28-Day Winter Journey Through China: From Beijing to Guilin

Day 1: Arrival and Beijing Introduction

Beijing, China on December 28, 2025

9:00am

Breakfast at Farmers Kitchen

Enjoy traditional Beijing breakfast with jianbing (savory crepes) and soy milk at this popular local spot, perfect for a warm start on a cold winter morning.
CNY30, 1h

10:30am

Visit the Forbidden City

Explore the vast imperial palace complex, learning about Ming and Qing dynasties, and admire the winter scenery around the ancient halls. Open 8:30am-5pm.
CNY60, 3h

2:00pm

Lunch at Da Dong Roast Duck

Savour Beijing’s famous Peking duck at Da Dong, renowned for its crispy skin and elegant dining atmosphere.
CNY200, 1.5h

4:00pm

Walk Tiananmen Square & Evening at Wangfujing Street

Stroll across the world's largest city square and then enjoy bustling night markets at Wangfujing, where you can try local snacks and shopping.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Jing Yaa Tang

Experience northern Chinese dishes including hot pot and dumplings in a cozy atmosphere.
CNY150, 1.5h
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Day 2: Great Wall and Summer Palace

Beijing, China on December 29, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start your day with a hearty hotel breakfast to prepare for hiking.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Great Wall at Mutianyu

Visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, less crowded and beautifully restored. Winter views offer a serene experience. Open 7:30am-5:30pm.
CNY45, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at The Schoolhouse

Enjoy Western and Chinese fusion cuisine nearby the Great Wall, perfect for rest after hiking.
CNY120, 1h

3:30pm

Visit Summer Palace

Explore the beautiful gardens and serene lake area of the Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, open 7am-5:30pm.
CNY60, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Bai Jia Da Yuan Restaurant

Dine in a Qing dynasty-style courtyard serving classic Beijing cuisine for a cultural ending to your day.
CNY180, 1.5h
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Day 3: Beijing to Xi'an Travel

Xi'an, China on December 30, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fuel up before travelling to Xi'an.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Fly to Xi'an

Take a morning flight to Xi'an (approx. 2 hours).
CNY700, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at De Fa Chang Dumpling Restaurant

Enjoy a variety of traditional Xi'an dumplings, a must-try local delicacy.
CNY80, 1h

2:00pm

Visit Ancient City Wall

Cycle or walk along Xi'an's ancient city walls, offering panoramic views and historical insight. Open all day.
CNY54, 2h

5:00pm

Explore Muslim Quarter

Discover lively markets and street food in this culturally rich area.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Lao Sun Jia

Try authentic Shaanxi cuisine including yangrou paomo (crumbled flatbread in mutton stew).
CNY90, 1.5h
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Day 4: Terracotta Warriors Exploration

Xi'an, China on December 31, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a warm breakfast before a day of sightseeing.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum

Visit the iconic UNESCO site showcasing thousands of life-sized sculptures of soldiers and horses. Open 8:30am-5:30pm.
CNY150, 4h

1:30pm

Lunch at Defachang

Refuel with tasty local dishes including dumplings and noodles.
CNY80, 1h

3:00pm

Huaqing Hot Springs

Relax in this historical hot spring site surrounded by scenic mountains, a perfect winter activity. Open 8:30am-5pm.
CNY98, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Jade Garden

Indulge in refined Shaanxi cuisine with comfortable ambiance.
CNY140, 1.5h
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Day 5: Travel to Chengdu, Panda Experience

Chengdu, China on January 1, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Start with a quick breakfast before departure.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Flight to Chengdu

Fly approximately 1.5 hours to Chengdu, the home of giant pandas.
CNY500, 1.5h

11:00am

Lunch at Chen Mapo Tofu

Try authentic spicy Sichuan Mapo Tofu at one of Chengdu’s most famous restaurants.
CNY60, 1h

1:00pm

Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding

See giant pandas in a naturalistic environment; best to visit in the afternoon when pandas are active. Open 7:30am-6pm.
CNY58, 3h

5:00pm

Relax in Jinli Ancient Street

Enjoy shopping, tea houses, and traditional architecture.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Shu Jiu Xiang Hotpot

Warm up with a spicy Sichuan hotpot, a local winter favourite.
CNY120, 1.5h
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Day 6: Chengdu to Guilin

Guilin, China on January 2, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Fill up before the journey south.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Morning Flight to Guilin

Fly approx. 2 hours to Guilin, known for stunning karst landscapes.
CNY600, 2h

11:00am

Lunch at Zhengyang Pedestrian Street Area

Sample Guilin rice noodles and local snacks in this lively area.
CNY40, 1h

1:00pm

Elephant Trunk Hill

Visit this iconic symbol of Guilin and enjoy peaceful park surroundings. Open 7:30am-6pm.
CNY75, 1.5h

3:00pm

Reed Flute Cave

Explore magical limestone cave formations illuminated by coloured lighting. Open 7:30am-6pm.
CNY90, 1.5h

6:30pm

Dinner at McFound

Enjoy Guilin speciality dishes such as beer fish in a modern setting.
CNY100, 1.5h
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Day 7: Li River Cruise

Guilin to Yangshuo, China on January 3, 2026

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Prepare for a long day of sightseeing with a good breakfast.
Included, 1h

8:30am

Li River Cruise to Yangshuo

Enjoy a scenic 4-5 hour cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, passing stunning karst peaks and rural landscapes. Cruises typically run 8am–3pm in winter.
CNY250, 5h

2:00pm

Lunch in Yangshuo - Wild Lotus Vegetarian Restaurant

Experience delightful vegetarian fare with a focus on local ingredients.
CNY80, 1h

3:30pm

Explore West Street, Yangshuo

Discover shops, cafes and winter street atmosphere in this popular tourist spot.
Free, 2h

6:30pm

Dinner at Xiang Yue Lou

Taste regional Guangxi dishes with riverside ambiance.
CNY90, 1.5h
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Day 8: Yangshuo Countryside & Return to Guilin

Yangshuo to Guilin, China on January 4, 2026

8:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before countryside exploring.
Included, 1h

9:00am

Cycling Trip in Yangshuo Countryside

Cycle through spectacular limestone hills, rice fields, and villages; winter temperatures require warm clothing.
CNY50, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Grandma's Kitchen

Home-style Chinese dishes with fresh local produce.
CNY70, 1h

2:00pm

Return to Guilin by bus

Take a comfortable 1.5 hour bus ride back to Guilin.
CNY30, 1.5h

4:00pm

Relax at hotel or stroll along Two Rivers and Four Lakes

Experience Guilin’s picturesque winter evening lights and lakes area.
Free, 2h

7:00pm

Dinner at Chunji Roast Goose

Try the specialty roast goose, richly flavoured and perfect for winter dining.
CNY110, 1.5h
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Day 9: Travel to Guangzhou

Guilin to Guangzhou, China on January 5, 2026

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel

Early breakfast to prepare for travel.
Included, 1h

8:00am

Train from Guilin to Guangzhou

High-speed train journey of approx. 2.5 hours.
CNY150, 2.5h

11:00am

Lunch at Tiger Prawn Vietnamese Restaurant

Enjoy aromatic southern flavours with a Vietnamese twist.
CNY70, 1h

12:30pm

Visit Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

Marvel at exquisite Cantonese architecture and folk art. Open 8am-5:30pm.
CNY10, 1.5h

2:30pm

Shamian Island Walk

Stroll this historic colonial district with charming buildings and winter sunlight.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Canton Tower at sunset

Enjoy panoramic views of Guangzhou from one of the tallest towers; open till 10pm.
CNY150, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Bingsheng Pinwei

Dine on authentic Cantonese dim sum and seafood in a popular local restaurant.
CNY200, 1.5h
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