Realms of China
15-Day Private China Itinerary
Combining China’s most dynamic cities with some of its most spectacular natural landscapes, this carefully crafted journey travels from the limestone peaks of Guilin and Yangshuo to the surreal sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie, revealing the extraordinary diversity that makes China unlike anywhere else on Earth.
Your Journey at a Glance
Everything you need to know at a glance. Detailed pricing and practical travel information are provided further down the page.
Journey Overview
- Duration: 15 Days • 14 Nights
- Travel Style: Scenic Landscapes • Urban Exploration
- Ideal For: Travellers seeking China’s most spectacular landscapes combined with its iconic cities.
- Best Time: April–June • September–October
- Route: Shanghai (2) → Guilin & Yangshuo (3) → Chongqing (3) → Zhangjiajie (3) → Beijing & departure (3)
Route Map
Journey Information
- From €4,850 per person (based on two guests sharing. Lower per-person pricing available for larger private groups)
- Private departures available year-round
- Small group departures also available
- Fully customizable itinerary
- Flexible international arrival & departure airports
Days 1–2 | Shanghai
China’s Most Iconic Skyline
Your journey begins in Shanghai, where one of the world’s most recognizable skylines reflects China’s futuristic transformation. From the historic Bund to the futuristic towers of Pudong, the city offers an unforgettable introduction to the country.
Explore the elegant streets of the French Concession, Yu Garden and the vibrant Xintiandi district, before enjoying a scenic cruise along the Huangpu River for a unique perspective of Shanghai’s spectacular waterfront.
Discover the remarkable contrasts that define the city, from the tranquil atmosphere of Jing’an Temple surrounded by soaring skyscrapers to historic neighbourhoods that preserve the character of old Shanghai amidst its ever-changing skyline.
Depending on your interests, the second day can also include an excursion to nearby Suzhou, Hangzhou or the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao before continuing your journey into China’s extraordinary natural landscapes.
Days 3–5 | Guilin & Yangshuo
From the legendary Li River to the peaceful countryside beyond, discover one of China’s most celebrated landscapes through two complementary experiences that reveal its beauty from very different perspectives.
GUILIN
Cruising the Li River
The Li River journey between Guilin and Yangshuo is widely regarded as one of China’s most beautiful scenic cruises. Towering limestone peaks, riverside villages and tranquil waters create an ever-changing panorama that has inspired Chinese artists and poets for centuries. Beyond the cruise itself, explore Guilin’s picturesque surroundings, where distinctive karst formations and peaceful lakes provide a fitting introduction to one of the country’s most celebrated natural landscapes.
YANGSHUO
Among the Karst Peaks
Surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains and winding country lanes, Yangshuo invites you to experience the landscape from within. Bamboo rafting along the Yulong River and leisurely walks or cycling through traditional villages reveal the timeless beauty of rural Guangxi. As the day draws to a close, admire the unforgettable sunset from Cuiping Five-Fingered Mountain, where sweeping views across the karst landscape provide one of the region’s most rewarding panoramas.
Days 6–8 | Chongqing
The City of Vertical Wonders
Built across steep hills at the meeting point of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, Chongqing is a city where skyscrapers, bridges and neighbourhoods rise on different levels, creating its unique “8D landscape”.
Discover Chongqing’s magic through Kuixinglou Square, the White Elephant Building and the Liziba monorail, then climb its hidden neighbourhoods to immerse yourself in local life.
Ride the historic Yangtze River Cableway, enjoy panoramic views from Raffles City’s Skywalk and take an evening cruise beneath the city’s illuminated skyline.
As night falls, the lights along the rivers transform Chongqing into a spectacular urban panorama — a striking cityscape that complements the natural landscapes defining the rest of the journey.
Days 9–11 | Zhangjiajie & Scenic Towns
From soaring sandstone pillars and sacred mountain peaks to riverside ancient towns, this region reveals some of China’s most striking scenery through a unique combination of natural wonders and cultural landscapes.
Chapter 1 | Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
The Mountains That Inspired Avatar
Towering sandstone pillars, forested valleys and panoramic viewpoints make Zhangjiajie National Forest Park one of China’s most iconic natural wonders. Explore scenic trails and spectacular viewpoints while discovering the extraordinary landscapes that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar.
Tianmen Mountain
China’s Gateway to the Sky
Ascend one of the world’s longest cable cars to Tianmen Mountain, where dramatic cliffs, glass walkways and the legendary Heaven’s Gate create an unforgettable mountain experience. Panoramic viewpoints reveal breathtaking scenery stretching far beyond the surrounding peaks.
Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon
Across the World’s Highest Glass Bridge
Cross the spectacular Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge suspended high above one of China’s most impressive canyons, before exploring waterfalls, lush vegetation and dramatic rock formations that showcase another side of the region’s remarkable landscape.
Chapter 2 | Scenic Towns
FENGHUANG | Riverside Heritage
Built along the Tuo River, Fenghuang has served for centuries as a crossroads between central China and the ethnic communities of western Hunan. Wander its historic centre, where stilted wooden houses and stone bridges preserve the town’s distinctive riverside character. Today, traces of Miao and Tujia heritage continue to shape its identity, adding cultural depth to its picturesque setting.
FURONG | The Waterfall Town
With a history spanning more than two thousand years, Furong is uniquely built around a spectacular waterfall that flows directly through its historic centre. As evening falls, the illuminated old town and cascading waterfall create one of Furong’s most memorable scenes. Its remarkable setting offers a memorable complement to the dramatic mountain landscapes explored throughout the journey.
Days 11–15 | Beijing & Departure
The Grand Finale
Your journey concludes in Beijing, where China’s imperial heritage provides the perfect finale to an exploration of the country’s extraordinary landscapes.
Discover Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Temple of Heaven before taking in the breathtaking panorama from Jingshan Park, where sweeping views extend across the rooftops of the imperial capital.
No visit to Beijing would be complete without experiencing the Great Wall. Whether you choose the beautifully restored scenery of Mutianyu or the spectacular ridgelines of Jinshanling, each section offers a unique perspective on one of the world’s greatest engineering achievements.
Complete your journey by wandering the atmospheric hutongs, whose narrow alleyways and traditional courtyard houses offer a timeless glimpse into the everyday life of China’s historic capital.
Ready to Make It Your Own?
Every Ink Voyages itinerary is designed as a starting point rather than a fixed tour. Whether you’d like to spend more time in a particular destination, include additional experiences or adjust the pace of your journey, we’ll tailor every aspect to suit your interests and travel style.
Journey Overview
What’s Included & Pricing
Every Ink Voyages journey is individually tailored to your preferences. The information below is therefore intended as a general guide. The final inclusions and pricing will be confirmed in your personalised Travel Services Contract, prepared specifically for your itinerary.
Starting from
€4,850 per person
Based on two guests sharing. Lower per-person pricing available for larger private groups. Final pricing may vary depending on your travel dates and preferences.
Transportation
The journey combines China’s efficient high-speed rail network, domestic flights and private transfers to create a seamless travel experience between destinations.
- Private airport transfers upon arrival and departure
- Private transportation for all sightseeing and transfers throughout your journey
- Domestic high-speed train tickets (Standard Class)
- Domestic flights (Economy Class), including applicable taxes
Guiding & Experiences
- English-speaking guides and dedicated local support throughout your journey.
- All entrance fees and experiences included in your final itinerary
Accommodation
- Carefully selected accommodation chosen for its comfort, quality and value. Premium accommodation upgrades are available upon request.
- Daily breakfast
Travel Support
- Assistance with setting up the essential Chinese mobile apps before your journey
- Dedicated support from the Ink Voyages team before and throughout your trip, ensuring help is always just a message away.
What’s Not Included
As every Ink Voyages journey is tailored to your preferences, the items below should be considered a general guide. Any exclusions applicable to your itinerary will be clearly specified in your personalized Travel Services Contract.
- Chinese tourist visa (where required for your nationality – see our Tips & Tools | Visa Guidelines)
- International flights and applicable taxes
- Fuel costs and road tolls (for self-drive itineraries only)
- Optional excursions or activities not included in your final itinerary
- Meals and beverages not specifically included
- Personal expenses
- Travel and medical insurance (see our Tips & Tools | Travel Insurance)
- Gratuities for guides and drivers (entirely at your discretion)
- Any products or services not expressly listed under “What’s Included”
