Upon arrival at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours to explore at your own pace. Wander along the scenic lakes, stroll through the bustling night markets, and sample Guilin’s legendary rice noodles, beer fish, and other regional delicacies — a perfect introduction to the city’s rich culinary heritage.

Embark on a classic Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. As the boat glides through emerald waters flanked by misty karst peaks, bamboo groves, and pastoral scenes, you’ll feel as if you’re sailing through a living Chinese ink painting. Lunch is served on board. After disembarking and checking into your hotel, take a bicycle and follow your guide into the Yangshuo countryside. Pedal past traditional villages, rice paddies, and limestone formations, observing daily rural life up close.

Transfer to Guilin railway station and board a high-speed train to Congjiang, then drive to Zhaoxing Dong Village — the largest Dong minority settlement in southeast Guizhou. Known as the “village of drum towers,” Zhaoxing boasts five magnificent drum towers, each representing a different Dong clan. These wooden structures, built without a single nail, are masterpieces of traditional architecture. Wander through the village, observe daily life, and admire the intricate carvings and rooflines.

Today delves deeper into the region’s ethnic diversity. Visit Basha Miao Village, known as the “last tribe” where men still carry rifles legally. Next, stop at Zhanli Dong Village, famous for its mysterious herbal remedy said to balance the gender ratio of newborns. Continue to Xiaohuang Dong Village to enjoy the UNESCO-listed Dong chorus singing, and finally to Huanggang Dong Village, which retains a more untouched, traditional way of life.

Start the morning with a 2–3 hour hike from Tang’an Village, winding through stunning terraced rice fields that cascade down the mountainsides. The patchwork of green and golden paddies, dotted with wooden farmhouses, is one of Guizhou’s most iconic landscapes. After the hike, transfer to Congjiang station and take a high-speed train to Guiyang, the provincial capital.

Drive about 1.5 hours to Tianlong Tunbao Ancient Town, where a Han Chinese subgroup has preserved their distinctive costumes, language, and stone-built dwellings for over 600 years. After lunch, continue to Huangguoshu Waterfall, one of Asia’s largest waterfalls. Follow the pathways to view the thundering cascade from multiple angles, including the famous Water Curtain Cave. Return to Guiyang in the late afternoon.

Board a high-speed train from Guiyang to Dali (approx. 4.5 hours). On arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to wander through Dali’s ancient town, stroll along the cobblestone streets, admire the traditional Bai architecture, and relax at a café overlooking the Cangshan Mountains.

Head to Xizhou, a traditional Bai village, and explore its lively morning market. Visit a well-preserved Bai courtyard home and learn about the family’s history and customs. Then enjoy a one-hour horse-drawn carriage ride through the countryside to Haishe Wetland Park. The day culminates with a relaxing boat cruise on Erhai Lake, offering panoramic vistas of the lake and the Cangshan Mountains.

Travel overland from Dali to Lijiang (approx. 4 hours) with a stop at Shaxi Old Town, a well-preserved stop on the ancient Tea Horse Road. Wander through Sideng Market Square and admire the traditional architecture, old temples, and the historic stage. After exploring Shaxi, continue to Lijiang and check into your hotel in the UNESCO-listed Old Town.

Spend the day exploring Lijiang’s cultural treasures. Begin at Mufu Palace, the former residence of the Naxi chieftains, then climb Lion Hill for a panoramic view over the old town. Enjoy a performance of Naxi ancient music. In the afternoon, visit the Naxi Dongba Culture Museum to learn about the Dongba religion and the rich traditions of the Naxi people.

Take a morning flight from Lijiang to Lhasa, landing on the Tibetan Plateau at an altitude of over 3,600 metres. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your Tibetan guide and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is reserved for rest and acclimatisation.

Today you’ll visit the most significant sites in Lhasa. Start with the magnificent Potala Palace, then head to the Jokhang Temple and walk the pilgrim circuit around Barkhor Street. In the afternoon, observe the famous monastic debates at Sera Monastery.

Drive southwest from Lhasa towards Shigatse. En route, stop at the sacred Yamdrok Lake with its turquoise waters set against snow-capped peaks. Continue driving and catch distant views of the Karuola Glacier. Arrive in Shigatse, Tibet’s second-largest city, and check into your hotel.

Begin the day with a visit to the bustling Free Market in Shigatse, then explore Tashilhunpo Monastery, the traditional seat of the Panchen Lamas. Wander through its grand halls, golden stupas, and courtyards. After lunch, drive back to Lhasa (approx. 7 hours) along the scenic Yarlung Tsangpo valley.

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to Lhasa Gonggar Airport for your departure flight. Reflect on the incredible diversity of cultures, landscapes, and traditions encountered over the past two weeks — from the karst hills of Guilin to the Tibetan plateau.