China on a Shoestring
Dive headfirst into the exhilarating contrasts of China on this epic, 27-day adventure, starting in the skyscraper-studded metropolis of Hong Kong. Within hours of meeting your group, you'll be whisked up Victoria Peak to witness a breathtaking sunset over one of the world's most spectacular skylines, followed by the dazzling Symphony of Light show. From this modern marvel, you’ll journey by high-speed train to the tranquil, mountain-ringed beauty of Yangshuo. Here, the pace slows down for a few days of adventure, where you can cycle through karst peaks, kayak along the Li River, and cruise on a bamboo raft for those iconic, picture-perfect views.
The journey continues inland, weaving together ancient history with vibrant local life. In Chongqing, you'll take a cruise on the magnificent Yangtze River and witness the futuristic glow of the Hongya Cave complex. The cultural deep-dive continues in Chengdu, where you'll have an unforgettable encounter with Giant Pandas at the world's leading research centre and get a taste for local life with an included Mandarin lesson. After an optional fiery hot pot experience, you'll travel to Xi’an, the ancient gateway of the Silk Road. Here, prepare to be awestruck by the sheer scale of the Terracotta Warriors and spend an evening exploring the vibrant, historic Muslim Quarter.
Your final leg is packed with once-in-a-lifetime experiences. You'll dedicate a day to the legendary martial arts, taking a Kung Fu lesson led by a master from the Shaolin Temple itself. This builds up to the undisputed highlight: an unforgettable night spent camping on the magnificent Great Wall of China (seasonal guesthouse stay applies), waking up to a breathtaking sunrise over one of the Wonders of the World. The tour culminates in the imperial capital, Beijing, where you’ll wander through the vast Forbidden City, visit the Temple of Heaven, and explore the traditional hutong alleyways. Before the tour concludes, you'll be transported to the picturesque tea hills of Fujian, where you will enjoy the unique opportunity to stay overnight inside a UNESCO-listed Hakka tulou (roundhouse), fully immersing you in this fascinating local culture before finally finishing back in Hong Kong.
This incredible adventure is designed for the budget-conscious traveller, ensuring you get the most out of your experience without sacrificing quality. Throughout the tour, you'll stay in carefully selected hostel accommodation, offering a sociable and comfortable base for exploring each new city. To keep the overall price of the trip as low as possible, we include all essential transport, guided city tours, and must-see activities, while offering many additional excursions—from thrilling kayaking trips in Yangshuo to the Leshan Buddha visit—as optional activities. This flexible approach means you can tailor the itinerary and your spending to create your perfect Chinese adventure