China Group Exploration 28D/27N

Arrival in Hong Kong and check-in

Welcome to Hong Kong! Make your way into your accommodation and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Your China backpacking adventure kicks off today! Upon arriving in vibrant Hong Kong, you’ll meet your group and Adventure Leader in the mid-afternoon for a trip briefing, where you’ll get the inside scoop on what the coming weeks have in store.

Next, we’ll take you for your first spectacular view of Hong Kong with a trip up Victoria Peak to catch the sunset over the skyline. Afterward, we’ll head to Tsim Sha Tsui to experience the 'Symphony of Light' show from the Avenue of Stars. If you’re feeling hungry after your busy day, you’re in for a treat. We’ll visit the Temple Street Night Market, where your Adventure Leader will guide you to the best spots for a late dinner.

We’ll start the day early as we head to the train station for a bullet train ride to Guilin. From there, we’ll catch a bus to your hostel, arriving in the early evening. If you’re up for it, take the opportunity to explore Yangshuo and enjoy your first taste of local cuisine!

Today is a free day in Yangshuo, giving you the chance to fully explore and enjoy your time here. Consider these exciting optional activities:

Learn to cook traditional Chinese dishes at a welcoming culinary institute.

Go kayaking along the Li River and soak in the stunning mountain scenery.

Try out relaxing Chinese traditional therapies, such as Hot Cupping.

Today kicks off with a must-do bike ride through the local area, followed by a cruise down the Yulong River on bamboo rafts. Don’t forget to bring your camera – and make sure it’s waterproof!

Later, you can choose to visit the Moon Hill complex for some muddy fun. This cave complex features mud baths and hot springs. In the evening, join your fellow travelers for some local entertainment and fun.

This morning, you have the option to go rock climbing. With the stunning limestone peaks in the region, it’s a great opportunity to scale these impressive formations.

Later, join your Adventure Leader for an authentic experience of rural life in China. Visit a local village to discover what life is like on a farm in the Yangshuo region.

Say goodbye to your Adventure Leader in Yangshuo as you set off for your next destination – Chengdu! You’ll take a train journey across the country, where a new Adventure Leader will meet you upon arrival and escort you to your hostel for check-in.

This morning offers a truly unforgettable experience as you visit pandas at the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center. While you can’t hold the pandas, you’ll get a close-up look and learn about the Center’s efforts to breed and reintroduce these incredible animals.

Next, it’s time to enhance your Mandarin skills! Your Adventure Leader will give you a Mandarin lesson, covering all the essential phrases to help you navigate your time in China.

If you’re interested in delving deeper into China’s historical culture, consider attending a traditional Sichuan opera show this evening.

Today is yours to enjoy independently, but if you’re interested, you can join us for some optional activities. One option is a trip to Leshan to see the world’s largest stone Buddha. Carved into the side of Mt. Lingyun, this impressive statue, over 1,300 years old, is the tallest pre-modern statue and attracts millions of visitors and Buddhist pilgrims each year, making it a sacred destination and ancient wonder.

In the evening, you can experience the famous Sichuan Hot Pot – if you’re up for it! Afterward, the rest of Chengdu is yours to explore.

Today's highlight is a visit to the renowned Terracotta Warriors! Located in Xi'an, the Terracotta Army consists of an extensive collection of life-sized terra cotta statues arranged in battle formations. These figures represent the imperial guard of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259–210 BC), the first emperor of a unified Imperial China. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Terracotta Army is a must-see for anyone visiting Xi'an.

In the evening, you can enjoy a captivating music and light fountain show at the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the Qujiang District.

Use your morning as you wish today. If you’re looking for ideas, your Adventure Leader is there to help! You might choose to visit nearby museums, temples, or indulge in some shopping.

In the afternoon, consider taking a bike ride on the city walls, which date back to the Ming Dynasty.

Later, explore the Bell and Drum Towers and the Muslim Quarter to discover the history of the Silk Road. Be sure to sample some local street food while you’re there!

This morning, you'll visit one of China’s most iconic landmarks – the Terracotta Warriors! Located in Xi'an, the Terracotta Army features a vast array of life-sized terra cotta sculptures arranged in battle formations, representing the imperial guard of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259–210 BC), the first emperor of a unified Imperial China. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Xi'an.

In the evening, enjoy the music and light fountain show at the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the Qujiang District.

Today, you’ll travel to your next destination – Dengfeng, near Shaolin! Once you arrive, you have the option to join your group for a kung-fu lesson and demonstration in the very birthplace of this martial art.

After dinner, it’s time for your second Mandarin lesson. How much have you picked up so far?

If you're an early riser, consider joining us for a visit to the renowned Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of kung-fu. From there, you can hike up to the Dharma Cave, a significant spiritual site for Buddhist pilgrims. The climb offers stunning views of the surrounding shrines, temples, and breathtaking landscapes.

Alternatively, if martial arts aren't your thing, you might choose to visit the Longmen Grottoes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts 100,000 intricately carved Buddha statues.

Afterward, you can return to the guesthouse for a late lunch. The rest of the evening is free for you to explore, but keep in mind that there’s an early start tomorrow!

This morning, we'll rise early to catch a bullet train to our next destination – Beijing! Arriving in the late morning, we’ll head directly to one of the tour’s most spectacular experiences – the Great Wall. Before our hike, we’ll stop for lunch at a local farm to refuel. In the mid-afternoon, we’ll set out to explore the Wall's less-traveled, unrestored sections. We’ll set up camp and enjoy the sunset from this iconic Wonder of the World.

[Please note: Due to cold weather before the end of April and after the end of September, we stay in a guesthouse near the Wall instead of camping.]

Wake up early to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the Great Wall of China. Once you've taken in the stunning views, we'll pack up and head back to Beijing, ready to explore this vast city. If you're interested, you can join us for a walk through Tiananmen Square, a visit to the Forbidden City, and a stroll around Jingshan Park.

In the evening, treat yourself to an acrobatics show. These spectacular performances feature talented young artists from across China, showcasing incredible circus-like skills.

If you're hungry, this is the perfect opportunity to indulge in Beijing's famous dish – Peking duck, just like the ancient royalty did!

Today is a free day for you to explore at your own pace! You might want to check out the fake goods markets for some shopping or visit the nearby Temple of Heaven.

In the afternoon, consider exploring the Nanluo district. Nanluo is one of Beijing’s best-preserved historical areas, known for its charming hutongs and siheyuan courtyards, as well as its vibrant bars, cafes, and handicraft shops.

Enjoy another free morning and afternoon to soak up the final sights of Beijing before heading to your next destination. You might explore the 798 Art District, the Summer Palace, or any other notable attractions. Don’t hesitate to ask your Adventure Leader for recommendations!

In the late afternoon or early evening, we’ll transfer to Beijing station to board a night train bound for Hangzhou

Upon arriving in Hangzhou this morning, head to your hostel for a late breakfast – we hope you had a good rest on the train! Afterward, we’ll visit the renowned West Lake for a scenic boat tour to one of its picturesque islands.

Once you’ve checked in this afternoon, you’ll have some free time for an optional activity or a chance to relax. If you’re up for more exploring, consider visiting China’s National Tea Museum or the Lingyin Temple.

In the evening, embark on a memorable hike up Jiuyao Mountain to catch the stunning sunset. After descending, you’ll have the evening free to explore and enjoy dinner. Be sure to visit Hefang Road, the most famous ancient street in town!

Start your day with a delightful hike to the Nine Creeks, passing through the enchanting Misty Woods. Once you return to the hostel, you’ll have time to freshen up and enjoy some lunch before checking out and heading to your next destination.

In the afternoon, we’ll travel to our next stop on the China backpacking tour: Shanghai! You’ll arrive in the early evening, giving you time to check in and explore the local area.

After a leisurely morning, you'll dive into another Mandarin lesson – with a special twist! This session will be conducted by professional teachers from the Mandarin Garden Chinese Language School.

Later, you can opt to stroll to the Yu Gardens, a vibrant historical site once home to a dignitary's family. You'll also have the chance to visit People’s Square before making your way to Nanjing Road, the world’s busiest shopping street.

Afterward, take a walk along the Bund, known for its impressive global architecture. To wrap up the day, head to the top floor of a skyscraper for stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline from a rooftop bar. Enjoy your free evening!

Shanghai is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and modernity – so it’s only right to give you a day to explore it on your own! Your Adventure Leader can offer the best tips, but here are some ideas for your day:

• Shanghai Disneyland
• The Shanghai Museum
• Moganshan Art Street
• Zhujiajiao Watertown

In the evening, why not head out for a night on the town with your fellow Dragons?

In the morning, you have the option to explore the former French Concession, where you can learn about Shanghai’s international history, visit the Propaganda History Museum, and admire the modern Shanghai financial district. You might also wander through TianZiFang, a charming artisan lane that combines chic and traditional elements.

For the adventurous, consider heading up to Jinmao Tower and experiencing the Skywalk! Alternatively, you can simply enjoy the breathtaking panoramic views from the top.

In the evening, enjoy the city lights from the water with a night cruise along the Huangpu River.

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Rise and shine! It’s time to journey to your final destination – Fujian. You’ll board a bullet train to Longyan, where you'll say goodbye to your Shanghai Adventure Leader. After about six hours on the train, you'll arrive and be transferred into the lush, tea-growing hills. Along the way, you'll stop to visit a traditional mud roundhouse, which serves as the home of the local Hakka people.

By evening, you’ll reach your guesthouse, ready for a well-deserved rest after a long day of travel.

After a delicious breakfast at your guesthouse, get ready for an unforgettable experience! You'll embark on a walking tour of the Fujian Tulou UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the Hakka Minority Roundhouses, charming villages, tea fields, and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony and tasting. As you head up the mountain to visit the tea plantations, bring some cash if you wish to buy some tea.

In the evening, you can unwind with a movie night, or if you’re still energetic, head out for some karaoke fun!

Grab your bike for a tour of the local area and visit the world’s largest roundhouse along the way! If you need a break, a support vehicle will be available to give you a lift if needed. The tour will end in a nearby village, where you'll have some time to explore.

The afternoon is yours to relax and prepare for an early transfer the next morning. One tip: get your breakfast ready today so you’ll be all set for tomorrow. Future You will appreciate it!

This morning, we’ll take a minibus back to Zhangzhou Station for your train journey back to Hong Kong. Here, your China backpacking tour will conclude, and you'll say goodbye to your fellow travelers.

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Check-out from your accommodation, and say goodbye to your new friends! We wish you good luck on your onward travels!