China Natural Beauty Tour
16-Day Private China Tour: Shanghai– Suzhou– Hangzhou–Zhangjiajie–Guilin–Xiamen–Yiwu–Hengdian
Explore the vibrant cityscape of Shanghai, experience the classical beauty of Suzhou's gardens, and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing West Lake in Hangzhou. Marvel at the mystical landscapes of Zhangjiajie, the inspiration behind the floating mountains in Avatar, and cruise along the picturesque Li River in Guilin. Discover the coastal charm of Xiamen, explore the bustling trade hub of Yiwu, and indulge in the magical world of Hengdian, China's Hollywood.
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
Marvel at the Famous Hallelujah Mountain in the Movie "Avatar"

Explore the Awe-inspiring Longji Rice Terraces

Explore the Lesser-known Countryside of Yangshuo to Experience the Real China

Witness the Famous West Lake in Hangzhou

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
Finish Your Booking in as Quick as 1 Day
1. Tell us your dream travel idea
2. Work out your unique plan with 1 to 1 expert advice
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 Shanghai. A comfortable private car with an experienced driver will transfer you directly to your hotel. Your guide will help you to check-in.
The Garden of the Master of Nets: Explore the charm of the smallest garden in Suzhou, the Garden of the Master of Nets. Spanning only 5,000 square meters, this intimate space encapsulates all the elements of a classic Chinese garden. From exquisite pavilions to serene ponds and intricate architecture, every element is thoughtfully designed within close boundaries, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere.
Humble Administrator's Garden: Immerse yourself in the best representative of Chinese classical gardens, the Humble Administrator's Garden. Built during the Ming dynasty, this vast garden features a central pond surrounded by pavilions, terraces, chambers, and towers. Divided into three parts, namely the eastern, middle, and western sections, this remarkable 5-hectare expanse offers a feast for the senses. Don't miss the Garden Museum and be sure to wear comfortable shoes for the extensive walking involved.
Tongli: Journey through history in the town of Tongli, with a rich heritage spanning over a thousand years. Marvel at the numerous gardens established during the Ming and Qing dynasties, explore temples, visit ancient residences of eminent figures, and traverse the town's fascinating network of fifteen rivers and forty-nine historic bridges. Tongli's unique setting, divided into seven islands, encapsulates the beauty and charm of traditional Chinese towns.
Tongli Cruise: Complete your experience with a leisurely boat cruise in Tongli Ancient Water Town. Glide through the tranquil water lanes, passing by picturesque stone bridges, and catch a glimpse of the local people's daily lives along the canals. This scenic journey offers a peaceful and immersive perspective of the town's enchanting atmosphere.
Lingyin Temple: Explore one of the most significant and prosperous Buddhist temples in China, Lingyin Temple. Founded by an Indian monk who brought Buddhism to the region, this temple is a treasure trove of pagodas and Buddhist grottoes. Immerse yourself in the rich Buddhist literature housed within its walls while admiring the splendid collection of architectural and artistic relics in the palaces, pavilions, and halls. Don't miss Feilai Feng (Flying Peak), an impressive grotto site featuring numerous engraved Buddhist images. Legend has it that the peak originated in India and flew to Hangzhou overnight, symbolizing the omnipotence of Buddhist law. Be sure to explore other attractions such as the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, Grand Hall of the Great Sage, Hall of the Medicine Buddha, Sutra Library, and Hall of the Five Hundred Arhats.
The West Lake (including the Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond and cruise): Revel in the tranquility of West Lake, a symbol of Hangzhou spanning 5.6 square kilometers. Begin by visiting one of the Ten Best Views of West Lake, the Fish Viewing at the Flower Pond. Along the lakeside, marvel at the graceful koi fish swimming beside you. Embark on a delightful cruise across the serene waters of West Lake while listening to intriguing stories about the sights you encounter.
Essence Walking Tour in Hangzhou: Begin your walking tour at Qinghefang Pedestrian Street, a historical street that offers a glimpse into Hangzhou's rich heritage. Discover Hu Qingyu Hall, a Chinese Traditional Herbal Medicine Museum, where traditional businesses are conducted as they have been for centuries. After strolling along the street, climb Wushan Mountain, standing 100 meters high. At the peak, visit Chenghuang Ge Pavilion for a panoramic view of the Qiantangjiang River, West Lake, Hangzhou city, and the surrounding hills. Your knowledgeable guide will share fascinating stories known to the locals as you explore the city on foot.
Mt. Tianzishan: Experience the natural spectacles of Mt. Tianzishan, including misty clouds, sunrises, moonlit nights, and snow-capped peaks. Take the cable car for stunning views and relaxation. Note: Your guide will avoid rush hours to minimize wait times.
Bailong Sightseeing Elevator: Ride the world's highest and fastest sightseeing elevator for a dramatic view of the Sandstone Peak Forest. With transparent elevators, this quick ascent takes only 2 minutes. Tip: Your guide will schedule your visit to avoid busy times.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park: Discover the UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique pillar-like formations. Explore Yuanjiajie, Yangjiajie, Jinbian Stream, and Wulongzhai. Immerse yourself in local Minority culture and folklore. To avoid queues, your guide will suggest the optimal time to start your visit.
Yuanjiajie (including the Hallelujah Mountains): Visit the famous Yuanjiajie, home to the Hallelujah Mountains from the movie Avatar. Capture stunning photos of the 'First Bridge in the World' from the 'Viewing Bridge Platform.' Access Tianzi Mountain and Yangjia Valley. Highlights include the First Bridge, Hallelujah Mountain, and Viewing Bridge Platform.
Zhangjiajie Glass Bridge: Experience walking on the world's longest and highest glass bridge, offering a thrilling experience 300 meters above the ground. Note: Cameras are not allowed on the bridge to ensure safety. However, you can use your cellphone to capture the breathtaking views.
Tianmen Mountain (Tianmen Cave) including Glass Walkway and Cable Car: Explore the iconic Tianmen Mountain, known as the "soul" of Zhangjiajie. Enjoy panoramic views of ancient trees, karst formations, and scenic cliffside roads. Take the cable car, the longest in the world, for a 30-minute ride from the city center to the mountain top. Don't miss the Tianmen Mountain Glass Walkway, perched at a height of 1,430 meters. This 60-meter-long glass walkway provides both heart-thumping thrills and clear views of the mountains below, likened to the famous skywalk in the Grand Canyon.
Minority Village and Longsheng Rice Terraced Field: Explore the impressive Longji Rice Terraces near Guilin, known as the "Dragon's Backbone." Enjoy panoramic views from the mountaintop and visit Ping'an Zhuang Village. Experience the local culture by learning to make bamboo-tube rice with a friendly minority family. Gain insights into their traditional way of life and enjoy the delicious flavors of this local specialty.
Yangshuo Countryside Visit: Explore the picturesque countryside of Yangshuo, renowned for its stunning landscape of karst peaks, rice fields, and clear waters. Your guide will take you on a tour of the countryside, showcasing the beauty of the rice paddies and mountains. You can choose to bike, take an electric mobile, or hike to explore the area, with no additional cost. This 1.5-hour trip offers breathtaking scenery and a chance to immerse yourself in the idyllic surroundings.
Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo (by 4-star boat): Embark on an unforgettable cruise along the Li River, spanning approximately 4 hours from Guilin to Yangshuo. Marvel at the spectacular scenery with limestone peaks, bamboo groves, rice paddies, and water buffaloes. You may even catch sight of fishermen on bamboo rafts or the famous fishing cormorants. Departing from various wharves based on the river's height, this medium-sized 4-star boat accommodates around 80 passengers. Enjoy a buffet or semi-buffet lunch on board, making this Li River cruise a truly memorable experience.
Bamboo Rafting on Yulong River: Drift along the picturesque Yulong River on a bamboo raft for about 1 hour. Enjoy the stunning scenery of karst peaks, rice fields, clear waters, and green bamboo. The gentle current makes it suitable for all skill levels, offering a peaceful experience away from the modern world.
Discover Authentic Yangshuo Countryside: Explore the lesser-known countryside of Yangshuo to experience the real China. Visit peaceful villages, witness local farming activities, and admire the breathtaking scenery of rice paddies and limestone peaks. Meet an elderly couple in a traditional house to learn about their lifestyle. Take a ferry to Fuli and explore a local market, discovering diverse food and daily necessities. If your visit coincides with a rural market day, you'll witness the lively atmosphere of the market and ferry.
Kaiyuan Temple: Visit the impressive Kaiyuan Temple, located on West Street in Licheng District of Quanzhou City. As the largest Buddhist temple in Fujian Province, this historic site holds over 1,300 years of history. Explore the magnificent temple buildings, with the main hall being the most captivating. Marvel at its 86 huge stone pillars and a ceiling adorned with 24 flying apsaras, showcasing the early Buddhist art style. Don't miss the two famous stone pagodas standing west and east of the temple, symbolizing Quanzhou City.
Quanzhou Overseas Transportation History Museum: Discover the unique marine transportation history at the Quanzhou Overseas Transportation History Museum, located in Fengze District of Quanzhou City. This one-of-a-kind museum showcases world-famous treasures and cultural relics, including the Quanzhou Maritime Exhibition Hall, Quanzhou Religious Stone Carving Hall, Quanzhou Folk Culture Exhibition Hall, and the Ancient Chinese Ship Replica Hall. Experience the rich ocean culture of the city and learn about its significant role in opening the Maritime Silk Road, fostering economic and cultural exchanges.
Xunpu Village: Explore the enchanting fishing village of Xunpu, known for its unique oyster shell houses and the elaborate hairdos of Xunpu women. Discover the village's history as a trading hub on the Maritime Silk Road and learn about the local Arab descent.
Hui'an Dazha Village: Visit the scenic coastal fishing village of Dazha, home to the industrious Hui'an women. Experience their traditional way of life, admire their unique dressing customs, and witness their daily activities like farming and net mending.
Yiwu International Trade City: Start your day by visiting the renowned Yiwu International Trade City, the world's largest wholesale market. Explore its five districts, which host thousands of shops selling a wide range of products, including clothing, accessories, toys, electronics, and more. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and witness the extensive trade that takes place here.
Futian Market: As part of the Yiwu International Trade City, Futian Market is a must-visit destination. It specializes in small commodities and boasts a colossal selection of goods, making it an ideal place to browse unique products and find great deals.
Hengdian World Studios: Begin your day by visiting Hengdian World Studios, the largest film and television production facility in China. Explore the various sets that replicate ancient Chinese palaces, streets, and villages, as well as Western-style architectures. Witness the intricate details and grandeur of these film sets, which have been used in numerous Chinese television dramas and movies.
East Gate of Hengdian: Next, head to the East Gate of Hengdian, a charming ancient town with a blend of traditional and modern elements. Stroll through the narrow streets lined with traditional-style buildings, browse small boutiques selling local handicrafts, and savor local snacks in the lively market area.
Yuyuan Garden: Explore the beauty of Yuyuan Garden, situated in the heart of Shanghai's old quarters. Dating back to the Ming Dynasty (built in 1559), this private garden showcases the quintessential elements of Chinese classic architecture and style. Spread over 2 hectares, it features enchanting rockeries, pavilions, ponds, and picturesque corridors. Surrounding the garden is a bustling marketplace, offering a vibrant atmosphere and a variety of attractions. Visitors can indulge in popular local snacks, browse through handicrafts and antiques, find unique souvenirs, and even dine at renowned time-honored restaurants.
Shanghai Tower: Visit the renowned Shanghai Tower, the world's second-tallest building standing at 632 meters (2,073 feet). Enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck at a staggering height of 561 meters. Experience the thrill of riding the fastest elevators and admire the modern architectural marvel.
The Bund: Explore the historic Bund, a waterfront promenade boasting well-preserved European-style buildings. Discover its vibrant atmosphere with futuristic developments, trendy restaurants, and high-end shops. Don't miss the magical experience of the Bund at night.
Shanghai Old Street: Wander through Shanghai's old quarters and immerse yourself in its narrow lanes and well-preserved residential houses. Get a glimpse of local life and browse through shops offering antiques, crafts, and souvenirs.
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-40
Your 1:1 travel consultant will reply within 1 working day.