Sorry! There are no remaining departures for "Beijing to Hong Kong on a Shoestring" (ACBS), but here are some similar trips.
Beijing to Hong Kong on a Shoestring
14 days, Beijing to Hong Kong
Itinerary
Day 1Beijing
Arrive at any time. Welcome to one of the world's most impressive and vibrant cities - Beijing, China's bustling capital.
Tonight, choose to get to know your CEO and fellow travellers over authentic Chinese cuisine at a local restaurant. Afterward, venture into the Beijing nightlife and cheers to new adventures!
Peak season notice: Golden Week falls between October 1st and 7th, 2020/2021. Please note that Golden Week is a semi-annual 7-day or 8-day national holiday for the people of China. This is a very busy time of the year for domestic tourists, so expect some crowding at major attractions. We recommend booking these dates well in advance as accommodations and transportation availability is extremely limited.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
Day 2Beijing
Step back in time for the day with a visit to the Great Wall, a monumental feat of engineering intended to protect China from northern barbarians. Climb the rolling hills, take in the scenery, and explore the wall capturing iconic photos from the watch towers. Later, opt to check out the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, or catch a kung fu show.
Pre-book the Beijing Kung Fu Show on the checkout page to include this experience on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Mutianyu Great Wall Visit
Climb the rolling hills of Huairou County at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from any of the 22 towers. The Great wall is an incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 80km away from the Beijing City Center. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Tiananmen Square
Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.
Hutong Cycling Tour
50-100CNY per personRoll through the ancient alleyways and lanes typical of Beijing. This old area of the city is rapidly diminishing as modernization takes over, but taking to the streets by bike is the perfect way to explore the neighbourhood. See daily life in these old lanes while cycling by.
Toboggan at Great Wall
100-140CNY per personAfter your hike on the Great Wall, opt to take a Toboggan ride back down instead of the cable car!
Beijing Acrobatics Performance
Enjoy an evening of spectacular acrobatics performed by some of China’s most talented performers and athletes. This unforgettable spectacle features Chinese-style tricks, like plate-spinning, contortion, foot-juggling, and a host of circus-style acrobatics, too.
Beijing Kung Fu Show
Follow the tale of a young boy on his journey to becoming a kung fu master through six gripping scenes told through traditional Chinese art and live modern dance. (Don’t worry; there are subtitles above the stage). Developed by some of China’s top stage directors and designers, the performance showcases the skills of its talented cast, most of whom are just 17 years old.
Forbidden City Visit
Check out the iconic Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing. For 500 years the palace was only accessible to the emperors’ attendants and officials by invitation only. Visit sights like the Clock Exhibition Hall, wander through the Three Great Halls or stand in the shade of the cypress trees in the Imperial Garden.
Beijing Opera
120-180CNY per personEnjoy this form of traditional Chinese theatre that combines music, vocal performance, mime, dance, and acrobatics. Dating back to the late 18th century, this form was extremely popular in the Qing Dynasty court and has come to be regarded as one of the cultural treasures of China.
Cable Car at Great Wall
100-140CNY per personThe cable car ride is about 5 minutes ride up to tower 14, from where you may walk to the highest point of Mutianyu Great Wall at Tower 20. The walk from ticket check to tower 10 is about 30 minutes. The cable car ride is a good option if you are hoping to save energy to challenge the Tower 20. Return ticket is recommended as you may spend more time on the wall.
Day 3Beijing/Xi'an
Another day in Beijing, another adventure. With so much to discover here, we decided to let you choose. Spend the day exploring the peaceful gardens, lakes, and temples at Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or visit the Temple of Heaven and capture an iconic picture of the Confucian architecture and practice tai chi with the local people. This evening board an overnight train and wake up in Xi'an.
Train is our main mode of transport in China and it's a great way to travel. We aim to get the best sleeping berths available on each train journey. However, train tickets availability is limited during peak travel times, including summer vacations and Chinese national holidays. As such, it is possible that the group may be separated into different carriages or assigned top sleeping berths.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Beijing, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like shopping at the Silk Market, visiting the Summer Palace, and taking a hutong tour. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 3 HideShow
Hutong Cycling Tour
50-100CNY per personRoll through the ancient alleyways and lanes typical of Beijing. This old area of the city is rapidly diminishing as modernization takes over, but taking to the streets by bike is the perfect way to explore the neighbourhood. See daily life in these old lanes while cycling by.
Summer Palace
60CNY per personThis UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of palaces, lakes, and gardens in Beijing and is absolutely stunning. Its main components are Kunming Lake and Longevity Hill, which is 60m (200 feet) high and has many buildings on it. Kunming Lake is actually man made, and measures 2.2sq km (1.4 sq mi).
Temple of Heaven
Explore the stunning Temple of Heaven, which was built during the rule of the Ming dynasty. Learn more about the history and significance of this place, often referred to as the symbol of Beijing.
Forbidden City Visit
Check out the iconic Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing. For 500 years the palace was only accessible to the emperors’ attendants and officials by invitation only. Visit sights like the Clock Exhibition Hall, wander through the Three Great Halls or stand in the shade of the cypress trees in the Imperial Garden.
Tiananmen Square
Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.
Day 4Xi'an
Embark on an orientation walk through the Muslim Quarter, then opt to visit the tranquil Great Mosque - a serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Check out the famous Terracotta Warriors or cycle the ancient city walls (the perfect place to catch the sunset). Be sure to enjoy some of the best street food China has to offer.
Interested in a half-day guided tour to see the Terracotta Warriors? Pre-book the Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour on the checkout page to include this adventure on your tour.
Muslim Quarter Orientation Walk
Enjoy a walk around Xi'an’s Muslim Quarter with our CEO, and be introduced to favourite streets, artists, chefs or food stalls in the quarter. Each CEO offers a unique perspective. Get a better feel for the district and have plenty of time to roam around on your own, shopping and eating along the way.
Optional Activities - Day 4 HideShow
Defachang Dumpling Banquet
105CNY per personDumpling banquets are a great way to experience the traditional northern Chinese cuisine. Have a delicious meal trying all the different dumpling flavours.
Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour
Take a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors where more than 8,000 clay soldiers and hundreds of replica horses and chariots stand in three pits. Learn why the Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife and how they were discovered. Spend a half-day exploring this archaeological wonder.
Bell and Drum Towers - Xi'an
50CNY per personClimb to the top of the Drum Tower for an unforgettable aerial view of the city. Back in the Han Dynasty the towers were used to echo the time to the city with bells in the morning and drums in the evening. Today the 63-ton bell still stands in one tower and drum performances happen daily in the morning and afternoon.
Big Goose Pagoda Visit
50CNY per personHead to the outskirts of the city to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a beautiful, brick Buddhist temple.
Cycling Xi'an City Walls
45-45CNY per personRent a bike and cycle the Xi’an city walls. The walls – built for protection in the Tang Dynasty and expanded in the Ming dynasty –are a great way to absorb local history. Hop off where you like and admire the views as you pedal along the 12m (39 ft) wide wall, which takes about 2 hrs to cycle along.
The Great Mosque
25CNY per personDiscover this hidden oasis behind the markets of the Muslim Quarter. Learn about the Great Mosque's centuries-old history, and explore the temples and gardens to see how Chinese and Islamic architecture came together in this place of worship.
Day 5Xi'an/Suzhou
Spend the day continuing to explore Xi'an, then take an overnight train to Suzhou.
Free Time
Get out and explore Xi'an.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 5 HideShow
Cycling Xi'an City Walls
45-45CNY per personRent a bike and cycle the Xi’an city walls. The walls – built for protection in the Tang Dynasty and expanded in the Ming dynasty –are a great way to absorb local history. Hop off where you like and admire the views as you pedal along the 12m (39 ft) wide wall, which takes about 2 hrs to cycle along.
Terracotta Warriors Visit
Visit the site of the Terracotta Warriors, an archaeological treasure where approximately 8,000 soldiers and hundreds of horses stand on guard in three excavated pits in an on-site museum. Learn how the underground warriors were discovered (by accident) in 1974, and why Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife.
Day 6Suzhou
Visit Suzhou, the "Venice of the East." Opt to explore the Master of the Nets Garden, one of China's most exquisite gardens. In the evening, let loose like the locals with a karaoke session in a private room for the group; this is sure to be a memorable night!
Free Time
Get out and explore historic Suzhou and its beautiful garden.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Private Karaoke Session
Release your inner rock star and let loose like the locals with a karaoke session in a private room for the group. Everyone will have a turn to sing a song as a solo, duet, or group. Sing your heart out!
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Master of the Nets Garden Tour
40CNY per personTour through the serene classical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 7Suzhou/Shanghai
See the city on an orientation walk, then enjoy free time to explore this metropolis on your own.
Shanghai is the most modern of Chinese cities. Go shopping on the famous Nanjing Road or stroll along the Bund district with its many riverside historical buildings.
Opt to see a show, pre-book the Shanghai Acrobatic Performance on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Orientation Walk
Take a stroll along the Bund, a main road that follows the Huangpu River, with your CEO. This is a great opportunity to get a layout of the city and figure out what you want to explore next.
Free Time
Get out and explore bustling Shanghai.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Yuyuan Garden
40CNY per personExplore this tranquil, 400-year-old, five-acre garden. Climb to the top of the Rockery to see the greenery from above. Check out the Jade Rock and watch the swarms of goldfish swim around in the ponds. With multiple pavilions and halls there’s plenty to see. Depending on when you visit there may be flower shows or tea ceremonies in the area. Opt to visit the bustling market located outside the gardens and hone your bargaining skills.
Shanghai Acrobatic Performance
Enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show with tumbling, balancing and plate-spinning and amazing contortionists— truly not to be missed!
Oriental Pearl Tower
220CNY per personThe Oriental Pearl Tower is an iconic building of Shanghai. Check out the city view from the highest sightseeing level of 350 m!
Shanghai Museum
FreeVisit Shanghai Museum, home to a world-class collection of ancient Chinese art. Tour individual galleries devoted to such items as sculpture, bronze, ceramics, jade, coins, Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture, paintings, and calligraphy. Stop at the gift shop on your way out.
Day 8Shanghai
Being China's largest city, spend another day experiencing all the nooks and crannies of Shanghai. Climb up the Pearl Tower for a 360-degree view of the city or venture to the Venice of Shanghai — Zhujiajiao Water Village — and take a boat ride weaving through narrow waterways and under ancient bridges. Take it all in before heading to the countryside tomorrow.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. Yay! More friends! You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Shanghai, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visiting the Shanghai Museum, wandering around the Yuyuan Gardens, and taking in a traditional Chinese acrobats show. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Shanghai Museum
FreeVisit Shanghai Museum, home to a world-class collection of ancient Chinese art. Tour individual galleries devoted to such items as sculpture, bronze, ceramics, jade, coins, Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture, paintings, and calligraphy. Stop at the gift shop on your way out.
Yuyuan Garden
40CNY per personExplore this tranquil, 400-year-old, five-acre garden. Climb to the top of the Rockery to see the greenery from above. Check out the Jade Rock and watch the swarms of goldfish swim around in the ponds. With multiple pavilions and halls there’s plenty to see. Depending on when you visit there may be flower shows or tea ceremonies in the area. Opt to visit the bustling market located outside the gardens and hone your bargaining skills.
Optional Welcome Meeting for Travellers on Combos
You may be a seasoned pro at group travel by now, but there will likely be some new travellers joining the group. Sit in on the welcome meeting to meet the newest members of your group and learn about the next leg of your tour.
Shanghai Acrobatic Performance
Enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show with tumbling, balancing and plate-spinning and amazing contortionists— truly not to be missed!
Oriental Pearl Tower
220CNY per personThe Oriental Pearl Tower is an iconic building of Shanghai. Check out the city view from the highest sightseeing level of 350 m!
Day 9Shanghai
After some free time, board an overnight train to Guilin.
Free Time
Get out and explore China's biggest city.
Basic Overnight Train (beds)
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Yuyuan Garden
40CNY per personExplore this tranquil, 400-year-old, five-acre garden. Climb to the top of the Rockery to see the greenery from above. Check out the Jade Rock and watch the swarms of goldfish swim around in the ponds. With multiple pavilions and halls there’s plenty to see. Depending on when you visit there may be flower shows or tea ceremonies in the area. Opt to visit the bustling market located outside the gardens and hone your bargaining skills.
Shanghai Acrobatic Performance
Enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show with tumbling, balancing and plate-spinning and amazing contortionists— truly not to be missed!
Oriental Pearl Tower
220CNY per personThe Oriental Pearl Tower is an iconic building of Shanghai. Check out the city view from the highest sightseeing level of 350 m!
Shanghai Museum
FreeVisit Shanghai Museum, home to a world-class collection of ancient Chinese art. Tour individual galleries devoted to such items as sculpture, bronze, ceramics, jade, coins, Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture, paintings, and calligraphy. Stop at the gift shop on your way out.
Day 10Guilin/Yangshuo
Continue on to Yangshuo and enjoy some free time.
Arrive in Guilin by train and transfer to the nearby village of Yangshuo, nestled among the limestone karsts jutting out of the Li River. One of the most scenic regions of China, this beautiful backpacker town is a haven for activities, cultural immersion, and relaxing at cafés.
The Li River and the limestone karst mountains interspersed with picturesque riverside villages and markets make this area perhaps the best known scenic attraction in the region.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Free Time
Discover scenic Yangshuo.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Central Chinese Cooking Class - Yangshuo
Calling all foodies! Get an inside look at real Chinese food with a tour of the Yangshuo market to learn about the ingredients used in the Yangshuo area. Afterward, learn to cook Chinese food in a traditional Chinese farmhouse in the beautiful countryside just outside Yangshuo. After the cooking class you can sit down and enjoy the delicious dishes you have prepared.
Day 11Yangshuo
Explore Yangshuo with a free day. Opt for a tai chi lesson, a cooking class, or try your hand at calligraphy.
Try your hand at cooking local fare at a boutique cooking school and pre-book the Central Chinese Cooking Class by adding it to your checkout page, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Yangshuo, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like taking a tai chi lesson, indulging in a traditional massage, and checking out the Li River Light Show. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 11 HideShow
Yangshuo Tai Chi Lesson
80-150CNY per personLearn how to do Tai Chi, the local exercise regimen. Practice in any park around sunrise, and be sure to have company from locals.
Chinese Language Lesson
80-150CNY per personEnjoy a lesson in basic Mandarin and practice what you've learned with the locals.
Yangshuo Guided Cycle Tour
200CNY per personFollow the guide and cycle over the flat(ish) landscape past rice paddies, local farmers, and water buffalo. Marvel at the limestone karsts and hear the legends of how they came to be. Stop for lunch at the house of a local family for a tasty meal made from freshly grown produce.
Calligraphy Yangshuo
80-150CNY per personWatch and learn how to do calligraphy, a traditional form of writing Chinese characters using a brush and ink. See how calligraphers have evolved a richly varied tradition of calligraphic styles, which have been handed down from generation to generation.
Central Chinese Cooking Class - Yangshuo
Calling all foodies! Get an inside look at real Chinese food with a tour of the Yangshuo market to learn about the ingredients used in the Yangshuo area. Afterward, learn to cook Chinese food in a traditional Chinese farmhouse in the beautiful countryside just outside Yangshuo. After the cooking class you can sit down and enjoy the delicious dishes you have prepared.
Impression Liu Sanjie Culture Show
298CNY per personWhen the sun goes down, the Li River lights up for the 'Impression of Liu Sanjie' light show. The show consists of 7 episodes: the Prelude, Red Impression, Green Impression, Golden Impression, Blue Impression, Silvery Impression and the Epilogue. Each scene in the show is more spectacular and breathtaking than the last and is made up of 600 actors and actresses, colourful stage lights, and special-effect smoke systems. Watch the moonlight dance along the Li River combined with colourful lights and dancers as the show plays on!
Moon Hill Entrance and Hike
15CNY per personEnjoy a hike up to Moon Hill, one of Yangshuo's most popular attractions. This karst hill has a huge hole through the middle that's shaped like the moon, hence its name. The views of the surrounding countryside from the hill are spectacular -- it's worth the climb!
Day 12Yangshuo
Explore Yangshuo with a free day. Opt for a tai chi lesson, a cooking class, or a calligraphy lesson.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Yangshuo, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like taking a tai chi lesson, indulging in a traditional massage, and checking out the Li River Light Show. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Central Chinese Cooking Class - Yangshuo
Calling all foodies! Get an inside look at real Chinese food with a tour of the Yangshuo market to learn about the ingredients used in the Yangshuo area. Afterward, learn to cook Chinese food in a traditional Chinese farmhouse in the beautiful countryside just outside Yangshuo. After the cooking class you can sit down and enjoy the delicious dishes you have prepared.
Yangshuo Tai Chi Lesson
80-150CNY per personLearn how to do Tai Chi, the local exercise regimen. Practice in any park around sunrise, and be sure to have company from locals.
Chinese Language Lesson
80-150CNY per personEnjoy a lesson in basic Mandarin and practice what you've learned with the locals.
Moon Hill Entrance and Hike
15CNY per personEnjoy a hike up to Moon Hill, one of Yangshuo's most popular attractions. This karst hill has a huge hole through the middle that's shaped like the moon, hence its name. The views of the surrounding countryside from the hill are spectacular -- it's worth the climb!
Yangshuo Guided Cycle Tour
200CNY per personFollow the guide and cycle over the flat(ish) landscape past rice paddies, local farmers, and water buffalo. Marvel at the limestone karsts and hear the legends of how they came to be. Stop for lunch at the house of a local family for a tasty meal made from freshly grown produce.
Calligraphy Yangshuo
80-150CNY per personWatch and learn how to do calligraphy, a traditional form of writing Chinese characters using a brush and ink. See how calligraphers have evolved a richly varied tradition of calligraphic styles, which have been handed down from generation to generation.
Impression Liu Sanjie Culture Show
298CNY per personWhen the sun goes down, the Li River lights up for the 'Impression of Liu Sanjie' light show. The show consists of 7 episodes: the Prelude, Red Impression, Green Impression, Golden Impression, Blue Impression, Silvery Impression and the Epilogue. Each scene in the show is more spectacular and breathtaking than the last and is made up of 600 actors and actresses, colourful stage lights, and special-effect smoke systems. Watch the moonlight dance along the Li River combined with colourful lights and dancers as the show plays on!
Day 13Yangshuo/Hong Kong
Travel to bustling Hong Kong via Guilin.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Border Crossing (China - Hong Kong)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Metro
Get around underground via public transit.
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
Temple Street Night Market
FreeTemple Street Night Market in Kowloon is a fantastic place to sample some local food. Explore the area, search for the perfect place to eat, and chow down.
The Symphony of Lights - Victoria Harbour
A Symphony of Lights is a daily light and sound show in Hong Kong. It is the world's largest permanent light and sound show according to Guinness World Records.Take a stroll to the harbour for an amazing view of the light show and admire Hong Kong's spectacular skyline.
Day 14Hong Kong
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.