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Journeys: Iconic China

16 days, Beijing to Hong Kong

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Peak season notice: Golden Week falls between October 1st and 7th each year. 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.

16 days - Beijing to Hong Kong

From$4999USD
Valid on Aug 28 2027
Trip Code: ACSNG

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: National Geographic Journeys

Greater exploration, insider access, and the freedom to roam – all without sacrificing comfort.

Service Level: Upgraded

Quality accommodations and more inclusions than on other G Adventures tours, like meals, private transport, and activities.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; 16

Age requirement: 12+

All travellers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

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Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

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16 days - Beijing to Hong Kong

From$4999USD
Valid on Aug 28 2027
Trip Code: ACSNG

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world with Trees for Days. Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 16

Map of the route for Journeys: Iconic China

Places visited

Itinerary

Day 1BEIJING

Arrive at any time. Arrival transfer is included.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Day 2BEIJING

This morning, head out to the UNESCO World Heritage Site–Temple of Heaven. This peaceful place is where we meet your Tai Chi master for a private lesson of this ancient martial art, followed by time to explore the Temple. Lunch features Beijing’s specialty with a delicious serving of peking duck. Continue the exploration of Beijing with an afternoon tour of Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public spaces in the world with an infamous political history followed by the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was once literally forbidden to those not part of the imperial power structure. Wander through the royal halls and beautiful courtyards-once home to emperors that shaped China’s imperial past.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Journeys Highlight Moment Temple of Heaven Tai Chi| Your Foodie Moment Pecking Duck Lunch

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 3BEIJING/ GREAT WALL OF CHINA

Venture out of the city to one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China, as featured in the National Geographic article “Discover China's History Along the Great Wall”. A local expert who brings the history of this world wonder to life will meet us upon arrival for an easy hike along the wall surrounded by incredible mountain views and original, unrestored sections of this masterpiece. Then, have a seat at the Beacon Tower for a special drink and local snack and take it all in, a timeless China. Throughout the hike, the expert guide will bring stories of the Great Wall to life, sharing knowledge of emperors and wars as you sip your drink seated upon the ancient stone.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Journeys Highlight Moment Enjoy a Drink on the Great Wall

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 4GREAT WALL OF CHINA/ XI’AN

Head back to Beijing and catch the bullet train to the ancient capital city of Xi’an, once the gateway to the Silk Road. This dynamic city has towering skyscrapers but also boasts a century-old centre known as the Muslim Quarter. Upon arrival, take an orientation walk around the lively neighbourhood to get your footing in this spectacular city.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 5XI’AN

After breakfast, visit the impressive, life-sized soldiers that stand in silent formation at the Terracotta Warrior Museum. With over 8000 warriors, almost 1000 horses and chariots, this 2000-year-old tomb tells one of China’s greatest stories of historic military power. After a tour, lunch will be served just outside of the museum at a local family’s restaurant-a morning of cultural exploration paired perfectly with traditional Chinese noodles. Return to Xi’an city centre for an afternoon exploration through the famed Muslim Quarter. Walk through centuries-old alleyways lined with fragrant food stalls, neon signs and historic mosques–you’ll quickly see how incredible Xi’an’s confluence of imperial history blends perfectly with modern-day culture.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 6XI’AN/ SHANGHAI

Catch the bullet train to Shanghai–a city where charming colonial architecture meets world class futurism. Arrive in the afternoon and take an orientation walk to get acquainted with the city, and stroll along the lively streets. Tonight, board an evening cruise along the Huangpu River for a different view of Shanghai’s iconic landmarks between the colonial-era Bund, Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower-a spectacular introduction to the city.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 7SHANGHAI

Immerse yourself in the allure of Shanghai this morning on a walking tour. From quiet tree-lined streets to bustling "long-tang" alleys, traditional Shikumen buildings to French colonial architecture, and from tea shops to modern boutiques we will experience all sides of Shanghai. Then, sit down to a lunch of Shanghainese dumplings. Try the local favorite xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and other buns that are handmade and bursting with flavor. The rest of the afternoon is free to see Shanghai on your terms–head out for a cup of tea in a beautiful garden or browse a contemporary art gallery. Tonight, we wander the famous Bund, an iconic waterfront promenade listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 8SHANGHAI / ZHANGJIAJIE

Catch a morning flight to Zhangjiajie–an otherworldly landscape, where 1,000-meter quartzite pillars rise above misty valleys. We’ll spend the next 3 nights in this dreamlike region exploring some of China’s most incredible natural phenomena.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 9ZHANGJIAJIE

Spend the day at the UNESCO World Heritage Site–listed Zhangjiajie National Forest. We’ll soar beside the misty peaks on the Tianzi Mountain cable car and stop to admire an amazing view at Yuanjiajie, known as the Hallelujah Mountains, which inspired the Disney film Avatar. Then, drive and do some hiking to see the various lookout points before descending the cliffside in the Bailong elevator–the world’s tallest outdoor elevator.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 10ZHANGJIAJIE

Head to Tianmen Shan National Park, home of one of the longest cable cars in the world. Take the cable car up Tianmen Shan Mountain to the Heavenly Gate. Gaze through the natural rock arch carving to see the sun shine through and learn of its legendary folklore. For those with an adventurous side, step onto the glass skywalk, a clear bridge that hugs the edge of the cliff to make an amazing view even better. As we head back down to the bottom, the adventure continues with a series of escalators and cable cars for one last chance to marvel at the beautiful landscape.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 11ZHANGJIAJIE / CHENGDU

This morning, take a high speed train to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan Province. Later, explore People’s Park, the first public park in the city where local life is on full display. Walk through the beautiful green space to see teahouses and lotus ponds while people play mahjong, drink tea and practice calligraphy. Surrounded by koi ponds and bonsai gardens, relish the chance to immerse yourself in Chengdu’s laid-back lifestyle. Tonight, the culture-filled day in Chengdu continues with its world-renowned cuisine as the focus. Hot pot is on the menu–a delicious, family-style bubbling broth that cooks meat and veggies for a personalized and incredible soup experience. You’ll quickly learn why Sichuan is one of China’s most celebrated culinary regions.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Foodie Moment Chengdu Hot Pot Dinner

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 12CHENGDU

Drive out of the city to the Dujiangyan Panda Base, a national conservation and research centre dedicated to supporting the panda population from extinction. You’ll have the opportunity to meet with a local conservationist who will share insight into the centre’s efforts as well as introduce the pandas. Learn about their habits, diet and behaviour as they play and munch bamboo. Our local expert will share how programs like this research center have improved the population numbers of wild pandas as discussed in the National Geographic article “Giant Pandas 101,”. We’ll leave with a newfound inspiration to your own role in wildlife conservation around the world as we return to Chengdu for a free afternoon to explore or rest.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Journeys Highlight Moment Giant Panda Conservation and Research Centre

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 13CHENGDU / YANGSHUO

After breakfast, take the train out of the city to the beautiful town of Yangshuo. Nestled between sky-scraping limestone pillars and green rice paddies, enjoy the slower lifestyle where tradition and custom thrive. Life along the Li River is one of the most enchanting and inspiring places in the world, as recognised in the National Geographic book “The 10 Best of Everything: Top 10 Watery Wonders.” Arrive in the evening and enjoy the remainder of the day to rest.

Meals included:

Breakfast

Day 14YANGSHUO

Float down the Li River on a bamboo raft past the towering karst mountains and lush fields for an exciting and tranquil morning. This beautiful place will have you feeling inspired and moved as did poets and painters who have journeyed here before us looking for inspiration. Lunch will be served at Jia Community Restaurant, a G Adventures-supported initiative where local female farmers curate meals full of traditional flavors blended with international cuisine and locally sourced ingredients. After, visit the Qixianfeng Tea Plantation learning about each step of the ancient Chinese art of tea. From picking the leaves, to the traditional techniques of hand-frying passed down through generations, then finishing with a tea ceremony. Today, you’ll explore the historic heritage and natural wonder that makes Yangshuo so special.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Local Living Moment Li River Bamboo Raft| Your G for Good Moment Jia Community Restaurant| Your Journeys Highlight Moment Qixianfeng Tea Plantation

Meals included:

Breakfast | Lunch

Day 15YANGSHUO / HONG KONG

Board a bullet train for Hong Kong, a city steeped in history, opulence and a unique blend of international influence. Tonight, sit together for a dinner of dim sum (small savoury and sweet dumplings) and yum cha (tea). These flavorful, steamed favorites, a mix of tradition and culinary artistry, are often filled with shrimp, pork, crab roe, pork and more. After dark, make our way to Victoria Harbor for the famous light show–the Symphony of Lights. This dazzling show will light up the already impressive Hong Kong skyline. Then, walk along the harbor and enjoy your last night together.

Meals included:

Breakfast | Dinner

Day 16HONG KONG

Depart at any time.

Meals included:

Breakfast
View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Temple of Heaven Tai Chi, Beijing
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Enjoy a Drink on the Great Wall, Jinshanling
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Giant Panda Conservation and Research Centre, Chengdu
  • Your Journeys Highlight Moment: Qixianfeng Tea Plantation, Yangshuo
  • Your G for Good Moment: Jia Community Restaurant, Yangshuo
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your Foodie Moment: Pecking Duck Lunch, Beijing
  • Your Foodie Moment: Chengdu Hot Pot Dinner, Chengdu
  • Your Local Living Moment: Li River Bamboo Raft, Yangshuo
  • Arrival Transfer
  • Orientation walk of Beijing
  • Tai Chi lesson in the Temple of Heaven
  • Explore the Temple of Heaven
  • Pecking Duck Lunch
  • Tiananmen Square Visit
  • Forbidden City Visit
  • Great Wall of China Jinshanling Hike and Conversation with Local Expert
  • Special Drink and snack on the Great Wall
  • Orientation walk of Xi'An
  • Terracotta Warriors Museum Visit
  • Explore the Xi'An Muslim Quarter
  • Shanghai Orientation Walk
  • Huangpu Night Cruise
  • Shanghai Walking Tour
  • Free time in Shanghai
  • Shanghainese Xiao Long Bao lunch
  • Visit the Bund
  • Visit the Bund
  • Orientation walk of Zhangjiajie
  • Zhangjiajie National Park Visit
  • Wulingyuan National Forest Park
  • Bailong Elevator
  • Tianmen Shan Mountain National Park Visit
  • Heavenly Gate Glass Bridge
  • Tianmen Shan Cable Car
  • People's Park Visit
  • Chengdu Hot Pot Dinner
  • Giant Panda Conservation and Research Centre
  • Free time in Chengdu
  • Yangshuo Orientation Walk
  • Li River Bamboo Raft
  • Jia Community Restaurant Lunch
  • Qixianfeng Tea Plantation tour and tea ceremony
  • The Symphony of Lights at the Victoria Harbour
  • Dim Sum Dinner
  • Internal flights
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotel (15 nts)

Meals

15 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners
Allow USD470-615 for meals not included.

Transportation

Private Vehicle, Plane, Cable Car, Shuttle Bus, Walking, Bullet Train, Bamboo Boat, Ferry, Boat, Metro.

Staff & experts

English-speaking Chinese CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Available extras (Add these to your tour when you book)

My Own Room - From $1779.00

If you're travelling solo and would prefer to have your own private room throughout your trip, select this option during the online booking process.

Make it a private tour

Book this tour as a private departure, with your own CEO and all the benefits of a G Adventures group tour.

Journeys: Iconic China

| 16 days - Beijing to Hong Kong - from $4999 USD