6 Days Guangzhou and Chaoshan Essence Tour, Chaozhou and Shantour Tour

Tour Itinerary Expand All

Itinerary Expand All

Day 1Arrival Guangzhou

Airport transfer service

Meals: No Meal
Accommodation: In Guangzhou

Arrive in Guangzhou, you will be met at the airport & transferred to your hotel. Free at leisure for the rest of the day. As a city of historic and cultural significance, it is the largest industrial and commercial city and the largest important and export port in South China.

Evening Optional activity: Enjoy the fascinating Pearl River night cruise (70 minutes) sailing along the mother river of Guangzhou people and soak in the wonderful sightseeing of lights and neon of historical architectures and new modern towering buildings to feel the pulse of this developed city. You won’t miss the Canton Tower during the cruise.

Guangzhou City View

Day 2Guangzhou

Huacheng Square, Exterior View of Guangzhou Tower, Guangdong Provincial Museum, Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Hall, Temple of Chen Family, Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Guangzhou

Enjoy a leisure breakfast in your hotel, and move to Huacheng Square, which is the new axis square of Guangzhou, from which we will have a good view of the new landmark of Guangzhou --- the amazing Guangzhou Tower, which is now the tallest tower in China, and just second to Tokyo Skytree Tower in the world. A traditional Canton flavor lunch is arranged at a local restaurant for you.

Then visit Guangdong Provincial Museum, which is regarded as the treasure of Lingnan painting and calligraphy. Drive to Dr. Sun Yat-sen's Memorial Hall, located in the original site of Sun Yat-sen's Presidential Office on the south slope of Yuexiu Hill.

Yuexiu Park

The next stop is the Temple of Chen Family, known as Chen Clan Academy, was built between 1890 and 1894 during the reign of Emperor Guangxu of the Qing dynasty. The exquisite decoration makes it a treasure of Lingnan style architecture.

Enjoy a free and leisurely time at Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street, which is just like the famous Nanjing Road in Shanghai, where is the best place for you to explore the delicious local snacks and shop around.

The tour ends by a drop-off at your hotel.

Temple of Chen Family

Day 3Guangzhou – Chaozhou

Take a high-speed train to Chaozhou, Chaozhou Old Town

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Chaozhou

After breakfast, take a morning high speed train to Chaozhou (duration: 3 hours). Upon arrival, you will be met by our local tour guide at Chaoshan High-speed Train Station or Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport, and transfer to check in your hotel. Welcome to Chaozhou, the capital of Chinese porcelain, the hometown of national pearl embroidery, an important birthplace of Chaoshan culture.

In the afternoon, we will have a walk tour in Chaozhou Old Town, visiting the 650-year-old Guangji City Gate Tower, historical Guangji Bridge. Walk into Zaiyang Tea House to enjoy a local tea break, sipping the authentic Chaoshan tea, listening to the local tune, and enjoying a relaxing time. And then follow the guide to visit the century-old archway street and Chaozhou ancient residential complex - Taiping Road and Jiadi Alley, where you will hunt for the delicious Chaozhou snacks and experience the local life.

The authentic Chaoshan Setay Beef Hot Pot will be arranged as your dinner. It is feasible to go to enjoy the light feast on both sides of the river and the "light and shadow show" of Guangji Bridge (depends on the availability) before back to your hotel.

Guangji Bridge

Day 4Chaozhou - Shantou

Hanwen Shrine, Chaozhou Folk Museum, Former Residence of Chen Cihong, Drive to Shantou

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shantou

Check out after breakfast, and we will visit the Hanwen Shrine. This ancestral hall was built to worship Han Yu, a famous poet in China. Then walk into the Chaozhou Folk Museum, telling us that the ancestors of Chaozhou have multiplied from generation to generation. At noon time we will have the Brine Whole Goose Banquet at a famous restaurant. Chaoshan brine goose is famous all over the world, is the most classic dish in Chaoshan cuisine.

Enjoy an authentic Chaozhou lunch, go to visit the former residence of Chen Cihong, known as the "first overseas Chinese residence in Lingnan". Covering an area of 6,861 square meters, the magnificent architectural scale, the combination of Chinese and Western architectural art, it shows all the traditional patterns of Chaoshan.

Then drive to Shantou City, a coastal city known as "the gateway of Lingdong and the gateway of South China" (about 40 minutes by car).

Former Residence of Chen Cihong

Day 5Shantou

Shangtou Square Ferry Terminal, Queshi Scenic Area, Chaoshan Culture Expo Center, Tuo Cheng Small Park

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: In Shantou

Today is a culture and food exploring day.

After breakfast, drive to Shantou Square Ferry Terminal, where you will take a ferry to enjoy the beautiful scenery of one bay and two banks. Then move to Queshi Scenic Area, and take the cable car slowly up to the highest point of Shantou, having a bird's eye view of Shantou.

After that, continue our visit to the Chaoshan Culture Expo Center, a new landmark and highlight in Shantou; With a construction area of about 56,500 square meters, facing Shantou Bay, it is the core building of Chaoshan History and Culture Expo Park. The return journey passes through the Shantou Bay Tunnel, which is the world's first large-diameter shield submarine tunnel located in the 8-degree seismic intensity area, and the first shield submarine tunnel of the largest underwater highway project in China.

Chaoshan Culture Expo Center

Have Chao-style abalone feast for lunch at a local restaurant.

After lunch, go to the Tuo Cheng Small Park which is the center of Old Shantou, experience a piece of history. Here we can see the old Shantou landmark buildings – Nansheng Department Store and Shantou Old Post Office, etc., full of historical memories. Enjoy a visit to the Shantou Postal Service building (1st floor) which was completed in 1922 and is one of the two best-preserved postal buildings in Guangdong using the European architectural style.

Then walk into a Chaoshan Cuisine Street --- Zhengbang Road, where you can hunt for various time-honored local food and snacks.

Chaoshan Beef Hotpot

Day 6Departure, Shantou

Transfer service to the airport / train station

Meals: Breakfast

Free at leisure before transfer to the airport or train station to catch your flight / train to the next destination.

Service ends

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Notice:

Due to the uncertainties of this tour, such as special local conditions , the changes of accommodation rate, etc, the tour has to be tailor-made and its price is on request. Please tell us in advance your group information inclusive of departure date, number of pax, and other individual needs, which will be helpful to work out a fit program and the right price.

Useful Information

Traveler Reviews Feedbacks & Photos >>Feedbacks

5.0

PunkNelson

5.0

Great Hotel stay Very Nice Tour guides Convenient planned daily trips Average selection of restaurant for food though

Kiwimac53

5.0

We were looking for a tour in SW China while in the area for work and found this one. While we wouldn't normally get a private tour but surprisingly it was actually cheaper than most of the group tours in the area and was great value. While I would usually rather keep one guide for the whole tour, as you get to know each other and they get to know what you are interested in, we changed guides 5 times during this trip (fortunately we had the same guide in Kunming at the start and end of the tour which was a real bonus as Murphy, our Kunming based guide, was excellent.) In this case changing guides had the advantage of local knowledge at each site so compensated for the change. Of the 4 guides we had 3 excellent and 1 very good with each of them working hard to look after us and make sure we enjoyed our trip. Vicky, our Dali based guide was also extremely good making our time there a highlight. The tour gives you 2 days at each base ie travel in the morning, have the afternoon and the next day touring the area then drive to the next base. We chose the driving tour as we feel it gives you a better experience of the area and you get to see the locals in action. All the drivers we had were great - they went out of their way to look after us and were very safe, which is saying something for driving in China. While all of the guides were very fluent in English none of the drivers could speak English which was a slight disadvantage as you didn't have the guides with you when traveling between bases but the friendliness and helpfulness of the drivers more than made up for this. The tour was very well organised and we knew what we were doing from the time we met our guide on arrival at the Kunming railway station to when we walked through security at the airport on our way out. The tour comes with 4,5 and 6 star accommodation choices and we went for the cheapest 4 star option. While the English at the hotels was limited the guides made sure we were checked in and out and took care of any issues (which were minimal). The 4 star option is largely "Chinese style" hotels ie designed for Chinese visitors with breakfast consisting of what many westeners would consider dinner style food but there was always eggs and toast for the less adventurous. The hotels were all clean and comfortable and generally very well located. The Hotel in Kunming (Jin Jang Inn) was a bonus as it seemed higher than 4 star and we stayed there both on our way in and out. As well as breakfast, lunch came with the tour which was enjoyable as the guides choose the restaurants so we got a variety. I got the feeling that most of the restaurants were owned by friends or family or there was some arrangement with the guide, but as you get to formally review each guide and the meals at the end of each stop they work hard to make sure you enjoy the meal and there was always an abundance of food. We tried a range of local cuisine and there was only one meal we didn't think was up to par. You get your own dinner which also suited us as there is invariably a range of restaurants or for the more adventurous there is the street vendors and you can choose what you want. The vehicles we were driven in were all very good- plenty of space and very comfortable. Being a private tour, while there was a set itinerary, which was diverse and very interesting with something for most people, the guides could tweak it to suit individual interests eg more time at one site and less at another. It is easy to get a bit templed out but overall the itinerary was a good mic of nature and culture. I would thoroughly recommend the tour and the company and we will be looking to the company if/when we go back - Guilin is next on the list as the guides were very happy to discus what they thought we would and wouldn't enjoy based on working with us on this tour,

N2265ZIinfo

5.0

Excellent guides, flexible and knowledgeable travel agent. They speak good English. Our trip was very well organized. We are 100% happy and I can recommend Top China Travel to everybody.

Wesley O

5.0

I contacted Top China travel for a 13 day China vacation (Beijing/Xian/Yangtze River cruise/Shanghai) and right from the start Bonnie provided me with great choices and package options. Throughout the entire planning and even during the trip Bonnie was there for us following up and making sure everything was perfect. Thank you Bonnie for making our China vacation unforgettable.

Johnf8958

5.0

From the minute I contacted Vicky at Top China Travel to book our holiday, to the time we were taken to Pudong airport for our flight home, the experience was perfect. My wife and I visited Beijing, Xian and Shanghai and all of our tour guides were fluent in English, very knowledgeable and very friendly. Thank you Vicky and all at TCT and I will definitely be in contact when I return to China.

lakazdi

5.0

I went on a Top China Travel group tour. Everything was so well organised that I never had to worry about anything. I really liked that the group was small and it felt like we were a big group of old-friends all travelling together, not just a passenger on the bus. Every hotel, guide, driver and restaurant was very well picked. I was very happy with how well-informed each guide was, how flexible they were to ensure we all had a great time, and their English was all very good. At every step of the way, guides had us fill in a Top China Travel feedback form which I am certain the company take very seriously since their service was so good. I will be passing on their details to all my friends and family who want to travel in China.

DEBORAH O

5.0

Thanks to Ms Raylene He we had a wonderful and well organised trip to 5 destinations which all went off without a hitch including being met by guides and drivers in each city and looked after very well. This all included several domestic flights a train trip and permits. I have no qualms in recommending this company to other travellers.

EBTraveler

5.0

With forty years of travel to the far corners of our world we have encountered many guides. Like most travelers some have not been very good, some decent and the rare few that are outstanding. During our three weeks in China last month we encountered just such a rare individual. Our guide in Guilin was a young women named Ping (I'll provide her email later). Ping demonstrated knowledge and command of the history, stories and culture all along the way. Beyond that, Ping exuded infectious enthusiasm not only for our touring, but for us personally as well. We had a serious medical issue occur suddenly, in fact one of us went into diabetic shock. It was four in the morning but no matter, after calling Ping she took command and arranged for the hotel to send us, with a car, driver, and assistant to a hospital. Upon our arrival there was Ping who obviously thru on some clothes, got on her motorbike and rushed to meet us. There she not only served as translator but as though a family member, she became invested in our proper care and recovery. Truly remarkable to have such a person supporting you. In small ways she flavored her guiding with a sense of our interests and preferences, like the day we mentioned our love of pomegranates and the next morning there she is smiling and with samples for us as a treat. When we left a jacket behind, once again was on it as Ping arranged for its shipment to out next stop and tracked it until it was in our hands. Beyond that, Ping was in frequent contact to make certain of our full medical recovery and to offer her help where or whenever it might be needed while in China. Amazing! Ping can be contacted at bellakanas@163.com Sheila Hertz, Howard Entin

ourview_11

5.0

From the first email to Top China Travel with Joyce to our wonderful Tour Guide Linda and our driver I can not say more happily what a wonderful trip we have had. Linda was very Kind and very informative with all your tours. The vehicle used was at very high standard and the Driver very safe. We had a private Tour for myself and my Husband we would totally recommend this company.

Geonannie

5.0

Top China Travel is the the tops! I booked an 21 day tour of China for my husband and I and from the very first contact with Lily Lui I was totally impressed. We communicated via e-mail and Lily was very quick and helpful with her responses. Because this was not our first trip to China, I wanted an itinerary that was different from the norm. Lily's recommendations were top notch. The hotels she used were top shelf as we requested. Our guides and drivers were fantastic. What impressed me the most was that when we were in China, Lily called to speak to me and make sure everything was going well. When I ran into some issues due to altitude sickness, I contacted her and she had the itinerary changes done and finalized within an hour. This was a private tour with guide and driver and I honestly can say there was not one thing I wished we had done differently. Thanks to Top China Travel and Lily our trip to China was perfect. I will definitely be contacting Lily when we return to China for yet another visit.

Allessandr0

5.0

I am a tour leader from Italy and this was my first cooperation with Janet and how lucky we met her!! We followed the trip with her to remote areas in China including some ethnic group area in Guizhou province and Sanjiang, Longsheng and Guilin, we enjoyed completely throughout the whole trip and some arrangement even out of our surprise, like we went to Janet’s home to learn how to pack Chinese Ravioli, she invited a Taichi teacher and we had a 1 hour Taichi class inside her home community. Everything was fine and our group members are all like her very much. We strongly recommend Janet Chan (janet@topchinatravel.com) as your China trip consultant! She is so considerate and carefully planned each detail of our trip. Guizhou is a very interesting and primitive place for visiting, you should include in your China trip as well! Thank you Janet! You are very professional!!

Salim A

5.0

When I planning our private trip to china I have read many trip adviser reviews and I have noticed Janet Chan’s name came up a number of times so i sent her an e-mail asked for the best two weeks private tour in China for 6 persons , whiten two days she replied me recommending 5 cities ( Zhangjiajie, hangzhuo , shanghai, Beijing , Guilin ) we went through the program which she sent to us it was excellent so we asked her to go ahead to arrange our journey . it was a great choice we made, The tour guides were knowledgeable and helpful. The hotels which reserved for us by TCT were excellent We can only say thanks for TCT and especially Janet Chan

Karan J

5.0

From the 1st point of contact till the end Joyce was great and helped plan a perfect trip which I was for a short time in Beijing. I was traveling alone and was recommended to join a small group of fellow travelers which was perfect. Great tour guide with a clean bus. Pick up on time and overall a great experience.

Ms Masha B

5.0

My husband and I booked a two week private tour of China with Top China Travel. It was an excellent experience. Vicky, a tour consultant, offered us a very good program visiting Beijing, Xian, Zhangjiajie, Shanghai and Nanjing. We really enjoyed every location. The tour guides were knowledgeable and helpful. In Beijing, Shanghai and Nanjing me made our own hotel reservation and in Xian an Zhangjiajie TCT made the reservations for us. Lunch was included in the tour and the selection of the restaurants was excellent in most locations (except Xian). Overall great tour!

Chris W

5.0

When planning our China trip we read many trip advisor reviews and noticed Janet Chan’s name came up a number of times so we asked for her to arrange our journey across this fascinating land. What a great choice we made, she listened and responded to our questions and arranged all our trip that went off without any problems. We didn’t want shopping nor group travel and she responded brilliantly. Two days hiking on the wall with fabulous guide Miko, in fact all our guides and drivers were just excellent. High speed train meant we saw lots of China’s varied countryside and went to some out of the way places. We can only say great things about TCT and especially Janet Chan if you are planning a trip. Thank you Janet for an exciting and memorable trip! Chris n Jools Winstanley

Raghavan A

5.0

We signed up with TCT after reading reviews of Tibet tour agencies. Our trip included 4 days in Lhasa, two in Shigatse and one at the base camp. TCT made all the arrangements including the Tibet permit, hotels, tour guide, car and the driver for the entire trip. The arrangements were superb. The guide and the driver were very accommodating to our needs and made the entire trip very convenient. At the base camp, the guide even arranged for extra oxygen in case we need it. She was also very helpful in advising us as how to get acclimated to the altitude. The entire trip was smooth and enjoyable and we would highly recommend TCT for travel to Tibet.

karenilena

5.0

wonderful visit and wonderful guide Li. Li showed us all the charms of this great city together with our Li river tour. We fell in love with this place and Yangshou. Great place to visit and it was a favourite city in all the cities we visited. great guide

Natasha J

5.0

I can't recommend this company enough!! I started talking to Yocky via the chat system on their website, as we wanted to do a 2.5 week trip around China. Our itinerary was: Shenzhen-Beijing-Xian-Kunming-Dongchuan-Chengdu-Guilin-Sanya Here's how things went: 1) She was instant in her replies and responded to subsequent emails within the hour (and trust me, I sent A LOT of emails). She was always so thorough and efficient. 2) She made us a tailor made trip that covered everything we wanted, including some slightly more off the beaten track attractions. 3) She helped us keep to our budget and suggested reasonable things we could cut out when things were too expensive (not something many companies would do as they are trying to make a quick buck). 4) She listened to all of our requests for things such as early morning flights, vegetarian food, and readjusting itineraries. 5) All our drivers and guides were EXCELLENT; they were prompt, kind, spoke excellent English and had a wealth of knowledge about all the sites we saw. All the cars on our private tours were nice and comfortable and had water. 6) Despite asking for 3* hotels, all 7 hotels we stayed in seemed like 4* to us and all included breakfast. 7) With such a large and complicated trip there were bound to be a few hiccups (e.g. there was a marathon in Xian one day which meant a lot of roads were closed, so we couldn't access sites). Yocky was in touch with us the entire time and helped us rearrange our plans quickly and ordered complimentary tickets to a show to make up for the inconvenience. We were so nervous about our first trip to China as we speak no mandarin and are strict vegetarian but honestly this was one of the best trips of our life; this company made it so easy for us and I really can't imagine having been able to do it myself any better!

JrnyJunkie

5.0

The views are stunning and the boat that we were on had VIP seating for just our group with a private balcony to view the river.

Candi S

5.0

Raylene did a wonderful job organizing our tour to meet our time constraints. She answered all questions very efficiently. Our tour guide Rocco met us at the airport and the Driver was waiting near by. I have specific dietary restrictions and the guide was extremely helpful communicating that with the restaurants. The trip was so easy and we always felt safe. My husband and I are looking forward to booking a more extended trip in the future. There is so much to see and the food is wonderful!

6 Days Guangzhou & Chaoshan Essence