Classic Yunnan and Xiamen Tulou Tour
16-Day Private China Tour: Hong Kong–Xiamen–Kunming–Dali–Lijiang–Shangri-La–Chengdu -Wuzhen -Shanghai
Begin your journey in the vibrant metropolis of Hong Kong, then discover the coastal charm of Xiamen and the cultural richness of Kunming. Explore the ancient town of Dali, wander through the historic streets of Lijiang, and encounter adorable pandas in Chengdu. Immerse yourself in the ancient water town of Wuzhen and conclude your adventure in the modernity of Shanghai. This well-balanced itinerary offers an ideal mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
The itinerary below is only one possibility. Tips to tailor-make your trip are offered as inspiration. Send us details of your preferences and our travel experts will customize this trip to suit your interests, tastes, and budget.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Discover the Hakka Architecture and Culture in the Earthern Buildings of Xiamen

Embark on a Scenic Cruise on the Tranquil Erhai Lake

Experience the Charm of a Naxi Minority Village

Experience Taking Care of a Cute Panda

Why Choose Us

Your Wellbeing is Our Priority.
- 1-to-1 travel expert
- Vaccinated guides
- Private Rides

Your Trip is Perfectly Planned.
- Less crowded
- Exclusive Exciting Experiences

Your Booking is Risk-Free.
- No cancellation fee (up to 22 days before departure)
- Free changes
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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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Olivia Tian, a sunshine tour guide!
In October, my friend Amy booked a tour with Chinahighlights, Olivia Tian was our guide in Beijing, she is such a sweet n happy person to be around, not only she gave us the best guide service, also very accommodating, alter the plan as per our interest, took us to very local shopping n food district. Above all, she takes awesome pics, very patient!! Thank you so much for such pleasant 5 days in BJ, look forward to see you when we are back in China, Olivia!! more
Dec 2023,
Venture216019
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One whole of a good experience !
Kevin was always making flexible arrangements for us making sure we meet our needs. Kevin also walked us to our desired restaurant daily making sure all are well before he left. Kudos to the whole team. Highly recommend ? more
Dec 2023,
Cornelius C
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China is Amazing Wonders that do not stop coming at you.Great country
Great job,Loved every minute of it,Ethan did an amazing job,True Ambassador of China,Just like the Chinese people,Friendly, dignified and hardworking,Very happy.China Highlights exceeded expectations and then some,I will never even think of travelling with another company. more
Dec 2023,
Philip Sardar /Maps10321171537
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Wonderful trip to Beijing and Xian
Had a great trip to bejing n xian. Our guide lily liu is so well versed in english and we have no worry here at all. We managed to dine in great halal restaurants though out our trip. Highly reccomended to all muslims travellers. more
Dec 2023,
Efen Reyes
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Great experience, highly recommended!
Additionally, she helped me with all my personal needs like getting a SIM card, finding an ATM, shopping, dining, checking in at the train station, hotel, suggested a couple additional very entertaining art events. Was also punctual and spoke good English. more
Nov 2023,
Wayne S.
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Excellent tour with Tom from China Highlights
We used China Highlights for the 3 days of our Beijing trip. Tom was a fantastic guide. Very knowledgable with excellent English. He was able to accommodate changes to our tour at short notice, allowing us to make the most of our limited time. Couldn’t recommend highly enough more
Nov 2023,
Ross
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Magical Adventure
Wow this tour was honestly the best tourI have ever taken! Our guide Simon Yao was simply superb! His English was excellent and he was very easy to talk to. He was personable and friendly but not overpowering or overbearing. Very knowledgeable about history. Thankfully the weather was good so we were not super hot !Finally at the wall we were amazed by it's beauty and grandeur. It really is something and pictures don't do it justice. more
Nov 2023,
Annika M
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Excellent two day visit to Great Wall
Our guide ‘Mark’ was incredible. So friendly, knowledgable and funny. The itinerary was perfect, we got to see two different parts of the Great Wall (one of which at night which was magical) and our hotel stay in Gubei was wonderful. Highly recommend to anybody visiting Beijing more
Nov 2023,
James_Wolstenholme
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Great Experience from start to finish!
Jack was my guide and his local knowledge and English skills were fantastic. He was punctual, friendly and willing to flex as we went about our tour. Couldn’t recommend China Highlights more! more
Nov 2023,
Scott Smith
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Family tour
Helen in Beijing - thanks for paying great attention to details, for your small surprises for the children every day, for selecting amazing restaurants, and leading wonderful walking tours. Your cheerfulness added to our enjoyment. more
Nov 2023,
Kamila
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Great day out with Mark, thanks China Highlights!
We did a 1 day private tour with China Highlights to see Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Communication was great throughout - from trip planning/booking with Roger and from our guide Mark who contacted us the day before to confirm meet up time/location. Avoided a lot of the queues and definitely learned quite a bit of history from our guide Mark…thanks again! No language barriers/issues…highly recommended. more
Nov 2023,
ykeezy
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China Three (3) Cities Tours
To the tour guides, Ethan, Jason and Tony, you guys have made my visit an awesome and memorable experience. All the tour guides spoke english and communicated very effectively. They are knowledgeable about all the sites visited including, Great Wall of China, The Forbidden City, Panda Breeding and Research Center, Leshan Giant Buddha, Hallelujah Mountains, Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and Glass Bridge, and Tianmen Mountain. The tour guides ensured I got the most out of my time I stayed in the various cities Beijing, Chengdu and Zhangjiajie. more
Nov 2023,
Kadar
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13 days in China
We booked a 13 day’s tour of China with China Highlights. Our travel advisor, Ms Leah Zhou organised an itinerary that suited what we wanted. She was really helpful and patient will all our needs. Leah helped us organised our 30th Wedding Anniversary Dinner and my 60th Birthday celebration?? in Beijing. For this to be possible, she had to liaise with our guide in Beijing. The flowers and cake were a real surprise. My husband and I, were really touched at the good service provided by China Highlights and Ms Leah Zhou. Thank you China Highlights and Ms Leah Zhou for your constant care of your customers. I will certainly recommend China Highlights to my friends. more
Nov 2023,
Eda Adams
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Perfect Beijing experience
Covering all major sights our exploration of Beijing and surroundings was flawless guided by Lily, along with her knowledgeable and balanced information on Chinas culture and history. In particular, Lily was able to adjust the tour according to personal preferences, e.g. focus on photography, as well as suggesting additional activities like an impressive authentic artistic show. I highly recommend China Highlights as China tour operator and Lily Liu as excellent guide regarding the Beijing area. more
Nov 2023,
Perfect Beijing experience
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Our first trip to Beijing
Our tour guide was Lucy Yubo. She was awesome. Very friendly, informative and passionate about her job. We really enjoyed her company and guidance. more
Nov 2023,
Sreelatha Reddy
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Anne and Bob’s tour of Beijing
We did the China Highlights tour of Beijing with our excellent guide Mark and his driver. We thoroughly enjoyed seeing the Beijing highlights including the Lama Temple, the Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and the Lama Temple. The Summer Palace with the boat ride and the Garden of Virtue and Harmony were memorable also and the Mutianyu Great Wall was a highlight. We were impressed with Mark as a guide. He knew his history and he was kind and thoughtful. He took us to some excellent restaurants and we were introduced to some beautiful food. We enjoyed his company and will always remember him. more
Nov 2023,
BendigoBob
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Excellent end to end service
Helen is a positive, full of knowledge, experienced guide.She provided us an implacable service abd experience for 3 days .Highly recommended more
Nov 2023,
Sariel Engel
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Amazing Beijing Tour with Risa!
Risa gave us a wonderful tour of the city! She thoroughly explained the cultuaral importance of each exhibit while also educating us on the Chinese culture. Appreciated having this wonderful Beijing trip with Risa:) more
Nov 2023,
Angelica M.
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Amazing Beijing Tour With Risa!
We were very kindly received in Beijing by our tour guide Risa. She gave us a very thorough tour of the city and showed us wonderful places, while also explaining the important history/culture of China! Very beautiful city filled with many things to do and full of culture! This was very well planned and made it very easy for us to visit the city and foreigners:) Thank you Risa! more
Nov 2023,
Angelica M
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Do Beijing like a local
They organised my trip very quickly and efficiently. On the day, Anna was very friendly to me, my mum and my baby. Very accommodating to our needs. The car was immaculately clean and very comfortable. We visited everything we initially wanted and more. Also, Anna took us to the best meal we had in China. It makes a difference to have a local choosing the dishes! more
Nov 2023,
Natali A
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Your private guide will be ready to meet and greet you at the arrival hall in Hong Kong. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you to check-in.
You'll be transported to the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry pier for a comfortable high-speed ferry ride to Macau. Begin your Macau adventure at the iconic Ruins of St. Paul, followed by visits to Mount Fortress, Section of the Old Wall, and Leal Senado Square. Immerse yourself in local culture and shop for unique produce at sidewalk stalls. Savor a simple set lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon, your city sightseeing continues with visits to the historic A-Ma Temple and, if time allows, a famous casino for some entertainment.
Your adventure begins with a visit to the iconic Victoria Peak, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city. As you ascend to the peak, enjoy a one-way trip on the Peak Tram, a fascinating 8-minute journey that provides a unique perspective of Hong Kong's impressive skyscrapers.
Next, delve into the rich maritime culture of Aberdeen, a world-renowned destination known for its fishing village traditions and delectable seafood. For an up-close encounter with this unique way of life, opt for a sampan ride (additional fee of HK$10–12).
Continue your exploration at Stanley Market, nestled near the picturesque beach. Once a quaint fishing village, Stanley Market now beckons with a diverse array of treasures, including Chinese-style artwork, luxurious silk fabrics, antiques, and plus-size clothing.
Tianluokeng Tulou Clusters: Prepare for an enchanting journey as you depart from Xiamen towards the Tianluokeng Tulou Clusters. Located in the picturesque Shangban Village, Shuyang Town, these extraordinary earthen buildings are a testament to Hakka architecture and culture. Comprising four circular and one rectangular Tulou, Tianluokeng is not only well-preserved but also awe-inspiring. This unique village has earned its place among China's 'Famous Historic Cultural Villages' for its distinctive heritage.
The Stone Forest: Discover the breathtaking natural wonder of the Stone Forest, located 90 km southeast of Kunming. This stunning karst landscape, formed over millions of years, showcases a variety of unique rock formations. As you explore, you'll be immersed in the rich culture of the Sani people who call this area home. Experience their captivating folk customs, adorned with vibrant embroidery and mesmerizing minority dances. The combination of these cultural elements with the breathtaking natural scenery is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Yuantong Temple: Immerse yourself in the history and spirituality of Kunming as you visit the magnificent Yuantong Temple. With a proud history of over 1,200 years, this temple stands as the largest in Kunming. In 1956, the temple hosted a grand ceremony to welcome and consecrate the Buddha's tooth, highlighting its significance in the Buddhist community. Recognized as one of the key Buddhist temples in China by the State Council, Yuantong Temple offers a serene and awe-inspiring experience.
Ancient City of Dali: Immerse yourself in history as you explore the Ancient City of Dali. Wander through its charming streets, lined with traditional architecture and ancient city walls. Discover the rich cultural heritage of the Bai ethnic minority and visit historic landmarks that reflect the city's storied past.
Cruise on Erhai Lake: Embark on a scenic cruise on the tranquil Erhai Lake. Marvel at the stunning natural beauty surrounding this pristine body of water, with its crystal-clear waters and picturesque landscapes. Enjoy the fresh breeze as you soak in the serene atmosphere and capture unforgettable views.
Houses of Bai People in Xizhou: Journey to Xizhou, a Bai ethnic minority village renowned for its well-preserved traditional houses. Immerse yourself in the local culture as you explore these ancient dwellings, each showcasing exquisite Bai architectural styles and intricate designs. Engage with the friendly villagers and gain insights into their daily lives and unique customs.
Li Shui Jin Sha Show: Experience the captivating Li Shui Jin Sha Show, where the art forms of dance, painting, and hand writing come together to depict the magnificent geography of the Lijiang area. Delve into the rich ethnic customs of northwest Yunnan and the ancient cultural heritage of the NaXi people. This mesmerizing show embraces the essence of diverse ethnic groups and showcases their cultural images through various artistic expressions. Witness the fusion of tradition and innovation as the performance brings to life the vibrant costumes and the spirit of the nation.
Tiger Leaping Gorge: Explore one of the deepest and most breathtaking gorges, Tiger Leaping Gorge, located in Hutiaoxia Town. Just 105 kilometers away from Zhongdian/Shangri-La County, this natural wonder offers spectacular views. The best time to visit is during spring when melting snow causes the river to flow vigorously, creating a turbulent and awe-inspiring sight.
First Bend of the Yangtze River: Experience the picturesque beauty of the First Bend of the Yangtze River, surrounded by majestic mountains and intersecting rivers. This magnificent site, situated at an altitude of 1850 meters above sea level, serves as an important ferry connecting inland regions with the old trade route for tea and horses in Tibet. Marvel at the stunning scenery as you learn about the historical significance of this vibrant trade route.
Baisha Murals at Baisha Village: Step back in time as you explore the mesmerizing Baisha Murals, a collection of ancient artworks painted over a thousand years ago. These murals beautifully portray the fusion of Han, Tibetan, and Naxi cultures, illustrating the life stories of Tibetan Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism. Take a leisurely walk through Baisha Village, immersing yourself in the local life and culture that has been preserved for generations.
The Black Dragon Pool: Discover the enchanting beauty of The Black Dragon Pool, a park named after the stunning pool it houses. Renowned for its picturesque scenery, the pool has earned its place among the Collections of Famous Pools of China. Immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance of the park, surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking views.
Naxi Village: Experience the charm of a Naxi Minority village as you visit Baisha Village, located approximately 16 kilometers north of Lijiang City. This village holds significant historical importance as the birthplace of the "Tusi" (chieftain) of the Mu clan. Get a glimpse into the vibrant local culture by witnessing traditional song performances, unique to the Naxi community. The village proudly maintains its authenticity, revealing a glimpse of the past through its well-preserved old houses still occupied by locals. Arrange for an immersive family visit in advance to truly immerse yourself in the local traditions and hospitality.
Discover the Life of a Tibetan Lama: Embark on a fascinating journey to uncover the intriguing world of Tibetan lamas. Immerse yourself in their daily lives, traditions, and spiritual practices. Gain deeper insights into their philosophy and experience the unique Tibetan culture firsthand.
Songzanlin Lamasery: Visit the magnificent Songzanlin Lamasery, often referred to as the Little Potala Palace. Marvel at its grandeur, intricate Tibetan architecture, and vibrant prayer halls. Explore the monastery's sacred grounds, immerse yourself in Tibetan Buddhist rituals, and discover the profound cultural significance of this revered religious site.
Pudacuo National Park: Venture into the natural wonders of Pudacuo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Traverse its lush forests, pristine lakes, and stunning alpine landscapes. Observe a diverse array of flora and fauna, including rare and endemic species. Experience the tranquility of this protected area and be captivated by its breathtaking beauty.
Embark on an unforgettable journey in Chengdu with our one-day tour. Start by visiting the Panda Breeding and Research Center, where you'll witness the highly successful breeding program amidst bamboo groves. Explore the panda museum to learn more about these fascinating animals. Afterwards, immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Jinli Old Street, sampling local snacks and discovering traditional architecture.
Don't miss the chance to visit the iconic "I Am Here" Panda Sculpture, a massive art installation that has become a trendy landmark. Indulge in the unique experience of Panda Post, where you can purchase panda-themed items and even mail a postcard to your future self.
End your day with a sizzling culinary adventure by trying the famous Sichuan Hotpot. Let your taste buds be tantalized by the numbingly spicy flavors of this traditional Chengdu cuisine. Our knowledgeable guide will be there every step of the way, ensuring you make the most of your trip. Prepare for an enchanting journey filled with giant pandas, cultural delights, and unforgettable experiences.
Wu Hou Temple: Step into history at Wu Hou Temple, a serene sanctuary dedicated to Zhuge Liang, the revered military strategist celebrated in "The Romance of the Three Kingdoms." Surrounded by peaceful gardens, this complex offers insights into Zhuge Liang's life and legacy. Explore halls honoring him and his emperor, Liu Bei, view impressive statues, and visit a small museum. The iconic red wall leading to Liu Bei's tomb adds to the charm.
Wenshu Monastery:Discover the tranquility of Wenshu Monastery, a vast Zen Buddhist temple with a lively atmosphere. Explore beautifully adorned halls showcasing artworks and statues. Don't miss the vegetarian restaurant and teahouses, where you can enjoy a meal or soak in the ambiance of devoted worshippers. Experience both serenity and vibrancy at this remarkable complex.
Explore the picturesque Wuzhen Water Town, divided into Dong Zha (East Area) and Xi Zha (West Area). Xi Zha showcases original architectural features like colonnades, bridges, balconies, and stone walls.
Indulge in a morning trip to Meijiawu Tea Village, the birthplace of Dragon Well tea. Accompanied by a local tea specialist, you'll pick tea leaves and witness the stirring process. Immerse yourself in a traditional tea ceremony and enjoy tea-infused cuisine at a local restaurant tucked away in the tea plantation.
Experience the captivating blend of traditional Chinese elements and modernity in Shanghai as you visit the iconic Bund. This famous waterfront area showcases the rich history and impressive skyline of this vibrant city. Marvel at the juxtaposition of historical landmarks and contemporary architecture. Immerse yourself in the bustling markets and stroll through the charming old streets.
For a deeper appreciation of Chinese garden art, don't miss the opportunity to visit Yuyuan Garden. Step into the enchanting Yuyuan Garden and dive into the refined world of Chinese garden art. Tranquil and meticulously designed, this beautiful garden captivates visitors with its ornate pavilions, elegant halls, and intricate landscapes. Experience the harmonious balance of nature and architecture as you explore this cultural gem.
Tour Price
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English speaking local guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: cht-cx-74
Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.