China Experience

19 Days | Experience the nuanced essence of China from Beijing to Hong Kong

4.7 out of 5 based on 15 reviews submitted.
Explorer
From
NZD $5,079
View dates and book

Experience the breadth of cultures, flavours and landscapes that make up the vast Middle Kingdom on one our most popular tours through China. Marvel at iconic attractions like the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors, then find a quieter side of the country with a cruise along the Yangzi River and a stay in a Buddhist monastery tucked into the mountains of Emei Shan. Discover a land of epic history, vibrant cultures and dramatic vistas on this 19-day China Experience.  

Trip overview

Map of China Experience including China and Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region Of China
Start
Beijing, China
Finish
Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Theme
Explorer
Destinations
China, Hong Kong
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
CBSE
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, find out more about our climate commitments and carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • This is one of our most comprehensive trips in China, covering huge distances and taking in key destinations from north to south with plenty of variety in experiences and sights along the way 
  • Zip through the country from north to south on its efficient high-speed rail network.
  • Take through the iconic scenery of the Yangzi River as you meander through the dramatic Three Gorges on a three-day cruise
  • No matter how many guide books you have read, nothing truly prepares you for the grandeur and immensity of historic sights like the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Leshan Big Buddha and the Terracotta Army. However, the country's modern man-made sights refuse to be outdone, and you can see the modern equivalence of those ancient feats in the skyline of Hong Kong and the Yangzi River's Three Gorges Hydroelectric dam 
  • Get up close to giant pandas in Chengdu and learn about the preservation work required for this ancient species.
  • Beyond adorable, endangered giant pandas, Chengdu is one of our favourite cities in China. Find out why our travellers end up falling in love with this emerging travel hotspot here: intrepidtravel.com/adventures/chengdu-china-travel-guide
  • Escape the cities to discover China's natural beauty. Trek up the misty forests of Emei Shan for a stay in a monastery, waking to the sound of drums and prayers in the morning Buddhist ritual.
  • Cycle through the Chinese countryside with backdrops that resemble paintings – the picturesque limestone karsts of Yangshuo, for example, grace the walls of conference rooms and Chinese embassy's around the world

Is this trip right for you?
  • This trip is a true journey in the sense that we are covering huge distances and visiting many destinations along the way. Be prepared for long days of travel in between days packed with sightseeing. 
  • With walks on the Great Wall and up Emei Shan (both which have many steps!), you'll need a good level of fitness to get the most out of these activities. Don't worry, you'll have plenty of more relaxing days too, such as on the Yangzi River cruise or in the picturesque town of Yangshuo.
  • There is a variety of accommodation on this trip including hotels, guesthouses, monasteries, and riverboats. They might not always be as comfortable as home, but each accommodation site will give you a different perspective on China.
  • While we finish in Hong Kong, due to our late afternoon arrival we do not include much free time or activities here. We highly recommend staying a few extra days post trip to make the most of this exciting city. Here's some tips to get you started: intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-do-in-hong-kong

Itinerary

Map of China Experience including China and Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region Of China

Inclusions

Meals

4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private Bus, Public Bus, High-Speed Train, Overnight Riverboat, Subway, Taxi, Bicycle

Accommodation

Hotel (13 nights), Monastery (1 nights), Overnight Riverboat (4 nights)

Activities
  • Beijing - Forbidden City
  • Beijing - Tiananmen Square
  • Beijing - Mutianyu Great Wall
  • Xi'an - Muslim Quarter Walking Tour
  • Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour
  • Chengdu - Leader-led walking tour
  • Chengdu - People's Park & Tianfu Square
  • Chengdu - Giant Panda Breeding Research Base (entrance fee & transport included)
  • Leshan - Giant Buddha (boat ticket & transport included)
  • Emei Shan - Scenic Area Hiking
  • Emei Shan - Cable car & Golden Summit visit
  • Yichang - Guided Three Gorges Dam Project tour
  • Yangshuo - Cycling tour (local guide & bike hire included)
Add on activities
  • Beijing - Temple of Heaven (entrance fee) - CNY40
  • Beijing - Summer Palace (entrance fee) - CNY60
  • Beijing - Kungfu Show (ticket) - CNY280
  • Beijing - Lama Temple (entrance fee) - CNY25
  • Beijing - Hutong family visit - CNY100
  • Beijing - Acrobat show (ticket) - CNY290
  • Beijing - Beijing Opera show (ticket) - CNY300
  • Xi'an - City Wall bike hire - CNY45
  • Xi'an - Bell & Drum Towers (entrance fee) - CNY50
  • Xi'an - Little Wild Goose Pagoda - CNY50
  • Xi'an - Big Goose Pagoda (entrance fee) - CNY80
  • Xi'an - Great Mosque (entrance fee) - CNY25
  • Xi'an - Tang Dynasty Show - CNY290
  • Chengdu - Wenshu Monastery (entrance fee) - CNY5
  • Chengdu - Sichuan Opera (ticket) - CNY280
  • Emei Shan - Crouching Tiger Monastery - CNY6
  • Emei Shan - Hot Spring Resort - CNY128
  • Yangshuo - Moon Hill (entrance fee) - CNY15
  • Yangshuo - Xianggongshan & Tea Farm Visit (Minimum 6, transport and entrance fee) - CNY300
  • Yangshuo - Impressions Liu Sanjie light show (minimum 4 people) - CNY298
  • Yangshuo - Tai Chi/Kung Fu class - CNY100
  • Yangshuo - Cooking School & Market Tour - CNY230
  • Yangshuo - Li River Cruise - CNY200
  • Yangshuo - Massage/Hot cupping - CNY100
  • Hong Kong - Victoria Peak & Tram - HKD90
  • Hong Kong - Star Ferry - HKD15
  • Hong Kong - Nightly Light Show - Free

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Days 11,12,13, 14 (Overnight boat) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. A scanned copy of the personal details page of your passport needs to be sent to your booking agent no later than 45 days before departure in order for us to purchase your train tickets.. Fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.
3. Please note while traveling through mainland China you will not be able to access some popular internet websites.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 based on 15 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Carlos · Traveled November 2023
The China Experience was an excellent trip. We saw some of the main sight and experienced the people and culture. At 62 I was not the youngest or oldest on the tour and everyone was able to manage the level of activity. Fully recommend it if you want to be immersed in Chinese life and culture.
Review submitted 29 Nov 2023

Arthur · Traveled November 2023
An incredibly well-planned and thorough introduction to this fascinating country. With the exception of Shanghai, the highlights of China are included. One of the best trips I’ve ever taken, and am particularly grateful I did it in November, with great weather and thinner crowds.
Review submitted 02 Dec 2023

Kylan · Traveled November 2023
If you're reading this because you're not sure, just book. Jay is an amazing guide and you won't believe how jaw-dropping the sights are. Do it, you won't regret it.
Review submitted 28 Nov 2023

Andrea · Traveled November 2023
A really good comprehensive trip to see a lot about China, covering historic sites, natural wonders, diverse food places and modern cities. A trip giving a good feeling about live, sights and culture in China from north to south. traveling mainly on the very modern high-speed train network.
Review submitted 28 Nov 2023

Carlos · Traveled November 2023
The China Experience was an outstanding tour, with visits to many sites and learning about Chinese history and culture. It was an active vacation, so there was a lot of walking and some hiking, which was excellent.
Review submitted 18 Dec 2023
China Experience
From
NZD $5,079