From Shanghai's vibrant streets to Guilin's scenic landscapes, Trip.com made the journey seamless and fun.<o:p></o:p>

As one of the most popular travel destinations in recent years, China continues to captivate visitors with its blend of innovation and heritage, from high-tech cityscapes to spectacular natural wonders. On this journey with Trip.com Group, we explored Shanghai and Guilin, experiencing the fascinating duality that defines modern China.<o:p></o:p>
Before starting our itinerary, we attended Trip.com Group's Envision 2026 Global Conference in Shanghai to gain insights into the company's latest innovations, strategic partnerships, and vision for a more resilient tourism industry. Bringing together over 3,500 guests from 78 countries and regions, the conference served as a platform for industry leaders, tourism boards, airlines, hotels and creators to discuss&nbsp; collaboration, innovation and the next chapter of global tourism. <o:p></o:p>
Innovation was a key focus at the conference, with Trip.com Group recognising 10 outstanding projects through its second annual Tourism Innovation Awards across categories including museums, theme parks, architecture, resorts and live events. The company also showcased a range of AI-powered innovations and smart travel solutions designed to enhance booking experiences, streamline access to attractions, and improve efficiency for travellers. <o:p></o:p>

When in Shanghai…<o:p></o:p>
We began at Taste of China, an immersive dining space located in the historic THE BUND · City Hall Plaza. Guests were welcomed into the experience by dressing in traditional attire, supported by professional hair and makeup styling before the dining began. The evening featured an eight-course menu inspired by different regions of China, served within a fully immersive environment of 360-degree projections and live traditional performances.<o:p></o:p>

Next, we joined the Trip.com Group Shanghai Express, a free half-day tour service offering three different routes with transportation and local guides, allowing travellers to discover Shanghai with ease and depth. The journey began at Yu Garden, a classical Jiangnan garden built during the Ming Dynasty. Covering approximately two hectares and arranged into six sections, the garden features landscapes of waterways, rock formations, pavilions, and ponds, with the Nine-Turn Bridge and Jade Rock standing out as its most celebrated landmarks.<o:p></o:p>
We then boarded the bus heading towards one of Shanghai’s defining landmarks, the Bund. Running along the Huangpu River, it is lined with 52 heritage buildings, shaped by a blend of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance influences, which were once home to banks and trading houses. It faces the modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui, creating one of the city’s most recognisable contrasts.<o:p></o:p>

When in Guilin…<o:p></o:p>
After checking into Guilin Ronghu Lake Hotel, a historic garden-style hotel that once served as a state guesthouse, we visited Reed Flute Cave, known as the “Palace of Natural Arts.” Named after the reeds outside that were traditionally used to make flutes, the cave features stunning stalactites, stalagmites and rock formations formed over millions of years, as well as more than 70 ancient inscriptions, the oldest dating back to 792 AD in the Tang Dynasty.<o:p></o:p>

Elephant Trunk Hill marked our next stop; its form resembling an elephant drinking from the river and serving as Guilin’s enduring symbol. We then explored Jingjiang Princes’ Palace and Solitary Beauty Peak, where history and landscape intertwine. The palace, built in the Ming Dynasty, once housed 14 kings across 12 generations over 257 years and now sits within Guangxi Normal University, open to visitors. The first night in Guilin concluded with the Trip.com Group Envision Gala Dinner, celebrating Chinese intangible cultural heritage through immersive performances and a surprise appearance by Jackie Chan, followed by a spectacular drone show lighting up the night sky.<o:p></o:p>

The next morning, we set off early for the Longji Rice Terraces, a centuries-old landscape built along mountain slopes between 600 and 800 metres above sea level, with origins dating back around 650 years. Named for its resemblance to dragon scales, with the surrounding ridges forming a dragon-like silhouette, the site is accessed via shuttle buses operated by local drivers due to its narrow mountain roads. We then continued to Huangluo Yao Village, known as the “World’s Longest Hair Village,” home to the Red Yao ethnic minority, where women traditionally cut their hair only once at the age of 16. The visit concluded with a cultural performance of folk songs and dances, offering a deeper connection to local traditions.<o:p></o:p>

On our final day in Guilin, we began with a cruise along the Li River, an 83-kilometre journey known for its iconic karst scenery, including Nine-Horse Fresco Hill and the landscape depicted on the 20 RMB note. From river to summit, we moved upwards to Ruyi Peak Scenic Area, a mountaintop park overlooking the region’s limestone peaks. A cable car carried us to the summit, where we hiked across the Ruyi Suspension Bridge and the Necklace Glass Skywalk. Rest stops and cafés along the route offered moments to pause and take in the view.<o:p></o:p>

The evening ended with Impression Liu Sanjie, one of Guilin’s most iconic nighttime performances. Directed by Zhang Yimou, the production uses the Li River itself as a stage, with glowing karst mountains framing the spectacle. More than 600 performers from Guangxi’s ethnic minority groups take part, retelling the legendary story of Liu Sanjie through music, movement and light.<o:p></o:p>

From Shanghai to Guilin, the trip was nothing short of remarkable, revealing the striking duality of China. It was a feast for both the eyes and the soul. Everything we experienced can be found on <a href="https://www.trip.com">Trip.com</a>, from curated recommendations to transport and tickets, along with many more destinations still waiting to be explored. The rest is yours to discover and plan your trip!<o:p></o:p>

Why Shanghai and Guilin should be your next China adventure

Tags

Related Articles

Digital Cover

Digital Cover: Hwasa is never not breaking rules feat. Cartier

Arts, Culture & Lifestyle

Zoom in on the Leica D-Lux 8 limited edition by Didit Hediprasetyo

Arts, Culture & Lifestyle

POV: See how IQOS turned Sunset by NEON into the coolest music experience

Recommended posts for you

Runway

Chanel Takes Us To Wonderland For Haute Couture Fall/Winter 2026

Travel

Kimpton Naluria Kuala Lumpur delivers a stay that feels distinctly Malaysian throughout

Arts, Culture & Lifestyle

Hibiki launches a new global campaign featuring Anna Sawai

Travel