China from North to South
Beijing · Luoyang · Xi'an · Chengdu · Zhangjiajie · Guilin · Yangshuo · Shanghai · 14 days
From the Great Wall to the karst mountains of Guilin.
Fourteen days across China, from the imperial sites of Beijing to the karst landscape around Guilin. Along the way lie the Shaolin Temple in Henan, the Longmen Grottoes near Luoyang, the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, the pandas of Chengdu and the sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie. Most legs are covered by high-speed train, one by domestic flight. Accommodation in hotels of local 4-star category, 13 nights. Minimum number of participants: 2. Group size maximum 15.
from 2.295 € per person in double room
Single supplement from 505 € · Dates on request
International flights are not included and must be booked separately.
Dates & Conditions for this trip
Departures in autumn 2026 follow a different routing over twelve days. Please contact us and we will send you that programme.
Price varies by departure date. Non-binding indication per person in a double room, as of 08/2026, subject to change. The binding tour price is confirmed in your individual offer.
International flights are not included. On request we will quote flights at the current fare.
Minimum number of participants: 2. If this number is not reached, we may withdraw from the contract up to 20 days before departure. Group size maximum 15.
The specific hotels are named in your individual offer. Changes within the stated local category remain reserved.
Day by Day.
Arrival in Beijing
Arrival in Beijing. Your local guide meets you at the airport and takes you to the hotel. If your flight lands early, the afternoon is free for a first look around the city.
Tian'anmen, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven
The day begins on Tian'anmen Square, where Mao Zedong proclaimed the People's Republic in 1949 and where his mausoleum and the Monument to the People's Heroes stand today. Through the Gate of Heavenly Peace you enter the Forbidden City, with the ceremonial halls of the Outer Court and the smaller residential buildings behind. In the afternoon the Temple of Heaven in the south of the city, whose park is now a meeting place for cards and singing.
Summer Palace and Great Wall
The Summer Palace on Kunming Lake was the court's summer residence, known for the Marble Boat on the shore and the 700-metre painted corridor. In the afternoon to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, north of Beijing and less visited than other sections. A cable car takes you up to the wall. Return to Beijing in the evening.
Shaolin Temple
By high-speed train in a good four hours to Zhengzhou, then on to Dengfeng. This is where Shaolin Gongfu originated. You visit the monastery and the adjacent Pagoda Forest, and if you wish, a demonstration by students of a Gongfu school. Afterwards transfer to Luoyang.
Longmen Grottoes
With the spread of Buddhism, cave temples were cut into the rock at several sites in China from the 5th century onwards. The Longmen Grottoes lie on the banks of the Yi River near Luoyang. More than 2,000 niches hold Buddha and Bodhisattva figures of every size, from a few centimetres to over 17 metres. In the afternoon on by high-speed train to Xi'an, about an hour and a half.
Terracotta Army
The Terracotta Army of the first emperor Qin Shi Huang was among the first Chinese sites on the UNESCO list. You visit the three excavated pits. In the afternoon the Great Wild Goose Pagoda in the Temple of Great Maternal Grace, a Tang dynasty building, then the Great Mosque in the old town. Xi'an was the eastern end of the Silk Road and still has a large Muslim community.
On to Chengdu
In the morning by high-speed train in about three to four hours to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan. In the afternoon a first stroll along Jinli Street with its traditional houses, small restaurants and teahouses.
Pandas
Sichuan is the home of the giant panda. You visit the panda research base in Chengdu, where animals of different ages live in large enclosures, most of them being prepared for release into the wild. Afterwards on by high-speed train to Zhangjiajie, about five hours.
Zhangjiajie National Park
The sandstone pillars of the national park are familiar to many from Avatar. A cable car takes you up Tianzi Mountain with a view over the whole area. Anyone with a head for heights can also walk the 430-metre glass bridge over the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon.
On to Guilin and Yangshuo
An early start by high-speed train, about seven and a half hours to Guilin. The area is known for its green karst peaks and the Li River. From Guilin straight on to Yangshuo, a small town in the middle of the finest karst formations. Depending on arrival time there is room for a walk along the lively main street.
Bamboo raft and karst scenery
You explore the landscape in two ways. First on a bamboo raft through the karst area, past steep hills, fields and villages. Afterwards there is time for a bike ride or a longer walk, taking in Moon Hill.
Flight to Shanghai
The morning is free. In the afternoon transfer to the airport and flight to Shanghai. In the evening a walk along the Bund is worthwhile, with the illuminated Pudong skyline opposite.
Old town and Yu Garden
The old town shows Shanghai as it looked towards the end of the Qing dynasty, today lined with shops and restaurants. In its middle lies the Yu Garden, an example of southern Chinese garden art and, despite the crowds, a green island. Afterwards the Urban Planning Exhibition Centre on People's Square, or alternatively the Shanghai Museum. To close, the view from the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower.
Departure
Depending on your flight time, transfer to the airport for your return or onward journey.
Sample program, subject to change. Minimum number of participants: 2.
What is included.
Included services
- Accommodation in a double room with bath or shower and WC, breakfast daily
- Local German-speaking guides in Beijing, Luoyang, Xi'an, Chengdu, Guilin and Shanghai
- Local English-speaking guide in Zhangjiajie
- Transfers, admissions and sightseeing as per programme
- Rail journeys as per programme, high-speed train, 2nd class
- Domestic flight as per programme in economy class, including fuel surcharge and airport tax
- Air-conditioned vehicles of local standard
Not included
- International flights, arrival in Beijing and departure from Shanghai
- Visa, where required for your nationality. We advise on current entry and visa requirements with the offer
- Personal expenses
- Meals and drinks not listed in the programme
- Tips for guides, drivers and porters
- Glass bridge in Zhangjiajie and other optional activities
Send an inquiry
Tell us your wishes regarding date, route, and group size. We will get back to you personally with a suitable proposal.
Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00 · Response usually on the next working day