An Inspiring First-Timer's Tale: China Golden Triangle Plus Guilin & Zhangjiajie

-- Lenise and Her Husband’s Incredible 11-Day China Journey

For first-time visitors to China, certain destinations are simply too iconic to miss. Cities like Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, Guilin, and Zhangjiajie offer a perfect blend of culture and nature, ancient heritage and modern innovation. Together, they form a well-rounded introduction to a vast and captivating country.

This March, Lenise and her husband Ivan embarked on their first-ever trip to China, an 11-day journey that exceeded all their expectations. With a personalized itinerary crafted by China Discovery, they explored these five distinct destinations, immersing themselves in the timeless beauty and vibrant culture of China. Concluding their trip with unforgettable memories, the couple praised our team for the seamless coordination and attentive service that made their adventure stress-free. “The prepared, humorous, and super attentive tour guides served us exclusively, equipped with new cars and very polite drivers,” Lenise noted.

Here’s how their journey unfolded—and why it left such a lasting impression.

Crafting a Tailor-Made Adventure

Great trips start with thoughtful planning. When Lenise reached out to us at China Discovery, she was interested in a 10-day itinerary covering Beijing, Xi’an, Shanghai, and Guilin. Within 24 hours, our professional travel consultant Rita responded with a detailed itinerary and pricing.

In later email communications, Lenise expressed her wish to add Zhangjiajie to the itinerary. Even with less than three weeks until their departure, Rita worked quickly to revise the plans, extending the trip to 11 days. Thanks to her experience, the new itinerary maintained a seamless flow, covering all the must-visit highlights while accommodating Lenise and her husband’s preferences, schedule, and budget.

As Lenise later wrote in her TripAdvisor review, “My husband and l had an excellent experience with China Discovery. Starting with the itinerary tailored to suit us. Everything was quick and efficient as we had little time for planning.” This is the hallmark of our service at China Discovery: removing the stress from trip planning so our clients can simply enjoy the journey.

Day 1~3 Arrival & Beijing - A Grand Introduction

The adventure began in Beijing, China’s historic capital. After a night’s good rest in our handpicked hotel, Lenise and Ivan spent their first full day exploring the city’s most iconic landmarks.

They started with a visit to the Mutianyu Great Wall, a well-preserved section known for its stunning mountain views and smaller crowds. Rita arranged a round-way cable car ride for the couple, which made their experience both comfortable and awe-inspiring. Strolling along the ancient stones, they marveled at the engineering feat that has stood for centuries.

The afternoon brought them to modern Beijing, where they admired the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, the architectural marvels of the 2008 Olympics. The day ended with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, a serene and symbolic site where emperors once prayed for good harvests.

The next day focused on the city’s imperial legacy. Starting at Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of China, they continued to the Forbidden City, a sprawling palace complex that once housed generations of emperors. Our local guide then led them to Jingshan Park, a peaceful retreat offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Forbidden City’s golden rooftops.

After wrapping up their exploration of Beijing’s must-sees, the couple took a comfortable high-speed train ride to Xi’an, ready for the next chapter of their journey.

Lenise and Ivan Exploring Beijing's Must-Visit Highlights

Day 4 Xi’an - Timeless Wonders

Lenise and Ivan's day in Xi'an began with one of China’s most extraordinary archaeological sites: the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Standing before the life-sized clay soldiers, each uniquely detailed, the couple were struck by the sheer scale of this ancient underground army.

Back in the city, they explored the Ancient City Wall, one of the most well-preserved walls in the world, and visited the Great Mosque, a fascinating fusion of Chinese and Islamic architectural styles. The day concluded with a stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter, where the vibrant atmosphere and local street food left an impression. Lenise described the area as “interesting,” capturing its unique charm.

Though their time in Xi’an was short, the city’s rich history and vibrant culture left a strong impact as they departed for Guilin the next day.

Lenise and Ivan Visiting the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum

Day 5~7 Guilin - Nature’s Paradise

Arriving in Guilin on the day five, Lenise and Ivan immediately felt the city’s tranquil charm. After checking into their hotel, they explored two of Guilin’s natural treasures: Elephant Trunk Hill, a rock formation resembling an elephant drinking from the river, and Reed Flute Cave, a network of limestone formations illuminated by colorful lights.

Day six brought one of the highlights of their trip: a Li River Cruise. As their boat sailed down the serene river, surrounded by dramatic karst peaks, the couple couldn’t help but be mesmerized. They found the experience “unmissable.” Upon reaching Yangshuo, they continued exploring the scenic Ten-Mile Gallery and the Moon Hill, a natural limestone arch offering panoramic views of the countryside.

That evening, at the strong recommendation of our local guide—whose professionalism and insightful suggestions consistently enhanced their experience—Lenise and Ivan attended the Impression Liu Sanjie show. This open-air performance, set against the breathtaking natural backdrop of the Li River, struck them as “truly a fabulous spectacle” with its captivating combination of music, dance, and stunning visuals.

On day seven, they explored the Yulong River, taking a leisurely drive and stroll along its peaceful banks. The serene beauty of Guilin made it one of their favorite stops, with Lenise declaring, “We loved Guilin; the city is beautiful, peaceful, and surrounded by stunning nature. I believe it should be part of any travel itinerary in China.”

Later that day, they departed for Zhangjiajie via high-speed train.

Lenise and Ivan Had a Great Time in Guilin and Yangshuo

Day 8~9 Zhangjiajie - An Otherworldly Wonderland

A fresh day in Zhangjiajie began with a visit to the Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, famous for its towering sandstone pillars that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. The couple ascended Yuanjiajie via the Bailong Elevator, the world’s tallest outdoor lift, and marveled at the breathtaking views of the “Hallelujah Mountains.” From there, they continued to Tianzi Mountain, where the cloud-shrouded peaks added an ethereal quality to the landscape.

The following day was just as thrilling. They started with the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon Glass Bridge, an engineering marvel suspended over a deep gorge. Later, they ascended Tianmen Mountain via the Tianmen Mountain Cableway, the longest cable car ride in the world. At the summit, they walked along the glass skywalk and stood in awe of the famous Tianmen Cave, literally “Heaven’s Gate,” a massive natural rock arch.

Reflecting on Zhangjiajie, Lenise commented it as “a city of lush natural beauty, with stunning landscapes. An exhilarating experience!”

Lenise and Ivan Took Beautiful Pictures Against Zhangjiajie's Natural Backdrop

Day 10 Shanghai: A Modern Marvel

The final stop on their journey was Shanghai, China’s bustling financial hub. Though their stay was short, Lenise and Ivan felt that a longer visit would have allowed them to fully appreciate everything the city had to offer. “It’s pity our stay was also very brief.” Lenise remarked. From our perspective, if your schedule allows, we always recommend spending at least two days in Shanghai to truly experience its dynamic blend of history, modernity, and cultural charm.

On day ten, they visited the Shanghai Museum, home to a vast collection of historical artifacts, and the tranquil Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden that provided a stark contrast to the city’s urban buzz. Next, they ascended the Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building, to its 118th-floor observation deck for panoramic views of the city’s futuristic skyline.

The couple also strolled along Nanjing Road and the Bund, taking in the dazzling lights of the skyscrapers across the Huangpu River. Lenise shared her surprise at Shanghai’s modern beauty, saying, “What a pleasant surprise Shanghai was! We didn’t imagine so much modernity and beauty, especially at night. We were enchanted! A city not to be missed.”

Day 11 Departing with Memories to Cherish

As their journey came to an end, Lenise and her husband Ivan reflected on the incredible 11 days they had spent in China. Small but thoughtful touches—like the Beijing guide efficiently helping them avoid long queues at the Great Wall and Forbidden City, the insightful stories shared in Xi’an that brought the city’s rich history to life, the hotel in Guilin perfectly located for a leisurely walk around the lake, or the many laughs shared with their Guilin guide—added layers of joy to their journey. In Zhangjiajie, our local guide went the extra mile, capturing wonderful photos of the couple against the breathtaking landscapes. These moments of genuine connection and care became the sparkling highlights that made their trip unforgettable. The couple was so impressed that Lenise concluded her review with a glowing recommendation: “I will definitely recommend China Discovery. We appreciated the exclusive and high-quality service offered.”

Start Your Own China Adventure

Inspired by Lenise and her husband’s story? Whether you dream of exploring the historic sites of Beijing and Xi’an, cruising through Guilin’s stunning landscapes, or marveling at the otherworldly beauty of Zhangjiajie, China Discovery is here to make it happen.

With our expertise in crafting customized private tours, we’ll help you create a trip tailored to your preferences and needs. Let us guide you through the wonders of China—one incredible destination at a time.

(Above travel story was written by our editor, inspired by our customer Lenise's real experience and review on Tripadvisor.com.)