Sorry! There are no remaining departures for "Ultimate China on a Shoestring - Hong Kong to Hong Kong" (ACRR), but here are some similar trips.
This tour has changed beginning June 2020, to view June 2020 departures and beyond click here.
Arrive at any time.
There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
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.
Cross the border to Shenzhen and board a train to Guilin before transferring to scenic Yangshuo.
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.
Get around underground via public transit.
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Enjoy free time in Yangshuo. Opt for a tai chi lesson, cooking class, or cycling tour of the area.
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!
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.
Learn how to do Tai Chi, the local exercise regimen. Practice in any park around sunrise, and be sure to have company from locals.
Enjoy a lesson in basic Mandarin and practice what you've learned with the locals.
Pick up some basic skills of Kung Fu and learn a bit of the history behind this ancient martial art form.
Enjoy 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!
When 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!
Follow 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.
Continue to explore beautiful Yangshuo with a free day.
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!
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.
Learn how to do Tai Chi, the local exercise regimen. Practice in any park around sunrise, and be sure to have company from locals.
Enjoy a lesson in basic Mandarin and practice what you've learned with the locals.
Pick up some basic skills of Kung Fu and learn a bit of the history behind this ancient martial art form.
Enjoy 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!
When 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!
Follow 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.
Watch 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.
Transfer to Liuzhou and board an overnight train to Chengdu.
Step on board the fast train from Yangshuo to the transfer station in Liuzhou.
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Enjoy a free day to explore Chengdu, known for its spicy local food and the Giant Panda Breeding Centre.
Get outside and discover Chengdu.
Wenshu Monastery definitely worth a visit during your stay in Chengdu. The monastery was first built in Tang dynasty (618-907). More than 500 pieces of painting and calligraphy by celebrities are stored in this monastery. The exquisite garden and solemn halls are other highlights of this place.
Opt for a day trip to Leshan to see the giant Buddha or continue exploring the vibrant city of Chengdu.
Opt to visit Leshan and see the giant Buddha.
Wenshu Monastery definitely worth a visit during your stay in Chengdu. The monastery was first built in Tang dynasty (618-907). More than 500 pieces of painting and calligraphy by celebrities are stored in this monastery. The exquisite garden and solemn halls are other highlights of this place.
Visit the popular pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, created to provide an ideal breeding environment for these endangered creatures. Learn about their life cycle and habitat and take memorable photographs of these iconic national treasures. See a number of other rare species, including the little-known red panda. Arrive in the fall for a chance to see tiny newborn pandas.
See centuries-old Dafo, the largest Buddha in the world, from a number of viewpoints. Opt to board a boat and head out into the Mingjiang River to get an overall view of the statue from afar. Explore carvings and temples before climbing down the path that travels from the statue’s head to its enormous toes.
Opt to see the famous pandas up close at the Giant Panda Breeding Center before boarding an overnight train to Luoyang.
Opt to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center or continue to explore the city.
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Visit the popular pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, created to provide an ideal breeding environment for these endangered creatures. Learn about their life cycle and habitat and take memorable photographs of these iconic national treasures. See a number of other rare species, including the little-known red panda. Arrive in the fall for a chance to see tiny newborn pandas.
Transfer to the holy mountain of Song Shan and visit the Shaolin Temple, the home of Kung Fu. Spend the night in a local guesthouse.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Song Shan is home to the Shaolin Monastery and Temple, the mystical birthplace of the world famous martial art, Kung Fu. First founded in the 5th century, Shaolin has been rebuilt multiple times.
Enjoy the natural scenery in the beautiful Song Shan National Forest Park.
Enjoy free day to explore the area around Mount Song.
Get out and explore this scenic region.
Enjoy the natural scenery in the beautiful Song Shan National Forest Park.
Transfer to Luoyang and opt to visit the Longmen Grottoes before boarding an overnight train to Beijing.
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Enjoy a visit to this fantastic UNESCO World Heritage Site, with over 100,000 Buddha images carved into a mountain side. Giant panoramas featuring various images of Buddha are flanked by smaller statues that depict him in a variety of poses.
Enjoy free time in China's booming capital city.
Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
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!
Step back in time with a visit to the Great Wall. Opt to check out the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square.
The Chinese capital, Beijing, is one of the world's most impressive and vibrant cities. Spend a day at the Great Wall, a monumental feat of engineering intended to protect China from the northern barbarians.
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.
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.
Roll 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.
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy 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.
Enjoy free time in Beijing before an overnight train to Xi'an.
Train is our main mode of transport in China and it's a great way to travel.
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
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!
Roll 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.
This 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).
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.
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.
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.
Enjoy an orientation walk through the Muslim Quarter, then opt to visit the Terracotta Warriors, cycle the ancient city walls, or practice tai chi with the locals.
Opt to tour the lovely and unusual Great Mosque (a wonderfully serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city), great souvenir stalls, and enjoy some of the best street food in China. The remaining city walls are a great place to watch the sunset or join the locals for ballroom dancing or tai chi in the early morning.
Opt to take a day trip to the Terracotta Warriors, situated a short drive out of town (approximately 1 hr).
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.
Dumpling banquets are a great way to experience the traditional northern Chinese cuisine. Have a delicious meal trying all the different dumpling flavours.
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.
Head to the outskirts of the city to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a beautiful, brick Buddhist temple.
Rent 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.
Discover 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.
Enjoy free time to explore Xi'an, then take an overnight train to Suzhou.
Get out and explore Xi'an.
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
Rent 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.
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.
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!
Get out and explore historic Suzhou and its beautiful garden.
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!
Tour through the serene classical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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.
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
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.
Get out and explore bustling Shanghai.
Explore 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.
Enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show with tumbling, balancing and plate-spinning and amazing contortionists— truly not to be missed!
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.
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!
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.
Explore 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.
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.
Enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show with tumbling, balancing and plate-spinning and amazing contortionists— truly not to be missed!
The Oriental Pearl Tower is an iconic building of Shanghai. Check out the city view from the highest sightseeing level of 350 m!
Enjoy free time or join the CEO for a walk through the Bund, Old Shanghai, People's Park, and more. Board a bullet train to Wuyishan in the Fujian province.
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.
Get out and explore Shanghai.
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Enjoy a walk in the picturesque Old Town of Shanghai, which lies inside the ancient walled city of Shanghai. There are many wonderful sites to explore here, including the Yuyuan Garden and many temples.
Enjoy a visit to this lush public park in Shanghai -- it's very popular with visitors. It's also where many demonstrations are held, and is the site for the Shanghai Art Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art Shanghai. Many highrise buildings overlook People's Park.
Check out the Shanghai skyline from this iconic building of modern Shanghai!
Taking a night cruise is one of the best way to see the view of the lively city, seeing the old bund and the new Pudong area with spectacular modern architectures.
The Oriental Pearl Tower is an iconic building of Shanghai. Check out the city view from the highest sightseeing level of 350 m!
Explore the area with an included entrance ticket to the reserve. Go hiking and opt to go bamboo rafting.
Visit beautiful Wuyishan Reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and hit the trails. You'll find breathtaking lookouts, stone peaks, tea fields, interesting rock formations, and a winding river down below.
Board a traditional bamboo raft for and enjoy a ride through some the beautiful Wuyishan scenery.
Lace up your boots and enjoy a hike in this beautiful area. Be sure to take time to enjoy the view as you go.
Board a fast train to Xiamen. Enjoy an orientation walk around colonial Xiamen on the coast, then opt to visit the cafés and beaches of Gulangyu Island and check out the night markets. Be sure to indulge in the lively nightlife of this university town.
Xiamen is a modern city with a little something for everyone from night markets to beautiful sculptures lit-up at night to peaceful parks.
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Ferry over to Gulangyu Island and explore this car-free island with lovely gardens, museums, and other attractions. Head up to Sunlight Rock for great views of the surrounding areas, visit a Buddhist temple, and take a cable car ride.
Free day to explore.
Get out and explore more of the area.
Ferry over to Gulangyu Island and explore this car-free island with lovely gardens, museums, and other attractions. Head up to Sunlight Rock for great views of the surrounding areas, visit a Buddhist temple, and take a cable car ride.
Transfer to a Yongding County. Overnight in a Hakka tulou, a large, multi-storey fortified roundhouse built for communal living. Enjoy an orientation tour around the village, then experience day-to-day life in this unique province full of history and traditional Chinese culture.
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Get out and explore more of the area.
Experience day to day life in this unique province full of history and traditional Chinese culture. Opt to rent a bike and visit a neighbouring community with more tulou, or travel to visit an ancient village that is still inhabited today.
Get out and explore more of the area.
Travel to the village of Nanxi, home to what locals call the "Great Wall of Tulou" due to the numerous tulou found here.
Travel to Longyan in the morning and continue on a fast train to Shenzhen.
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Cross the border into Hong Kong and enjoy an orientation walk around this bustling metropolis. Enjoy a last evening with the group.
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Ready for a little more ink in your passport? Grab your bags and get ready to check another country off your bucket list.
Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.
Temple 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.
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.
Depart at any time.