Sample days: about 5–8 days
Days 1–3: Guangzhou. Arrive by air or at Guangzhou South rail station, with a private transfer to a central hotel. Keep day one light: a gentle walk along the shaded riverfront or through a historic neighbourhood, not a packed museum day after a long flight. Day two is the historic city: a carved clan hall, a large temple, and an old shopping street where older road layers have been dug up beneath the modern one. Your guide links them into one story of southern trade and family clans. A third day can move to Zhujiang New Town, its museum and the riverfront skyline, with optional evening river time.
Mid-trip: the train to Shenzhen. On Independent you take the short high-speed or intercity train across the Pearl River Delta (commonly under about an hour depending on service — confirm live on 12306). Station transfers are private at both ends, so you are not negotiating taxis with luggage. Spend the first Shenzhen afternoon in a park or at a skyline viewpoint.
Last days: Shenzhen, then departure. One day covers a modern museum or urban-planning exhibition and a walk along the bay, which shows how the special economic zone reshaped the shoreline. Another morning can cover an arts district in old factory buildings. A private transfer then takes you to Shenzhen Bao'an Airport, a rail station for onward travel, or a ferry if your plan needs one.
If your flight suits Shenzhen first, reverse the order. To decide how long to give Shenzhen, read Shenzhen for travellers 2026. With only three days, pick one city rather than rushing both.
Independent or Private Guided
Both are the same private trip, planned around your dates, with booked hotels and transport and WeChat or WhatsApp support. The difference is how much is done for you:
- Independent: the train between cities with private station transfers, a private car and English-speaking guide on the days that need explaining, and free time on the rest. Hotels are usually well-located 4-star or good business and boutique stays. It suits first-time visitors and people extending a business trip.
- Private Guided: more full guide days, a private car for multi-stop city days, door-to-door car between hotels if you would rather not take the train with luggage, a slower pace and higher hotels. It suits multi-generational families and anyone who wants less to organise. For family pacing, see China Family Tours.
For a country-wide comparison, see Independent vs Private Guided China Tour.
Cost and what is included
There is no fixed price for this route. Cost follows season, hotel level, train days versus car days, guide days and party size. Read Private China Tour Cost 2026 for how quotes are built.
A proposal usually includes, as agreed: route design, hotel booking, guides, drivers, train or car transfers, major tickets, restaurant planning, and a digital roadbook (your day-by-day plan). International flights are optional and quoted separately. Not included: visa fees, travel insurance, personal spending, and anything outside the agreed plan that has not been confirmed.
How to enquire
Send your dates, party size, Independent or Private Guided, and any interests through our contact page. A LocalKey specialist replies by email, WeChat or WhatsApp with a proposal you can refine. Once you confirm, we book hotels, trains or cars, and guides, and stay reachable on WeChat or WhatsApp during the trip.
LocalKey Travel is a licensed China travel agency since 2009.
Frequently Asked Questions
Independent or Private Guided for Guangzhou–Shenzhen?
Independent uses the short train between cities, with a guide added where it matters. Private Guided adds more car and guide days and a slower pace in each city.
Can we add Hong Kong, Macau or Guilin?
Yes. Tell us when you enquire and a specialist will reshape the route.
How much does a Guangzhou Shenzhen private tour cost?
There is no fixed price. Cost follows hotels, transport, guide days and season. See Private China Tour Cost 2026 and contact us with your dates and a budget range.
