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Take this South China Getaway and explore Shanghai, Yangshuo and Hong Kong

Enter a world of both natural wonder and big city glamour. Discover friendly people, a passionate food culture, historic sites and deep-seated traditions on this all-encompassing southern China expedition. Meet rural people and city folk, chow down on local delicacies and world-class fare and explore the wealth of history and modern developments of this mighty nation.

Start
Shanghai, China
Finish
Hong Kong, China
Destination
China
Style
Basix
Theme
Explorer
Code
CBRS
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 16

Why you'll love this trip

  • Stay in a Tulou for a unique overnight experience – these huge earthen structures are like ancient apartment buildings, where generations of the same clan can live together

  • In Longi, hike the beautiful rice terraces that snake through the mountains of Longsheng like giant dragons, and visit hill tribe communities while surrounded by incredible views

  • Enjoy time to sit back and relax in the dramatic karst countryside of Yangshuo – immortalised in countless traditional Chinese paintings – and try the local favourite: beerfish

  • Starting and ending in two of the country's largest and most bustling cities – Shanghai and Hong Kong – you’ll also be able to experience the dazzling future of modern China

Is this trip right for you?

  • This trip uses a mix of transport – overnight sleeper trains, private buses and public buses. The trip covers a fair amount of ground to maximise experiences, so be prepared for some long journeys.

  • Train travel in China may not be entirely luxurious, but it's certainly one of the best ways to come face-to-face with the country and its people. It's the main form of transport for locals, so take the chance to interact.

  • This trip includes a mixture of free time and included activities, giving you choice and flexibility to explore what really excites you in China.

  • Not a lot a time is spent in Shanghai or Hong Kong (the starting and ending points) so that you can get straight into the highlights of South China, but we highly recommend booking additional nights here as these exciting cities have so much to offer.

  • As this trip visits remote and lesser-visited parts of China, some accommodation is basic (and some multi-share). This allows you get a true encounter of local life and experience Chinese hospitality.

Map of South China Getaway including China
Yangshou, China
Hong Kong, China
Cycling in Yangshou, China

Itinerary
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Nimen Hao! Welcome to China. Blending 21st-century architecture with old-world character, Shanghai pulses with the beat of new China. Your adventure begins with a Welcome Meeting at 6 pm this evening. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. Settle into your hotel and then get a feel for this vibrant city – Shanghai’s bright lights, fevered trade and frenetic pace provide a glimpse into the dazzling global future of the country. Your evening is free for your first exploration of the city – perhaps get a taste of Shanghai’s eclectic food scene, which draws influence from far beyond China’s walls.
Accommodation
  • Hostel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
As we leave Shanghai in the afternoon of Day 2, we highly recommend arriving a few days early to fully experience this dynamic city.

Today you have free time to explore this bustling city until this afternoon, when you’ll board your first overnight train from Shanghai to Guilin (approximately 18-20 hours). You could visit the Propaganda Museum for a fascinating look at China's revolutionary past, get a bird's eye view of the city from the Pearl Tower's observation decks, get a taste of 1920s Shanghai along the Bud, wander the Yuyuan Gardens and Bazaar, barter in markets, stroll through modern Pudong or the explore ancient nongtangs. Train travel in China may not be entirely luxurious but it's certainly one of the best ways to come face to face with the country and its people, as it's the main form of transport for locals.
Accommodation
  • Overnight Hard Sleeper Train (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
We use hard sleeper class trains for most of our overnight train journeys. These are certainly not as rough as they sound – compartments are open-plan, clean, with padded three-tiered berths (6 to a compartment). Wherever possible, we will group our travellers together, but this will depend on group size and ticket availability. Sheets, pillows and a blanket are provided. Some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Safe, hot drinking water is always available. It is a good idea to bring a mug, spoon, knife and fork if you will be preparing your own hot drinks or food on the train (as these are not provided in cabins). Basic bathroom facilities with toilets and washbasins are situated at the end of each carriage. As toilet paper isn't always available, it's best to bring an emergency supply. Keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. Food is available on the train, but it's a good idea to stock up on snacks for the trip.

Disembark from the train and jump on a bus from Guilin to Longji. The Longji region has some of the most extensive rice terraces around. These terraces change with the seasons: filled with water from the mountains before planting, becoming green during the growing season and then golden when the rice is ready for harvest. This evening you’ll overnight in the village of Dazhai, which is home to the Yao minorities. The Yao still preserve some of their traditional lifestyle and unique customs. You'll notice women only cut their hair at 16 years old, symbolising their entrance into adulthood. The hair isn’t thrown away, but is kept by the grandmother. When the woman marries, the hair is made into an ornamental headdress and brought to the husband's home as a souvenir!
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
We will deposit our big luggage at the entrance of the scenic zone in LongJI and carry only our overnight pack with us to the guesthouse. Please prepare an overnight pack suitable for 2 nights stay at the local village guesthouses and you'll need to be able to carry it by yourself during trekking too.

Today you’ll hike through the Longji Valley and its rice terraces, constructed over 500 years ago (called the Dragon’s Backbone because the rice terraces resemble a dragon's scales, while the mountain summit looks like the backbone of the dragon). Walk through stunning scenery, with its unique terraces for growing rice, alongside bamboo trees and chestnut forests. Despite some challenging hills, much of the hike is spent walking around over the stones, passing waterfalls and fields. After a day spent admiring the endless vistas, you’ll overnight in the picturesque village of Ping'an.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Longji - Guided Rice Terraces trek
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Expect to carry your own overnight pack and walk for up to five hours as your next accommodation may be in a different village. The hike can be tough going for some, with many uphill stretches and some very slippery paths. However, more experienced hikers will have no problems and there are many more optional walks available, uncovering great photo opportunities around every corner.

Take public transport on to Yangshuo (approximately 4 hours). Soak up the charm of this little town, popular with the Chinese and Western travellers alike, who come for the beautiful landscape and stay for the great cafes and bars. It's also one of the best places in the country to get a feel for local culture and traditions while having plenty of fun at the same time. The countryside around Yangshuo is immortalized in many traditional Chinese paintings – picture immense limestone karsts dotting the rural landscape, towering spectacularly over rice paddies and the meandering Li River. The scene is even celebrated on every 20 Yuan note.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today is a free day for you to do as you like. You could begin by focusing your body and mind with a morning Tai Chi class or Kung Fu lesson, and then continue the active theme by hiring a bike, gaining insight into rural Chinese life on a cycle through picture-perfect locations. You could climb up to Moon Hill – a limestone pinnacle with a moon-shaped hole penetrating the hill – or simply stroll along the river and be immersed in the natural beauty of the valley. For something a little less energetic, you could simply sit back and relax as you enjoy a relaxing cruise down the Li or Yulong River. Later, perhaps watch an outdoor light show staged by 2008 Beijing Olympics’ Opening Ceremony director Zhang Yimou.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Yangshuo - Tai Chi/Kung Fu class - CNY50
  • Yangshuo - Bike hire - CNY20
  • Yangshuo - Zhang Yimou's Impressions Show - CNY198
  • Yangshuo - Li River Cruise - CNY100
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today’s another free day to pursue you interests here in Yangshuo. Freedom and flexibility is the idea today, and your friendly local leader will be on hand to give you suggestions and tips. If you’re still feeling active then up in the limestone hills are a number of caves that can be explored; or if you’d rather see the landscape from a different perspective, then kit up in a rock-climbing harness and tackle one of the 300 rock-climbing routes. For a more laid-back day, maybe visit the market to shop with the locals and get a feel for the regional produce. You can then put this new knowledge to use in a cooking class at the Yangshuo Cooking School. Learn to cook dishes with recipes that are easy to make and ingredients readily available outside of China, so that you’ll soon be wowing friends and family back at home.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Yangshuo - Cooking School & Market Tour - CNY150
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

This morning travel by private bus to Guilin Airport (approx 90 mins) for your flight to Xiamen (approx 90 mins). On landing you’ll transfer by private bus from Xiamen Airport to the Tulou village (approximately 3 hours). This area is home to the Hakka people, who traditionally live in round, walled villages or communal houses (“tulou”) with many families and generations of the same clan living together. Accommodation is very basic in the local style. It can get quite cold at night in some months so please ensure you bring warm clothes. Washing facilities may be limited, with communal toilets outside of the rooms. Tonight you have the option to try some simple local dishes for dinner, and breakfast tomorrow may be quite different from what you are used to, but is certainly authentic. The area has been developed for domestic tourism recently and sees lots of day-trippers, but few people stay overnight, so you’re sure to have a great local experience while here.
Accommodation
  • Guesthouse (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today you’ll take a walk with a local guide around the surrounding villages and between some of the clusters of Tulou houses. Learn some more about these impressive structures, which are like 500-yar-old apartment blocks, huge earthen structures that resemble coliseums with timbered galleries as high as five stories. The buildings were constructed to protect the inhabitants from animals, warlords and bandits, with five-feet thick walls repelling human and natural threats. Later, head out on a hike to a viewpoint and nearby waterfall. The length and distance of the hike will depend on the weather, local conditions and fitness of the group, however most groups will generally spend a few hours exploring. Transfer to by private bus to return to Xiamen for the evening (approximately 3 hours).
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Tulou Village - Guided hike & village tour
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today is a free day for you to explore Xiamen. One of the highlights of this coastal city is the island of Gulang Yu, just across the harbour. It’s highly recommended that you jump on a ferry and head over to this island crammed full of historic mansions and villas, which is easily navigable by bike or on foot. The streets are filled with food vendors, handicraft stalls, and lovely cafes and restaurants to sit and relax. The island was declared an international settlement after the First Opium War in the late 19th century, and Europeans, Japanese and wealthy Chinese constructed lavish buildings during Xiamen’s time as an important port. Time in the city can be spent in the landscaped grounds of Xiamen University campus, surrounded by trendy bars and cafes where you might have a chat with some local students. Perhaps climb up the steps to Nanputuo Temple, one of the most important and active Buddhist sites in the region, which has beautiful views across the city and surrounds. Xiamen has many local specialty dishes, so tonight why not try something like Shacha Mian (noodles with peanut soup) for dinner.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

Today you’ll travel by high-speed train to the Chinese border at Shenzhen (approximately 4 hours). The China-Hong Kong border is busy, so there can often be a bit of a wait to get through and a lot of patience is required. On average, it takes around 2 hours to clear immigration and customs on both sides. Your bags will be with you during this time. Then you’ll walk the short distance from the train station to the border, go through procedures to exit China, and then enter Hong Kong. Once all that's done, you’ll travel on the KCR train to central Hong Kong. Hong Kong made itself known to the world as a British colony and, since the 1997 handover, the city has become a unique and fascinating place to see where the East really does meet the West. Hong Kong's cityscape is spectacular and its modern fast-paced life is only minutes from picturesque islands and beaches. Perhaps spend the last few hours of this trip searching out the best yum cha for a final sumptuous meal with your group.
Accommodation
  • Hotel (1 night)
Optional Activities
  • Hong Kong - Star Ferry - HKD15
  • Hong Kong - Victoria Peak & Tram - HKD40
  • Hong Kong - Nightly Light Show - Free
  • Hong Kong - The Story of Hong Kong Urban Adventure - USD49
  • Hong Kong - Old vs New Hong Kong Urban Adventure - USD49
  • Hong Kong - Around Kowloon in 8 Markets Urban Adventure - USD49
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.

There are no activities planned for today and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time.

Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
As your trip finishes today and you only have limited time in Hong Kong, we highly recommend staying a few extra days to enjoy all this incredible city has to offer: Take a scenic journey around the islands of Hong Kong on the famous passenger ferry service, the Star Ferry; venture up to the top of Victoria Peak for a bird's eye view; watch the harbour's spectacular light show or ride the peak tram to Victoria Peak for incredible views of the Hong Kong skyline.

Meals

No meals are included on this tour

Transport

Overnight Sleeper Train, High Speed Train, Subway, Private Bus, Public Bus, Taxi

Accommodation

Hotel (7 nights), Guesthouse (3 nights), Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)

Included activities

  • Longji - Guided Rice Terraces trek
  • Tulou Village - Guided hike & village tour

Dates & availability

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Important notes

1. A Single Supplement is available on this trip except the overnight train
2. A scanned copy of the personal details page of your passport is required at time of booking in order for us to purchase your train tickets.
3. Overnight train accommodation on this tour is in 6-berth ‘hard-sleeper’ class. Bedding is provided and wash basins and toilet facilities (usually one with a toilet seat and one squat-style in each compartment) are available on all trains, but there are no showers or baths.
4. The flight from Guilin to Xiamen is included in the trip price.
5. 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.
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Reviews

Our South China Getaway trips score an average of 4.72 out of 5 based on 32 reviews in the last year.

South China Getaway, March 2018

Alexandra Zinchenko

Review submitted 17 Apr 2018

South China Getaway, March 2018

andrew henderson

Review submitted 16 Apr 2018

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