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Home China Tours from Hong Kong 8 Days South China Beauty Tour from Hong Kong to Guilin, Shanghai & Hangzhou
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This 8 days South China Tour from Hong Kong to Guilin, Yangshuo, Shanghai, and Hangzhou is very classic and popular for the ones who love the Chinese painting-like (Shanshui) scenery. This Shanshui tour includes China's Top 3 tourist destinations that are located near the seas, rivers, and lakes. Hong Kong is located at the mouth of the Pearl River, bordering the South China Sea. Li River of Guilin belongs to the Pearl River system. Shanghai, is located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, bordering the East China Sea. West Lake of Hangzhou is near the Qiantang River and its water is introduced from the Qiantang River. You will love this South China tour that shines with water.

Hong Kong is the Pearl of the Orient that weaves Western and Asian culture. You can explore Hong Kong freely like Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay, Aberdeen, Star Ferry on your own as it is English-friendly. East or west, the Guilin scenery is the best. In Guilin, you will marvel at the incredible winding and clean rivers, beautiful karst landscapes,ever green mountains... Yangshuo is a typical rural Chinese countryside. In Yangshuo, you will love the breathtaking scenery, bamboo rafting on the Yulong River (Little Li River), peaceful Yangshuo countryside cycling... Shanghai is China's Economic Capital and the biggest city in China. In Shanghai, you will read about this Magic City through the places of interests like Yu Garden, The Bund, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Tower, and Jade Buddha Temple. Hangzhou is well-known for the picturesque West Lake and Wuzheng Water Town of long history. Walking in one of the most beautiful sights like a Hangzhounese and learn more about Chinese tea.

Contact us for a beautiful South China Tour with Chinese painting-like scenery, have a relaxing holiday in Chinese Shanshui.

You Can Experience “Must-see & Must-do” with This Tour
Highlight 1: Start China Tour from HK and explore Asia's World City freely to Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay, Aberdeen Fishing Village, etc. according to your time.
Highlight 2: Explore in the Chinese painting-like landscape in Guilin for its wonderful karst scenery, beautiful mountains, clean rivers, green hills...
Highlight 3: Take the incredible Li River Cruise to Yangshuo for relaxing moments in the countryside by biking and bamboo rafting on the Yulong River.
Highlight 4: Pay a visit to the tallest building in China and take the fast elevator to 546 meters to bird view the Economic Hub of China
Highlight 5: Walking on the banks of the Huangpu River on the Bund and catch the modern skyline of the Pudong New Area
Highlight 6: Discover Hangzhou by West Lake and Wuzheng Water Town for the classical beauty of China, and feel the Tea culture in the Capital of Tea in China
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Itinerary at a Glance

8 Days South China Beauty Tour from Hong Kong to Guilin, Shanghai & Hangzhou
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Hong Kong (1 Days)

Free trip on your own. Options: Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay, Aberdeen Fishing Village, Stanley Market

Guilin (1 Day)

Li River Cruise, Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave

Yangshuo (2 Days)

Yangshuo Countryside, West Street, Bamboo Raft along the Yulong River

Shanghai (2 Days)

Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, The Bund, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Tower, Jade Buddha Temple, Tianzifang

Hangzhou (2 Days)

West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Six Harmonies Pagoda, Tea Museum, Hefang Street, Wuzhen Water Town

Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1 Hong Kong to Guilin by Bullet Train | Train Station Transfers

Hong Kong is a great starting point for you to enter China and the rest of Asia. Attracts over 65 million tourists yearly, Hong Kong is China’s most internationalized and vibrant city! In this English-friendly city, you can explore freely to Victoria Peak, Repulse Bay, Aberdeen Fishing Village, Stanley Market, etc. on your own according to your time. Then your guide and driver will meet you at your hotel lobby, and escort you to the train station for your high-speed train to Guilin (about 3.5 hours).

Welcome to Guilin, the most picturesque paradise in China! Upon your arrival at the train station in Guilin, the tour guide and driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Guilin. Your guide will help you check in at your hotel. Taking a walk along Binjiang Road and tasting the rice noodles are recommended activities for your leisure time. You are welcome to ask your tour guide for some useful tips to spend your free time based on your time and interest.

To Guillin Transfer Options:
1. Hong Kong - Guilin by direct train or flight
2. Hong Kong - Guangzhou South Station - Guilin by train transfers
3. Hong Kong - Shenzhen North Station - Guilin by train transfers

Day 2 Guilin to Yangshuo Tour | Li River Cruise, Chinese Calligraphy or Cooking Class, West Street

It is said that “The landscape in Guilin is the best under heaven”. Time for you to visit the place and check if it is really worthy of the reputation. After breakfast, you will go to explore the most stunning natural scenery along the Li River, which is famed as one of the “the world’s top 10 watery wonders” by National Geographic. Drive about 1 hour from your hotel to the pier and start a 4.5-hour relaxing sightseeing Li River cruise trip from Guilin to Yangshuo. Along the 84-kilometer scenic cruise, you will feast your eyes with endless Chinese paintings of winding rivers, numerous green limestone karst peaks, grazing water buffalo, farmers working in the fertile fields, and idyllic villages nestled at the bases of the hills. (Note: Lunch is served on the cruise with simple local Chinese cuisine.)

After arriving in Yangshuo, the driver will pick you up from the dock and drive to your hotel in Yangshuo town for a short rest. You can either try Chinese calligraphy or a Cooking Class in one of the farmhouses in Yangshuo Countryside.

Later, you will stroll leisurely along West Street, which is the most prosperous area in Yangshuo. Restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops along the street are always full of guests. It is a fusion of western culture and Chinese culture and it is the best place to spend your nightlife here. Whether you want to enjoy a cup of coffee, taste some local food or just throw yourself into the vivid atmosphere... all you can get.

In the evening you can enjoy the musical night show of Impression Sanjie Liu which is directed by Zhangyimou. This light show is actually performed on the Li River in Yangshuo showing the beauty of the folk songs and love story of Sanjie Liu.

Day 3 Yangshuo Tour | Yangshuo Countryside Cycling, Bamboo Rafting along the Yulong River

Today you will explore Yangshuo Countryside by bike and experience the traditional bamboo boat along the Yulong River (Little Li River). It's a relaxing moment for an impressive exploration of the Yangshuo Countryside with its beautiful rural landscape.You can either hop on a bike (about 13km, 2hours) or rent an electric scooter to explore the postcard-like karst hills and rice paddies and pass by some tranquil villages. Let all the picturesque scenes please your eyes and your souls to the maximum for total relaxation.

In Yangshuo, you should not miss the Bamboo Rafting along the Yulong River. The Yulong River is a small tributary of the larger Li River. It is a unique way to sit on the bamboo boat and appreciate its beautiful natural landscape of Karst hills, clean and bright river, lush bamboo along the riverbank, harmonious villages, and quiet countryside. After enjoy the relaxing moment on Yulong Bamboo Rafting (about 40min), you will go back to hotel for a good rest. (Tips: Each Yulong bamboo boat can take 2 people. If there are 3 people, it means need 2 bamboo boats.)

Day 4 Yangshuo to Guilin, Arrive Shanghai by Flight | Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, Airport Transfers

After breakfast, transfer back to Guilin for further exploration. Start your visit to the Symbol of Guilin - Elephant Trunk Hill. Located on the intersection of Li River and Peach Blossom River, the Elephant Trunk Hill looks like a huge elephant drinking water in the river. And then you will pay a visit to the Reed Flute Cave, which is a classic scenic spot of karst landform. The amazing stalactites and stalagmites in the cave look like animals or plants. When the colorful neon lights are on, you will feel like walking in a crystal palace. Then you will head to the airport for your flight to Shanghai (about 2.5 hours).

Welcome to Shanghai, China’s most internationalized and vibrant city! Shanghai's long-term fusion of Eastern and Western cultures has contributed to Shanghai's unique culture. Upon your arrival at the airport in Shanghai, the tour guide and driver will meet and greet you at the exit, and then escort you to the well-selected hotel in downtown Shanghai. The rest of the day is free on your own so you can have a good rest or explore by yourself around your hotel. You are welcome to ask your tour guide for some useful tips to spend your free time based on your time and interest.

Day 5 Shanghai City Tour | Shanghai Museum, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road & The Bund

Today you will spend the whole day feeling the perfect blend of the West and East in this “Paris of the East” by visiting brilliant museums, traditional Chinese-style gardens, modern skyscrapers, and exotic architecture.

First, head to Shanghai Museum for an awe-inspiring visit to view the finest collection of art and learn about profound Chinese history. Built in the shape of an ancient bronze cooking vessel called a ding, Shanghai Museum has a round top and a square base, symbolizing “round sky, square earth”. It contains 120,000 cultural relics which showcase incredible artifacts of Chinese art throughout 5000 years’ history. Immerse yourselves in the Exhibition Hall of Bronze and Ceramic to appreciate the elaborate bronzes and exquisite artifacts. You won’t miss the chance to enjoy the top treasures - Da Ke Ding (bronze food vessel over 3000 years ago), and Bianzhong of Marquis Su of Jin (ancient musical instruments). Next, move to Yu Garden, the most celebrated classical Chinese garden hidden in the bustling Shanghai downtown area. Enjoy a leisure walk and visit the Chinese architecture, and feast your years with exquisite sculptures and carvings. Yuyuan Bazaar outside the garden is a fun place to taste some local snacks as well as buy some traditional Chinese handicrafts and artworks.

After that, you will take a stroll along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, where lots of well-known brands, restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops, and towering buildings stand on both sides. Continue your walk to the Bund, the top 1 place to visit on the Shanghai bucket list. Reputed as “An Exhibition of International Buildings”, the Bund is a collection of 52 buildings in various international architectural styles. Overlook the amazing skyline and skyscrapers of the Pudong Area from the Bund. The last stop today is the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China and the second in the world, at a height of 362 meters. Ascents up to 546 meters over the 118th floor for a breathtaking panoramic view of modern Shanghai.

Day 6 Shanghai to Hangzhou by Bullet Train | Jade Buddha Temple, Tianzifang, Train Station Transfers

This morning, your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby and escort you to a peaceful walk in the Jade Buddha Temple in bustling Shanghai, among the modern blocks and mansions. It is one of Shanghai's few active Buddhist temples with about 70 resident monks. In this Shanghai must-see attraction, you will see the largest Jade Buddha in the world and local people throng to pray for prosperity. If there is still some time, you can transfer to Tianzifang in the former French Concession area of Shanghai. It is a place to find tourist arts and crafts, appreciate the preservation of local Shikumen architecture, and watch the daily life of local Shanghai people.

Then take the bullet train to Hangzhou (about 1.5 hours). Upon arrival in Hangzhou, your guide and driver meet you at the train station and transfer you to your sweet hotel.

Day 7 Hangzhou Tour | West Lake, Lingyin Temple, Six Harmonies Pagoda, Tea Museum, Hefang Street

It is a full day to follow your tour guide to discover Hangzhou, Heaven on Earth. In the morning, stroll along the charming West Lake (Xi Hu) like locals, you can use your camera to record the classical beauty of China no matter if it is rainy or sunny. West Lake has influenced poets and painters throughout Chinese history for its natural beauty and historic relics. In all four seasons, you can admire West Lake through its beautiful stone bridges, unique pavilions, green tree-lined causeways, and leisurely boats on the lake.

After that, head to Lingyin Temple, a Zen Buddhist temple with a history of about 1,700 years. As the oldest and most famous temple in Hangzhou and one of the Top 10 ancient temples of Chinese Buddhism, you will listen to stories and history behind the towering trees, numerous pagodas, and Buddhist grottoes. With impressive landscape and Buddhist culture, you will see the largest statue of the Buddha Sakyamuni in the lotus position, and believers light the incense for praying. Then move to Six Harmonies Pagoda (Liuhe Pagoda), a representative ancient pavilion-style tower in China. Located on Yuelun Mountain overlooking the Qiantang River to and south of the West Lake, it is one of the true masterpieces of ancient Chinese architecture. It is said that the reason for building this pagoda is to calm the tidal waters of the Qiantang River.

Next, pay a visit to China National Tea Museum, the only national museum focusing on tea and tea culture in China. You can learn about China's tea history and various tea customs in China, the tea production process, and all kinds of tea wares. At last, you can walk at Hefang Street which is the most prosperous place in Hangzhou since ancient times. After the tour, have a nice rest at your hotel.

Day 8 Hangzhou to Wuzhen Tour, Hangzhou Departure | Airport Transfers, Wuzheng Water Town

This morning, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Wuzhen Ancient Town to explore the water town of Wuzhen.

Wuzhen Water Town (Wuzhen Ancient Town) is about 90km (1.5 hours’ drive) away from Hangzhou. It is one of the six famous ancient water towns south of the Yangtze River with a history of 1300-year-old. As one of China's top ten historical & cultural towns, it is a wonderful place to learn more about its restored architecture and canals, well-preserved lifestyle, and special folk customs. You can see the houses lining the waterways and the bustle of traders near bridges and ports and piers. Through its ancient docks, pavilions, and corridors, you will fall into a romantic atmosphere that hails old China.

After the tour, it is time to end your 8-day South China tour. Your guide will escort you to the airport/train station for your flight or high-speed train to your next destination.

Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel for your China tour, and we are always here working for you and hope to see you again for your next trip to China/Asia.

Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

Price: Request
The above price is based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on travel date, group size, hotel class, program in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.

What’s Included?

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Experienced drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
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Professional licensed English-speaking local guide
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Hotel accommodation with breakfasts
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Domestic flights (economy class) or high-speed trains (second class) listed in the itinerary
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Admission tickets, activities, meals listed in the itinerary
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Accident insurance
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Our service from tour planning, handling, operational and finishing your trip

What’s Excluded?

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International airfares
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Entry visa fees
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Personal expenses
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Single room supplement
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Recommended optional activities
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Arrival/departure flights or train on the first and last day
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Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers

Important Trip Notes for Booking a Private China Tour

How do I book a private China tour?
It is very simple to book a private China tour. Select the tour you are interested, and click “Make an Enquiry for Free”. Tell us your demands and likes while submitting the form. During this process, you don’t need to pay immediately. After sending us your requirements, one of our professional travel experts will get back to you within 0.5 to 24 hours. When all the information have confirmed, then you make the deposit. Please feel free to contact the travel expert directly if you have any questions prior to booking.
Extend Your China Tour
The above itinerary is the sample one that most travelers would go like that. The tour can be customized based on your likes, interests and budget. At the same time, if you want to extend this tour, just tell us your favored destinations and things to do. Our professional travel experts will redesign the trip totally for you and your group at the best price. Tell us your ideas now >>
Transportation
In a private tour, it means you will transfer to the tourist attractions in one city by private vehicle. The private car we selected is spacious, comfortable and air-conditioned. And the driver we use are very experienced. As for traveling between two destinations, we use domestic flights (economy seat) or high speed trains (second class seat, usually less than 6 hours). The local guides and drivers will pick you up at the airport/train stations, and escort you to the hotel.
Meals
“B” stands for breakfast. You will have it at your hotel in the morning.
“L” stands for lunch. The restaurants we will arrange for you are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. All are in good sanitary conditions. Your guide will assist you with ordering the dishes.
“D” means dinner. All dinners are excluded in the itinerary. You have the chance to taste some authentic Chinese food and local snacks.
If you have special dietary requirements (vegetarian, halal, kosher, Indian, or gluten-free), please let us know before your booking. We will try our best to take care of you.

Accommodation & Hotel Condition for Your China Tour

Recommended 4 Star Hotel in China
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Recommended 4 Star Hotel in China
Recommended 4 Star Hotel in China
Recommended 4 Star Hotel in China
Have a good sleep everyday is very important during your China tour. In a private tour, you can decide on your own which hotel class you want - luxury 5 star, comfortable 4-star or economic 3-star.
All the hotels in each destination we selected are at good location, close to commercial street or tourist attractions. And, all the hotels we use have a business relationship for many years and they have windows, air-conditioners, hot water, showers, wifi... (except for basic accommodation condition when travel to Mount Everest) to ensure you luxury and comfortable sleep experience. The staff can speak English and they will provide you the high quality service. If you have any requirements, you can ask them to help.

Photo Gallery for This Itinerary

  • Star Ferry, Hong Kong
  • Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin
  • Li River, Guilin
  • The Bund, Shanghai
  • The Bund, Shanghai
  • West Lake, Hangzhou
  • Star Ferry in Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong
  • Li River, Guilin
  • Li River Cruise, Guilin
  • West Street, Yangshuo of Guilin
  • Yulong River, Yangshuo of Guilin
  • Bamboo Rafting, Yangshuo of Guilin
  • Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin
  • Reed Flute Cave, Guilin
  • Yu Garden, Shanghai
  • Nanjing Road, Shanghai
  • Jade Temple, Shanghai
  • Tianzi Fang, Shanghai
  • Lingyin Temple, Hangzhou
  • Six Harmonies Pagoda, Hangzhou
  • Wuzhen Water Town, Hangzhou

Latest China Tours from Hong Kong Reviews from Our Customers

Discover what our customers are saying about the latest China Tours from Hong Kong. Browse through their recent reviews and feedback on tour arrangements, guides, transportation, attractions, dining, hotels, and detailed itineraries to plan your own unforgettable China tour. View All Customers Reviews >>
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I went on the Asian Cultural 10 day tour starting in Beijing, to Xian, Guilin and Shanghai small group tour starting February 13, 2024. Helen was the best guide I’ve ever had. Her English is excellent, her knowledge is superb and her personality is warm and friendly. Thank you so much Helen.
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Destinations
  • Hong Kong
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  • Guilin
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  • Yangshuo
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  • Shanghai
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  • Hangzhou
Tour Information
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Flexible Dates
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Trusted Route
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Guaranteed Experience
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Trip Style: Private Tour (flexible travel dates & numbers of travelers)
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Tour Code: AOT-FHK-007
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Travel Route: Hong Kong - Guilin - Yangshuo - Shanghai - Hangzhou
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Features: Architecture, Skyscrapers, History, Rivers, Limestone Karst Hills, Lakes, Ancient Town, Culture

Price: Request

(Based on a private tour for two people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people.)

Free Enquiry! You don’t need to pay for the reservation.

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