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Ultimate China on a Shoestring - Hong Kong to Hong Kong
27 days, Hong Kong to Hong Kong
Itinerary
Day 1Hong Kong
Arrive at any time.
For your first night out, head down to Kowloon and experience the spectacular light show at Victoria Harbour. Get to know your fellow travellers and snap that iconic photo with the neon city backdrop. Afterward, opt for a traditional Cantonese dinner in a local restaurant and share stories over some Dim Sum.
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.
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.
Day 2Hong Kong/Yangshuo
Board a bullet train and enjoy the scenic ride to Guilin, then transfer to the nearby village of Yangshuo. The Li River and limestone karst mountains interspersed with picturesque riverside villages and markets make this area perhaps the best known scenic attraction in the region, and a backpacker haven for activities, cultural immersion, and relaxing at cafés.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
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.
Metro
Get around underground via public transit.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Day 3Yangshuo
Enjoy free time in Yangshuo. Opt for a tai chi lesson, visit a women-run Community Restaurant, take a cooking class, or cycling tour of the area.
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 3 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.
Kung Fu Lesson
80-150CNY per personPick up some basic skills of Kung Fu and learn a bit of the history behind this ancient martial art form.
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!
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!
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.
Jia Community Restaurant
Enjoy a traditional Chinese meal served by rural women working to create new opportunities for their families. Since the migration of men to urban centres is common in rural regions, women and children now have a safe place to gather and learn together at Community Corners, created by the Rural Women's Development Foundation. In Liandaowan Village, you'll enjoy a meal and support women developing new work skills to become self-reliant. This initiative helps to create meaningful employment alternatives to agriculture as a source of income.
Day 4Yangshuo
Continue to explore beautiful Yangshuo with a free day.
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 4 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.
Kung Fu Lesson
80-150CNY per personPick up some basic skills of Kung Fu and learn a bit of the history behind this ancient martial art form.
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!
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!
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.
Jia Community Restaurant
Enjoy a traditional Chinese meal served by rural women working to create new opportunities for their families. Since the migration of men to urban centres is common in rural regions, women and children now have a safe place to gather and learn together at Community Corners, created by the Rural Women's Development Foundation. In Liandaowan Village, you'll enjoy a meal and support women developing new work skills to become self-reliant. This initiative helps to create meaningful employment alternatives to agriculture as a source of income.
Day 5Yangshuo/Chengdu
Today, take the bullet train from Yangshuo to Chengdu. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of your day free to explore Chengdu.
Bullet Train
Get there quicker! Take the fast train from Yangshuo to Chengdu.
Metro
Transfer via public bus to your hotel in Chengdu.
Day 6Chengdu
Enjoy a free day to explore Chengdu, known for its spicy local food and the Giant Panda Breeding Centre.
Free Time
Get outside and discover Chengdu.
Optional Activities - Day 6 HideShow
Evening Foodie tour by Tuk-Tuk
The best way to experience the greatest food Chengdu has to offer is by tuk-tuk. So climb aboard and join us as we venture through the city's winding alleys and bustling streets to discover the locals' favorite places. Often referred to as the “Heavenly Land of Plenty”, Chengdu is the perfect place for foodies. Visit a mix of family-owned restaurants and hidden snack shops to sample the local delicacies and leave with a full stomach and some unforgettable memories.
Wenshu Monastery
5CNY per personWenshu 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.
Day 7Chengdu
Opt to see the Giant Pandas or continue exploring the vibrant city of Chengdu.
Free Time
Opt to visit Leshan and see the giant Buddha.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Wenshu Monastery
5CNY per personWenshu 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.
Giant Panda Breeding Center
58CNY per personVisit 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.
Chengdu City Culture Tour
Spend the morning exploring a beautiful park as the locals perform their daily Taichi all around you. Pick up some Taichi for yourself, with the help of a martial arts master instructor. Learn about the philosophies of Taoism and Fengshui (Superstitious Wind and Water), and come away with a deeper understanding of the local way of life. Chengdu is the home of the Sichuan Opera, which has been performing since the 1700s. Get a once in a lifetime backstage experience as you watch them prepare their elaborate costumes and makeup. Join the locals in the audience for tea, snacks and incredible performance. No trip to Chengdu would be complete without a visit to its renowned antique market, the perfect opportunity to find a unique keepsake or support local artisans. Sample some local delicacies to learn more of Chengdu’s rich food scene, then head to a local teahouse to relax and learn more about tea culture. If you’re feeling lucky, learn more about Mahjong, then join a game. Don’t feel bad if you don’t do it well at first; it is one of Chengdu’s most popular games!
Day 8Chengdu/Luoyang
Say goodbye to Chengdu and its Giant Pandas and travel to Luoyang.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Day 9Luoyang
Arrive in Luoyang and opt to visit the Longmen Grottoes.
Enjoy time in Luoyang located in central China’s Henan province, widely recognized as the region where Chinese civilization originated. The city was China's ancient capital and is home to many Temples, and close by the Longmen Grottoes which contain thousands of Buddhist rock carvings dating back to the 5th century.
Free Time
Enjoy free time to explore local Temples.
Optional Activities - Day 9 HideShow
Longmen Grottoes Visit
120CNY per personEnjoy 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.
Day 10Luoyang/Song Shan
Catch the public bus with an overnight pack to Song Shan, a beautiful Mountain area best known as the home of the Shaolin Temple and birthplace of kung-fu. One of the five sacred Daoist Mountains of China, Dengfeng Shan, or Mount Song is a unique rock mountain containing many valleys, caves, pools, waterfalls, and steep cliffs. Hike the surrounding areas and get a glimpse into this scared natural area.
Free Time
Get out and explore this scenic region.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Day 11Song Shan/Beijing
Visit the Shaolin Temple, the home of Kung Fu. Transfer by private vehicle to Luoyang then board the bullet train to Beijing.
Explore the Shaolin Temple, birth place of China Zen Buddhism and UNESCO World Heritage site. Established in 495 AD, martial arts have been practiced here for 1500 years as a way to practice Zen Buddhism.
We'll have some time upon return to Luoyang to pick our bags up from storage.
Shaolin Temple Visit
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.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Metro
Get around underground via public transit.
Day 12Beijing
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.
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!
Day 13Beijing
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 13 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 14Beijing/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 14 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 15Xi'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 15 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 16Xi'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 16 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 17Suzhou
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 17 HideShow
Master of the Nets Garden Tour
40CNY per personTour through the serene classical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 18Suzhou/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 18 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 19Shanghai
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 19 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 20Shanghai/Wuyishan
Spend the morning and early afternoon getting to know more of Shanghai. Visit the Bund for a daytime perspective of the many historical buildings and city view. Wander through picturesque Old Town or visit the lush scenery of People's Park. Later, board a bullet train to Wuyishan in the Fujian providence.
Free Time
Get out and explore Shanghai.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Metro
Get around underground via public transit.
Optional Activities - Day 20 HideShow
Old Town Shanghai Walk
FreeEnjoy 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.
People's Park Visit
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.
Day 21Wuyishan
Wake up and take in the breathtaking serenity of the UNESCO Wuyishan Biosphere Reserve. Hike up towering peaks into the clouds for an encompassing valley view through the fog and mist, then climb down into the valley for an incredible view upward. After, opt for a bamboo raft ride down the Nine Bend Stream.
Wuyishan Reserve Visit
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.
Metro
Get around underground via public transit.
Wuyishan Nature Reserve Hike
Head out on a hike of the Wuyishan Nature Reserve. Take 1000 steps up into the clouds to Tiyanou Peak for some incredible valley views through the fog and mist. Hike into the deep valley to the One-Line-Sky scenic area which is known for its view of the sky looking straight up from the valley. All around you are jagged mountain peaks that blend together like a forest of trees. Last stop will be to Tiger Hissing Peak which is a mountain in the formation of a tiger and when the wind whistles through the trees around the sound it makes resemble tigers hissing.
Optional Activities - Day 21 HideShow
Bamboo Rafting - Wuyishan
180CNY per personBoard a traditional bamboo raft for and enjoy a ride through some the beautiful Wuyishan scenery.
Day 22Wuyishan/Xiamen
Catch a bullet train to the coastal colonial city of Xiamen. Embark on an orientation walk through the modern architecture, then opt to take a ferry to Gulangyu Island, a pedestrian-only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb Sunlight Rock for a 360-degree view or relax in Shuzhuang Garden.
Xiamen is a modern university city with a little something for everyone, from night markets to laid-back cafés and beautiful sculptures lit-up at night to peaceful parks.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
Metro
Get around underground via public transit.
Orientation With CEO
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.
Optional Activities - Day 22 HideShow
Gulangyu Island Visit
110CNY per personFerry 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.
Day 23Xiamen/Hongkeng Village
Jump on a local bus — always an adventure in itself — and enjoy the ride to Hongkeng Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Yongding County. Take in the mountainous views and stroll down to Hongchuan Creek. Spend the night in an authentic Hakka tulou, a massive, multi-story fortified roundhouse built for communal living. This will definitely be an experience you'll never forget.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Free Time
Get out and explore!
Your Local Living Moment: Hakka Tulou
Spend two nights in an authentic Hakka tulou for a once-in-a-lifetime cultural immersion experience. These rural Chinese dwellings, also known as earthen houses, are circular or rectangular fortified structures up to five stories high with an open-air centre. Settle in and make yourself at home.
Day 24Hongkeng Village
Discover Hongkeng on a village walk, then experience rural day-to-day life by immersing yourself in the community. Learn of this unique regions history and traditional Chinese culture by mingling with the Hakka people.
Hongkeng Village Walk
Experience the Hakka culture and their way of life. Alongside your CEO, learn more about Hongkeng village and its people who have lived here for hundreds of years.
Day 25Hongkeng Village/Xiamen
Say farewell to the beautiful Hongkeng Village, catch the bus back to Xiamen, and get ready for your big night out. Venture to Zhongshan Road, indulge in local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the lively nightlife. Grab a drink on our tab and cheers to the life-changing adventures you've just shared with newfound friends!
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Metro
Get around underground via public transit.
Your Big Night Out Moment: Zhongshan Road
Follow your CEO to the best spots for street food and local delicacies on the pedestrian-only Zhongshan Road. Pick the best looking place and enjoy a drink on us to celebrate new adventures with new friends!
Day 26Xiamen/Hong Kong
Hop on a bullet train and cross the border into famous Hong Kong. Spend the evening exploring this bustling and towering metropolis on the sea. Stroll along Pearl River and capture the neon city at night.
Bullet Train
Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
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.
Day 27Hong Kong
Today is departure day, but don't fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Share last laughs and exchange social medias with your newfound friends before heading on your way. Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.