Southeast China (15 days)

Shanghai – Huangshan – Wuyishan – Longyan – Xiamen – Guangzhou – Shenzhen – Hong Kong

Southeast China is a captivating blend of natural beauty, modern innovation, and culinary delights. Admire the misty granite peaks of Huangshan, explore the colonial elegance of Gulangyu Island, and experience the dynamic energy of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Xiamen, where tradition and modernity intertwine.

Join us for an extraordinary journey where nature’s wonders, cultural heritage, and modern sophistication come together in perfect harmony.

Important Features

• Expert local guides handpicked by company owners.
• Small group size (average 15, maximum 20).
• No annoying forced shopping stops.
• North American standard luxury accommodations.
• Quality meals at non-tourist restaurants.
• Bottled water during group activities.
• Free Wi-Fi in all hotels.

Southeast China Tour Itinerary

Meal Code: B = Breakfast / L = Lunch / D = Dinner

Day 1/Thu: Departing for Shanghai
Depart from a city of your choice, losing a day upon crossing the International Date Line.

Day 2/Fri: Arrival in Shanghai
Meet our driver on arrival for your transfer to the hotel. You’ll have the remainder of the day at leisure. The guide will contact you in the evening.

Day 3/Sat: Shanghai (B/L/D)
With a population of nearly 25 million, Shanghai is China’s largest city and a major centre of international trade and commerce. Its modern skyline contrasts with historical landmarks that reflect the city’s colourful past.

We begin our day with a visit to Jade Buddha Temple in an old neighbourhood. We then walk along the famous Bund, a waterfront promenade with a fascinating history.

After lunch, we stroll through the historic People’s Park and adjacent People’s Square in the heart of the city. Originally part of the Shanghai Race Club, established in 1850, the park and square are surrounded by museums, shops and other cultural attractions.

We wrap up the day’s sightseeing with a tour of the exquisite Yu Garden in the old town centre.

Day 4/Sun: Shanghai (B)
Today is a free day.

If you are interested in Chinese art and history, Shanghai Museum East in Pudong would be an excellent place to spend half a day. The museum houses outstanding collections of ancient bronzes, ceramics, jade, paintings and calligraphy. The original Shanghai Museum at People’s Square now focuses mainly on special exhibitions.

The Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum and Nanwaitan Fabric Market, known for its numerous tailor shops, are also recommended.

Optional Suzhou Day Tour

After breakfast we ride the high-speed train (30–40 minutes) to Suzhou.

Ancient Suzhou is best known for its classical gardens, canals and silk industry. The Venetian traveller Marco Polo visited Suzhou in the late 13th century and wrote admiringly of its prosperity and silk production. With its network of canals and waterways, Suzhou is often referred to as the “Venice of the East.”

Our sightseeing in Suzhou includes historic Tiger Hill, Humble Administrator’s Garden and a short canal cruise. We return to Shanghai by train in the late afternoon.

The all-inclusive price with lunch starts from US$250 per person and requires a minimum of 2 participants to operate.

Day 5/Mon: Shanghai – Huangshan (B/L)
After breakfast, we take the high-speed train (approximately 2½ hours) to Huangshan, the city named after the famous mountain known in English as Yellow Mountain.

Known among the Chinese as the loveliest mountain in their country, Yellow Mountain inspires visitors with its striking low-hanging clouds, distinctly shaped granite rocks and twisted pine trees.  The jagged range consists of more than 70 knifelike peaks with the highest one reaching 1,864 metres above sea level. Vegetation on the range is thickest below 1,100 metres (3,600 ft), with trees growing up to the timberline at 1,800 meters (5,900 ft). Huangshan is a frequent subject of traditional Chinese paintings and literature, as well as modern photography.

Afternoon sightseeing takes place at Hongcun, a key component of the UNESCO World Heritage Site collectively known as Ancient Villages in Southern Anhui. The traditional village represents a type of non-urban settlement that largely disappeared or was transformed during the last century. The street plan, architecture and decoration, and the integration of houses with comprehensive water systems are unique surviving examples.

Day 6/Tue: Huangshan Scenic Area (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we drive to Huangshan Scenic Area and take a cable car up the mountain to begin our full-day exploration.

Located in the southern part of Anhui Province, Huangshan is a marvel: within an area of 154 square kilometers there are as many as 72 peaks, whose names indicate the shapes they resemble. In 1990, UNESCO inscribed Huangshan on the World Heritage List as a mixed cultural and natural property. The beauty of Huangshan lies in its “four wonders”: pine trees with shapely foliage, peculiarly shaped rocks, the sea of clouds, and hot springs.

Day 7/Wed: Huangshan – Wuyishan (B/L/D)
This morning we take the high-speed train to Wuyishan (approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes).

A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, Mount Wuyi is celebrated for its dramatic sandstone cliffs, winding rivers, rich biodiversity and historical importance as a centre of Neo-Confucianism. Its landscapes have inspired Chinese scholars, poets and artists for centuries.

Our afternoon sightseeing includes Yixiantian (One-Line Sky), Huxiao Yan (Tiger Roaring Rock) and the Tianyou Peak Scenic Area, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Day 8/Thu: Wuyishan (B/L)
We continue exploring Mount Wuyi today, visiting Xiamei Village and a local teahouse to sample the region’s celebrated oolong tea. A highlight of the day is a two-hour bamboo raft ride along the Nine-Bend River, passing beneath towering cliffs and through some of the area’s finest scenery.

Day 9/Fri: Wuyishan – Xiamen (B/L/D)
After breakfast we ride the bullet train (D2325, 08:30/12:11) to Xiamen, a seaport city historically known in the West as Amoy.

Our afternoon sightseeing focuses on Gulangyu Island where major attractions include Shuzhuang Garden, the Piano Museum, and the charming lanes of Longtou Road. Many Western-style buildings were erected on Gulangyu when Xiamen was operated as a treaty port following the First Opium War. The island later became home to a thriving international community of Europeans, Americans, and Japanese, whose influence can still be seen in the elegant colonial villas, churches, and consulates scattered throughout the island. Today, Gulangyu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China’s most attractive vehicle-free destinations, renowned for its seaside scenery, historic architecture, and relaxed atmosphere.

Day 10/Sat: Xiamen – Yongding Tulou – Xiamen (B/L)
After breakfast, we travel by high-speed train to Longyan (approximately one hour each way) for an excursion to the Chuxi Tulou Cluster in Yongding County. Set amid green hills, this traditional Hakka village is known for its impressive circular and square earthen buildings, some of which form part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Fujian Tulou.

Our sightseeing includes a panoramic view of the village, Jiqing Lou and the Hakka History Museum.

Day 11/Sun: Xiamen – Guangzhou (B/D)
This morning we take the high-speed train to Guangzhou, enjoying views of southern China’s changing landscapes during the approximately four-hour journey.

Guangzhou, historically known in the West as Canton, is the capital of Guangdong Province and one of China’s leading commercial centres. Our afternoon sightseeing includes the Guangdong Provincial Museum.

Day 12/Mon: Guangzhou (B/L)
Our full-day sightseeing includes Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Yuexiu Park, the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall and Shamian Island, where many European-style buildings dating from Guangzhou’s colonial trading era still stand.

Day 13/Tue: Guangzhou –Shenzhen – Hong Kong (B/L)
This morning we travel by high-speed train to Shenzhen, a journey of approximately 30 minutes.

Once a small border town, Shenzhen has grown into one of China’s leading centres of technology, innovation and manufacturing. Its transformation over the past four decades provides a fascinating introduction to China’s economic development. We explore the city by private vehicle, with commentary from our guide on Shenzhen’s history and rapid growth.

Late in the afternoon, we cross the border into Hong Kong.

A three-day Guilin extension can be arranged upon request. After the extension, you will travel by high-speed train from Guilin to Hong Kong.

Day 14/Wed: Hong Kong (B/L)
Our morning sightseeing in Hong Kong begins with a ferry ride across Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui to Central. The heart of Hong Kong’s business district, Central is home to the regional headquarters of many multinational financial services corporations. Consulates general and consulates of many countries are also located in this area, as are the headquarters of the Hong Kong SAR Government.

We then proceed to the top of Victoria Peak. Also known as Mount Austin or The Peak among locals, Victoria Peak is located in the western half of Hong Kong Island with an altitude of 552 meters (1,811 feet). The peak offers sweeping views over Central, Victoria Harbour and the surrounding islands.

We proceed to our farewell lunch after a brief stop at Repulse Bay – one of the most expensive residential areas in the world.

After lunch, we spend the rest of the day exploring on our own. Feel free to ask the guide for advice on what to do.

Day 15/Thu: Returning Home (B)
The tour ends this morning. For your transfer to Hong Kong International Airport, a taxi is recommended for convenience. The fare from our hotel is approximately HK$350, depending on traffic and applicable surcharges.

Dates & Prices

Prices are per person based on double occupancy. International airfare is not included.