Selected Picturesque China Tour
12-Day Shanghai, Huangshan, Hangzhou, Guilin and Hong Kong Tour
This tour offers many choices to maximum your comfort with your guide's help. Experience a modern and ancient Shanghai, enjoy cozy trips in china water town, on the West Lake and the Li River. Learn more about Chinese tea culture and tasty the Dragon Well Tea in Hangzhou. Get close touch of China's minority in Guilin.
Highlights
- View Shanghai's fast modernization at the Bund
- Take a leisure boat at Tongli Water Town
- See four wonders and a sunrise of the Yellow Mountain
- Relax on the West Lake with a boat
- Take a river cruise along the Li River
China Highlights, Asia Highlights, and Global Highlights collaborate to provide families and couples with personalized and stress-free experiences in diverse destinations.


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Shanghai- Guide and Tour Review
We arrived in Shanghai China on 10th of November, prior to departing New Zealand, our guide in Shanghai made contact with me to let us know he would meet us at the arrival gate when we land in Shanghai, this made me feel super comfortable as we arrived into a completely new country where we have never travelled to before. He let me know the instructions and when we arrived we were greeted by our guide Kris at the airport arrivals gate. Our driver took us to our hotel where Kris helped us checkin so we could rest as it was early morning. That afternoon Kris met us at our hotel and took us to explore the French Quarter where we had a lovely meal together, later that evening we went to a Chinese acrobat show which Kris recommended, truely a must see experience! more
Nov 2023,
John Morrell
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Shanghai trip with Kris
Kris is a friendly, attentive and knowledgeable tour guide who made sure our short trip in Shanghai was well organised without time wasting. We visited Shanghai Tower, The Bund, French Concession, Yuyuan, and watched the amazing Era Acrobats.Not only was he friendly and helpful, after knowing it was our first trip to China, Kris even went the extra miles and guided us all the way into the high speed rail cabin, to ensure we made no mistake and continued our journey to Hangzhou.I strongly recommend both China Highlights and Kris in Shanghai. more
Nov 2023,
chong777
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Good guide is success of your trip!
Never been to China before. We combined Shanghai masters with sightseeing to get into ancient and modern history of China. The whole experience was great from the first day. Thanks to our guide, Kris, who arranged tickets and helped us to get to the tournament timely although it was his day off and he had to wait us until night. He was cheerful, friendly and quite smart and easy to follow changes we asked. It should be also noted his English was very good so we did not experienced any difficulties with communication. I would definitly recommend Kris as a guide and define him as energetic, communicative, reliable person. Thanks to Kris who made our holiday in China easy, pleasant and remarkable. more
Nov 2023,
Tamar
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Garry’s & Eda’s Visit to Shanghai
We visited Shanghai on the last day of our tour in China. Kris, our guide in Shanghai was there to meet and assist us. We visited the Shanghai Tower, former French concession precinct and walk along the Bund. We even took a boat cruise along the river. It was an enjoyable experience. Kris was very attentive to all our needs. He was such a nice and flamboyant guy that we got along really well throughout the day. We strongly recommend Kris if you are ever in Shanghai. more
Nov 2023,
Eda Adams
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Shanghai Superguide!! Thanks Kris, you the bes!
Kris gave us a five star experience from the beginning. Not only did he show us the amazing city but he had wonderful knowledge of the city and recommended an after hour adventure that was unforgettable! We were quick to connect with Kris, he was very knowledgeable, thoughtful, personal, and fun during our whole stay. I highly recommend him to any visitors!! more
Nov 2023,
Jamie H
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Great Guide, Great Four Days In Shanghai
Our guide Kris was fantastic! He brought us to all the places we set out to see, but also had great suggestions on other places of interest. He was a very helpful interpreter and also went out of his way to make sure we were taken care of and had all of our questions answered. And he was flexible whenever we wanted to make a change. Kris really helped make our 4 days in Shanghai just perfect! more
Nov 2023,
4ontheroadMD
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https://www.trustpilot.com/reviews/65410df0cfb8432110ce3539
I was in Shanghai - thanks Kris - we had the best guide in Shanghai!Excellent English and he feels exactly what we needed. He helps us to understand and to like Shanghai. We will be back.Then I went to Huangshan - Thanks Toni - the warmest and the most patient guide! We saw the sunset, we felt the power of Yellow mountain!Then I go to Xian - thanks Jacob - Perfect English and so positive. Xian is wonderful for tourists with guide like Jacob. And I the and I was in Beijing.I had an excellent holiday . more
Nov 2023,
Malina
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Thank you so much Kenny!!
As being China born n raised n lived in Shanghai for many years, I wouldn’t book a tour to visit China. However my friend Amy booked a private tour through ChinaHighlight, for her very first trip to China, i came along, it totally changed my opinion about arranging private tour, absolutely worthwhile! We had a fantastic experience, learnt so many interesting stories about history, arts and culture, our tour guide in Shanghai is Kenny, she is so knowledgeable and caring, and took very nice pictures too! The restaurant she took us to were very yummy, feels local too, we couldn’t thank her enough for the pleasant trip, Amy already planning to visit again in Spring! Oh, almost forgot to mention the cars they arranged are very clean, safe drives too! more
Oct 2023,
venture21609
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I have a very good experience with
I have a very good experience with China Highlights. Very professional in the advisory for my pleasure travel for two weeks in china. Very good and professional guides especially Francisco in Shanghai.And also de follow of all the comunicaciones with me and also.Answering my multiple questions. more
Oct 2023,
Fredy Haber
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Shanghai, a beautiful city with a short but rich history.
Our final day of our 17day holiday in China was spent in Shanghai. We had an expert guide in Kris from China Highlights to show us around this magnificent city.From the rolling skyline to the majestic Huangpu River there is ample scenery in Shanghai but the main feature for travellers at the end of a long journey is the multitude of shopping opportunities to source those necessary mementos of this wonderful country. Everything for every taste and budget is available.Kris showed us the highlights including a ride to the top of the Shanghai tower, the world's second tallest building, as well as the sites that add to the rich history of this city including the Bund and old living sections that depict the lifestyle of the local Shanghai residents. more
Oct 2023,
Matthew C
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Francisco made our trip to China an
Francisco made our trip to China an experience we will never forget. Being in a country with a culture that is so rich and different can be very stressful. Having Francisco as our guide was the best thing that could have happened to us in our trip. And he speaks Spanish!!! Gracias por una aventura inolvidable Francisco! more
Oct 2023,
Hugo
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China Espectacular
Desde un inicio la se?orita Juana Pan nos atendió con prontitud y eficiencia. Nuestro tour era de varios días y requirió de guías que nos ayudaran en el desplazamiento. Siempre estuvieron ahí para recibirnos: Lili, Alonso, Silvia, Francisco, Pablo y otros, nos dieron excelente trato y cuidados durante nuestra estadía en China. Los lugares visitados fueron muy bien seleccionados y los shows q los que asistimos fueron espectaculares. Incluso en días libres se comunicaban por we chat con nosotros. sin duda la mayoría hizo más de lo esperado. more
Oct 2023,
Luis Sandoval Solano
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China Highlights 11 days China Private Tour
We have arrange with China Highlights for a 11 days private tour with English specking guide which include Beijing, Xian, Guilin & Shanghai. Maggie has been very helpful with all our inquiry, services and helping and preparing us for the trip. Our English tour guide Helen (Beijing), Susan (Xian), Vincent & Ellen (Guilin) & Kris (Shanghai) were all very professional, thoughtful, helpful and patience with us.All the places that were arrange suit us very well.China has really change compare 20+ years ago when I was visiting. more
Oct 2023,
John W
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Great trip around Shanghai
This was our first time ever visiting Shanghai so we wanted to see good places to go to and good food to eat in Shanghai. That's why we booked with China Highlights. They're very responsive and quick to arrange our 3 day trip. Our guide name is Qi and she is a very sweet and helpful person. She knew we wanted to explore many local foods, so she brought us some local breakfast foods when she picked us up from our hotel, just so we can try everything! She was knowledgeable as well about the culture and history of the places we went to. Will definitely recommend this tour and use China Highlights again for our next trip to China! more
Sep 2023,
Sherry
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Fantastic first trip in Shanghai
My partner and I were visiting China for the first time. Our tour guide was Martin, who was friendly and very knowledgeable. He adjusted the tour to our needs and gave us an extensive tour of Shanghai as well as many fascinating insights on China. He also went above and beyond and offered us plenty of recommendations on what to do in the evenings, how to get there, and even made bookings for us. Martin, thanks again! more
Sep 2023,
Regis
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Excellent booking and travel planning process.
Roger Li was our booking and travel advisor. As soon as he reached out to me after my initial online inquiry, he conveyed great communication skills and diligence in his work. He always responded quickly and never hesitated in adjusting our itinerary, until we are completely satisfied. He was also very flexible in our requests e.g. tweaking departure city, additional travellers, extra free days. What impressed me most was his (and probably China Highlights') ability to understand the needs of foreign travellers e.g. using WhatsApp and money exchange issues, tips on using WeChat/Alipay when applicable. We have booked our end of year tour now and hope that China Highlights will deliver as well as this initial process! more
Sep 2023,
Catherine Wong
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One day trip to Shanghai with Martin
I liked beautiful riverfront with skyscrapers, especially in the evening. The garden is very nice, lots of walkways makes it feel really big. Thanks to the guide the schedule was very flexible. Instead of waiting in a huge queue for the tv tower we went to nearby skyscraper, we also were able to meet with our friends who also visited Shanghai on the same day. more
Aug 2023,
Dmitry
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We had an amazing trip with China Highlights!
Kris was an excellent tour guide in Shanghai and flexible with our travel plans. Mervyn has impressive knowledge of history and culture in Xi'an and did a stellar job navigating the crowds of tourists seeing the Terra-cotta Army. Cactus brings a depth of historical knowledge to the tours that is super interesting, and she has great enthusiasm that makes the tour enjoyable. All our drivers were very good and helped ensure that we got from one destination to the next as safely and quickly as possible. The air conditioning in the comfortable cars during the exceptionally hot summer was appreciated, as well. Our itinerary included Shanghai, Xi'an, and Beijing, plus a few days trips such as a small water town outside Shanghai and the Terra-cotta Army outside Xi'an. We took high speed trains between all our destinations, and the China Highlights team did everything they could remotely to pre-arrange those logistics and also escorted us as far as they were able to at each train station. We traveled first class whenever the tickets were still available, and we stayed in quality hotels that were clean and centrally-located for most tourist activities in each city. It was maybe the greatest culinary trip of our lives. :) more
Aug 2023,
Brett N
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Kris from China Highlights in Shanghai was wonderful
We toured Shanghai with Kris from China Highlights as our guide, he was friendly, helpful and made the trip a lot of fun! He also went above and beyond when we traveled to my daughter’s birthplace helping to get information and connect with people from the orphanage where my daughter was adopted from.Highly recommend!! more
Aug 2023,
Rita A
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Personalized and very memorable!
Kris with China Highlights was friendly and personable during our trip. He told us the history of Shanghai in an interesting way, and gave us great recommendations to avoid crowds but still see the highlights of Shanghai. He also traveled with us to the city I was born and was very helpful in helping us communicate with locals. He made sure we had a memorable and very special experience. more
Aug 2023,
Annie A
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Suggested Itinerary
Whenever your flight lands your tour guide will be waiting for you at the arrival hall of the airport, greeting you with a smile and name plate. Transfer to your hotel by private van and driver.
A good choice for you to know Shanghai's modern and old culture life. Have a nice overview of Shanghai's development in Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. You will have an idea of Shanghai's past, present and future. Enjoy Shanghai's modernization at Shanghai World Financial Center. A new landmark to get a bird view of the city from the top floors. Walk on the Bund to see hundreds modern and exotic buildings along the Huangpu River.
A traditional and typical Chinese garden Yu Garden is on your must-see list. The inside is a huge garden with lots of rock works, water ponds and fishes to feed. The garden is built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty. You get some excellent shots with the old buildings.

Head to Tongli Water Town from Shanghai and step back to the ancient China that used to be. Tongli Water Town might remind you of Venice. This Chinese water town is famous for its ancient houses built along the river and ancient bridges. Take a small boat to stretch along the water is pleasant and cozy. Pass the resident's homes and businesses, frequently housed together, and see the local people going about their daily lives on the boat.
Good to know
Tongli Water Town is one of top 6 well-preserved water towns in China, dating back to the Song Dynasty(over 1000 years ago)

In the morning, you will have chance to see Xintiandi and Old French Concession, where the best places to see Shanghai in 1920s. Typical local Shanghai buildings shikumen or lining are assembled in this area. Get insight into the old Shanghai in the early of 19 century. Old French Concession unfolds of old history during the period as well. Nowadays, walk along the street to see some French architectures, shops, café bars and restaurants.
Fly to Huangshan and stay in a hotel in the city center before you climb up the Yellow Mountain. Have a good rest and get ready for the magnificent mountain next day.

A whole day to spend on the Yellow Mountain(Mt. Huangshan). It takes about 1 hour to the foot of the mountain from the city hotel. You will take the Yungu Cable car up and don't miss the wonderful view on it.(A round trip cable car is included.) The cable car lasts around 10 minutes. imaginatively-named pines, oddly-shaped rocks, seas of clouds, and hot springs is the Yellow Mountain's "Four Wonders".You will be guided by local expert, who spend over 200 days a year.

Two highlights of today's journey are the Yellow Mountain's sunrise and local Hongcun Village. Get up early and get yourself warm to wait for a fabulous sunrise on the Yellow Mountain if the weather is good. It is still great scenery on rainy and foggy days. The Yellow Mountain is popular in ancient Chinese poems and paintings and photography at present.
Driven to Hongcun Village to see ancient Anhui architectures, which are composed of old mansions, canals, and ancestral halls. Reflections of the houses on the water bond in front of the village are remarkable. So you should not miss Hongcun Village when you come to Huangshan. Take a coach to Hangzhou after the tour.

Experience Chinese tea plantation and tasty authentic Dragon Well Tea (Longjing Tea) at Meijiawu Tea village. You can pick up tea leaves and learn about tea culture there. The Dragon Well Tea is a unique and famous Chinese green tea produced in Hangzhou. Morning is the best time to visit the place. Enjoy Buddhism relics including Linyin Temple and the Flying Peak. Lots of exquisite stone carvings and Buddha there attract plenty of visitors. Not far away from the temple, the Flying Peak has some amazing carvings on the cliff and popular for visitors to pray such as a good relationship.
West Lake is the landmark and must-see attraction in Hangzhou. You will take a small boat wandering on the lake and reach the Island in the middle. Three Pools Mirroring the Moon is printed on the back of one-yuan banknote.

Take a morning flight from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport to Guilin, a leisure city famous for karst landscapes. Leave your worries about your transfer to us. Today you will have a look at Guilin city center's Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill. Reed Flute Cave is an awesome cave with colorful lights. Each step is a matter of wonder to enjoy the stunning beauty of the natural shapes of the rocks. A great place to take pictures with a matter of joy. Elephant Trunk Hill is the symbol of Guilin. Visit this place and take a capture in here. A very interesting big stone, elephant look alike.
Good to know
If you are still energetic in the evening, you can have a cozy walk along the Two River and Four Lakes.

After a western breakfast in the hotel, you will start a trip to Ping'an Village in Longji Terraced Fields, where the terraces look like ribbons spread from the bottom and top of hills. It takes about 2 hours to arrive there. Experience Chinese minority culture of the Zhuang and Yao. Enjoy a walk to take some great photos along the terraces. The minority's wooden traditional houses are no nails used in the architectures with their wisdom. Come back to stay in Guilin and get ready to Yangshuo next day.

Appreciate the stunning natural karst hills along the Li River. Take a cruise along the Li River from Guilin stretch down to Yangshuo. This section is the most beautiful and typical karst area with fantastic hills around the river. On the cruise, you will see spectacular limestone peaks, graceful bamboo groves, water buffaloes cooling off in the river. Have your lunch on the cruise. Stay in Yangshuo for some free exploration after the cruise. You can stroll along the West Street, a must-visit street in Guilin.
Good to know:
Yangshuo is relaxed town but famous among the foreigners. The West Street is reputed as one of the Foreign Street in China. You can walk along the street, or enjoy a vivid bar life at night.

Have a peaceful morning with fresh air, ride a bike along the paddy fields to see Yangshuo's countryside. Get a closer touch to the karst landscape, visit a local family on the tour. Maximum discovery the beauty of Yangshuo's countryside. After the tour, your tour guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for your departure flight to Hong Kong. Free arrangement by yourself in Hong Kong when you arrive. Hotel and transfer to the hotel is arranged for you.

Transfer from hotel to Hong Kong's airport is included. Your guide and driver will take you to the airport in time depending on your flights. Enjoy a comfortable and hassle free transfer before you go home.
Trip Notes
1. Arrangement in Hong Kong
Hotel and transfer between airport and hotel is only included in this itinerary. Hong Kong is free arranged by yourself to maximum meet your own interests. The city is easy to discover with convenient transport web. Feel free to ask your guide for some suggestions about your exploration.
2. What is the best time to visit Hangzhou?
You can visit Hangzhou at any time. Hangzhou in every season has different beautiful scenery, famous for its Ten Scenes of West Lake. Spring and autumn are more popular because of hot summer and chilly winter. Avoid Chinese national holidays like May 1st, China National Day (Oct.1th-7th). The landmark West Lake is popular on weekends.
3. How to get Hangzhou?
From most cities
Flights/trains from most cities to Hangzhou are convenient.
From Shanghai
We suggest you arrive at Hangzhou by train from Shanghai, which can be as short as 1 hour. Private car transfer from Shanghai to Hangzhou is not offered due to the limitation of cars/buses from other cities on weekdays. We suggest you arrive at Hangzhou by train/air. High speed train tickets and flight tickets booking service are offered.
From/to Yellow Mountain
Regular coaches run between Hangzhou and the Yellow Mountain with a 3h journey.
Price includes:
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