13 Days China-Jeju Island Discovery: Beijing-Xi'an-Guilin-Yangshuo-Shanghai-Jeju
Claire Product ManagerOver 10-year experience in customization.
This magnificent 13-day China-Jeju Island Discovery Tour offers an extraordinary journey through China's most iconic destinations combined with Korea's pristine natural paradise, showcasing the perfect blend of ancient Chinese civilization and Korea's volcanic island beauty, creating an unforgettable East Asian cultural and natural heritage experience.
Begin in Beijing, staying at the centrally located Sunworld Hotel Wangfujing (8.5 rating) in the historic Dongcheng District. Experience authentic Beijing through a unique cultural food tour, starting with traditional breakfast delicacies at Huguo Temple Snacks featuring nine varieties including pea cake, cream fried cake, tea soup, refined donkey rolling, soybean juice, Aiwowo, crispy rings, sugar ears, and almond tofu, plus street snacks like vegetable buns, tofu pudding, and egg-filled pancakes. Explore Tiananmen Square and the magnificent Forbidden City (closed Mondays), take a rickshaw tour through traditional hutongs, enjoy famous Quanjude Peking Duck lunch, and relax at a rooftop coffee bar.
Discover Beijing's imperial grandeur with visits to the Temple of Heaven where you'll join locals practicing Tai Chi, then venture to the spectacular Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China with cable car access for easier exploration. Experience the serene Summer Palace with its famous Long Corridor and Kunming Lake, climb the Fragrance Buddha Pavilion, and visit the Yonghe Lama Temple to learn about Tibetan Buddhism history and admire the Harmony Hall sculptures and murals.
Travel by high-speed train to Xi'an, staying at the Bell Tower Hotel (4.5 rating) near the historic Drum Tower. The boutique rooms are compact but efficiently designed (18-22m²), recently renovated in 2020. Explore one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries at the Terracotta Warriors Museum with electric cart and audio guide, then wander through the atmospheric Bell and Drum Tower Square, experience the vibrant Muslim Quarter's street food culture, and visit the beautiful Great Mosque showcasing Chinese Islamic architecture.
Continue to the Xi'an Museum and climb the ancient Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a Tang Dynasty Buddhist pagoda that housed precious scriptures brought from India. Fly to Guilin, staying at the Lijiang Waterfall Hotel (8.4 rating) near the iconic Sun and Moon Twin Pagodas in the city center.
Experience one of China's most scenic journeys with a Li River cruise from Bamboo River Pier to Yangshuo aboard a 4-star vessel, witnessing the famous karst limestone peaks reflected in the crystal-clear waters that have inspired Chinese painters for centuries. Stay overnight in charming Yangshuo at the Percent Hotel by Li River (10 rating) and explore the international West Street with its mix of traditional architecture and modern cafes.
Fly to cosmopolitan Shanghai, staying at the SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai Bund (4.8 rating) in the historic Huangpu District near People's Square, Xintiandi, and Nanjing Road. Discover Shanghai's blend of tradition and modernity through visits to the classical Yu Garden with its exquisite landscaping, the bustling City God Temple Old City (exterior visit), traditional longtang (lane house) neighborhoods, the famous Nanjing Road pedestrian street, the historic Zhang Garden showcasing Shanghai's architectural heritage, the trendy Xintiandi entertainment district, the artistic Tianzifang with its maze of narrow alleys filled with boutiques and galleries, and conclude with a visit to the trendy Manner Coffee at North Bund (Guoke Binjiang Branch), a popular Instagram-worthy coffee spot offering stunning views of the Huangpu River and modern Shanghai skyline.
Fly to Korea's natural paradise, Jeju Island, staying at the LOTTE City Hotel Jeju (8.4 rating), a comfortable 4-star accommodation with spacious Standard Twin Rooms (30m²) perfectly positioned for exploring the island's UNESCO World Heritage natural sites and volcanic landscapes.
Embark on a comprehensive exploration of Jeju Island's natural wonders with an English-speaking guide and private transportation. Day one features Mt. Halla 1100 Altitude Wetland, a pristine high-altitude ecosystem showcasing Korea's unique alpine flora and offering breathtaking panoramic views of the island. Continue to the dramatic Jusangjeolli Lava Cliff, where hexagonal rock columns formed by volcanic activity create a stunning natural sculpture along the coastline, demonstrating the island's volcanic origins.
Visit the magnificent Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls, known as the "Pond of God," where three-tiered waterfalls cascade through lush subtropical vegetation, creating a mystical atmosphere enhanced by the surrounding legends of seven nymphs. End the day at Gwakji Beach, famous for its golden sand, clear emerald waters, and dramatic coastal rock formations, perfect for sunset viewing and understanding Jeju's coastal ecosystem.
Day two explores Jeju's UNESCO World Heritage sites, beginning with Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), a spectacular volcanic crater rising from the sea, offering one of Korea's most famous sunrise viewing spots and showcasing the island's geological formation. The hike to the summit provides panoramic views of the surrounding ocean and demonstrates why this site was designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
Continue to Cape Seojikoji, a dramatic coastal headland featuring stunning cliff-top walking trails, lighthouse views, and the famous coastal scenery that has served as a backdrop for numerous Korean films and dramas. The cape showcases Jeju's unique coastal ecosystem and offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
Conclude with a visit to Hamdeok Beach, renowned for its pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and shallow swimming areas perfect for relaxation. This beach represents Jeju's reputation as Korea's premier beach destination and offers insight into the island's role as a domestic and international resort paradise.