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China on a Shoestring–Hong Kong to Beijing
18 days, Hong Kong to Beijing
Itinerary
Day 1Hong Kong
Arrive at any time.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
As fellow group members will be arriving throughout the day there are no planned activities until the group meeting at 6PM, followed by dinner. On arrival please check the notice board in the hotel entrance for details of the time and place of the meeting.
Day 2Hong Kong/Yangshuo
Cross the border to Shenzhen for the fast train to Guilin/Yangshuo.
Arrive to 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.
Metro
Get around underground via public transit.
Border Crossing (Hong Kong - China)
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Days 3–4Yangshuo
Enjoy free time in Yangshuo.
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 - Days 3–4 HideShow
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.
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.
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.
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!
Day 5Yangshuo/Wuchang
Enjoy a free morning in Yangshuo, then hop on an overnight train to Wuchang.
Take an afternoon bus to Guilin train station to catch the overnight train to Wuchang.
Free Time
Soak in the last few hours of this fantastic town.
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.
Day 6Wuchang/Yichang
Arrive in Wuchang and travel by train to Yichang.
Arrive in Wuchang and take a fast train to Yichang. Yichang has a charming vibe, with great backstreets and alleyways with quaint tea houses and temples for exploring. It is renowned for its tea and fruit, all of which can be seen on (and purchased from) the street stalls.
There is a great local food market where people can find prickly ash, hot peppers, and chili powder, which are among the ingredients used to add a local flavour to most dishes.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Get out and explore this charming backpacker town and taste some of the famous local tea.
Day 7Yichang
Enjoy a full-day boat trip along the mighty Yangtze River to the Three Gorges Dam and Xiling Gorge.
Board a boat in the morning and cruise along the Yangtze River to view both the Xiling Gorge and the Three Gorges Dam. Both an inspiration to generations of painters and poets and a source of international controversy, the Three Gorges remains one of the world’s natural scenic wonders while the massive Three Gorges Dam is an incredible feat of modern technology.
Three Gorges Dam and Xiling Gorge Boat Trip
Hop on board and view the streams, springs, and karst caves along Xiling Gorge, the longest of the three gorges of the Yangtze River. Get closer to the Three Gorges Dam and marvel at this feat of engineering. View the dam from the outside for the best way to gain perspective on this massive structure.
Meals included:
LunchDay 8Yichang/Xi'an
Enjoy a free morning to explore Yichang before we take an overnight train to Xi'an.
Free Time
Get out and explore more of this charming place.
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.
Day 9Xi'an
Take an orientation walk around this historical city. Opt to cycle Xi'an's ancient walls or visit China’s greatest archaeological treasure – the Terracotta Warriors.
Enjoy an orientation walk to get familiar with the Muslim Quarter. Spend almost 3 full days exploring this city, including the active Muslim Quarter and its serene Great Mosque, as well as the exotic local street food stalls and the majestic Ming Dynasty City Wall.
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.
Free Time
Get out and explore this historically rich city.
Optional Activities - Day 9 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.
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 10Xi'an
Free time to explore Xi'an.
Free Time
Get out and explore this city full of history.
Optional Activities - Day 10 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.
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 11Xi'an/Shanghai
Take advantage of a final day to explore Xi'an before boarding an overnight train to Shanghai.
Free Time
Get out and see the parts of Xi'an you've missed, or visit your favourite spots once again.
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.
Day 12Shanghai
Take an orientation walk of the Bund, then enjoy free time to explore this vibrant and exotic city. Opt to watch a breathtaking performance by the Chinese acrobats.
Blending 21st century architecture with old-world charm, Shanghai is the vibrant pulse of the new China. Arrive at noon, enjoy an orientation walk along the Bund, with its spectacular array of art deco-style buildings.
The afternoon is free to explore: go across the river to take in the sights of Pudong, a modern financial centre with amazing skyscrapers. Explore busy Yuyuan Bazaar, the French Concession, or shop till you drop in China's hippest stores!
There is enough to see in at the impressive Shanghai Museum to spend a whole day exploring. It houses one of the best collections of Chinese bronze and artwork in the world.
Try to catch a performance by the famous Shanghai Acrobats one night.
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
Enjoy a free afternoon to explore this bustling city.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Shanghai Acrobatic Performance
Enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show with tumbling, balancing and plate-spinning and amazing contortionists— truly not to be missed!
Day 13Shanghai
Visit the impressive Shanghai Museum, which houses over 120,000 pieces of ancient Chinese art.
Shanghai Museum
Visit 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.
Free Time
Set out and explore this bustling city.
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
Shanghai Acrobatic Performance
Enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show with tumbling, balancing and plate-spinning and amazing contortionists— truly not to be missed!
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.
Day 14Shanghai/Beijing
Enjoy free time to explore. In the early evening, take an overnight train to Beijing.
Free Time
So much Shanghai, so little time! Enjoy a final day of exploration in this bustling 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.
Days 15–16Beijing
Free time to explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, or the Temple of Heaven.
Enjoy plenty of time to visit the numerous important sights in this city—Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven.
The backstreet hutongs, packed with local shops and restaurants, are a world away from the imperial splendors, but also part of this energetic city. Use your free time to explore at your leisure.
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 - Days 15–16 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.
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.
Factory 798 Art & Galleries
Explore the modern art district of Beijing! Named after 798 factory which was built in 1950's, now an exhibition centre of Chinese culture and art, also the world - famous culture and creative industries centralized area. This is a place to not miss while in Beijing!
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.
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 Tour
60CNY per personOur CEO will steer around crowds and help make the most of a visit to the Forbidden City.
Shaolin Monk Kung Fu Show
90-180CNY per personWatch this moving performance of choreographed martial arts, complete with a story line to follow.
Day 17Beijing
Visit the Great Wall of China with time in the late afternoon to explore more of Beijing.
Set out early for a visit to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Spend the day wandering from tower to tower along this magnificent feat of construction.
Opt to see a Shaolin Monk Kung Fu Show, the Beijing Opera, or the Beijing Acrobats.
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 17 HideShow
Shaolin Monk Kung Fu Show
90-180CNY per personWatch this moving performance of choreographed martial arts, complete with a story line to follow.
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.
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.
Factory 798 Art & Galleries
Explore the modern art district of Beijing! Named after 798 factory which was built in 1950's, now an exhibition centre of Chinese culture and art, also the world - famous culture and creative industries centralized area. This is a place to not miss while in Beijing!
Day 18Beijing
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.