15-Day Organized Trip Through China: Yunnan, Guilin, and Beijing

Would you like to discover the most authentic side of China, far from conventional tourist routes? This Organized Trip Through China, visiting Yunnan, Guilin, and Beijing, is perfect for you. We’ve designed an itinerary that blends dreamlike landscapes, ancient culture, vibrant cities, and experiences that will truly connect you with the soul of the country.

Over the course of 14 nights, we’ll explore Yunnan Province, with its traditional villages, sacred mountains, and one of Asia’s most famous treks. Then, we’ll travel to Guilin and Yangshuo, known for their iconic karst landscapes straight out of a Chinese painting. Finally, we’ll finish with a flourish in the capital, Beijing, where history and modernity go hand in hand.

Here is the day-by-day itinerary and all the details of this organized tour through China:

🗓️ 15-Day Organized Trip Through China – Yunnan, Guilin & Beijing Route

DayLocationMain Activity
1Beijing → LijiangArrival in Lijiang. Overnight in the Old Town.
2LijiangOld Town, Black Dragon Pool, Baisha Village, optional Blue Moon Valley.
3Tiger Leaping GorgeTrek begins. Overnight at Halfway Guesthouse.
4Trek → Shangri-LaMorning hike. Transfer to Shangri-La. Free afternoon.
5Shangri-LaVisit Songzanlin Monastery, Old Town, optional Pudacuo Park.
6Shangri-La → Shaxi → Xizhou → DaliScenic route with historic village stops. Overnight in Dali.
7DaliErhai Lake bike tour, Old Town, Three Pagodas, Zhiyun Tibetan Temple.
8Dali → KunmingHigh-speed train to Kunming. Afternoon at Green Lake.
9Kunming → GuilinTrain to Guilin. Visit Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill.
10Guilin → YangshuoLi River cruise. Explore Yangshuo’s West Street.
11YangshuoFree day: hiking, biking, caves, Moon Hill.
12YangshuoOptional excursions: Longji rice terraces, Xingpingzhen, Wuzhi Hill.
13Guilin → BeijingFlight to Beijing. Visit the Great Wall.
14BeijingForbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Jingshan Park, Temple of Heaven.
15BeijingFree morning. Afternoon return.

🗓️ Detailed Itinerary of the 15-Day Organized Trip Through China

Day 1: Beijing → Lijiang

Our organized trip through China begins. Arrival at Beijing International Airport and immediate transfer to Lijiang. Start the journey in one of Yunnan’s true gems.

Day 2: Lijiang Old Town

Explore the Old Town of Lijiang, Black Dragon Pool, surrounding areas, and the traditional village of Baisha.

Day 3: Trekking in Tiger Leaping Gorge

Begin hiking through the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of China’s most renowned treks. Overnight at the iconic Halfway Guesthouse with stunning views.

Trekking Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan
Trekking Tiger Leaping Gorge, Yunnan

Day 4: Trekking → Shangri-La

Morning hike to Tina’s Guesthouse, then transfer to Shangri-La, a Tibetan town in the heart of the Himalayas. Free afternoon to relax and acclimate.

Day 5: Tibetan Shangri-La

Visit Songzanlin Monastery, wander the Old Town, and optionally explore Pudacuo National Park.

Day 6: Shangri-La → Shaxi → Xizhou → Dali

Scenic drive with stops at historic towns like Shaxi and Xizhou. Arrive in the ancient city of Dali, one of the most beautiful towns of Yunnan, in the afternoon.

Day 7: Dali Old Town

Bike ride around Erhai Lake, visit the iconic Three Pagodas of Dali, and explore temples and local villages.

Three Pagodas of Dali, Yunnan, China Trip
Visiting the Three Pagodas of Dali, Yunnan

Day 8: Dali → Kunming, the Spring City

High-speed train to Kunming, known as the “City of Eternal Spring.” Afternoon walk around Green Lake and nearby streets.

Day 9: Kunming → Guilin

Continue our route through China. Take a fast train to Guilin. Visit Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill in the afternoon.

Day 10: Guilin → Yangshuo (Li River Cruise)

Scenic boat trip along the Li River to Yangshuo. Afternoon to enjoy the lively atmosphere of West Street.

Day 11: Yangshuo Mountains

Immerse in nature with hiking, biking, caves, viewpoints, and the famous Moon Hill, set your own pace.

Day 12: Yangshuo (Optional Excursions)

Free day with optional trips to Longji rice terraces, traditional towns like Xingpingzhen, or exploring the karst hills.

Yangshuo, Guilin, Organized Trip Through China
Viewpoint Yangshuo, Guilin

Day 13: Guilin → Beijing

Fly to Beijing, China’s capital. Upon arrival, visit the Great Wall, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a highlight of this trip.

Day 14: Beijing

Explore the imperial heart of China: Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Jingshan Park, and the Temple of Heaven.

Day 15: Beijing – Return

Free morning to explore the hutongs or do some last-minute shopping. Afternoon return flight. End of the trip through China.

Trip to China - Great Wall of China, Beijing
Walking around the Great Wall of China, Beijing

🌟 Why This Route through Yunnan, Guilin, and Beijing?

Because it’s perfect if you’re looking for a different China.
Forget the usual tourist routes, this itinerary takes you to lesser-visited regions like Yunnan and Guilin, where nature, Tibetan culture, and rural landscapes reveal the country’s most authentic side.

Includes one of the best treks in Asia.
Tiger Leaping Gorge is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Hike through majestic mountains, stay in local guesthouses, and live an adventure few travelers ever experience.

A perfect mix of adventure, history, scenery, and comfort.
Each stage of the journey offers something unique: ancient towns, sacred temples, river cruises, and world wonders like the Great Wall and the Forbidden City.

Small groups and local guides.
Traveling in a small group offers a more personal and flexible experience. Always accompanied by local guides who deeply know each place and its history.

✅ What’s Included in This Organized Trip Through China?

  • Accommodation throughout the tour (14 nights) in selected hotels and charming lodgings.
  • All internal transfers (trains, domestic flights, ground transportation, Li River boat, etc.).
  • Local guides in each region.
  • Spanish-speaking coordinator throughout the trip (available in July and August).
  • Entry to monuments and natural parks according to the itinerary.
  • Guided activities and visits as described.

❌ Not Included

  • International flights.
  • Travel insurance (we recommend options with extensive coverage; Mondo offers 15% off via our blog).
  • Meals not specified (we allow flexibility for you to choose).
  • Tips and personal expenses.

✉️ Group Trip to China: Want to Join Us?

This 15-Day Organized Trip Through China is a unique experience through a side of China few people get to see. Nature, culture, adventure, and unforgettable moments in a small group, paced for enjoyment.

If you like this route, contact us with no obligation. We’ll provide more details, answer any questions, and help you prepare for the trip. Reach us via:

Check out reviews from our past travelers! In this section, you can read about their experiences and how they lived their adventure in China with us.

We also organize private trips year-round. By the way, this year we have open groups for July and August. Limited spots available. We look forward to traveling with you!

Yangshuo, Guilin, Organized Trip Through China
Bamboo Trip around Yangshuo, Guilin

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