Highlights of China

DAY 1: Meet in Hong Kong. Visit Victoria Peak
Your Hong Kong to Beijing adventure starts today! After arriving in bustling Hong Kong, make your way to your hostel where you can drop your belongings. Meet your adventure leader early this afternoon.

We’ll then take you for your first glimpse of incredible Hong Kong, with a trip up Victoria Peak to see the sunset over the skyline. After that, we’re heading to Tsim Sha Tsui, where you’ll watch the ‘Symphony of Light’ show from the Avenue of Stars. Finally, if your busy day has you ready to eat, you’re in luck. You’ll head to the Temple Street Night Market, where your Adventure Leader will be on hand to show you the best places to grab a late dinner.

OVERNIGHT:
Hong Kong hostel

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 2: Head to Yangshuo
At 10:00 AM, the group should meet in the hostel reception for the final briefing and check-out. Immediately afterwards, you will leave the hostel and take the MTR to Austin Station, exiting at the adjacent Hong Kong West Kowloon Station. From here, you will board the high-speed train destined for Guilin West Station (Gui-lin Xi). Upon arriving at Guilin West Station, a private coach will be waiting to provide the transfer directly to your accommodation in Yangshuo, where you will check in to the hostel. The remainder of the evening is free for you to explore the town at your leisure, culminating in your first group dinner in China.

OVERNIGHT:
Yangshuo hostel

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 3: Yangshuo (free day, options available)
You have a free day in Yangshuo today. To help you make the most of your time here, why not try some of these exciting optional activities?

Try your hand at cooking up some traditional Chinese foods, at a friendly culinary institute.
Enjoy kayaking among the mountains along the Li River!
Experience some relaxing Chinese traditional therapies – like Hot Cupping!

OVERNIGHT:
Yangshuo hostel

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 4: Yangshuo, bike ride & bamboo rafting
Today begins with an unmissable bike ride around the local area, along with a cruise down the Yulong River on bamboo rafts. If you’re bringing your camera (which you definitely should!) – make sure it’s waterproof!

Later, you have the option of heading to the Moon Hill complex to get dirty! In this cave complex, you’ll find mud baths and hot springs galore. In the evening, you have the option of joining your fellow travellers for a spot of fun out in the local area.

OVERNIGHT:
Yangshuo hostel

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 5: Yangshuo, free day (optional excursions available)
You day if free today to relax and enjoy the idyllic setting, or alternatively you can try your hand out at one of the many adventure activities on offer. These include rock climbing, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking and more. You can also jump on bikes to explore the surrounding countryside.

OVERNIGHT:
Yangshuo hostel

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 6: Travel to Chongqing. Yangtze cruise and visit Hongya Cave
You'll say goodbye to Yangshuo this morning and take the bus back to Guilin to board the train to Chongqing. Upon arrival, you'll check in to your hostel and have a chance to freshen up. The afternoon's main activity will be a cruise on the magnificent Yangtze River. As evening approaches, you will head to Hongya Cave to take in the stunning night views of the complex before having dinner at one of the many nearby eateries.

OVERNIGHT:
Chongqing hostel

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 7: Chongqing (free day). Optional activities
Today is a free day for you to explore Chongqing at your own pace, or you may choose to join one of our optional activities.

The morning offers a unique exploration of the city, beginning with an optional visit to Liziba Station to witness the incredible sight of the monorail passing directly through a residential building. Following this, you will delve into Chongqing's fascinating 'underground culture' by visiting some of the unique air-raid shelters. The morning concludes with a stop at the impressive People's Great Hall.

In the afternoon, you could head to Chaotianmen Dock to see the spectacular confluence of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. Afterwards, make your way to Eling Park, a quiet oasis perched atop a hill, where you can enjoy a spot of hiking, refreshing breezes, and glimpses of the Yangtze River.

OVERNIGHT:
Chongqing hostel

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 8: Train to Chengdu. Optional afternoon activity
Today, you'll say goodbye to Chongqing and board the train for Chengdu. After you arrive and check in to your hostel, your Adventure Leader will join you for an optional afternoon outing. You'll first visit the bustling local life at People's Park before exploring the charming historic lanes of Kuanzhai Alley.

OVERNIGHT:
Chengdu hostel

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 9: Chengdu’s Pandas, Learn Mandarin & Optional Sichuan Opera
Today's main activity is a visit to the Giant Panda Breeding & Research Center, the world's largest and most important facility of its kind, where you will have the chance to see the pandas. Please note that this visit must be booked in advance. Later, you will have an included Mandarin Lesson led by your Adventure Leader. In the evening, you can choose to enjoy an optional treat: a traditional Sichuan Opera & Culture Show.

OVERNIGHT:
Chengdu hostel

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 10: Chengdu (free day). Optional activities
Are you ready for a big adventure? Today offers an exciting optional trip out to Leshan to see the world's largest stone Buddha, a magnificent figure carved directly into the cliffs overlooking the river. Once back in Chengdu, why not "fire things up" with a classic local experience: the city's famous hot pot, known for its spicy, flavour-packed broth loved by locals. When night falls, the rest of the city is yours to explore; just round up your crew and see where the evening takes you.

OVERNIGHT:
Chengdu hotel

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 11: Chengdu (free day). Optional Activities
Say goodbye to your Adventure Leader in Chengdu and take the train to Xi'an, one of China’s most historic cities. After checking in to your accommodation, the city is yours to explore. You might choose to hire a bike and cycle along the ancient Ming Dynasty City Walls for a unique, elevated view of Xi'an. Alternatively, head into the city centre to visit the Bell and Drum Towers and wander through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where the spirit of the Silk Road is palpable through its history and local culture. Stay here for the evening, tucking into the area's mouth-watering street food before browsing the nearby Silk Road Market for a relaxed end to the day.

OVERNIGHT:
Chengdu hostel

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 12: Witness The Terracotta Warriors & Explore Xi’an
Today is dedicated to one of China's absolute highlights: the magnificent Terracotta Warriors. You'll visit the site where thousands of life-sized soldiers stand guard over the mausoleum of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, an unforgettable experience to see them up close. The afternoon is then free for you to explore as you wish. A great option is to visit the Big Goose Pagoda and stay in the area until the evening to catch the spectacular music and light show that illuminates the square.

OVERNIGHT:
Xi-an hostel

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 13: Master Kung Fu at Shaolin Temple & Mandarin Lesson
It's time to hop on the bus to Dengfeng for your exciting "Dragon Moment"! The day revolves around Kung Fu, starting with a practical lesson at a local school led by a master from the legendary Shaolin Temple. Afterwards, you can sit back and watch the professionals in action during an impressive Kung Fu show. Later, you'll sharpen your linguistic skills with another Mandarin lesson to build on what you've already learned. If the group is keen, you can round off the night with a pub quiz for some friendly competition.

OVERNIGHT:
Dengfeng hostel

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 14: Free day in Dengfeng. Optional activities
For today's activities, you have a choice of two fantastic optional activities. You can opt to visit the legendary Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Kung Fu. While there, you could hike up to Dharma Cave, a key spiritual spot for Buddhist pilgrims, and take in the sweeping views of the temples and shrines below. If you prefer a different kind of cultural experience, another excellent option is a trip to the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with thousands of intricate, carved Buddhas. As you have an early start tomorrow, it might be sensible to use your free evening to relax and get an early night.

OVERNIGHT:
Dengfeng hostel

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 15: Camp Under the Stars on The Great Wall
It's an early start today, as you'll be catching the bullet train to Beijing! After arriving, you'll drop off your bags before heading straight out to the magnificent Great Wall of China. Get ready for a memorable afternoon hiking along a fascinating, partly unrestored section of the wall. As the sun begins to set behind the mountains, you'll set up camp on a quiet, deserted stretch to spend a truly special night under the stars on one of the Wonders of the World. To make the evening even more unique, you'll have a Mandarin lesson around the campfire.

(Please note: due to cold weather, from October 1st to the end of April, you will stay in a guesthouse near the Wall instead of camping).

OVERNIGHT:
Beijing hostel

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 16: Beijing (free day, options available)
Wake up to potentially breathtaking sunrise views over the Great Wall—it truly doesn't get more epic than this (weather permitting, of course). Once you're back in Beijing, the rest of the day is yours to play with. You could head to the lively and quirky galleries of the 798 Art District, spend a peaceful afternoon chilling out in the stunning gardens of the Summer Palace, or simply round up your crew to explore more of the city's highlights together.

OVERNIGHT:
Beijing hostel

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 17: Beijing. Free day
You can begin the day with the option to wander across Tiananmen Square before entering the awe-inspiring Forbidden City. With a history spanning 24 emperors and encompassing 980 buildings, this imperial palace is absolutely bursting with stories. For the best views in the city, be sure to climb Jingshan Park and look out over the palace grounds sprawling below. When evening arrives, you have a choice: you can go big with a thrilling Chinese acrobatics and circus show, or keep it delicious by trying Beijing’s most famous dish, Peking Roast Duck. This incredible meal was once reserved exclusively for emperors and trust us, it is on a completely different level to your usual takeaway.

OVERNIGHT:
Beijing hostel

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
None

DAY 18: Beijing, tour ends
Today the tour ends so this is your last day to see more of Beijing like Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. In the evening you could explore the WangFuJing night market where you can push your taste buds to the limit and sample many foods you'll have never tried before, like scorpion, bugs and more.

OVERNIGHT:
N/A

MEALS:
None

EXTRAS:
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Join us for an incredible 18-day journey that transports you from the electric energy of Hong Kong to the historic majesty of Beijing. This tour is a perfect blend of high-speed rail travel and immersive local experiences, taking you through five of China's most fascinating regions. You'll kick off your adventure by meeting your Adventure Leader in Hong Kong, catching the sunset from Victoria Peak, before travelling to the serene Yangshuo for bamboo rafting and biking among the breathtaking karst mountains. From there, you'll delve into the modern marvels of Chongqing with a Yangtze River cruise and the rich cultural tapestry of Chengdu, where an included visit to the Giant Panda Breeding Centre awaits.

The second half of your trip delivers an unforgettable sweep through China’s imperial past and martial arts traditions. You'll stand in awe of the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, cycle the ancient city walls, and master your Kung Fu skills with a lesson from a master near the Shaolin Temple. The climax of the tour is the iconic arrival in Beijing, where you'll embark on a once-in-a-lifetime overnight stay on the Great Wall of China. Finally, you'll explore the grand imperial architecture of the capital, with must-see sights like the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, before rounding off your journey with a taste of authentic Peking Roast Duck.

Designed for the adventurous traveller, this budget tour provides comfortable accommodation in hand-picked hostels throughout the itinerary. We balance essential, included activities—like your Mandarin lessons and the Great Wall overnight—with plenty of free time and a wide range of optional excursions. Whether you fancy rock climbing in Yangshuo, visiting the Leshan Buddha, or catching a Sichuan Opera show, this trip gives you the freedom to customise your experience and spend your money on what matters most to you. Prepare for an unforgettable, authentic, and fast-paced exploration of China!