Sample Itineraries
East to South China: 10 Days, Shanghai + Yangshuo + Guangzhou + Hong Kong
Modern Shanghai, Yangshuo's karst valley, Cantonese tea culture in Guangzhou and harbour views in Hong Kong, linked by flight and high-speed rail.
- Duration
- 9 nights / 10 days
- Pace
- Moderate (2 of 4)
- Cities
- Shanghai → Yangshuo → Guangzhou → Hong Kong
- Best for
- First-timers wanting south China and Hong Kong exit
Who this route is for
This route suits first-time travellers who want an east-to-south journey through China paired with an easy international departure from Hong Kong. Shanghai provides an approachable arrival city, Yangshuo softens the pace with river countryside, and Guangzhou adds deep Cantonese culinary tradition before crossing the border into Hong Kong. Travel segments are kept direct, though flight and border days require unhurried pacing.
Reference prices
Price checked: 22 October 2026
- Independent
- From $2,800per person
- Private Guided
- From $4,500per person
2026 reference prices · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
Season, hotel level and group size change the price; your consultant quotes the exact trip.
Compare what each level includesThe route
- 1. Shanghai3 nights
- 2. Yangshuo2 nights
- 3. Guangzhou2 nights
- 4. Hong Kong2 nights
Domestic flight
High-speed rail
High-speed rail
Day by day
01
Arrive in Shanghai, evening on the Bund
Shanghai
Morning
Arrive at Pudong or Hongqiao airport and transfer to your hotel, keeping the morning open to recover from travel.
Afternoon
An easy walk around the hotel neighbourhood and along the waterfront promenade to adjust to the local time.
Evening
Dinner at a local restaurant nearby, followed by a walk along the Bund to see the illuminated Pudong skyline across the river.
02
Old town lanes and the French Concession
Shanghai
Morning
Yu Garden and the surrounding old town bazaar early, before the crowds, followed by pan-fried buns for breakfast.
Afternoon
A walking tour through the shaded lanes of the former French Concession, stopping at neighbourhood cafes and leafy residential compounds.
Evening
Dinner featuring classic Shanghainese dishes in Xintiandi, with a quiet evening stroll back to the hotel.
03
Water town canals or modern culture
Shanghai
Morning
Choose between a half-day trip to Zhujiajiao water town for stone bridges and canals, or exploring the new Shanghai Museum East galleries.
Afternoon
Return to central Shanghai for lunch and time to browse Nanjing Road pedestrian precinct or rest at the hotel.
Evening
An evening cruise on the Huangpu River for views of both historic and contemporary riverfront architecture.
04
Fly to Guilin and road transfer to Yangshuo
Yangshuo
Morning
Transfer to Shanghai Hongqiao airport for a domestic flight to Guilin, taking about two and a half hours.
Afternoon
Meet your driver at Guilin airport for the scenic ninety-minute drive south through limestone peaks into the Yangshuo countryside.
Evening
Check in to your rural hotel and enjoy a dinner of local beer fish and stir-fried greens overlooking the karst hills.
05
Countryside by bamboo raft or bike
Yangshuo
Morning
Glide down the Yulong River on a bamboo raft or set out by bicycle through valley paths between rice paddies and orchards.
Afternoon
A slow lunch at a village guesthouse followed by an unstructured afternoon to read, rest, or wander the nearby hamlet.
Evening
A relaxed countryside dinner by the river, with the option to visit Yangshuo town or stay peacefully on hotel grounds.
06
High-speed rail to Guangzhou and Shamian Island
Guangzhou
Morning
Transfer by road about forty minutes from your hotel to Yangshuo station, then board the high-speed train to Guangzhou South.
Afternoon
Check in to your hotel and take an unhurried walk beneath the banyan trees and European-era architecture of Shamian Island.
Evening
Sample Cantonese roast goose and claypot rice at a neighbourhood eatery, then take an evening walk along the Pearl River.
07
Cantonese morning tea and ancestral heritage
Guangzhou
Morning
Experience traditional yum cha with dim sum baskets at an established tea house, dining alongside local families.
Afternoon
Visit the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall to view intricate wood carvings and Cantonese pottery, timed entry booked in advance.
Evening
An evening walk through the illuminated Pearl River corridor or a short river cruise past the modern skyline around Canton Tower.
08
Rail into Hong Kong and harbour views
Hong Kong
Morning
Board the high-speed train from Guangzhou to Hong Kong West Kowloon, completing mainland exit and Hong Kong entry formalities on arrival.
Afternoon
Check in to your Kowloon hotel, then explore the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade with panoramic vistas across Victoria Harbour.
Evening
Hop aboard the historic Star Ferry across to Hong Kong Island and dine at a dai pai dong-style eatery or traditional roast meat parlour.
09
Victoria Peak tram and island neighbourhoods
Hong Kong
Morning
Take the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak for open views over the harbour and surrounding islands, going early to avoid the longest queues.
Afternoon
Descend into Central and Sheung Wan to browse antique shops on Hollywood Road, or take a half-day excursion to the Big Buddha on Lantau Island.
Evening
A farewell Cantonese dinner in Wan Chai or Soho, soaking in the energy of Hong Kong's lively dining quarters.
10
Final morning in Hong Kong and departure
Hong Kong
Morning
A leisurely breakfast with egg tarts and milk tea, followed by last-minute shopping or a harbour walk before check-out.
Afternoon
Take the Airport Express train or private car directly to Hong Kong International Airport for your flight home.
Evening
Evening departure flight, concluding your journey across south China.
2026 reference prices
Two ways to take this route.
Your final price depends on hotels, car arrangements and what you ask for — usually a little above this, sometimes more.
Independent
From $2,800
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- No full-time guide; add a guide for set times or sights
- Car
- On request
Private Guided
From $4,500
per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included
- Guide
- English-speaking private guide throughout
- Car
- Private car throughout
Included on both
- Hotels selected by us, confirmed by you, usually with breakfast
- Transport inside China: high-speed rail, domestic flights and transfers, including 12306 handling
- Entrance tickets for the sights in your itinerary
- Restaurant bookings made ahead where China requires it
- 24h WhatsApp / WeChat support while you travel, plus the LocalKey app
Not included
- International flights — we can book them on request, quoted separately
- Visa fees — many passports can enter China visa-free. Check your passport
- Personal spending and shopping
- Travel insurance
Tipping is not customary in China. There are no tips in your price, and you do not need to tip anyone who looks after you during your trip.
Make it yours
Keep the shape. Change the details.
Every sample here can be shortened, stretched, or rebuilt around what you care about.
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Per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included. Your final price depends on hotels, car arrangements and what you ask for — usually a little above this, sometimes more. 2026 reference prices.