China Adventure





Discover China’s ultramodern cities, varied landscapes and 2000-year-old Terracotta Warriors
Travel through China from neon-lit Hong Kong to historical Beijing on this 17-day adventure. Visit Chongqing and try its famous hot pot, ride the world’s tallest outdoor elevator to see the Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie National Park and explore ancient wonders like the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an. Hike the Great Wall at sunset, discover traditional culture with Nvshu script workshops and stroll Wuxi’s gardens. This is a trip that showcases a different side of China that mixes modern landscapes with traditional culture.
Start: Hong Kong, Hong Kong
End: Beijing, China
- Duration
- 17 days
- Group size
- 1 to 16
- Minimum age
- 15 years old
- Style
Basix: Simple accommodation, local transport and lots of free time
Original: Tourist-class hotels, some meals included and a great mix of included activities and free time
Comfort: Comfortable accommodation, with a relaxed pace of travel and many included meals and activities
Premium: Our best accommodation, exclusive inclusions and our most experienced leaders
- Original
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Explorer, Rail
- 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
Why you'll love this trip
- Travel from Hong Kong to Beijing by high-speed train. Sit back, relax, and watch the scenery change as you journey through the countryside.
- Explore Zhangjiajie National Park. Hike among the 'Avatar Mountains' and ride the world's tallest outdoor escalator through quartz-sandstone landforms.
- Discover China's evolution from 2000-year-old Terracotta Warriors to modern skyscrapers in Chongqing.
- Spend time with locals, learning from them in Nvshu script workshops, snacking with them in Xi'an's Muslim Quarter and staying in a guesthouse near the Great Wall.
- Hike a less-crowded section of the Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders, and watch the sun set over ancient stones.
Itinerary
Neih-hou! Welcome to Hong Kong. A fusion of east and west, this dynamic city is known for its skyline, bustling markets and rich cultural heritage. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe ride the Peak Tram for panoramic views over Hong Kong, visit the Tian Tan Buddha or take a stroll along the Victorian Harbor. Tonight, join your group for a tour through the lively Temple Street night market, where the energy of Hong Kong comes alive. After, maybe head out together for dinner and sample some local cuisine like dim sum or roast goose.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Hong Kong - Temple Street Night Market visit
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.
Enjoy a relaxed morning before your first bullet train journey. This is a true taste of modern China, as you reach speeds of up to 300 km/h. Sit back and enjoy the scenery, read a book or listen to your favourite podcast as you travel across provinces. You may even want to try ordering takeaway food from a train station to your seat (your leader can assist to make this happen). You’ll arrive in Chongqing early evening. Either settle into your accommodation or join your leader for a short orientation walk to explore the city.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours.
Start today with a guided city walking tour. Experience daily life like a local as you explore Chongqing’s Old Town on guided city walking tour. Stroll through Longmenhao Old Street, walk among the skyscrapers of Nanbing Road and visit the Hongya Cave. Learn about the city’s history from the street and cross the Yangtze River on the public cable car and ferry. Your walk ends with a traditional Chongqing hot pot lunch served in a former air raid shelter. These shelters, built during World War II to protect citizens from bombings, have since been repurposed. Take the rest of the day to explore this city of hills, maybe even check out the trending site where the train goes into a building or try and find the local spot where you come out of a highrise building's 22 floor onto a street - no wonder the locals call it the 8D city!
- Hotel (1 night)
- Lunch
- Chongqing - Hotpot meal in former air raid shelter
- Chongqing - Guided Chongqing city tour
Travel from Chongqing to Zhangjiajie City today via train. You'll arrive in Zhangjiajie by mid-afternoon, then head out on a short orientation walk with your leader to help you get familiar with the area. Located in Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie city is known for its natural landscapes, including the famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain. Beyond the iconic scenery, the city itself offers a vibrant local life in its bustling night markets, leafy parks filled with locals practicing tai chi and a distinct Hunan-style food culture known for its bold, aromatic spice (quite different from Chongqing’s heat). Enjoy a free evening to relax, try some local dishes or simply soak in the atmosphere of this lively mountain city.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Zhangjiajie - Leader-led orientation walk
Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.
This morning, you’ll visit the iconic Tianmen Mountain. This area is known for its cliff-hanging walkways, scenic cableway and the iconic Tianmen Cave – a massive natural archway often called Heaven’s Gate. Here, you’ll spend a few hours exploring the landmark. For those who’d rather skip the 999 steps, you can take an escalator to the top. After soaking in the views and fresh mountain air, you’ll return to Zhangjiajie city. This afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your own pace.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Zhangjiajie - Tianmen Mountain
Your travel time today will be approximately 1 hour.
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, located in China’s Hunan Province, is renowned for its towering sandstone pillars and misty peaks – and this area was the inspiration for the floating mountains in the Avatar! Spend the day exploring the national park, hiking along well-maintained trails that weave through dramatic cliffs and forested valleys. You’ll also ride the Bailong Elevator – a glass lift built into the side of a cliff. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed landmark offers countless of photo-worthy moments, so have your camera ready. Later, return to your accommodation in Wulingyuan for a relaxing night.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Zhangjiajie National Park - Cable car
- Zhangjiajie National Park - Balong Elevator
- Zhangjiajie National Park - Hike
Your hiking time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Take another bullet train to Changsha – the capital of Hunan Province. When you arrive, you’ll head straight to a local cultural heritage centre to learn about Nvshu – the world’s only known writing system created and used exclusively by women. Now recognised as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, this unique script reflects generations of female expression and resilience. Learn about the culture and stories behind Nvshu and try writing your own message in this elegant script. After, check into your hotel and enjoy some free time before you head to one of Changsha’s night markets, where you can pick up some local street food for dinner. For the more adventurous in eating, maybe try sticky tofu, pig’s feet or crayfish mouth.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Changsha - Local night market visit
- Changsha - Nvshu script writing with local master
Travel to Shanghai this morning by bullet train, arriving in the city in the afternoon. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to spend as you like. In the evening, your leader will take you to the Bund, where you’ll see the striking contrast between old and new Shanghai. As you walk, you’ll see historic mansions dating back 100 to 200 years on one side and across the Huangpu River, you’ll see the modern skyline with high-rises and towers built over the past four decades.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Shanghai - Leader-led night bund walking tour
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
This morning, set off on a walking tour to Shanghai’s French Concession. Originally a residential and retail area of Shanghai, this neighbourhood is now known for its tree-lined streets, European-style architecture and vibrant cafes. Stroll through its historic lanes and learn about the city's blend of Chinese and French influences. This afternoon you have some free time to explore Shanghai at your own pace. Maybe visit the Shanghai Museum, explore the Yuyun Garden and Old Bazar or head up to the Shanghai Tower observation deck. Tonight, maybe meet up with your group and celebrate the end of the trip with a farewell dinner.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Shanghai - Leader-led French Concession walking tour
Today is a free day to relax and recharge in Shanghai. In your free time, maybe wander through Yu Garden, shop on Nanjing Road or explore Jade Buddha Temple. Tonight, you’ll have another welcome meeting at 4 pm to meet the new travellers joining you on the next leg of your epic adventure. After your meeting, maybe join your group for dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations!
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Shanghai - Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre (entrance fee) - CNY25
- Shanghai - Yuyuan Garden (entrance fee) - CNY40
- Shanghai - Shanghai Museum (entrance fee) - Free
As this trip is a combination of shorter itineraries, the travellers in your group and your group leader are likely to change today.
Get ready for your first bullet train experience this morning. A half-hour train ride will take you to Wuxi – once a prominent water town and now a booming city. Follow your leader on a walking tour through the Huishan Ancient Town Scenic Area and explore the cultural relics, historic sites and Xihui scenic area full of gorgeous gardens. Wander through the Huishan historic and cultural streets almost like travelling back in time. Take some epic snaps, learn about the traditional life here and then visit the Jichang Garden – one of the finest examples of traditional Chinese gardens, listed as a protected national heritage site in 1998. Head back to Shanghai in the afternoon. The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace – why not grab a drink in one of the rooftop bars in Shanghai and look out over the bund.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Wuxi - Huishan Ancient Town
- Wuxi - Jichang Garden
Please note that Jichang Garden will be closed for renovation in November and December in 2024. You will visit Huishan Temple and No.2 Spring Garden in Huishan Ancient Town instead.
Hop on the bullet train to Xi’an this morning – the capital of Shaanxi Province and the largest city in northwest China. Once the imperial centre and start of the Silk Road, Xi'an is now a vibrant, modern city dotted with many historical sites and a great place to explore. When you arrive, join your leader on a walking tour, passing the iconic Bell and Drum Towers – according to legend, the Bell Tower was built to restrain the pesky dragons that were causing devastating earthquakes. See the Muslim Quarter and wander past the shops, markets, and the Great Mosque. Sample some street snacks from local carts and see why this area is known for its food! For dinner tonight, maybe try some tantalising local specialties such as pao mo (lamb broth with flat bread), hand-pulled noodles and meat skewers.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Xi'an - Muslim Quarter Walking Tour and Snack Sampling
- Xi'an - Great Mosque (entrance fee) - CNY25
- Xi'an - Bell & Drum Towers (entrance fee) - CNY50
- Xi'an - City Wall bike hire - CNY45
Your travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
Today, you’ll journey outside Xi’an and visit what is undoubtedly one of the man-made wonders of the world – the Terracotta Warriors. Learn about this incredible archaeological find, discovered after being buried for 2000 years, and take your time getting to know the 1000 warriors (each individually sculpted, with a different costume, height and facial expression). These clay statues depicting soldiers, horses and chariots were commissioned by the emperor Qin Shi Huangdi as part of his mausoleum after he ascended to the throne in 264 BC. Later, return to Xi’an and enjoy a free evening at leisure. Why not head to the Tang Paradise walking street near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda – this is an eclectic part of the city, full of light and sound and perfect for some local nightlife.
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour - leader led
- Xi'an - Tang Dynasty Show - CNY290
- Xi'an - Big Goose Pagoda (entrance fee) - CNY80
- Xi'an - Little Wild Goose Pagoda - CNY50
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours each way.
Today is a big day of travelling, so grab some snacks and a good book for the journey. You’ll transfer to the railway station, then board the high-speed train to Beijing. Watch the landscape change from farmland and villages to industrialised cities and take the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers along the way. When you arrive in Beijing, board a private vehicle and drive into the countryside, where you’ll spend the night in a family-run guesthouse right inside the scenic area near the Great Wall of China! Tonight it’s highly recommended that you go for a short hike to the Wall for an unforgettable sunset. You’ve made it to one of the Seven Wonders of the World!
- Guest house (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Great Wall - Sunset
Your travel time today will be approximately 9 hours including the high-speed train to Beijing and the private transfer to Great Wall guesthouse.
Your guesthouse tonight is relatively basic compared to the hotels you’ll stay in on this trip, though all rooms have private facilities and Wi-Fi is available. In winter, (November to February) accommodation may be in an alternate guesthouse with better heating. In this case, you may not be able to see the sunset on the Great Wall.
Today is an exciting day as you’ll visit a section of the Great Wall of China – an ancient wonder of the world and this country’s iconic site. Spend some time exploring, take plenty of photos and learn the history of this mighty landmark. An incredible piece of engineering, the wall stretches 6000 km west of Beijing. It was initially constructed to protect Chinese empires from invaders from the north. Even though it failed, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. Hike along the top of the Wall for about 2 hours, along a section less visited by tourists and one of the most original section of the Wall - don't be surprised if you even feel you are the only ones on the Wall. Take in the scenery of the structure snaking through the hills almost endlessly into the distance. After, say goodbye to the epic site and head for Beijing – the capital and last stop of your trip.
- Hotel (1 night)
- Breakfast
- Great Wall - Jinshanling section
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
There are many steps and slopes on the Wall, so you'll need to concentrate hard to keep your footing. For this activity, you'll need reasonable fitness and walking shoes with good support and grip.
There's an option to take a chairlift up the hill to get on the wall. You may choose to do this at your own expense but please be aware that you may be separate from the group in this case. The chairlift will close during winter (November to March) and may occasionally close on days when the weather condition is not suitable.
Make your way to the centre of Beijing this morning and explore Tiananmen Square – supposedly the largest downtown square in the world and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace, Mao's Mausoleum and the Great Hall of the People, it's a place of pilgrimage for Chinese tourists who consider it to be the heart of their nation. It's from here that you'll enter the enormous Forbidden City, which was built more than 500 years ago and has been off-limits to commoners for almost all that time. You’ll explore the halls and courtyards and witness the grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore on your own. Maybe check out the Temple of Heaven before getting together with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. There's no better way to celebrate the end of your journey than with a meal of Beijing duck (and maybe a drink or two).
- Hotel (1 night)
There are no meals included on this day.
- Beijing - Forbidden City
- Beijing - Tiananmen Square
- Beijing - Temple of Heaven (entrance fee) - CNY40
- Beijing - Hutong family visit - CNY150
- Beijing - Lama Temple (entrance fee) - CNY25
- Beijing - Acrobat show (ticket) - CNY290
The Forbidden City only allows 30,000 visitors per day. Tickets are in demand year-round, but particularly during July and August. Our local team will do their best to secure entrance tickets. In the odd case when tickets are not available, you will visit the Temple of Heaven instead, another must-see example of ancient architecture in Beijing.
Tiananmen Square can occasionally close without notice due to local events and ceremonies, especially in March when the National Congress Conference is held.
As there are no activities planned today, your China adventure comes to an end. There's so much to see and do in Beijing, so if you’d like to stay an extra few days, just speak to your booking agent.
There are no meals included on this day.
Inclusions and activities
4 breakfasts, 1 lunch
Private vehicle, High-speed Train, Subway, Taxi, Public bus
Hotel (15 nights), Guest House (1 night)
- Hong Kong - Temple Street Night Market visit
- Chongqing - Hotpot meal in former air raid shelter
- Chongqing - Guided Chongqing city tour
- Zhangjiajie - Leader-led orientation walk
- Zhangjiajie - Tianmen Mountain
- Zhangjiajie National Park - Cable car
- Zhangjiajie National Park - Balong Elevator
- Zhangjiajie National Park - Hike
- Changsha - Local night market visit
- Changsha - Nvshu script writing with local master
- Shanghai - Leader-led night bund walking tour
- Shanghai - Leader-led French Concession walking tour
- Wuxi - Huishan Ancient Town
- Wuxi - Jichang Garden
- Xi'an - Muslim Quarter Walking Tour and Snack Sampling
- Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour - leader led
- Great Wall - Sunset
- Great Wall - Jinshanling section
- Beijing - Forbidden City
- Beijing - Tiananmen Square
- Shanghai - Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre (entrance fee) - CNY25
- Shanghai - Yuyuan Garden (entrance fee) - CNY40
- Shanghai - Shanghai Museum (entrance fee) - Free
- Xi'an - Great Mosque (entrance fee) - CNY25
- Xi'an - Bell & Drum Towers (entrance fee) - CNY50
- Xi'an - City Wall bike hire - CNY45
- Xi'an - Tang Dynasty Show - CNY290
- Xi'an - Big Goose Pagoda (entrance fee) - CNY80
- Xi'an - Little Wild Goose Pagoda - CNY50
- Beijing - Temple of Heaven (entrance fee) - CNY40
- Beijing - Hutong family visit - CNY150
- Beijing - Lama Temple (entrance fee) - CNY25
- Beijing - Acrobat show (ticket) - CNY290
We’re in the process of figuring out how much CO2-e this trip generates. In the meantime, learn more about our climate commitment.
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Is this trip right for you?
- There are a couple of long travel days on bullet trains. You'll need to be able to handle your own luggage through these busy train stations.
- China’s world-class sites and experiences draw large numbers of local and international travellers. We recommend a little patience and comfortable shoes as you may need to wait before entering the more popular locations on your itinerary.
- This trip doesn't have a lot of time in Hong Kong. We highly recommend spend extra time in Hong Kong prior to the trip to explore this great city. Please talk with your booking agent if you are interested in booking extra accommodation
- There are a couple of long travel days on bullet trains. You'll need to be able to handle your own luggage through these busy train stations.
- China’s world-class sites and experiences draw large numbers of local and international travellers. We recommend a little patience and comfortable shoes as you may need to wait before entering the more popular locations on your itinerary.
- This trip doesn't have a lot of time in Hong Kong. We highly recommend spend extra time in Hong Kong prior to the trip to explore this great city. Please talk with your booking agent if you are interested in booking extra accommodation
Dates and prices
Important notes
1. A single supplement is available for booking, subject to availability. Please contact your booking agent if you are interested
2.A scanned copy of the personal details page of your passport needs to be sent to your booking agent no later than 40 days before departure in order for us to purchase our train tickets.
3. Travelling in China will heavily rely upon using local payment apps – Wechat and Alipay for making payments. It’s essential to install them on your phone and have a data package ready prior to your travel. Please read ‘money matters’ in the Essential Trip Information for more details. You shouldn’t rely on credit card for travel in China.
4. While travelling in China, you won’t have access to social media and some websites. You may consider installing a VPN to access those sites and apps. Please check the Essential Trip Information for more details.
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.
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