Scenic China: Mountains, Rivers & Rice Terraces

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Departure Date

December 22, 2026

Overview

  • Begin in enchanting Hangzhou, gliding across tranquil West Lake and discovering tea terraces, gardens, and ancient monasteries.
  • Journey to Huangshan, where mist-shrouded peaks, UNESCO villages, and centuries-old streets evoke China’s timeless poetry and art.
  • Continue to Changsha, birthplace of Mao Zedong, to explore its riverside islands, vibrant food streets, and deep Huxiang culture.
  • Venture into the surreal landscapes of Zhangjiajie, walking among the towering “Avatar” mountains, glass skywalks, and crystal streams.
  • Cruise the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, framed by emerald karst peaks, then ascend the Longsheng Rice Terraces for a final breathtaking view of rural China’s living heritage.

 

Highlights

Trip Includes

  • Private arrival airport transfer in Hangzhou
  • Private departure airport transfer in Guilin
  • Private transfers to/from train stations
  • 2 nights first-class accommodations in Hangzhou
  • 3 nights first-class accommodations in Huangshan
  • 1 night first-class accommodations in Changsha
  • 2 nights first-class accommodations in Zhangjiajie
  • 2 nights first-class accommodations in Guilin
  • 1 night first-class accommodations in Longsheng
  • Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Private touring & sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Local English-speaking guide in each city
  • High speed train tickets for Hangzhou - Huangshan - Changsha - Zhangjiajie - Guilin (2nd class seat soft seat)
  • Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 9 lunches

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel insurance
  • International, domestic airfare & airfare taxes
  • Meals and beverages not explicitly listed as included
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Passport & Visa fees, if applicable

 

Upon arrival at the airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy free time to explore this enchanting city, known for its tranquil West Lake, centuries-old temples, lush tea plantations, and deep cultural roots that have inspired poets and emperors for generations.

 

Arrive Hangzhou

 

Your Accommodation

Tea Boutique Hotel Hangzhou

Tea Boutique Hotel Hangzhou offers elegantly designed rooms that blend traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern comforts. Conveniently located near West Lake and the Botanical Garden, the hotel features a tea-themed restaurant, spa services, and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for relaxation.

Tea Boutique Hotel Hangzhou

Today, discover the UNESCO-listed West Lake, known as the “golden name card” of Hangzhou, celebrated for its stunning natural beauty and rich historical and cultural heritage. Take a private sampan ride on the lake to fully soak in its peaceful charm. Stroll through the breeze-kissed lotus blooms at Quyuan Garden, a picturesque collection of gardens spread across several islets, famed for its fragrant spring lotus flowers. Enjoy the breathtaking scenery while uncovering the captivating history and local legends. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the memorable views along the way. Next, visit the tranquil Guo’s Villa, a hidden gem on the west side of West Lake, renowned for its exquisite traditional Chinese garden design. This elegant garden showcases the refined tastes of Hangzhou’s Qing Dynasty literati through its intricate architecture and detailed landscaping. Continue to the Dragon Well Tea Plantation to admire sweeping countryside views and vast tea terraces. Immerse yourself in tea culture with a tasting of Dragon Well tea, followed by a delicious lunch at the tea farm. Finally, explore Lingyin Monastery, one of China’s top ten ancient Buddhist monasteries, known for its size, wealth, and numerous pagodas and grottoes.

 

Hangzhou Highlights: West Lake, Gardens & Monastery

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Your Accommodation

Tea Boutique Hotel Hangzhou

Tea Boutique Hotel Hangzhou offers elegantly designed rooms that blend traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern comforts. Conveniently located near West Lake and the Botanical Garden, the hotel features a tea-themed restaurant, spa services, and a tranquil atmosphere ideal for relaxation.

Tea Boutique Hotel Hangzhou

Take a private transfer to the railway station to board the high-speed train to Huangshan. Upon arrival, meet your local English-speaking guide outside the station exit and transfer privately to your hotel for check-in. Begin your tour at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Xidi Village, nestled among lush rice paddies and sparkling waters. The village, dating back to 900 AD, remains unchanged for centuries, with narrow stone lanes winding between towering walls. Often called “a village in a Chinese painting,” it is surrounded by picturesque hills. Next, visit Hongcun Village, a 400-500 year old settlement that perfectly preserves the architectural style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties. Listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site in 2000, the village’s layout resembles a cattle, with a stream running through like intestines, a semi-lunar pond as the stomach, and four bridges as the feet. Known as “the folk imperial palaces,” its black tiles, red lanterns, intricate woodcarvings, and sophisticated water system reflect an architectural marvel inspired by nature. Evening at leisure.

 

Hangzhou to Huangshan by High Speed Train

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Your Accommodation

Zhang’s House Huangshan

Zhang’s House Huangshan is a beautifully restored 300-year-old Hui-style guesthouse featuring 18 uniquely decorated rooms with modern comforts. The property offers amenities including a restaurant, tea room, library, garden courtyard, and outdoor swimming pool, all located within the scenic village near Yue Lake and the main commercial street.

Zhang’s House Huangshan

Today, travel to Anhui’s crown jewel, the stunning Yellow Mountain. Take the cable car to the summit. Often above the clouds, the mountain offers unique natural light effects and breathtaking views of the famous Sea of Clouds. The dramatic granite peaks rising through the mist have inspired Chinese artists for centuries. After a 40-minute walk to your hotel, settle into modest but comfortable rooms. Just minutes away are spectacular viewpoints, each with distinctive names like Nine Dragons, Daoist Priest, Ox Nose, and Hunchback. You can choose to take short walks on nearby paths or enjoy longer hikes along the summit ridge.

 

Yellow Mountain

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Your Accommodation

Xihai Hotel Huangshan

Xihai Hotel Huangshan is located in the prime area of the top of Huangshan Mountain, at the foot of Danxia Peak and next to Shizi Peak. It spans the two prime scenic spots of Beihai and Xihai, especially the newly developed scenic spot in recent years - Xihai Grand Canyon. It is about 500 meters away from the north entrance of Xihai Grand Canyon (Paiyun Pavilion). It is the preferred hotel for viewing strange pines, strange rocks, sea of clouds, sunrise and sunset.

Xihai Hotel Huangshan

Today, travel to and explore Chengkan Village, renowned as one of the finest “Fengshui villages”, nestled among serene mountains, a peaceful lake, and gentle streams. Admire the well-preserved Ming Dynasty houses, intricate wood and brick carvings, the impressive Baolun cabinet, and browse unique local artisan shops and markets. Then, stroll along Tunxi Ancient Street, a historic 823-meter-long, 5 to 8-meter-wide thoroughfare featuring traditional Huizhou-style shops and residences. Built over a thousand years ago, it remains one of China’s best-preserved old streets and was honored as one of the “Ten Historic and Cultural Streets of China” in 2009. Check into hotel.

 

Chengkan Village & Tunxi Ancient Street Cultural Discovery

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Your Accommodation

Crowne Plaza Huangshan Yucheng

Crowne Plaza Huangshan Yucheng offers spacious, modern rooms with contemporary amenities. Conveniently located in Tunxi District along the scenic Xin’an River, the hotel features multiple dining options, a fitness center, indoor pool, and easy access to Tunxi Old Street and Huangshan Scenic Area.

Crowne Plaza Huangshan Yucheng

In the morning, enjoy a private transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train journey to Changsha. Upon arrival, meet your local guide outside the station exit and transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, visit Orange Island, the world’s longest inland river isle, where a young Mao Zedong once walked, swam, and sunbathed. At the island’s end, admire the striking statue of Mao. Then, stroll along Taiping Old Street, a historic lane that showcases Changsha’s rich cultural heritage and thousand-year-old traditions. Now a vibrant landmark, it reflects the charm of Huxiang Culture. Conclude the day at Pozi Street, a 1,200-year-old pedestrian street famous for its iconic archway and diverse local delicacies.

 

Huangshan to Changsha by High Speed Train

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Your Accommodation

Changsha Huatian Hotel

Changsha Huatian Hotel is a premium property featuring spacious, elegantly styled rooms with modern décor. The hotel boasts a full suite of amenities including multiple dining venues, a lobby café, indoor pool, spa and sauna and fitness facilities.

Changsha Huatian Hotel

This morning, take a private transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train journey to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, meet your local guide outside the station exit and transfer to your hotel for check-in. After lunch, discover the stunning landscapes of Tianmen Mountain. Ride the world’s longest cable car to the top, followed by an open-air chairlift for sweeping views of mist-covered peaks. Dare to walk across a glass skywalk suspended at 4,691 feet (1,430 meters), ascend the winding road with 99 sharp turns, and climb 999 steps to reach the iconic Tianmen Cave, also known as Heaven’s Door.

 

Changsha to Zhangjiajie by high-speed train

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Your Accommodation

Zhangjiajie Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel

Zhangjiajie Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel is a garden-style retreat nestled in Wulingyuan District just a short walk from the entrance to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. It offers elegantly furnished, spacious rooms overlooking lush natural scenery, alongside upscale amenities including multiple restaurants, an indoor pool, spa and sauna, fitness center, tennis courts, business facilities, and serene landscaped grounds.

Zhangjiajie Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel

Begin the day with travel to the breathtaking Wulingyuan Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its towering sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in James Cameron’s film Avatar. Ascend Tianzi Mountain by cable car for panoramic views of dramatic cliffs and winding walkways. Then, descend to the valley floor via the impressive Bailong Elevator, the world’s highest outdoor lift. Enjoy a leisurely walk along Golden Whip Stream, where clear waters run between lush peaks and ridges, so transparent you can see fish swimming beneath the surface.

 

Wulingyuan Avatar Mountains & Golden Whip Stream Adventure

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Your Accommodation

Zhangjiajie Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel

Zhangjiajie Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel is a garden-style retreat nestled in Wulingyuan District just a short walk from the entrance to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. It offers elegantly furnished, spacious rooms overlooking lush natural scenery, alongside upscale amenities including multiple restaurants, an indoor pool, spa and sauna, fitness center, tennis courts, business facilities, and serene landscaped grounds.

Zhangjiajie Qinghe Jinjiang International Hotel

Transfer to the railway station for your high-speed train journey to Guilin. Upon arrival, meet your local guide outside the station exit and transfer to your hotel for check-in. The rest of the day is at your leisure

 

Zhangjiajie to Guilin by high-speed train

Meal

Breakfast

 

Your Accommodation

Guilin Bravo Hotel

The Guilin Bravo Hotel is located in city centre, and surrounded by some of the most popular shopping areas. The Guilin Bravo Hotel is one of the quintessential hotels in Guilin that is ideal for both business and leisure travellers. The city centre and night market are both within a 10 minute walk. There are 480 tastefully decorated guest rooms, lake view rooms and suites.

Guilin Bravo Hotel

In the morning, transfer to the pier to board your Li River Cruise. A double-decker boat awaits to take you on a scenic journey through one of China’s most iconic landscapes. As you glide along the river from Guilin to Yangshuo, marvel at the postcard-perfect karst mountains, crystal-clear waters, tranquil farmlands, smiling fishermen, and wandering water buffalo, all coming together to create a serene and poetic panorama. After approximately four and a half hours, you’ll arrive in the ancient town of Yangshuo, which blends traditional Chinese charm with a touch of Western flair. Stroll along lively West Street, where English is commonly spoken and menus come in multiple languages. Then, wander through the surrounding villages and rice paddies to soak in the unspoiled countryside and local character. Afterward, return to Guilin by private transfer.

 

Li River Cruise & Yangshuo Countryside Discovery

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Your Accommodation

Guilin Bravo Hotel

The Guilin Bravo Hotel is located in city centre, and surrounded by some of the most popular shopping areas. The Guilin Bravo Hotel is one of the quintessential hotels in Guilin that is ideal for both business and leisure travellers. The city centre and night market are both within a 10 minute walk. There are 480 tastefully decorated guest rooms, lake view rooms and suites.

Guilin Bravo Hotel

Begin the morning with a visit to the Reed Flute Cave, often referred to as “The Palace of Natural Arts.” This stunning natural limestone cave, illuminated by multicolored lights, has captivated visitors for over 1,200 years with its dramatic rock formations and hidden chambers. Later, set out on an excursion to the Longsheng Rice Terraces, about 1.5 hours away. These remarkable terraced fields, carved into the hillsides over 700 years ago, are still actively farmed by the local Yao and Zhuang communities. The terraces resemble giant stairways wrapping around the mountains, a brilliant example of how locals have skillfully adapted to the rugged terrain by maximizing arable land and water use.

 

Guilin to Longsheng

Meal

Breakfast, Lunch

 

Your Accommodation

Li An Lodge

Li-An Lodge is a boutique hotel set high in the Longsheng rice terraces, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and terraced fields. The lodge features uniquely themed rooms with traditional Chinese décor, modern comforts, and a restaurant.

Li An Lodge

Today, transfer from Longsheng to Airport in Guillin.

 

Depart Guilin

Meal

Breakfast


Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.