Essential China Adventure - 23 days

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23 daysDuration

Group TourJoin a group of travelers

20 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 55 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Shanghai, China

Ends

Shanghai, China

Highlights

Shanghai - Start your tour with rooftop drinks overlooking the city, and end your adventure back here with several free days to explore

Chongqing - Cruise along the Yangtze River and explore the illuminated Hongya Cave, a vibrant maze of restaurants, shops and local nightlife

Yangshuo - Cycle past karst mountains and lush landscapes and enjoy bamboo rafting on the Yulong River

Chengdu - Watch curious and clumsy giant pandas at this important conservation facility, also home to other rare Chinese wildlife

Xi'an - Marvel at the giant Terracotta Army and enjoy an optional bike ride along the historic Xi'an city walls

Shaolin - Choose to visit the home of Kung Fu at Shaolin Temple or pay a visit to the UNESCO-listed Longmen Grottoes instead

The Great Wall - Hike along a deserted section of the wall and camp beside it, waking early the next day to watch the sunrise

Beijing - Explore the Chinese capital independently, with optional excursions to the Forbidden City and Nanluo district

Hangzhou - Sail on West Lake and hike to the peak of Jiuyao Mountain, then hike through the picturesque Misty Woods

Shaolin - Choose to visit the home of Kung Fu at Shaolin Temple or pay a visit to the UNESCO-listed Longmen Grottoes instead

The Great Wall - Hike along a deserted section of the wall and camp beside it, waking early the next day to watch the sunrise

Beijing - Explore the Chinese capital independently, with optional excursions to the Forbidden City and Nanluo district

Hangzhou - Sail on West Lake and hike to the peak of Jiuyao Mountain, then hike through the picturesque Misty Woods

Itinerary

Discover the very best of China on this 23-day adventure from Shanghai to Shanghai, weaving through ancient cities, rural landscapes and cultural landmarks. From kayaking and cycling amid Yangshuo’s karst peaks to meeting giant pandas in Chengdu, this journey blends nature, history and local life. You’ll wander Xi’an’s old city walls, marvel at the Terracotta Warriors, learn Kung Fu at Shaolin, camp on the Great Wall and explore Beijing’s imperial wonders. Finish with tranquil Hangzhou and vibrant Shanghai. With Mandarin lessons, local cuisine and unforgettable moments throughout, this trip offers the ultimate China experience from start to finish.

day 1 - Shanghai to Yangshuo

Shanghai - Guilin - Yangshuo. Meet your tour leader and fellow travellers for a pre-departure briefing, where you’ll get an overview of the exciting journey ahead. It’s a great opportunity to get to know your group before the adventure officially begins. After the briefing, head independently to Pudong Airport for your flight south to Guilin. On arrival, a driver will take you to Yangshuo, where you’ll join the rest of the group who began their trip in Hong Kong. From here, our adventure across China truly gets underway.

Please note: The pre-departure meeting is at 12:30pm on day 1, so we recommend that you arrive in Shanghai the day before your tour starts. We can arrange pre-tour accommodation for you.

OverNight:Yangshuo

days 2-4 - Exploring Yangshuo

Day 2 in Yangshuo is all about choice. You could join a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Chinese dishes, paddle a kayak along a peaceful stretch of the Li River, or experience traditional therapies such as hot cupping. Whether you spend the day exploring local flavours, staying active, or immersing yourself in the region’s culture, it’s an excellent way to experience everyday life in southern China.

We’ll start day 3 on two wheels, cycling through Yangshuo’s picturesque rice fields before trading bikes for a bamboo raft and gliding along the tranquil Yulong River - a classic Yangshuo experience. In the afternoon, you can choose to visit the famous Moon Hill or cycle to a nearby cave complex, where you can unwind in natural mud baths and hot springs. As evening falls, you might round off the day with a lively KTV sing-off or a night out with your travel crew.

On day 4, you can take on Yangshuo’s striking karst peaks with an optional rock-climbing session - a must for those seeking a challenge. Alternatively, take a slower pace and visit a nearby village to gain a glimpse of everyday life on a Chinese farm. However you choose to spend the day, Yangshuo has a way of making every experience truly memorable.

OverNight:Yangshuo

day 5 - Yangshuo to Chongqing

Yangshuo - Guilin - Chongqing. Today, we’ll bid farewell to our Yangshuo tour leader and take the bus back to Guilin, where we’ll board a train to Chongqing. After checking in and freshening up, it’s time to embark on a Yangtze River cruise and take in sweeping views of the city’s skyline. This evening, we explore the illuminated Hongya Cave - one of Chongqing’s most iconic night-time attractions. If you’re keen to sample the city’s famous spicy cuisine, this is the perfect place to stay for dinner.

OverNight:Chongqing

day 6 - Chongqing at Leisure

Today is all about discovering Chongqing at your own pace. You could begin at Liziba Station to watch the monorail glide straight through a residential building - one of the city’s most unusual sights. Then, head underground to explore former air raid shelters before visiting the grand People’s Great Hall. In the afternoon, make your way to Chaotianmen Dock, where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet, and then hike up to Eling Park for fresh air and panoramic city views. As evening arrives, head to Guanyinqiao, a lively district filled with bars, restaurants and buzzing nightlife.

OverNight:Chongqing

day 7 - Chongqing to Chengdu

Chongqing to Chengdu. Say farewell to your tour leader in Chongqing and take the train independently to Chengdu. After checking in, you can meet your new tour leader for a relaxed walk through People’s Park and the historic Kuanzhai Alley.

In the evening, why not try Chengdu’s legendary Sichuan hot pot - if you can handle the heat? Afterwards, the night is yours to explore this vibrant city at your own pace.

OverNight:Chengdu

days 8-9 - Exploring Chengdu

Day 8 is dedicated to Chengdu’s most famous residents - the giant pandas. We’ll visit the Panda Breeding and Research Centre, the largest and most significant sanctuary for these remarkable creatures. Watch them munch on bamboo, play in their enclosures, and, with a bit of luck, catch sight of some adorable baby pandas too. Afterwards, join your tour leader for a Mandarin lesson and learn a few useful phrases to try out during your travels. In the evening, you can choose to experience a traditional Sichuan Opera and cultural performance, complete with face-changing masks, fire breathing and captivating live music.

Day 9 is free for you to explore at your own pace. You might travel to Leshan to come face to face with the world’s largest stone Buddha, or stay in Chengdu and enjoy another round of the city’s famous hot pot - spicy, full of flavour and loved by locals. As night falls, gather your travel crew and see where the evening leads.

OverNight:Chengdu

day 10 - Chengdu to Xi'an

Chengdu - Xi’an. Say farewell to your tour leader in Chengdu and take the train to Xi’an, one of China’s most historic cities. After checking in, you might can opt for a cycle along the ancient Ming Dynasty City Walls for a unique perspective of the city. Alternatively, visit the Bell and Drum Towers before heading into the vibrant Muslim Quarter, where the legacy of the Silk Road lives on through its stories, flavours and traditions. Stay here for dinner to sample delicious street food, then enjoy a relaxed evening browsing the Silk Road market.

OverNight:Xi'an

day 11 - Ancient Xi'an & Terracotta Warriors

Get ready for an included visit to one of China’s greatest highlights - the Terracotta Warriors. Thousands of life-sized soldiers still stand guard over the tomb of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, and seeing them in person is an unforgettable experience.

Back in Xi'an, the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. You might visit the Big Goose Pagoda and, if you stay into the evening, watch the impressive music and light show that illuminates the square.

OverNight:Xi'an

day 12 - Xi'an to Shaolin

Xi’an - Dengfeng (Shaolin). We’ll travel to Dengfeng today. Channel your inner warrior with a Kung Fu lesson at a local school, led by a master from the world-famous Shaolin Temple. Have a go at some of the moves yourself, then sit back and watch the experts in action. Afterwards, we’ll continue our Mandarin lessons, and if the group’s up for it, finish the evening with a fun pub quiz - plenty of laughs and a touch of friendly competition guaranteed.

OverNight:Dengfeng

day 13 - Shaolin at Leisure

You can choose from two incredible optional activities today. Visit the Shaolin Temple, the home of Kung Fu. Here you can admire the masters practicing physically impossible moves in the courtyard. Then, hike to Dharma cave, located on Elephant Trunk Mountain, and be rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding shrines and landscapes.

Alternatively, you can visit the UNESCO-listed Longmen Grottoes. This is one of the finest depictions of Chinese Buddhist art, with more than 100,000 Buddhas of varying sizes carved into the rock face.

The rest of the day is free. It's an early start tomorrow, so we recommend a quiet night!

OverNight:Dengfeng

day 14 - Shaolin to Beijing & The Great Wall

Shaolin - Beijing - The Great Wall. Rise and shine, it’s a big day ahead. You’ll take the bullet train to Beijing, drop off your bags, and continue by private bus straight to the Great Wall. Here, we’ll hike along a partially unrestored section before setting up camp on a quiet, untouched stretch. As the sun sets over one of the Wonders of the World, we’ll settle in for a night under the stars, complete with a Mandarin lesson around the campfire to make the evening even more memorable.

Please note: Due to cold weather bookings made before the end of April and after the end of September will be staying in a guesthouse near the Wall but will return to the Wall to watch the sun rise.

OverNight:Great Wall (Camping)

days 15-16 - Great Wall Sunrise & Exploring Beijing

The Great Wall - Beijing. Wake early on day 15 to watch the sunrise over the Great Wall, a truly unforgettable way to start the day. Back in Beijing, the rest of the day is yours to explore. You might browse the contemporary galleries of the 798 Art District, wander through the serene gardens of the Summer Palace, or join your travel crew to uncover more of the city’s highlights.

Day 16 begins with the option to walk across Tiananmen Square before entering the Forbidden City - the world’s largest palace complex. With 980 buildings and a history spanning 24 emperors, it’s a fascinating glimpse into China’s imperial past. Afterwards, climb to the top of Jingshan Park for sweeping views of Beijing and the palace rooftops below. In the evening, you might choose to see an awe-inspiring Chinese acrobatics and circus show, or sit down to enjoy Beijing’s most iconic dish - Peking Roast Duck, once reserved for the emperor himself.

OverNight:Beijing

day 17 - Beijing to Hangzhou

Beijing - Hangzhou. Make the most of your final day in Beijing, exploring at your own pace. You might hunt for bargains at the city’s well-known fake goods markets, visit the nearby Temple of Heaven, or wander through the Nanluo district, one of Beijing’s best-preserved historical areas. Its network of hutongs and traditional siheyuan courtyards is home to charming cafés, lively bars and small craft shops waiting to be discovered. In the evening, we’ll head to the station and board the night train to Hangzhou.

OverNight:Hangzhou (Overnight Train)

day 18 - West Lake & Jiuyao Mountain hike

Arrive early into scenic Hangzhou, the southern terminus of the Grand Canal and an important centre for silk, tea and paper-making. After settling into our accommodation, we embark on a scenic boat trip to Lesser Yingzhou Isle on the West Lake which is dotted with various islands and causeways, whilst the shoreline offers wonderful vistas of green trees, hills, flowers, pavilions, pagodas and boats. We take some time to walk around the island and see the three pools mirroring the moon. Return to dry land for some free time to relax or perhaps visit the National Tea Museum or National Silk Museum.

This evening we hike up Jiuyao Mountain to soak up the views of the sunset descending over the lake – a truly breath-taking sight. Return to the city for a group meal and an evening at leisure (not included). Walk along the beautifully lit waterfront or wander through the streets of the Old Town.

OverNight:Hangzhou

day 19 - Return to Shanghai

Hangzhou - Shanghai. This morning, we kick our day off with a beautiful hike to the Nine Creeks. On the way, meander through the Misty Woods – a truly magical place. Once we’re back at the hostel, there is time to freshen up and grab some lunch before we check out.

This afternoon, we’re transferring back to Shanghai, the final stop on our tour. We’ll arrive in the evening, so there’s enough time for you to explore and grab some dinner.

OverNight:Shanghai

day 20 - Shanghai

Enjoy a relaxing morning before there's another Mandarin lesson today. This extra special class will be held by professional teachers, all the way from the Mandarin Garden Chinese Language School!

The rest of the day is free. You could opt to walk to the Yu Gardens, a bustling historical site of a former dignitary’s lavish family quarters. Or perhaps go and see People’s Square, before heading on to the world’s busiest shopping street, Nanjing Road.

Afterwards, you can go for a walk along the Bund, a hub of global architecture. To finish off, head to the top floor of a skyscraper to admire Shanghai’s skyline from a rooftop bar. Enjoy your free evening!

OverNight:Shanghai

days 21-22 - Free time in Shanghai

The next two days are at leisure to further explore Shanghai. You could visit the Disneyland theme park, take in the Shanghai Museum or wander down Moganshan Art Street. In the evenings, why not enjoy the company of your fellow travellers in the city's bars and restaurants. There's an optional Huangpu River cruise on day 21.

OverNight:Shanghai

day 23 - Farewell China

Sadly, today marks the end of our Shanghai backpacking tour! You’ll bid farewell to your fellow travellers and prepare to head home.

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What's Included

Accommodation

20 nights hostel dorm, 1-night camping, 1 overnight train from Beijing - Hangzhou

Transport

All relevant transfer and transportation within China using public transport & 1 economy class flight from Shanghai - Guilin

Guide

Local guide in Shanghai for tour briefingTake a Mandarin Lesson with Your Tour Leader (Chengdu, Dengfeng, Beijing & Shanghai)

Others

Local guides for scheduled sightseeing in Yangshuo, Chongquing, Chengdu, Xi’an, Shaolin and Beijing. Unescorted travel between citiesBike & Bamboo Raft the Yulong River (Yangshuo)Take a Yangtze River Cruise (Chongqing)Discover Hongya Cave at Night (Chongqing)Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center (Chengdu)Visit the Terracotta Warriors & Mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang (Xi’an)Take a Kung Fu Lesson & Show at Shaolin Temple (Dengfeng)Take an Evening Mandarin Lesson & Pubquiz (Dengfeng)Hike & Camp on the Great Wall (Beijing)Visit West Lake & Take a Boat Tour (Hangzhou)Hike Jiuyao Mountain for Sunset (Hangzhou)Hike the 9 Creeks in Misty Woods (Hangzhou)Jinmao Tower Platform View (Shanghai)

What's Excluded

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