Destinations: Guilin + Yangshuo + Lijiang + Shangri-La + Kunming
Embark on an extraordinary journey across China's most breathtaking landscapes and richest cultural tapestries with PandaStudyTour's 9-Day Private Custom Tour. From the otherworldly karst peaks of Guilin that have inspired poets for millennia to the snow-capped grandeur of Lijiang's Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, from the mystical Tibetan culture of Shangri-La to the spring-like warmth of Kunming's lakes and stone forests, this carefully crafted itinerary invites you to immerse yourself in the best of southern China. Designed for discerning international travelers, this private tour offers unparalleled comfort, flexibility, and depth, allowing you to experience the country's natural wonders and cultural heritage at your own pace, with dedicated service every step of the way. Thanks to China's visa-friendly policies, your journey is now more convenient than ever, letting you focus solely on creating unforgettable memories amid these stunning destinations.
Tour Highlights
Why Choose This Tour with PandaStudyTour?
This tour is meticulously designed for travelers who seek more than just sightseeing—you'll experience authentic culture, breathtaking nature, and personalized service that caters to your unique needs. Whether you're traveling with family, your partner, or exploring solo as a culture and nature enthusiast, the relaxed pace allows for flexible adjustments, ensuring you never feel rushed. PandaStudyTour takes care of all the details, from airport pickups to hotel bookings and advance reservations for popular attractions (such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain cable cars), so you can focus on savoring every moment. With our local expertise and commitment to excellence, we turn your Chinese adventure into a seamless, unforgettable journey.
Day 1: Arrive in Guilin | Night Tour of Two Rivers and Four Lakes
Upon your arrival at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport or Guilin Railway Station, your dedicated guide and driver from PandaStudyTour will greet you and transfer you to a 4-star hotel in the urban area. Spend the day resting and adjusting to the new environment, or take a leisurely walk to admire the karst peaks scattered throughout the city. In the evening, we recommend a night cruise on the Two Rivers and Four Lakes, where you can enjoy the stunning blend of twinkling lights, water screens, and karst landscapes that make Guilin's night view truly magical.
Day 2: Guilin → Yangshuo | Li River Cruise + Ten-Mile Gallery + West Street
After breakfast, take a private car to Mopan Mountain Wharf (or Zhujiang Wharf for premium experiences) for a full-day Li River cruise, which takes approximately 4 hours. Along the way, you'll pass iconic spots like Nine Horses Painting Hill and the viewpoint featured on the 20 RMB banknote. A Chinese-style light meal is included on the cruise. Upon arriving in Yangshuo, check into your hotel and then explore the Ten-Mile Gallery, passing by Big Banyan Tree, Gongnong Bridge, and Moon Hill—you can choose to hike and enjoy the views at your leisure. In the evening, wander Yangshuo West Street, a lively area where Chinese and Western cultures blend, filled with local snacks, shops, and a vibrant atmosphere. Optional Extra: Zhang Yimou's "Impression Liu Sanjie" live performance.
Day 3: Yangshuo → Guilin | Yulong River Leisure + Reed Flute Cave
Spend the entire day exploring the Yulong River, with three ways to experience its beauty: cycling along the rural greenway, taking a classic bamboo raft drift (not available for children under 1 meter or seniors over 70 years old), or driving for a scenic tour. Along the way, you'll pass through idyllic rice fields, centuries-old stone bridges, and riverside ancient villages, fully immersing yourself in Yangshuo's pastoral scenery. In the afternoon, return to Guilin and visit the Reed Flute Cave, a magnificent underground karst palace adorned with colorful lights that illuminate the unique stalactites and stalagmites.
Day 4: Guilin → Lijiang | Lijiang Old Town + Mu Mansion Cultural Exploration
After breakfast, we will transfer you to Guilin Airport for your flight to Lijiang. Upon arrival in Lijiang, our guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel near Lijiang Old Town. Spend the afternoon exploring Lijiang Old Town (Dayan Old Town), wandering its cobblestone streets, ancient bridges, and the bustling Square Street. Visit the Mu Mansion, known as "the Forbidden City in the North, Mu Mansion in the South", where you can learn about the history of the Naxi chieftains and the unique architectural culture of the Naxi people. Optional Extra: Climb Wangu Tower on Lion Mountain for a panoramic view of the old town and a distant look at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Day 5: Lijiang In-Depth Tour | Jade Dragon Snow Mountain + Blue Moon Valley + Baisha Old Town
Head to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the southernmost glacier in the northern hemisphere. You can choose to visit Spruce Plateau (3,000 meters), Yak Plateau (3,500 meters), or Glacier Park (4,680 meters)—please note that cable car tickets for Glacier Park are in high demand, and PandaStudyTour will assist you with advance reservations. Next, explore Blue Moon Valley and White Water River, where the snowmelt forms stunning blue lakes, perfect for taking photos. Optional Extra: Watch the "Impression Lijiang" original live performance. On the way back, stop at Baisha Old Town to admire the millennium-old Baisha Murals and experience the traditional Naxi Baisha Embroidery. You can also make a stop at Black Dragon Pool Park to enjoy the reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the water.
Day 6: Lijiang → Shangri-La | First Bend of the Yangtze River + Tiger Leaping Gorge + Dukezong Ancient Town
After breakfast, take a private car to Shangri-La. Along the way, stop at the First Bend of the Yangtze River to overlook the magnificent 180-degree turn of the Jinsha River. Visit Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world—hike along the plank road to feel its grandeur and steepness, or take the optional paid elevator to the viewing platform. Upon arriving in Shangri-La (at an altitude of 3,459 meters), check into your hotel to acclimate to the high altitude. In the afternoon, explore Dukezong Ancient Town, climb Turtle Mountain Park, turn the world's largest prayer wheel, and wander the ancient Tibetan-style streets.
Day 7: Shangri-La Cultural & Natural Day Tour | Songzanlin Monastery + Pudacuo + Tibetan Family Visit
In the morning, visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, known as the "Little Potala Palace". Walk around the lake to take photos of the monastery's reflection. In the afternoon, head to Pudacuo National Park, a core area of the "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage Site, where you can hike through primeval forests, alpine lakes, and grasslands, and encounter original ecological natural scenery (please avoid strenuous exercise due to the high altitude). In the evening, visit a local Tibetan family to experience their daily life, taste butter tea and Tibetan snacks, and feel the warm hospitality of the Tibetan people.
Day 8: Shangri-La → Kunming | Western Hills Longmen + Dianchi Lake Scenery
After breakfast, we will transfer you to Shangri-La Airport for your flight to Kunming. Upon arrival, our guide will pick you up and take you to your hotel in Kunming. Visit the Western Hills Scenic Area (also known as Sleeping Beauty Mountain), hike the Longmen Grottoes, and enjoy a panoramic view of Dianchi Lake and the Kunming cityscape. Explore ancient temples such as Huating Temple and Taihua Temple, and walk through the forest trails to feel the tranquility of Kunming's mountain forests.
Day 9: Kunming Departure | Green Lake Park + Stone Forest Day Tour
In the morning, visit Green Lake Park to experience the casual daily life of Kunming locals—from November to March of the following year, you can feed the Siberian red-billed gulls that migrate here. In the afternoon, head to the Stone Forest Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, to explore the unique karst stone peaks. Visit Big Stone Forest and Small Stone Forest, and look for the iconic Ashima stone peak. After the tour, our private car will transfer you to Kunming Airport or Railway Station, bringing your unforgettable journey to an end.
Important Notes
Let PandaStudyTour be your guide to China's most stunning landscapes and rich cultures—book this 9-day private tour today and embark on a journey you will cherish forever.
