounds, admire architecture inspired by Lhasa’s Potala Palace, and view Buddhist statues and cultural relics. Continue to Pudacuo National Park, where you’ll walk through pristine forests, visit Shudu and Bita Lakes, and spot wildlife. Experience Tibetan culture with a visit to a lama’s dormitory to learn about daily life and beliefs.

At the end of the day, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chengdu.

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    Activities

    Gedan Songzanlin Lamasery (South Gate)

    Pudacuo National Park

    Discover the Life of a Tibetan Lama

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from The 5th Meteorite Glory Htl. Bldg 5 to Shangri-la Airport

    Plane from Shangri-La City to Chengdu

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Day 12

Chengdu Culture & Cuisine: Parks, Temples & Sichuan Flavours

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Chengdu Culture & Cuisine: Parks, Temples & Sichuan Flavours

Experience daily life in Chengdu by visiting a local park, where you can sip tea in People’s Park and learn about traditional tea etiquette from your guide. Join locals in square dancing, line dancing, or even a waltz, and observe unique scenes like the marriage market and teahouse ear massages. Explore Wenshu Monastery, a large Zen Buddhist temple with decorated halls, popular vegetarian restaurants, and busy teahouses. Learn to cook three Sichuan dishes with a local chef, and optionally join a game of mahjong to complete your day.

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    Accommodation

    Tibet Hotel Chengdu4 star

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    Activities

    Be a Chengduer in Local Park

    Wenshu Yuan Monastery

    Learn the Sichuan Cuisine Recipes from Local Chef

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Plane from Shangri-La City to Chengdu

    Private Driver from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Tibet Hotel Chengdu

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Chengdu

Day 13

Pandas & Sichuan Opera Experience

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Pandas & Sichuan Opera Experience

Begin your day with an airport pickup and transfer to your hotel. Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, located 6 miles north of the city center. This center houses over 200 giant pandas and red pandas, making it the largest panda base globally. Explore various enclosures, see pandas of all ages, and visit the Panda Museum. Shuttle buses and walkways connect the areas. In the afternoon, experience a behind-the-scenes tour at a local folk theater and watch a traditional Sichuan Opera performance. Enjoy meals at recommended local Sichuan restaurants. In the afternoon, catch the train to Xi'an

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    Accommodation

    Eastern House4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Panda Breeding and Research Center

    Behind the Scenes at a Folk Theater

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Train from Chengdu to Xi'An

    Private Driver from Xi'an Station to Eastern House

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Chengdu

    Xi'an

Day 14

Xi’an Highlights: Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Walls

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Xi’an Highlights: Terracotta Warriors & Ancient City Walls

Visit the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum, including Lishan Park, to see over 7,000 unique clay soldiers, archers, horses, and chariots created to guard Emperor Qin's tomb since 210 BC. Explore three main pits, each showing different aspects of the ancient army. Ride a tram through Lishan Garden, stopping at the Pit of Hundred Entertainers, Civil Officials, and the Bronze Chariot Museum. Learn how Terracotta Warriors are made at a countryside workshop. Walk or bike along the 13th-century Ancient City Wall for city views.

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    Accommodation

    Eastern House4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Terracotta Army

    Ancient City Wall

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Xi'an

Day 15

Xi’an Heritage & High-Speed Journey to Beijing

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Xi’an Heritage & High-Speed Journey to Beijing

Visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, a fifteen-storey square brick structure originally 46 metres tall, now 43.3 metres, featuring carved stone doors with early Tang Dynasty designs. You may ring the bell for blessings. Next, explore the nearby Xi’an Museum, which combines the pagoda, Janfu Temple’s ancient buildings, and a modern exhibition hall to showcase the city’s rich history.

In the afternoon, catch a train from Xi’an to Beijing.

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    Accommodation

    Beijing Peace Hotel 4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    Small Wild Goose Pagoda

  • transportations icon
    Transportations

    Private Driver from Eastern House to Xi'an Railway Station

    Train from Xi'An to Beijing

    Private Driver from Beijing Station West Street to Peace Hotel - Peace Palace Ballroom

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Xi'an

    Beijing

Day 16

Beijing Icons: Tiananmen, Forbidden City & Culinary Highlights

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Beijing Icons: Tiananmen, Forbidden City & Culinary Highlights

This guided tour lasts eight hours, starting at 9 am and ending at 5 pm. Visit Tiananmen Square and the Temple of Heaven, two important landmarks in Beijing. Explore the Forbidden City with the Emperor's Tour for a deeper understanding of its history. Lunch is provided at popular local restaurants, offering a taste of regional cuisine. The day concludes with a Beijing Roast Duck dinner, allowing you to experience one of the city's most famous dishes.

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    Accommodation

    Beijing Peace Hotel 4 star

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    Activities

    Tiananmen Square

    Temple of Heaven

    Discover the Forbidden City via Our Emperor's Tour

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    Restaurants

    Beijing Roast Duck

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    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

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    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 17

Great Wall Mutianyu & Temple of Heaven Experience

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Great Wall Mutianyu & Temple of Heaven Experience

Discover the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, a popular and accessible destination located roughly 1.5 hours from Beijing. Take a round-trip cable car ride to Tower 14, where you can explore at your own pace and hike the scenic path between the towers. Enjoy panoramic views and the well-preserved architecture. Continue your journey at the Temple of Heaven, a renowned site from the Ming dynasty. Stroll along a 1.5-kilometer route through this historic park, taking in its unique cultural significance and tranquil atmosphere.

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    Accommodation

    Beijing Peace Hotel 4 star

  • activities icon
    Activities

    The Mutianyu Great Wall

    Temple of Heaven

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast and lunch

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beijing

Day 18

Departure Day

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Departure Day

Enjoy a final breakfast before checking out and transferring to the airport.

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    Transportations

    Private Driver from Peace Hotel - Peace Palace Ballroom to Beijing Capital International Airport

  • meals icon
    Meals

    Breakfast

  • destination icon
    Destinations

    Beijing

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What’s included?

  • 16 nights accommodation
  • 36 activities
  • 17 breakfasts and 16 lunches
  • Airport transfer
  • Alcohol beverages
  • Domestic flights
  • Entrance fees
  • Ground transportation
  • Licensed English speaking guides

What’s not included?

  • Entry visas / airport departure tax
  • Gratuities
  • International flights
  • Laundry
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Trekking permits

Inspiration for you

Explore the authentic activities in China

The Bund, Shanghai, China|Yu Garden, Shanghai, China|Shanghai Tower(including 118th Floor Observation Deck), Shanghai, China|French Concession, Shanghai, China|Elephant Trunk Hill, Guangxi, China|Daxu Ancient Town Maozhou Island, Guangxi, China|Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, Guangxi, China|Discover the Rural China by Exploring the Less Touristy Countryside in Yangshuo, Guangxi, China|Yuantong Temple, Yunnan, China|Green Lake Park in Kunming (West Gate), Yunnan, China|Stone Forest Scenic, Yunnan, China|Dali Ancient City, Yunnan, China|Cruise on the Erhai Lake, Yunnan, China|Houses of Bai People in Xizhou, Yunnan, China|Lijiang Ancient Town (South Gate), Yunnan, China|The Black Dragon Pool, Yunnan, China|Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Visiting Glacier Park by cable car), , China|Learn to Make Naxi Pancakes, Yunnan, China|Naxi Shaman Family Visit, Yunnan, China|Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan, China|Gedan Songzanlin Lamasery (South Gate), Yunnan, China|Pudacuo National Park, Yunnan, China|Discover the Life of a Tibetan Lama, Yunnan, China|Be a Chengduer in Local Park, Sichuan, China|Learn the Sichuan Cuisine Recipes from Local Chef, Sichuan, China|Wenshu Yuan Monastery, Sichuan, China|Panda Breeding and Research Center, Sichuan, China|Behind the Scenes at a Folk Theater, Sichuan, China|Terracotta Army, Shaanxi, China|Ancient City Wall, Shaanxi, China|Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Shaanxi, China|Tiananmen Square, Beijing, China|Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China|Discover the Forbidden City via Our Emperor's Tour, Beijing, China|Temple of Heaven, Beijing, China|The Mutianyu Great Wall, Beijing, China|Beijing Roast Duck, Beijing, China