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Charming Southwest: 11-Day Cultural and Scenic Journey from Chengdu to Guangzhou
Chengdu – Leshan – Dujiangyan – Guilin – Yangshuo – Guangzhou（Private Tour）
Embark on a 14-day cultural adventure through the heart of China, exploring its ancient wonders, spiritual heritage, and lovable wildlife. From volunteering with giant pandas in the serene hills of Chengdu to standing before the mighty Terracotta Army in Xi’an, and from discovering the martial arts legacy of the Shaolin Temple to hiking along the Great Wall under the stars, this journey is packed with unforgettable highlights. Wander through vibrant markets, historic hutongs, and imperial palaces as you uncover the soul of China with expert local guides. Designed for first-time visitors and curious explorers, this immersive itinerary offers a perfect balance of hands-on experiences, iconic sights, and meaningful encounters.
📅 Recommended Duration: 11 Days 10 Nights (Flexible)
🎯 Ideal For: First-time visitors, nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, foodies, and relaxed travelers
🚄 Transportation: Private airport pick-up/drop-off, high-speed train tickets, Li River cruise, and private car transfers
🍽 Meals: 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 2 dinners
💼 Highlights: Pandas in Chengdu, Giant Buddha in Leshan, Daoist mountain temples, Li River cruise, Yangshuo countryside, Cantonese food culture
Highlights
Itinerary Overview
Our standard itineraries are for reference only — just let us know your preferences in the form, and our travel experts will customize a trip just for you!
Welcome dinner with Sichuan specialties like mapo tofu and kung pao chicken.
Upon arrival at Chengdu International Airport (TFU or CTU), meet your English-speaking guide and transfer to your hotel.
Rest or take a light walk around the Kuan & Zhai Alleys, Chengdu’s charming historic district.
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: Chengdu city hotel
Chengdu Panda BasPandas and City Life
Evening option: Sichuan Opera Face-Changing Performance.e – People’s Park – Jinli Ancient Street
Morning visit to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, best time to see pandas eating and playing.
Explore Wuhou Shrine and Jinli Ancient Street, rich in Three Kingdoms history and local snacks.
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon at People’s Park with local tea and optional ear-cleaning experience.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Chengdu city hotel
Day Trip to Leshan Giant Buddha
Return to Chengdu by evening.
Drive or take high-speed train (~1.5 hrs) to Leshan.
Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, the world’s largest stone-carved seated Buddha.
Optional boat cruise for a panoramic view from the river.
Taste Leshan snacks like bean jelly, spiced beef, or tofu pudding.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Chengdu city hotel
Alternative: enjoy a leisure day in Chengdu, take a cooking class or try hotpot at a local market.
Day trip to Dujiangyan Irrigation System, an ancient UNESCO heritage site still functioning today.
Optional light hike to Mount Qingcheng, one of Taoism’s birthplaces, known for its serenity.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Chengdu city hotel
High-Speed Train to Guilin
Optional evening walk along Two Rivers and Four Lakes or explore Zhengyang Pedestrian Street.
Take a high-speed train from Chengdu to Guilin (approx. 6 hrs).
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Guilin city hotel
Li River Cruise to Yangshuo
Optional: Attend the famous Impression Liu Sanjie outdoor show by the river (directed by Zhang Yimou).
Embark on a Li River cruise (4–5 hrs) to Yangshuo, passing through karst mountains, rice paddies, and water buffaloes.
Arrive at Yangshuo, check into a boutique countryside hotel.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Yangshuo countryside hotel
Yangshuo Countryside Experience
Leisure time in the afternoon for spa, tea house, or simply relax in the hotel with stunning views.
Enjoy a bike ride or electric cart tour through the Yulong River valley, passing traditional villages and rice fields.
Optional: Try a bamboo raft ride or join a local cooking or calligraphy class.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Yangshuo countryside hotel
Return to Guilin – Train to Guangzhou
Optional: Pearl River night cruise or explore Shamian Island.
Return to Guilin (1.5–2 hrs) and take a high-speed train to Guangzhou (approx. 2.5 hrs).
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy a relaxing evening.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Guangzhou city hotel
Discover Guangzhou
Visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, a masterpiece of Cantonese architecture and wood carving.
Walk through the Shamian colonial quarter, with European-style architecture and cafes.
Try authentic Cantonese dim sum for lunch.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Accommodation: Guangzhou city hotel
Leisure Day in Guangzhou
Last-minute souvenir shopping
Enjoy a free day:
Optional day trip to Foshan Ancestral Temple and ceramic workshops
Take it slow in Yuexiu Park or White Cloud Mountain
- Meals: Breakfast
- Accommodation: Guangzhou city hotel
End of your unforgettable Southwest China journey!
Transfer to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport for your outbound flight.
- Meals: Breakfast
Value-added Services
Where You’ll Stay
Standard Accommodation
You’ll stay in carefully selected 4-star hotels offering a comfortable blend of modern convenience and warm hospitality — perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.
Upgrade Options
While the standard is twin-sharing rooms in 4-star hotels, you can easily upgrade to single rooms or opt for 5-star hotels or preferred properties to suit your tastes and preferences.
Unique Traditional Stays
In select destinations, enjoy a night or two in charming boutique guesthouses featuring traditional Chinese architecture and local character, for a truly immersive experience.
Tour Testimonials
“From the giant pandas in Chengdu to the breathtaking karst landscapes in Guilin and Yangshuo, every day was a new adventure. The logistics were seamless, and our guide’s passion for local culture made the trip unforgettable.”
— Michael Chen, 18 May 25
“The cultural richness of Chengdu’s cuisine and the stunning scenery along the Li River made this journey special. The guide was incredibly knowledgeable and went above and beyond to make sure we had a smooth and enjoyable experience.”
— Anna Garcia, 28 May 24
“Guangzhou’s vibrant city life was a perfect end to a diverse trip. Each destination had something unique to offer, and the thoughtful planning ensured we never felt rushed. I highly recommend this itinerary to first-time visitors to China.”
— James Walker, 10 Jun 23
Photo Highlights
Useful Information
At Travel China, we believe your journey should be as unique as you are. Our itineraries are here to inspire—but every trip can be fully customized to match your interests, pace, and preferences. Simply share your ideas with us through the form, and our travel experts will craft a tailor-made adventure just for you, along with a personalized quote.
All our tours can be adjusted to suit your needs—whether it’s adding destinations, changing pace, or tailoring experiences. Just tell us what you have in mind!
A small deposit of just 10% per person confirms your booking and secures your hotels, tickets, and private transport. The remaining balance is paid upon your arrival in China.
A visa is required for travel to mainland China. We recommend applying at least two months in advance.
Ages 14–70 must apply in person at a Visa Application Center.
Ages 13 and under / 71 and over can apply online.
We’ll provide you with the necessary documents and guidance to make the process smooth and easy.
Comfortable private cars are arranged within cities. For intercity travel, we use China’s efficient high-speed trains or domestic flights. Please note: lighters and aerosols are not allowed on trains or planes.
The local currency is the Renminbi (RMB / CNY / Yuan). We suggest exchanging money before departure. US dollars are also commonly accepted. Credit cards work in most hotels and malls, but small shops may only accept cash. ATMs are widely available.
Hotels may require a credit card or cash deposit upon check-in.
You’ll be warmly greeted by your local guide upon arrival. Throughout your trip, a knowledgeable local guide will accompany you in each city to offer expert insight and support.
We handpick hotels for comfort, location, and character—typically at a 4-star standard. Ratings may differ from international norms, but we inspect all our partner properties regularly to ensure quality. All rooms come with private bathrooms.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours. Unlike the western world, Chinese people do not normally pre-heat their plates and food can be presented at a variety of temperatures, which is a typical Chinese way of doing things.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way. Bottled water will be available at shops and hotels.
If your visit falls during a major Chinese holiday, such as Chinese New Year (Jan–Feb) or Golden Week (May 1–3 & Oct 1–7), note that transportation may be busier and attractions more crowded. Shops may close temporarily, but scenic sites remain open.
