China Tour | China in 15 days

China surprises from the very first moment. You wander through Shanghai’s shimmering skyline, slip into narrow neighbourhoods filled with tea steam and street sounds, and stand days later in the quiet vastness surrounding the Great Wall. Along the way, you discover Suzhou’s elegant gardens, the walled city of Pingyao where every street still echoes the Ming dynasty, and the green-blue karst peaks between Yangshuo and Guilin. The journey ends in vibrant Hong Kong, a city buzzing with energy. A travel experience full of contrasts and character, exactly what makes China unforgettable.

Important information:

An international passport valid for at least six months on the day of arrival in China is required.
A visa is currently not required for Belgian or Dutch travellers staying less than 30 days (29 nights). This exemption is valid until 31 December 2025. There is currently no confirmation yet on whether it will be extended after that date.
No vaccinations are mandatory, except for travellers arriving from countries where yellow fever occurs. In that case, a yellow fever vaccination is required. Standard recommended vaccinations include DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, polio) and hepatitis A. Depending on the duration and nature of your trip (for example, longer than three months or to remote areas), additional vaccinations against typhoid fever, hepatitis B, rabies or tick-borne encephalitis may be advised.

Day 1: Arrival in Shanghai

Upon landing in Shanghai, your driver welcomes you and takes you to your hotel. The rest of the day unfolds at your own pace: a first stroll around the neighbourhood, a drink overlooking the skyline, or simply a moment to relax after the flight. Shanghai reveals itself step by step.

Day 2: Exploring historic Shanghai

After breakfast, you dive into the old town, where Yu Garden has offered a peaceful haven since the 16th century. Winding alleys, wooden façades and the soft hum of market life set the tone. Later, you wander through the former French Concession, with its artist studios, designer boutiques and charming courtyards in Tianzifang. Crossing Fuxing Park, you move from city bustle to leafy paths where locals play mahjong and families gather. The evening is yours.

Day 3: From Shanghai to Suzhou via Luzhi

The day begins on the Bund, where elegant colonial buildings face the futuristic skyline of Pudong. The ferry ride across the Huangpu River gives you a glimpse of Shanghai’s contrasts. You then travel to Luzhi, a water town of narrow canals, stone bridges and traditional houses. A short boat ride reveals scenes straight from an old painting.

By late afternoon you reach Suzhou, known for its refined gardens and centuries-old silk culture. Evening at leisure.

Day 4: Suzhou’s gardens & journey to Beijing

You start the day in the Master of the Nets Garden, a delicate interplay of pavilions, ponds and poetic viewpoints. Next, you stroll through historic Shantangjie, lined with canals and traditional houses. Before boarding the high-speed train, you visit an authentic silk workshop, a craft deeply rooted in Suzhou’s identity.

In the afternoon you travel to Beijing, where your driver welcomes you and takes you to your hotel.

Day 5: Beijing & the Forbidden City

The day begins on vast Tiananmen Square. Through the Gate of Heavenly Peace, you enter the Forbidden City, a world of ceremonial halls, inner courtyards and quiet imperial gardens. After lunch at a local restaurant, you visit the Temple of Heaven, a perfectly symmetrical complex where emperors once prayed for good harvests. The rest of the day is free.

Day 6: Mutianyu Great Wall & Summer Palace

After breakfast you head to Mutianyu, one of the most scenic sections of the Great Wall. Your guide shares a few Chinese words along the way. Once at the top, endless ridges and watchtowers open before you. Explore at your own rhythm.

Those who wish may choose the cable car or luge ride (optional).

In the afternoon you visit the Summer Palace, with its lakeside pavilions and elegant walkways. Evening at leisure.

Day 7: Hutongs, Lama Temple & local life

The morning begins at the Lama Temple, filled with incense and the warm scent of sandalwood. You are then welcomed into a traditional hutong home to learn how to fold authentic Chinese dumplings. After lunch you wander through the narrow alleys and enjoy a tea tasting in a small local teahouse. Evening at leisure.

Day 8: High-speed train to Pingyao

After breakfast you board the high-speed train to Pingyao, a perfectly preserved walled city. With your guide, you explore the Rishengchang Bank, the Confucian Temple, the Yamen and the atmospheric Ming and Qing streets. In the evening, enjoy a comforting bowl of Shanxi noodles, a simple and delicious local specialty.

Day 9: Rural life in Liangcun & journey to Xi’an

A short drive takes you to Liangcun, a village that still breathes authentic rural charm. You stroll past traditional homes, vegetable gardens and small stalls where residents chat while preparing tea. Later, you visit Shuanglin Temple, known for its delicate wooden sculptures.

In the afternoon you take the train to Xi’an, one of China’s most historic capitals and the starting point of the ancient Silk Road.

Day 10: Terracotta Army & old Xi’an

Your day begins at the Great Wild Goose Pagoda square, followed by Tang Ever Bright City and a short introduction to Chinese calligraphy. In the afternoon you visit the breathtaking Terracotta Army, thousands of life-size warriors guarding the emperor’s tomb. Back in the city, you explore the Muslim Quarter and the Great Mosque.

In the evening, you may opt for a dumpling dinner and Tang-style show (optional).

Day 11: From Xi’an to Yangshuo via the Li River

After an early breakfast, you fly to Guilin and continue to Yangdi. After lunch, you board a bamboo raft for the most beautiful stretch of the Li River: karst peaks, shimmering water and tranquil riverside villages. In Xingping, you wander through an ancient village before continuing to Yangshuo, lively with its night markets and street food.

You may attend the open-air Impression Liu Sanjie show (optional).

Day 12: Cycling in Yangshuo & discovering Guilin

Together with your guide, you choose a bicycle and ride through one of China’s most enchanting valleys: rice fields, waterways, village squares and slow rural life. Back in Guilin, you visit the Reed Flute Cave, a magical world of stalactites and stalagmites. A lakeside evening walk reveals the illuminated Sun and Moon Pagodas, a perfect end to the day.

Day 13: High-speed train to Hong Kong

After breakfast you board the high-speed train to Hong Kong. The transition is striking: from serene landscapes to a skyline of glass towers. The rest of the day is free to explore the city at your own pace.

Day 14: Hong Kong, a day of personal discoveries

You begin the day with a relaxed breakfast at the hotel. From there, Hong Kong unfolds in all its variety. Stroll along Victoria Harbour, explore the markets of Kowloon, or take the Star Ferry to Hong Kong Island for a completely different perspective on the city.

If you’d like to dive deeper into local life, you can opt for a half-day city tour (optional): from the iconic Victoria Peak to Aberdeen and the Central–Mid-Levels Escalator, each stop offers a surprising glimpse into everyday Hong Kong. Or perhaps Macau calls to you, where Portuguese façades meet Eastern energy, a full-day excursion to Macau is also possible (optional).

In the evening, follow the mood that suits you best: a rooftop bar, a night market or a quiet walk along the waterfront.

Day 15: Final morning in Hong Kong & departure flight

Your last morning feels light and unhurried. You might browse the shops in Tsim Sha Tsui, enjoy a coffee in a trendy district, or walk along the promenade as the skyline slowly wakes up. After checking out, you can safely leave your luggage at the hotel. When the time comes, your driver escorts you to the airport. A gentle ending to a journey that managed to surprise you every single day.

Budget indication

To fully enjoy this journey, expect prices from €5,500 per person, including international flights. The final amount may vary depending on travel dates, preferences and additional services.