Itinerary of 10 days in Southern China: nature, cities, and beaches

Southern China is a land of spectacular contrasts, a vibrant mosaic where ancient traditions 🏯 coexist with futuristic modernity 🚄🌆. A key region of the Middle Kingdom, it captivates as much through the richness of its cultural heritage as through the diversity of its landscapes, often considered among the most beautiful in Asia 🌿⛰️.

Over 15 days, this carefully designed itinerary for 2026 invites you on a deep and balanced journey, blending nature, culture, megacities, and relaxation 🧭. You will begin with the dreamlike landscapes of Guangxi, between karst peaks, peaceful rivers, and terraced rice fields 🌾🛶 — a timeless setting that has inspired Chinese poets and painters for centuries 🎨📜.

The journey then continues toward the beating heart of Southern China: Canton (Guangzhou) and Hong Kong, shining symbols of contemporary China 💡🏙️. Here, vertiginous skyscrapers, technological innovation, giant ports, and lively districts testify to an extraordinary economic dynamism 🚀📈, without ever erasing local traditions, Cantonese gastronomy 🍜🥢, or temples hidden at the turn of a street.

Finally, to conclude this journey gently, head to the tropical island of Hainan 🏝️☀️. White-sand beaches, turquoise waters, palm trees, and a laid-back atmosphere offer an ideal seaside break after the intensity of the trip 🌊😌 — perfect for recharging and savoring the incredible diversity of Southern China.

This 15-day tour is not just a simple itinerary: it is a complete sensory immersion, between the “green lung” 🌱 and the “economic engine” ⚙️ of China, designed for curious travelers, lovers of wide-open spaces, living cultures, and unforgettable discoveries ✨🧳.

Visiting China: history, dynasties, and cultural diversity

Visiting China means traveling across a map of China shaped by great dynasties such as the Qin, Yuan, and Ming, whose legacy still marks every province, every district, and every old town with history-filled alleys.

From Beijing, with the mythical Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China, and the terracotta soldiers, to the southeast of the country and the China Sea, the Chinese provinces offer a unique cultural diversity, carried by numerous ethnic groups.

In Chengdu, at the heart of Sichuan Province, temples, pagodas, and caves listed as World Heritage sites bear witness to centuries of spirituality, while Canton in China embodies the commercial and historical dynamism of the South.

Whether it is to visit a sacred cave, stay in a seaside resort, or organize a tour in China, every visit to China reveals must-see highlights combining history, nature, and modernity. Traveling to China means experiencing true journeys in China, between imperial traditions, spectacular landscapes, and unique experiences, for a stay in China as rich as it is disorienting, from the imperial North to the tropical South. This is why AsiaOnTheWay explores all the intoxicating facets of this fabulous country, offering as an overview a short 10-day journey in the South.

🗺️ 10-day itinerary in Southern China (2026)

Nature, Cantonese culture, and tropical relaxation in Hainan

🏞️ Days 1 to 3 — Guilin & Yangshuo (Guangxi)

Why?

The most emblematic karst landscapes in China 🌿⛰️

Things to do

• Cruise on the Li River 🛶

• Cycling in the Yangshuo countryside 🚲

• Sunrise viewpoints

Where to stay

• Guilin: Riverside Inn / Sheraton Guilin

• Yangshuo: Yangshuo Mountain Retreat

Local specialties

• Guilin rice noodles 🍜

• Beer fish 🍺🐟

Transport

• High-speed train from Guangzhou 🚄

• Bicycle, taxi, or Didi on site

🌾 Day 4 — Longsheng (terraced rice fields)

Why?

Rural immersion and ethnic minorities 🌾

Things to do

• Hiking through the rice terraces

• Zhuang and Yao villages

Where to stay

• Ping’an Lodge (panoramic view)

Specialties

• Sticky rice cooked in bamboo 🍙

• Free-range chicken with herbs

Transport

• Bus or private car from Guilin

🏙️ Days 5 to 6 — Guangzhou (Canton)

Why?

Cultural and gastronomic capital of the South 🍜🏙️

Things to do

• Shamian Island

• Chen Clan Ancestral Hall

• Canton Tower

• Traditional markets

Where to stay

• White Swan Hotel (historic)

• Garden Hotel (central)

Specialties

• Dim sum 🥟

• Cantonese cuisine (roast duck, seafood)

Transport

• High-speed train Guilin → Guangzhou 🚄

• Modern and efficient metro 🚇

🌇 Day 7 — Shenzhen

Why?

The China of the future, between innovation and design 🚀

Things to do

• OCT Loft district

• Huaqiangbei (electronics & tech)

• Bay promenade

Where to stay

• Design Society Hotel

• Futian Shangri-La

Specialties

• Contemporary Cantonese cuisine

• Bay seafood

Transport

• Train Guangzhou → Shenzhen (30–45 min) 🚄

🏝️ Days 8 to 10 — Hainan Island (Sanya)

Why?

The ideal tropical escape to end the journey 🌴☀️

Things to do

• Yalong Bay and Dadonghai beaches

• Sanya night markets

• Snorkeling, relaxation, spas

Where to stay

• Pullman Yalong Bay (comfort)

• Ritz-Carlton Sanya (luxury)

• Local guesthouses (budget)

Specialties

• Fresh seafood 🦐

• Wenchang chicken 🍗

• Coconut water and milk 🥥

Transport

• Direct flight Shenzhen or Guangzhou → Sanya ✈️

• Taxis and Didi on site

🚄 How to Get Around Southern China

High-speed trains: fast, reliable, and comfortable 🚄

Domestic flights: essential for Hainan ✈️

Subway systems in major cities

Didi recommended for short trips

💰 Estimated Budget (per day / per person)

🎒 Budget
€50 to €70
Hostels, street food, public transportation

🧳 Comfort
€120 to €170
3–4★ hotels, high-speed trains, activities

✨ Luxury
€230 and more
5★ hotels, domestic flights, private services

🌏 Why Choose This 10-Day Itinerary in Southern China?

Choosing this 10-day itinerary in Southern China means opting for a balanced and smart journey, designed to discover the essentials without rushing 🧭. It combines spectacular nature, major Chinese cities, and tropical relaxation, while respecting realistic travel distances and transportation times in China.

🌿 A Concentration of Iconic Landscapes

In just a few days, you travel from the karst peaks of Guilin and Yangshuo ⛰️ to the terraced rice fields of Longsheng 🌾, true icons of rural China. These landscapes, among the most photographed in the country, offer total immersion in a peaceful, green, and timeless China — far from urban clichés.

🏙️ Understanding Modern China

Guangzhou and Shenzhen represent the economic and technological heart of the country 🚄💡. These stops help you better understand contemporary China: its dynamism, modernity, and also its living traditions, especially through Cantonese cuisine 🍜🥟, considered one of the finest in the country.

🏝️ A Gentle End to the Journey in Hainan

After the intensity of cities and cultural discoveries, Hainan offers an ideal tropical escape 🌴☀️. Beaches, warm seas, seafood, and a slower pace allow you to end the trip smoothly, while staying within China. A perfect transition between exploration and rest 😌.

🚄 A Smooth and Realistic Itinerary

This itinerary was designed to limit unnecessary travel and prioritize:

high-speed trains 🚄
a strategic domestic flight to Hainan ✈️
logical stages with no exhausting backtracking

The result: more time on site, less fatigue, and a more enjoyable experience.

🧭 Ideal for a First Trip to Southern China

This itinerary is perfectly suited for:

• first-time travelers to China

• couples and independent travelers

• those seeking a global and coherent view of Southern China

👉 In short, this journey is not a simple accumulation of stops, but a natural progression:
nature → culture → modernity → relaxation, to discover Southern China in all its diversity 🌏✨

🔗 Useful Links

🚆 Transportation – Trains & High-Speed Rail

Book trains in China (high-speed rail, schedules, tickets)
https://fr.trip.com/trains/

Train ticket booking (simple English/French interface)
https://rail.ninja/

Train information and schedules between Chinese cities
https://www.travelchinaguide.com/china-trains/

✈️ Domestic Flights (useful for Hainan)

Flight comparison and booking in China
https://www.trip.com/flights/

China Southern Airlines (domestic flights)
https://www.csair.com

Hainan Airlines (flights to Sanya / Haikou)
https://www.hainanairlines.com

🏨 Hotels & Accommodations

Guilin & Yangshuo
https://www.booking.com/city/cn/guilin.html
https://www.agoda.com/region/yangshuo-cn.html

Guangzhou
https://www.hotels.com/Guangzhou-Hotels.d609713.Hotel-Search
https://www.booking.com/city/cn/guangzhou.html

Shenzhen
https://www.booking.com/city/cn/shenzhen.html
https://www.agoda.com/city/shenzhen-cn.html

Sanya (Hainan)
https://www.booking.com/city/cn/sanya.html
https://www.agoda.com/city/sanya-cn.html

🍜 Restaurants & Dining

Restaurants & reviews – Guilin
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g298559-Guilin_Guangxi.html

Restaurants & reviews – Guangzhou
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g298564-Guangzhou_Guangdong.html

Restaurants & reviews – Shenzhen
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g297415-Shenzhen_Guangdong.html

Seafood & restaurants – Sanya
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g297406-Sanya_Hainan.html

Chinese cuisine & regional specialties guide
https://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/chinese-food.htm

🚕 Urban Transport & Useful Apps

Didi (ride-hailing in China)
https://www.didiglobal.com

Local maps & navigation (Baidu Maps)
https://map.baidu.com

Mobile payments & daily services (WeChat)
https://www.wechat.com

Mobile payments (Alipay)
https://www.alipay.com

🌏 Conclusion

This 10-day itinerary in Southern China offers a balanced and accessible view of a region with many faces. Between iconic natural landscapes, dynamic cities, and a tropical break in Hainan, the route allows travelers to discover the essentials without rushing. Designed to optimize travel and diversify experiences, this journey is ideal for both first-time visitors and curious travelers seeking to better understand modern China 🌿🏙️🏝️.

📍 ASIA ON THE WAY – Practical Travel Guide to Asia

🌐 Website: https://asiaontheway.com

📧 Email: contact@asiaontheway.com

💬 Personalized advice, tailor-made itineraries, and local tips to travel differently in Asia, all year round — even in the off-season.

❓ FAQ – Everything You Need to Know Before Traveling to China

🏯 What is the importance of dynasties in Chinese history?

Chinese dynasties shaped China for over 4,000 years. From the emperors of the Qin, Yuan, and Ming dynasties to thinkers like Confucius, each era left visible traces in temples, pagodas, the terracotta army, and the organization of China’s provinces.

🗺️ Which Chinese regions are must-see destinations?

China’s regions are extremely diverse. Tibet, with its Tibetan culture and Buddhist temples dedicated to the Buddha, contrasts with the green south around Kunming, famous for terraced rice fields, ethnic minorities, and the spectacular Tiger Leaping Gorge. To the east, Suzhou is known for its classical gardens, while the southwest around Jinping reveals a more rural and lesser-known China.

🐼 Where can you see pandas in China?

Pandas live mainly in the southwest of the country, especially in Sichuan around Chengdu. They have become a strong symbol of tourism in China and biodiversity protection.

🏙️ Which major Chinese cities should you visit?

Major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen showcase a modern and dynamic China, offering a strong contrast with rural and mountainous regions.

🧭 Is it easy to travel in China?

Traveling in China is easier than many imagine. The railway network is highly developed, including convenient overnight trains for long distances. Mandarin is the official language, but translation apps make communication much easier during a China trip.

🛂 Do you need a visa to travel to China?

Yes, a visa application is generally required to travel to China. You need a valid passport and must apply through the embassy or consulate with the necessary documents.

🧳 Can you organize a tailor-made trip to China?

Absolutely. A tailor-made journey allows you to explore China’s provinces according to your interests — culture, nature, spirituality, gastronomy, or hiking — making it ideal for customized vacations in China.

🐅 What does Tiger Leaping Gorge represent?

Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of China’s most impressive natural sites. Located in the Yangtze River gorges, its name comes from a legend about a tiger leaping across the river. Today, it is a must-see for hiking and nature lovers.

🌏 Why does China fascinate travelers so much?

Regarding China, few countries offer such diversity: ancient civilizations, extreme landscapes, futuristic cities, and living traditions. Between Confucian philosophy, imperial heritage, ethnic cultures, and modernity, China remains one of the richest destinations in the world for travel and long stays.