21-Day China Highlights Tour: Chengdu, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie & Guilin

Your 21-day China adventure begins in Chengdu, one of China's most relaxed and food-loving cities. Upon arrival, your private driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you directly to your hotel, so there's no need to navigate a new city after your flight.

After check-in, the rest of the day is yours. Take it easy at the hotel, wander around the neighborhood, or head out for your first taste of Chengdu's famous local food.

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where the day begins with one of China's most beloved icons. Stroll through the leafy panda enclosures and watch giant pandas climb, nap, and slowly work their way through piles of bamboo. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have a better chance of catching them during their more active feeding hours.

From the peaceful panda base, head back into the city to Wuhou Shrine, one of Chengdu's most important historical sites. Dedicated to the legendary figures of the Three Kingdoms period, the shrine combines ancient cypress trees, traditional courtyards, stone inscriptions, and elegant architecture. It offers a quieter, more atmospheric look at the history behind one of China's most famous historical eras.

Just next door, the mood becomes livelier at Jinli Ancient Street. Wander beneath traditional-style wooden buildings and red lanterns as the lane fills with teahouses, local snacks, handicrafts, and small shops. It's an easy place to slow down, try a few Sichuan treats, and experience the lively side of Chengdu without needing to rush.

After exploring Jinli, your private driver will pick you up and return you to your hotel, leaving the evening free to enjoy Chengdu at your own pace.

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your Chengdu hotel and transfer you to the railway station. Settle into your high-speed train and watch the scenery gradually change as you leave the relaxed atmosphere of Chengdu behind and travel toward Xi'an, one of China's great ancient capitals.

Upon arrival in Xi'an, your local private driver will meet you at the railway station and take you to your hotel for check-in. After some time to settle in, head out in the evening to explore one of the city's most atmospheric areas.

The Muslim Quarter is a lively maze of narrow streets, traditional storefronts, food stalls, and historic buildings. Rather than simply passing through, take your time to wander at your own pace and sample some of Xi'an's signature flavors, from freshly baked roujiamo and hand-pulled noodles to grilled skewers and local desserts. The energy changes as the evening goes on, with the smell of spices and sizzling food filling the lanes.

Beyond the food, the neighborhood offers a fascinating glimpse into Xi'an's long history as a meeting point between different cultures and trading routes. It's an easy and delicious introduction to the city before the deeper historical experiences waiting tomorrow.

After your evening exploration, your private driver will pick you up and return you to the hotel.

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the Terracotta Warriors, one of China's most remarkable archaeological discoveries. As you enter the museum area and see the vast ranks of life-sized clay soldiers standing beneath the enormous excavation halls, the scale of the site becomes clear. Each figure has its own facial features, hairstyle, armor, and expression, making the army feel surprisingly human despite being buried for more than two thousand years.

Take your time exploring the main pits and learning how the warriors, horses, and chariots were created to guard Qin Shi Huang, China's first emperor, in the afterlife. It is one of those places where seeing the site in person feels very different from seeing it in photographs.

Return to central Xi'an and continue to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a landmark closely connected with the city's Buddhist and Tang Dynasty heritage. Rising above the surrounding grounds, the pagoda has become one of Xi'an's most recognizable symbols. Take a leisurely walk around the complex and enjoy the contrast between its ancient architecture and the modern city beyond.

Later, continue to Tang Paradise, a large cultural park inspired by the grandeur of the Tang Dynasty. Stroll through classical-style gardens, pavilions, bridges, lakes, and landscaped paths, where the atmosphere shifts from archaeological history to the elegance and prosperity associated with imperial Chang'an.

After a full day moving through different chapters of Xi'an's history, your private driver will take you back to the hotel, leaving the evening free to relax or enjoy another taste of the city's famous cuisine.

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Xi'an Ancient City Wall, one of the best-preserved ancient city walls in China. Walk along the broad ramparts and look out over a city where centuries-old fortifications stand alongside modern streets and buildings. If you prefer an easier visit, you can also enjoy the views from selected sections without walking the entire wall.

Continue toward the heart of old Xi'an to see the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, two iconic landmarks that once marked the rhythm of daily life in the ancient capital. Their traditional architecture and central location make them a natural stop for appreciating how historic Xi'an and its modern city center have grown together.

Before leaving Xi'an, head to Yongxingfang Food Street, a great place to experience the city through its flavors. Browse the stalls and small eateries for local specialties, from savory noodles and dumplings to regional snacks and Shaanxi-style dishes. It's a more casual way to finish your time in Xi'an before heading to the railway station.

At the agreed time, your private driver will transfer you to Xi'an Railway Station for your high-speed train to Chongqing. During the journey, the scenery gradually changes as the historic northwest gives way to the greener and more mountainous landscapes of southwest China.

Upon arrival in Chongqing, your local private driver will meet you at the station and transfer you directly to your hotel for check-in. The city's steep streets, layered buildings, and dramatic skyline offer an immediate change of scenery—and a preview of what tomorrow has in store.

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and begin exploring Chongqing, a city where mountains, rivers, bridges, and skyscrapers seem to stack on top of one another.

Start at Liziba Monorail Station, one of Chongqing's most unusual urban sights. Watch the light rail disappear directly into a residential building, a scene that perfectly captures the city's inventive relationship with its steep terrain. Your driver will then take you to Ciqikou Ancient Town, where the pace slows down among narrow lanes, traditional houses, old shops, teahouses, and local snacks. Take your time wandering through the historic streets and perhaps try some Chongqing specialties along the way.

Continue into the modern heart of the city at Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, where busy shopping streets, towering buildings, restaurants, and local life come together. From here, head toward the riverside and Hongya Cave, one of Chongqing's most atmospheric landmarks.

As daylight fades, Hongya Cave becomes especially impressive. Its layered wooden-style buildings climb up the hillside above the river, while the lights gradually turn the entire complex into a glowing urban scene. Take some time to enjoy the views, photograph the city from different angles, and watch Chongqing come alive after dark.

After your evening exploration, your private driver will pick you up and return you to the hotel.

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you on a day trip to the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where mountainsides have been transformed into an extraordinary gallery of ancient art.

As you explore the carvings, you'll see thousands of figures spread across grottoes and cliff faces, including serene Buddha statues, celestial figures, guardian spirits, and detailed scenes from religious stories. What makes Dazu special is the sheer variety of expressions and details—the sculptures feel less like distant relics and more like windows into the beliefs, values, and everyday world of ancient China.

Spend time at Baodingshan, the best-known section of the site, where carvings follow the natural shape of the cliffs and form a remarkably detailed visual narrative. Look closely at the expressions, gestures, costumes, and surrounding motifs; the closer you look, the more details emerge from the stone.

The experience is also a refreshing change of pace after Chongqing's busy streets. Instead of skyscrapers and neon lights, you'll spend the day surrounded by quiet hills and centuries-old stonework, with plenty of time to appreciate the atmosphere without rushing from one sight to another.

After sightseeing, your private driver will take you comfortably back to Chongqing and drop you off at your hotel. The evening is free for you to relax or continue exploring the city on your own.

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your Chongqing hotel and transfer you to the railway station for your high-speed train to Zhangjiajie. Settle into your seat and enjoy the changing scenery as the dense urban landscape gradually gives way to greener hills and mountain country.

Upon arrival, your local private driver will meet you at the railway station and take you to your hotel for check-in. There is no packed sightseeing schedule today, giving you a chance to slow down after several busy days in Chengdu, Xi'an, and Chongqing.

Once settled in, spend the afternoon and evening at your own pace. Take a relaxed walk around the local area, sample some Hunan flavors, or simply rest at the hotel and save your energy for the spectacular mountain landscapes ahead.

With Zhangjiajie's sandstone peaks waiting for you tomorrow, this easy transition day gives the journey a natural pause between Chongqing's lively cityscape and the wild scenery of the mountains.

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, where towering sandstone pillars rise dramatically from deep valleys and dense forests. This is the landscape that makes Zhangjiajie feel almost unreal, especially when mist settles between the peaks.

Begin in Yuanjiajie, one of the park's most spectacular areas. Walk along the mountain paths and viewpoints to see the famous pillar formations that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. From the viewpoints, thousands of slender peaks stretch toward the horizon, with layers of mountains appearing and disappearing in the changing light and clouds.

Continue to the Bailong Elevator, built into the side of the mountain. The ride carries you vertically alongside the cliffs, offering a striking perspective of the surrounding sandstone landscape as you descend.

Later, head toward Tianzi Mountain, where the scenery opens into an enormous natural panorama. From the elevated viewpoints, look across rows of jagged peaks, deep valleys, and forest-covered slopes. On a cloudy or misty day, the mountains can seem to float above the valley, creating some of Zhangjiajie's most memorable views.

After a full day among the peaks, your private driver will take you back to your hotel. The evening is free to rest and enjoy the quieter side of Zhangjiajie.

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you back into Zhangjiajie National Forest Park for another day among its dramatic sandstone landscapes. Today's route shifts away from the grand panoramic views of Yuanjiajie and takes you deeper into the valleys and forests, giving you a different perspective of the park.

Begin at Helong Park, one of Tianzi Mountain's best-known viewing areas. From the elevated platforms, look across a vast sea of sandstone peaks rising from the green valleys below. The scenery is particularly atmospheric when clouds drift through the mountains, constantly changing the shape and depth of the landscape.

Continue to the Ten-Mile Gallery, a scenic valley where forested slopes and unusual rock formations line the route. Rather than simply looking out from a single viewpoint, you'll experience the mountains from within the valley, with different peaks revealing themselves as you move deeper into the landscape.

Later, slow the pace along Golden Whip Stream, one of the park's most peaceful walking areas. A clear stream winds between towering cliffs and dense greenery, creating a refreshing contrast to the exposed mountain viewpoints. The combination of running water, forest shade, and enormous sandstone walls makes this one of the best places to simply enjoy Zhangjiajie's natural atmosphere.

After the day's exploration, your private driver will take you back to your hotel. Spend the evening relaxing and recharging before tomorrow's spectacular Tianmen Mountain experience.

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the Tianmen Mountain area. Today's experience is less about covering a long list of attractions and more about enjoying one spectacular mountain landscape from several unforgettable angles.

Begin with the Tianmen Mountain Cableway, one of the world's longest cableway rides. As the cabin climbs away from Zhangjiajie city, the view gradually opens beneath you—green valleys, winding mountain roads, forested slopes, and sheer cliffs unfolding far below. On a clear day, the changing perspective makes the ride itself part of the sightseeing.

Once on the mountain, follow the scenic paths toward the dramatic cliffside viewpoints. Walk along sections of the mountain trails and take in the vast views across the surrounding peaks and valleys. Where conditions allow, the mountain's glass walkway sections offer an extra dose of excitement as the landscape drops away beneath your feet.

Continue toward Tianmen Cave, the enormous natural opening in the mountainside known as the “Gate of Heaven.” The cave's huge arch rises dramatically above the surrounding cliffs, creating one of Zhangjiajie's most recognizable natural scenes. The approach also reveals the famous winding mountain road curling through the slopes below.

Take your time here to enjoy the scale of the landscape rather than rushing through the viewpoints. After the visit, your private driver will pick you up and return you to your hotel, giving you a relaxing evening after an exhilarating day in the mountains.

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel in Zhangjiajie and begin the scenic drive toward Furong Ancient Town. After several days surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, today brings a gentler change of scenery as the road winds through green valleys and traditional villages.

Arrive at Furong Ancient Town, a historic Tujia settlement built along the river. What makes Furong particularly memorable is its spectacular waterfall, which tumbles directly beside and beneath the old town. Walk through the narrow stone lanes, admire the traditional wooden houses, and follow the riverside paths to different viewpoints of the waterfall. When the water is flowing strongly, the combination of cliffs, old buildings, and rushing water creates an impressive scene.

Take some time to enjoy the town at a relaxed pace before continuing by private vehicle toward Fenghuang Ancient Town.

After arriving in Fenghuang, your driver will take you to your hotel for check-in. In the evening, head out to explore the old town at its most atmospheric time of day. Traditional wooden houses line the Tuojiang River, connected by stone bridges and narrow lanes. As the sky darkens, warm lights begin to illuminate the riverside buildings, and their reflections shimmer across the water.

Rather than rushing through the old town, leave some time to simply wander, photograph the riverside scenery, or find a quiet spot overlooking the water. The evening atmosphere is one of the highlights of Fenghuang and a beautiful contrast to the dramatic mountains of Zhangjiajie.

After your exploration, your private driver will return you to your hotel.

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from the hotel and take you back into Fenghuang Ancient Town for a relaxed morning. With fewer people around than in the evening, the old town feels calmer and more atmospheric, making this a good time to explore its historic lanes at an unhurried pace.

Walk along the Tuojiang River, where traditional wooden houses rise closely along the waterfront. Cross the old stone bridges, wander through narrow lanes, and take in the details of the town's distinctive architecture. If you like photography, the soft morning light on the river and rooftops offers a completely different mood from the illuminated town you experienced the night before.

Take some time to enjoy the town rather than rushing between sights. You can stop for a local breakfast or tea, browse small shops, or simply sit beside the river and watch daily life unfold.

Later, your private driver will pick you up and transfer you to the railway station for your high-speed train to Guilin. As the train travels south, the scenery gradually shifts toward the lush landscapes of Guangxi.

Upon arrival in Guilin, your local private driver will meet you at the railway station and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is deliberately kept free, giving you time to rest after the journey or take an easy evening walk around Guilin.

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and begin your first full day exploring Guilin. Today keeps a relaxed pace, bringing together the city's signature landscape, waterways, and lively local streets.

Start at Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin's most recognizable natural landmark. Rising beside the Li River, the limestone formation is shaped like an elephant dipping its trunk into the water. Walk around the scenic area to enjoy different views of the rock, river, and surrounding greenery while getting your first taste of the karst landscape that defines this part of Guangxi.

Continue to the Two Rivers & Four Lakes Scenic Area, where Guilin's waterways wind through the city, connecting lakes, bridges, gardens, and historic sites. Take a leisurely walk along the waterfront and enjoy the contrast between the quiet reflections on the water and the lively city beyond.

Later, head to Zhengyang Pedestrian Street, a convenient place to experience Guilin's everyday atmosphere. Browse local shops, sample regional snacks, or simply wander through the streets and watch the city move at its own pace.

After sightseeing, your private driver will take you back to the hotel. Keep the evening free to relax and recharge, because tomorrow you'll leave the city behind and head into the spectacular karst scenery along the Li River.

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your Guilin hotel and drive to Xingping, leaving the city behind as the scenery gradually changes to quiet villages, green fields, and dramatic limestone peaks.

Once in Xingping, board a bamboo raft on the Li River and let the landscape take over. Towering karst peaks rise from the riverbanks, bamboo groves lean toward the water, and small villages appear between the hills. On misty mornings, the mountains fade into layers of grey and green, creating the kind of scenery that feels almost painted rather than real.

After the raft ride, stop at the famous ￥20 RMB Viewpoint, where the dramatic karst landscape featured on China's 20-yuan banknote can be seen in real life. Standing beside the Li River and looking across the same peaks captured on the note makes for a fun and memorable photo opportunity.

Then wander through Xingping Ancient Town, where weathered stone lanes, traditional houses, old storefronts, and quiet corners offer a more intimate side of this riverside area. Take your time here—there's no need to rush through a place that is best enjoyed slowly.

When you're ready, your private driver will continue with you to Yangshuo and transfer you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax, explore the riverside, or enjoy a leisurely evening in the countryside.

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you beyond central Yangshuo into the surrounding countryside. Today is intentionally slower, giving you time to experience the landscape rather than simply move from one attraction to the next.

Follow quiet country roads through traditional villages, rice fields, vegetable plots, and farmland, with Yangshuo's distinctive karst peaks rising in the distance. The scenery changes with the seasons—fresh green fields during the growing season, golden paddies around harvest time, and misty mountains on cooler days. Along the way, you may see local farmers working in the fields or villagers going about their daily routines.

Take your time to stop for photographs and enjoy the peaceful rhythm of rural Guangxi. This is one of the best opportunities on the journey to see a side of Yangshuo that feels far removed from the busier sightseeing areas.

Later, return to town and explore Yangshuo West Street, a lively historic street filled with traditional-style buildings, cafés, restaurants, local snacks, and small shops. After a quiet day in the countryside, the contrast is part of the fun. You can browse at your own pace, try some local dishes, or find a riverside spot for a drink and watch the town come alive.

At the end of the day, your private driver will take you back to the hotel, leaving the evening free to relax and enjoy Yangshuo.

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your Yangshuo hotel and drive toward the Longji Rice Terraces. The journey itself is part of the experience, as the scenery gradually changes from Yangshuo's limestone peaks and river valleys to steeper mountain roads, forested hills, and remote villages.

As you reach the Longji area, the landscape opens into vast layers of rice terraces carved into the mountainsides. Depending on the season, the terraces can look completely different—filled with reflective water in spring, bright green in summer, golden during harvest, or quieter and more muted in winter.

Spend the day exploring the scenic area and walking through the surrounding Zhuang and Yao villages. Traditional wooden houses, mountain paths, and terraced fields reveal how closely local life has long been connected to the landscape. Along the way, take time to appreciate the views from different elevations rather than simply stopping at one viewpoint—the higher you climb, the more the terraces unfold across the mountains like enormous natural patterns.

The villages also offer a chance to experience local culture in a more personal setting. You can see traditional architecture, learn about local customs, and observe everyday life in communities that have adapted to these steep mountain landscapes over generations.

After sightseeing, your private driver will take you to your Longji mountain accommodation for check-in. Enjoy the evening at a slower pace, surrounded by mountains and terraces. If the weather is clear, the quiet landscape after sunset offers a beautiful contrast to the busy cities earlier in the journey.

Wake up to the mountain scenery of Longji Rice Terraces and enjoy a relaxed morning surrounded by layered hills and quiet village paths. If the weather is clear, the early light gradually spreads across the terraces, bringing out the curves and textures of the fields and creating some of the most peaceful views of the journey.

After breakfast, take a final stroll around the nearby viewpoints or village paths. The morning is intentionally kept unhurried, giving you time to enjoy the terraces without squeezing in another packed sightseeing schedule.

At a suitable time, your private driver will pick you up and drive from Longji back to Guilin. As you leave the mountains behind, the scenery gradually changes from terraced hills and forested valleys to the greener, more open landscapes around Guilin.

Upon arrival, your driver will transfer you to your Guilin hotel and assist with your check-in. The rest of the day is completely free. You can take a leisurely walk along Guilin's rivers and lakes, explore local food streets, enjoy a relaxed meal, or simply rest at the hotel after several days of countryside and mountain exploration.

After breakfast, your private driver will pick you up from your Guilin hotel and transfer you to Guilin Railway Station for your high-speed train back to Chengdu.

Settle into your seat and enjoy the changing scenery along the way. After several days among the Li River, Yangshuo countryside, and Longji's mountain terraces, the journey back to Chengdu gives you a chance to slow down and watch the landscapes gradually shift outside the window.

Upon arrival in Chengdu, your private driver will meet you at the railway station and transfer you directly to your hotel for check-in. With the major sightseeing portion of your journey now complete, the rest of the day is intentionally left free.

Spend the afternoon or evening revisiting a favorite part of Chengdu, exploring a local neighborhood, enjoying a Sichuan hotpot, or settling into a traditional teahouse for a relaxed final stretch of the trip. After three weeks of moving through China's mountains, ancient cities, and countryside, it's a good time to simply enjoy the city's famously laid-back rhythm.

Your private driver will provide the planned transfer service, leaving you free to enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.

After nearly three weeks of exploring China, today is deliberately left open. Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and spend the day discovering Chengdu at your own pace, without a fixed sightseeing schedule.

You might start with a leisurely stroll through one of the city's traditional neighborhoods, stop at a local teahouse, or browse small shops for souvenirs and everyday finds. If food has been one of the highlights of your journey, this is also the perfect time to return to a favorite Sichuan dish or try something you haven't had the chance to sample yet.

For photography lovers, Chengdu's streets offer plenty of quieter moments away from the major landmarks—old buildings, leafy lanes, neighborhood markets, and everyday scenes that show the city beyond its famous attractions.

Your private driver is available for planned transfers or activities, so you can keep the day flexible without worrying about getting around. Whether you choose to shop, photograph, eat, or simply take a slow afternoon break, the final full day is yours to enjoy.

In the evening, settle into Chengdu's relaxed rhythm one last time. A final Sichuan dinner or an unhurried cup of tea makes a fitting end to a journey that has taken you from ancient capitals and dramatic mountains to rivers, villages, and rice terraces.

Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Chengdu. There's no need to squeeze in another attraction today—take your time over breakfast, pack at your own pace, or enjoy one last walk around the neighborhood if your flight schedule allows.

At the agreed time, your private driver will pick you up directly from the hotel and transfer you to Chengdu airport. Your luggage and transportation are taken care of, so you can simply sit back and enjoy the final drive through the city.

From Chengdu's giant pandas and the ancient streets of Xi'an to Chongqing's vertical skyline, Zhangjiajie's surreal mountains, Fenghuang's riverside charm, the Li River, Yangshuo's countryside, and Longji's sweeping terraces, the past three weeks have taken you through some of China's most contrasting landscapes and cultures.

Arrive at the airport with plenty of time for your departure flight, bringing this 21-day journey through ancient capitals, dramatic mountains, peaceful rivers, and living traditions to a comfortable close.