You will board a high-speed train from Hong Kong to Guilin. Start your first day in Guilin where known for its stunning karst landscapes. After arriving and settling into your hotel, take a leisurely evening stroll around the city's picturesque lakes, soaking in the serene atmosphere.

• Stay in Guilin

• Following a morning meal, embark on a journey to explore Guilin's rice terraces. A four-hour drive brings you to the mountain's base, from where a 35-minute walk leads to Ping'an Village. This settlement is renowned for its 650-year-old Longji Rice Terraces, a national treasure. The terraced fields offer a mesmerizing vista, resembling an undulating sea of green or gold.
• Next, visit Huangluo Yao Village, a picturesque locale bisected by the Jinjiang River. Here, the Yao ethnic group resides, known for their women's distinctive long hair, vibrant performances, and traditional attire, all contributing to the area's rich cultural tapestry. The tour continues with a guided trek to the Nine Dragons and Five Tigers viewing platform, offering more stunning panoramas. Throughout the excursion, you'll gain insights into the region's diverse ethnic minority cultures.

• Stay in Guilin, B, L

• Following your morning meal, your China adventure commences with a cruise along the Li River. The Li River Scenic Area boasts the world's most extensive and visually stunning karst landscape. During the journey, you'll witness pristine mountains, crystal-clear waters, unique caves, deep pools, and cascading waterfalls. After approximately 4 hours, you'll reach Yangshuo, where you'll check into your local accommodations.
• In the afternoon, you'll explore the Ten-mile Gallery, renowned for its idyllic countryside vistas. Your visit includes stops at the Big Banyan Tree and Moon Hill, where you can ascend to the summit for a sweeping view of the surrounding landscape.
• As twilight approaches, your guide will lead you through West Street, situated in the heart of Yangshuo County. This 517-meter-long thoroughfare is celebrated for its rich, exotic ambiance and is flanked by historic houses and structures. The small shops lining both sides of the street offer an array of tourist mementos and local delicacies, making it a worthwhile exploration.

• Stay in Yangshuo, B, L

• In the morning, you will embark on a bike ride along the Yulong River, surrounded by stunning karst peaks. Next, visit a local farmer's home to gain insight into traditional Chinese rural life and farming practices. Following this, enjoy an exciting bamboo rafting experience while taking in the beauty of the "Hundred Mile Gallery."
• In the afternoon, you'll return to West Street in Yangshuo for a cooking class. Afterwards, an expert chef will guide you in preparing traditional Chinese dishes, which you will savor for dinner. After your meal, your driver will take you back to Guilin City for an overnight stay.

• Stay in Guilin, B, L

After enjoying breakfast, your private driver will take you to Guilin Airport for a pleasant flight to Chengdu. When you arrive in Chengdu, the rest of the day is yours to discover and explore this city at your leisure.

• Stay in Chengdu, B

• Start your day at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, observing these beloved creatures up close. Sichuan's pandas are iconic, with their unique black-and-white fur and gentle demeanor. Next, explore the tranquil Wenshu Monastery.
• In the afternoon, you can visit People's Park to experience local tea culture. It serves as a unique spot to appreciate Chengdu's features. Then wander through the historic Jinli Ancient Street, sampling Sichuan foods along the way.

• Stay in Chengdu, B, L

• After breakfast, you will be taken to the train station for a high-speed train ride to Chongqing. Upon your arrival, a local guide will greet you and immediately begin your tour of the city. Your first stop will be Ciqikou Ancient Town, often referred to as Little Chongqing.
• Next, you will visit the Three Gorges Museum, which offers a comprehensive overview of Chongqing's history and art, particularly focusing on Ba-Yu culture and Sanxia culture. Here, you will gain insights into the historical context of southwest China. After exploring the museum, your guide will take you to Chaotianmen Dock to board your Yangtze River cruise ship.

• on Cruise, B, L

• After breakfast, your Yangtze River cruise adventure begins! You will start with a Tai Chi class led by an experienced instructor. Practicing Tai Chi not only improves physical fitness but also enhances blood circulation and alleviates stress and anxiety. Following the class, there will be a lecture on the history of the Yangtze River region. Then, you can relax with a cup of coffee on the sundeck.
• You will have a shore excursion to Shibaozhai Pagoda, recognized as one of the "Eight Strange Constructions of the World." This wooden pagoda, built on a cliff during the Qing Dynasty, stands 56 meters tall with 12 floors and is constructed without a single nail. Climbing to the top offers stunning views of the surrounding riverscape.

• on Cruise, B, L, D

After a satisfying breakfast on board, the cruise ship will navigate through the stunning Three Gorges (Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge, and Xiling Gorge). You will be captivated by the impressive cliffs and vibrant greenery.

A smaller boat will take you to explore the pristine Shennv Stream, where you can drift along the narrow waterway and appreciate the untouched natural beauty. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to experience Tujia culture through local music and dance performances. Following this excursion, you will return to your cruise ship.

• on Cruise, B, L, D

• Have breakfast on board before you disembark. The impressive Three Gorges Dam will be the final highlight of your Yangtze River cruise. As the world's largest water control project, the dam measures 2,308 meters in length and stands 185 meters tall. Tanziling, which is 262.48 meters high, offers the best vantage point to view the Three Gorges Dam. Located in the lower reaches of the Yangtze River, the Commemorating Park provides a panoramic view of the dam.
• After visiting the dam, you will take a bus arranged by the cruise company to the Yichang Three Gorges Center Cruise Terminal, where a private driver will be waiting to take you to Yichang East Railway Station for your high-speed train journey to Shanghai.

• Stay in Shanghai, B, L

• After breakfast, your Shanghai exploration begins with a visit to the Shanghai Museum. You'll have the opportunity to view collections of bronze, ceramics, calligraphy, and paintings.
• Next, you'll be taken to Yu Garden, a renowned classical garden in the Jiangnan region. Originally constructed as a peaceful retreat for the owner's elderly parents, it exemplifies traditional Chinese garden design. The adjacent Yu Bazaar offers a chance to sample local delicacies and purchase traditional handicrafts.
• Following this, you'll ascend the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) for a sweeping view of Shanghai's modern skyline. Your tour continues to Nanjing Road, one of the world's busiest shopping thoroughfares.
• The day's sightseeing concludes with a stroll along the Bund, a must-visit location in Shanghai. Here, you'll find 52 buildings showcasing diverse international architectural styles.
• To cap off your day, enjoy a serene evening cruise on the Huangpu River, where you can admire the city's dazzling lights reflected on the water.

• Stay in Shanghai, B, L

• In the morning, embark on a guided tour of the Jade Buddha Temple. This serene and tranquil space is considered by locals to be "a piece of pure land in the heart of the city." Following this, you will visit Tianzifang, a creative arts district transformed from a cluster of Shikumen buildings, where you can explore numerous art studios and experience the charm of old Shanghai life.
• After your tour, your driver will take you to the airport. This marks the conclusion of your 12-day journey through China, which included a Yangtze River cruise. See you next time!

• Departure, B