Essential China From Hong Kong

Upon your arrival in vibrant Hong Kong, make your own way to the hostel. At 16:30, you'll meet your tour leader and group for a trip briefing.

Your tour leader will then take the group to Victoria Peak for incredible panoramic views of the city below, and a chance to watch the sunset over the skyline. Afterwards, head to Tsim Sha Tsui, where you’ll watch the ‘Symphony of Light’ show from the Avenue of Stars.

Conclude your first day with a visit to Temple Street Night Market. This bustling market has plenty of options to choose from, and your tour leader can help with the best recommendations for a late dinner!

Hong Kong - Guilin - Yangshuo. Early this morning, we make our way to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station where we board a bullet train to Guilin in mainland China. Arriving in Guilin we board a private bus to Yangshuo where we check-in to our hostel. The rest of the evening is at leisure to explore the town and try some of the local delicacies including beer fish, a must try.

Yangshuo is a picturesque town, surrounded by dramatic karst mountains and known for its outdoor adventure opportunities. Day 3 is at leisure, with three available optional activities including a Chinese cooking class, kayaking along the Li River or a Chinese therapy experience, where you can enjoy traditional hot cupping.

Day 4 sees us heading out to enjoy some included activities. We start the day with a bike ride before transferring to bamboo rafts to cruise down the Yulong River. You can either enjoy the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city or take part in a couple of optional activities which are a trip to Moon hill and cave complex featuring mud baths and hot springs and an evening Karaoke trip or night out.

Day 5 is free to continue exploring independently. However, there are a couple of optional activities that you could join. These include a highly recommended rock climbing trip and a visit to a local village to experience what life is like there.

Yangshuo - Guilin - Chongqing. Say farewell to your tour leader in Yangshuo before travelling onwards to Chongqing, a 6 hour journey by bus and train. After checking in, make your way to the waterfront for a Yangtze River cruise - the perfect way to take in the dazzling skyline of this vast city from the water. Once back on land, explore Hongya Cave, a lively maze of lanterns, street food stalls and glowing balconies overlooking the river. With so many tempting dining options nearby, it’s the ideal place to enjoy dinner and soak up the evening atmosphere.

Today is free for you to explore or embark on optional activities. Perhaps start the day at iziba Station, where you can watch the city’s monorail glide straight through a residential building - a sight that perfectly captures Chongqing’s urban character.

Next, delve into the city’s underground past with a visit to its fascinating network of former air raid shelters, before stopping by the striking People’s Great Hall. In the afternoon, you may choose to explore Chaotianmen Dock, where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers converge, then continue up to Eling Park for a refreshing walk and panoramic views across the city. As evening falls, the lively Guanyinqiao Area beckons, brimming with bars, eateries and vibrant nightlife.

Chongqing - Chengdu. Bid farewell to your tour leader in Chongqing and take the metro and train to Chengdu, a journey of around 4 hours. After settling in, you may choose to meet your new tour leader for a relaxed stroll through People’s Park and the lively Kuanzhai Alley - a charming mix of teahouses, local snacks and traditional architecture.

Day 9 is dedicated to Chengdu’s most beloved residents. We visit the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Centre - the world’s largest and most significant sanctuary for these remarkable animals. Watch them munch on bamboo, play in their enclosures and, with a little luck, spot some of the adorable cubs too. Afterwards, join your tour leader for a Mandarin lesson and pick up a few handy phrases to use throughout your travels. In the evening, you may choose to experience a traditional Sichuan Opera and culture show, complete with mesmerising face-changing masks, fire-breathing performances and lively music that will keep you entertained from start to finish.

If you’re in the mood for adventure, day 10 is yours to explore. You can opt for a day trip to Leshan to see the world’s largest stone Buddha. Back in Chengdu, you could opt to turn up the heat with the city’s famous hot pot - fiery, full of flavour and a firm local favourite. As night falls, the city is yours to enjoy, so gather your travel companions and see where the evening takes you.

Chengdu - Xi’an. Say farewell to your tour leader in Chengdu and board the train for the 4 hour journey to Xi’an - one of China’s most historic and culturally rich cities. After settling in, you may choose to cycle along the ancient Ming Dynasty City Walls for a unique perspective of the city. Alternatively, explore the Bell and Drum Towers before wandering through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where the spirit of the Silk Road lives on through its history, legends and lively street life. Stay for dinner to sample the area’s mouth-watering street food, then take a leisurely stroll through the nearby Silk Road market for a relaxed evening.

Today brings one of China’s greatest highlights - the Terracotta Warriors. Thousands of life-sized soldiers stand in silent formation, guarding the mausoleum of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Seeing them up close is an unforgettable experience and a true glimpse into the country’s ancient past.

After our included visit, the afternoon is yours to explore Xi'an. You might choose to visit the Big Goose Pagoda and stay to watch the spectacular evening music and light show that fills the surrounding square.

Xi’an - Dengfeng (Shaolin). Today we leave Xi’an behind and board the bus to Shaolin (approx. 6.5 hours). On arrival, enjoy an incredible included Kung Fu lesson and performance at a local school led by a master from the legendary Shaolin Temple. Try your hand at some basic moves before watching the experts demonstrate their incredible skill and precision. Later, continue your language journey with another Mandarin lesson to build on what you’ve already learned. If the group is up for it, end the evening with a lively pub quiz for a dose of friendly competition and fun.

Today is at leisure. If you’re a keen riser, you might want to join us on a trip to the world-famous Shaolin Temple - the birthplace of kung-fu. From there, we can take a hike up to the Dharma Cave, a spiritual spot for Buddhist pilgrims. Our climb will be rewarded with beautiful views of the local shrines and temples, and incredible vistas across the region. Alternatively, if you’re not a fan of martial arts, you might opt to head out to the Longmen Grottoes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features 100,000 carved Buddhas! You’ll then have the option of returning for a late lunch at the guesthouse, before your evening is yours to explore. But use it wisely - there’s an early start ahead!

Dengfeng - Beijing - Great Wall. Up before dawn, we catch a bullet train to Beijing (5 hours)! Arriving in late morning, we'll drop our main luggage at the hostel and then make the 2 hour journey to the awe-inspiring Great Wall by private bus.

Reaching the ancient Great Wall, we hike a secluded, unrestored section of the Wall in the mid-afternoon. Setting up camp along a deserted section, we'll enjoy a night of camping on this Wonder of the World, and hope to witness a stunning sunset. We'll enjoy another Mandarin lesson with our tour leader too.

Please Note: Due to seasonal weather conditions, the camping experience only takes place between May and September. For all tours departing in this time, wherever possible we aim to include this experience. However, in the event of adverse weather conditions, travellers will stay in a nearby hostel.

Wake early on day 16 to catch the sunrise over the Great Wall, a truly unforgettable way to begin the day (weather permitting). Once back in Beijing, the rest of the day is yours to explore. You might choose to wander through the trendy 798 Art District, relax in the peaceful gardens of the Summer Palace, or discover more of the city’s many highlights with your travel crew.

Day 17 is also free for you to enjoy at your own pace. Start at Tiananmen Square before stepping inside the Forbidden City - the world’s largest palace complex. With 980 buildings and a history spanning 24 emperors, it’s a fascinating insight into China’s imperial past. For sweeping city views, head up Jingshan Park and look out across the palace rooftops below. In the evening, you could experience an incredible Chinese acrobatics and circus show or indulge in Beijing’s most iconic dish, Peking Roast Duck - once a delicacy reserved for royalty.

Beijing - Hangzhou. Spend your final day in Beijing at your own pace. You might choose to browse the city’s famous markets before visiting the nearby Temple of Heaven, or head to the Nanluo district - one of Beijing’s best-preserved historical neighbourhoods. Wander through its narrow hutongs and traditional siheyuan courtyards, pausing at cosy cafés, bars and small handicraft shops along the way.

In the evening, make your way via subway to the train station and board the overnight train to Hangzhou - the journey lasts around 14.5 hours, so come armed with snacks and a downloaded Netflix movie or two.

After arriving in Hangzhou this morning, transfer to your hostel for a late breakfast. We hope you slept on the train! Next, we’re off to the famous West Lake, ready to take a stunning boat tour to one of the Lake’s beautiful islands.

Once you’ve checked in this afternoon, you’ve got time for an optional activity if you’d like - or you can take a couple of hours respite! If you’re keen to stay vertical, why not check out China’s National Tea Museum, or the Lingyin Temple?

This evening, it’s an unmissable hike up Jiuyao Mountain to see the stunning sunset from there. Before you head back down to street level for dinner and a free evening to explore. Make sure you check out Hefang Road – the most famous ancient street in town!

Hangzhou - Shanghai. This morning, kick your day off with a beautiful hike to the Nine Creeks. On your way, meander through the Misty Woods - a truly magical place. Once you’re back at the hostel, you’ve got time to freshen up and grab some lunch before your check out, ready to travel onwards!

This afternoon, you’re off to our next stop on the China backpacking tour: Shanghai! You’ll travel 3.5 hours by train and arrive in the early evening - just in time to check in and explore the local area! There's an optional cruise on the Huangpu River, if you're interested.

Day 21 is yours to enjoy in Shanghai. You might begin with a special Mandarin lesson at a local language school, where expert teachers will have you speaking with confidence in no time. Afterwards, wander through the serene Yu Gardens, once the private retreat of a Ming Dynasty official, before heading to People’s Square. If shopping’s on your list, West Nanjing Road is one of the busiest retail streets in the world, while the Bund offers a scenic stroll with its striking blend of architectural styles. As evening falls, enjoy a drink from a rooftop bar and soak up the city skyline. And if you’re still in the mood for fun, join the Shanghai Pub Crawl!

Day 22 is also free for you to explore. You could spend the day at Shanghai Disneyland, visit the acclaimed Shanghai Museum, or wander Moganshan Art Street to discover the city’s creative side. For something different, take a trip to Zhujiajiao Watertown, famous for its bridges and canals, or test your bargaining skills at one of Shanghai’s lively markets. The choice is entirely yours.

Enjoy your final free day on day 23. Explore the leafy French Concession, uncover hidden history at the secret Propaganda Poster Art Centre, and get lost among the artsy lanes of Tianzifang. Then fast-forward to the financial district for a glimpse of ultra-modern Shanghai, where you’ll visit the Jinmao Tower and take in breathtaking views from its observation deck. Feeling daring? Step out onto the skywalk 340 metres above the city. The evening is yours to enjoy - your tour leader will have plenty of recommendations for dinner and drinks, but don’t stay out too late… tomorrow’s an early start.

Shanghai - Nanjing / Fujian. Today, you’ll rise early for the 10 hour journey by bullet train, bus and metro to Nanjing in Fujian. Here, meet your new tour leader. From there, we travel by minivan into the picturesque tea-growing hills to visit a traditional Hakka roundhouse - remarkable circular earthen homes that have stood for centuries. Tonight, you’ll have the unique opportunity to stay inside one of these roundhouses, soaking up the atmosphere and history of this extraordinary setting.

The evening is free to enjoy as you wish - you might choose to relax with a movie night, join in for some karaoke fun, or practise your Mandarin with the friendly locals.

Lace up your walking shoes for a full day exploring Fujian’s scenic countryside on day 25. Wander among UNESCO-listed Hakka roundhouses, stroll through postcard-perfect villages and take in the beauty of rolling tea fields that stretch as far as the eye can see. Join a traditional tea ceremony and tasting to learn about local tea culture, then hike up into the mountains for sweeping views and a visit to the plantations where these famous leaves are grown.

On day 26, we switch gears and explore Fujian’s tea country by bike, following winding trails through breathtaking landscapes. Stop at the largest Hakka roundhouse, climb upstairs to discover its fascinating hidden corners, and continue cycling into a nearby village to experience a slice of everyday local life.

Fujian - Hong Kong. This morning, we’ll transfer by minibus back to Zhangzhou Station, ready to transfer by train back to Hong Kong (5 hours). It’s here that your China backpacking tour comes to the end, and you’ll bid farewell to your fellow travellers.