AriaTravel
AriaTravel
China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
Small group Fixed departures 9 days · 3 stops

China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline

A 9-day journey from Zhangjiajie’s mountain landscapes through Guilin and Yangshuo to the skyline of Shanghai.

Last updated: October 26, 2026

View departures English-speaking tour · Party size 2–12 guests

Tour code: ARIA-CN-2607G

Route
Zhangjiajie → Guilin → Shanghai
Duration
8 Nights, 9 Days
Party size
2–12 guests
Language
English
1

Journey overview

A shared journey · a fixed itinerary

A 9-day journey from Zhangjiajie’s mountain landscapes through Guilin and Yangshuo to the skyline of Shanghai.

This 9-day journey connects Zhangjiajie, Guilin, Shanghai. Zhangjiajie is defined by dramatic sandstone pillars, high mountain viewpoints and deep forested valleys. Guilin and Yangshuo offer classic karst scenery, river landscapes and quiet countryside experiences. Shanghai contrasts historic riverfront architecture with one of Asia's most recognizable contemporary skylines. The programme is designed for international travelers seeking a balanced introduction to culture, landscapes and contemporary local life.

2

Trip Route & highlights

  1. Days 1–4

    Zhangjiajie

    • Yuanjiajie
    • Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
    • Baofeng Lake
    • Tianmen Mountain
    • 72 Qilou
  2. Days 5–7

    Guilin and Yangshuo

    • Reed Flute Cave
    • Elephant Trunk Hill
    • a Li River cruise
    • bamboo rafting in Yangshuo
    • West Street
    • countryside cycling
  3. Days 7–9

    Shanghai

    • the Maglev Train
    • the Bund
    • Shanghai Tower
    • Nanjing Road
    • Yu Garden
    • Shanghai Museum
3

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Zhangjiajie Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
Accommodation: Wulingyuan

Arrive in Zhangjiajie and meet your driver for the transfer to your hotel in Wulingyuan. After checking in, take time to rest after your journey. The remainder of the day is free, with an overnight stay in Wulingyuan before the following day's mountain sightseeing.

Day 2 Wulingyuan and Yuanjiajie Zhangjiajie

Tianzi Mountain — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
Bailong Elevator — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
Ten Mile Gallery — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Wulingyuan

Spend the day exploring Wulingyuan, where slender sandstone pillars rise above forested valleys. Continue to Yuanjiajie and follow its scenic paths to discover new perspectives on the surrounding peaks. The shifting layers of rock and greenery create a landscape that feels different at every turn, with time to pause and appreciate its scale. After a day surrounded by the mountains, return to your hotel in Wulingyuan for the evening.

Day 3 Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Baofeng Lake Zhangjiajie

Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
Baofeng Lake — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Zhangjiajie

Discover Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon, where steep cliffs and a deep valley reveal another side of the region's dramatic scenery. Continue to Baofeng Lake, framed by green hills and distinctive rock formations. The contrast between the canyon's rugged forms and the lake's tranquil setting gives the day a varied rhythm, with two different perspectives on Zhangjiajie's landscapes. After sightseeing, travel to your hotel in downtown Zhangjiajie and settle in for the night.

Day 4 Tianmen Mountain and 72 Qilou Zhangjiajie

Tianmen Cave — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
Tianmen Mountain — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
72 Wonder Towers — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Zhangjiajie

Explore Tianmen Mountain, taking in the dramatic heights and broad mountain views that make it one of Zhangjiajie's signature sights. The day's scenery offers a different perspective from the sandstone pillars of Wulingyuan. Afterwards, continue to 72 Qilou, where striking traditional-style architecture, shops and local food stalls create a lively setting to explore. Enjoy the contrast between the mountain landscape and this colorful cultural complex before returning to your hotel in Zhangjiajie.

Day 5 Train to Guilin, Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill Zhangjiajie to Guilin

Reed Flute Cave — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
Elephant Trunk Hill — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Guilin

Travel by high-speed train from Zhangjiajie to Guilin, watching the scenery change as you head towards southern China's karst country. After arrival, visit Reed Flute Cave, where illuminated rock formations create an atmospheric underground landscape. Continue to Elephant Trunk Hill, one of Guilin's most recognizable natural landmarks. Together, the two sights introduce the region's distinctive limestone scenery from below ground and beside the water. Stay overnight in central Guilin.

Day 6 Li River Cruise, Bamboo Rafting and West Street Guilin to Yangshuo

Li River — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
Yulong River — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
West Street — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Yangshuo

Cruise along the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, passing the limestone peaks and riverside landscapes that define this celebrated stretch of southern China. Watch the scenery unfold from the boat as villages, hills and reflections slip into view. In the afternoon, enjoy a bamboo raft ride in Yangshuo for a different experience of the landscape. Explore West Street in the evening, then stay overnight in Yangshuo, close to the countryside you will discover tomorrow.

Day 7 Countryside Cycling, Flight to Shanghai and City Sights Yangshuo and Guilin to Shanghai

Yangshuo — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
Maglev Train — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
The Bund — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
Shanghai Tower — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
Nanjing Road — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Shanghai

Cycle through the Yangshuo countryside, enjoying the rural scenery before returning to Guilin for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival, ride the Maglev Train and begin exploring the city. Walk along the Bund, see Shanghai Tower and continue to Nanjing Road, taking in the contrast between historic riverfront architecture and the modern skyline. From peaceful countryside to bright city streets, the day's changing scenes reveal the breadth of the journey. Stay overnight in Shanghai.

Day 8 Yu Garden and Shanghai Museum Shanghai

Yu Garden — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
Shanghai Museum — China's Natural Wonders and Shanghai Skyline
Meals: B/LAccommodation: Shanghai

Visit Yu Garden, where pavilions, ponds and carefully arranged rockeries create a peaceful setting within the city. Follow its winding paths and discover the details that make a classical Chinese garden feel like a series of small landscapes. (Please note that Yuyuan Garden closes on Mondays, except for public holidays. Should the scheduled visit fall on its closing day, it will be replaced by the City God Temple. No extra refund or compensation will be provided for this itinerary adjustment.) Continue to Shanghai Museum to explore collections of Chinese art and cultural treasures. From garden design to museum displays, the day offers a thoughtful look at traditions that still shape China's cultural identity. Return to your Shanghai hotel.

Day 9 Shanghai Departure Shanghai

Meals: B

Enjoy free time in Shanghai before your arranged departure transfer. Depending on your travel schedule, relax at the hotel or take a final walk nearby. At the confirmed time, meet your driver at the hotel and transfer to the airport or railway station for your onward journey.

4

What’s included

✓ Included

  • Hotel Accommodation: Accommodation in conveniently located 4-star hotels, based on two guests sharing a room, with daily Western-style breakfast. A room with one king-size bed may be requested, subject to availability.
  • English-Speaking Tour Guide: Professional English-speaking guide services throughout the scheduled sightseeing program.
  • Arrival Meet-and-Greet: A representative will welcome you at the airport or railway station, holding a sign with your name for easy identification.
  • Transportation: Comfortable, air-conditioned coach with experienced drivers and ample space for luggage throughout the scheduled itinerary.
  • Attraction Admission Fees: Admission fees for all included attractions and sightseeing activities, as specified in the itinerary.
  • Airport & Railway Station Transfers: Complimentary arrival and departure transfers for flights and trains scheduled between 9:00 AM and 10:00 PM (local time).
  • 24/7 Customer Support: Round-the-clock assistance from our support team before, during, and after your trip.
  • Meals: Meals on the days specified in the itinerary. Daily breakfast is included with your hotel accommodation.
  • Insurance: Insurance coverage is included in the tour package. Please refer to the applicable policy for coverage details, limits, and exclusions.
  • Bottled Drinking Water: Two bottles of drinking water per guest, per day.
  • Domestic Transportation: Domestic flights (economy class) and high-speed trains (second class)

✕ Not included

  • International Airfare
  • Tips for guide and driver
  • Personal expenses
  • Entry Visa
  • Payment processing fees
  • Single Room Supplement
5

Good to know

Inquiry and confirmation

This page accepts inquiries only. Our sales team checks availability, explains any displayed price and confirms the next steps personally.

Changes to attractions

If any scheduled attraction is closed or unavailable during the trip, we will arrange a suitable alternative attraction whenever possible.

Cancellation policy

In the event that you need to cancel a confirmed trip, please submit a written cancellation request. The applicable cancellation fee will be calculated from the date we receive your written request.

The cancellation fees will be calculated as follows:

If the cancellation is made between 45 and 30 days before the scheduled departure date, a fee of 10% of the total tour price per person will apply.
If the cancellation is made between 29 and 15 days before the scheduled departure date, a fee of 30% of the total tour price per person will apply.
If the cancellation is made between 14 and 7 days before the scheduled departure date, a fee of 50% of the total tour price per person will apply.
If the cancellation is made 6 days or less before the scheduled departure date, including the departure date, a fee of 100% of the total tour price per person will apply.
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