Hong Kong to Chengdu - 11 days

Upon your arrival in vibrant Hong Kong, make your own way to the hostel. At 16:30pm you'll meet your tour leader and group for a trip briefing.

Your tour leader will then take the group to Victoria Peak for incredible panoramic views of the city below, and a chance to watch the sunset over the skyline. Afterwards, head to Tsim Sha Tsui, where you’ll watch the ‘Symphony of Light’ show from the Avenue of Stars.

Conclude your first day with a visit to Temple Street Night Market. This bustling market has plenty of options to choose from, and your tour leader can help with the best recommendations for a late dinner!

Hong Kong - Guilin - Yangshuo. Early this morning, we make our way to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station where we board a bullet train to Guilin in mainland China. Arriving in Guilin we board a private bus to Yangshuo where we check-in to our hostel. The rest of the evening is at leisure to explore the town and try some of the local delicacies including beer fish, a must try.

Yangshuo is a picturesque town, surrounded by dramatic karst mountains and known for its outdoor adventure opportunities. Day 3 is at leisure, with three available optional activities including a Chinese cooking class, kayaking along the Li River or a Chinese therapy experience, where you can enjoy traditional hot cupping.

Day 4 sees us heading out to enjoy some included activities. We start the day with a bike ride before transferring to bamboo rafts to cruise down the Yulong River. You can either enjoy the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city or take part in a couple of optional activities which are a trip to Moon hill and cave complex featuring mud baths and hot springs and an evening Karaoke trip or night out.

Day 5 is free to continue exploring independently. However, there are a couple of optional activities that you could join. These include a highly recommended rock climbing trip and a visit to a local village to experience what life is like there.

Yangshuo - Guilin - Chongqing. Say farewell to your tour leader in Yangshuo before travelling onwards to Chongqing, a journey of around 6 hours. After checking in and settling into our accommodation, head to the waterfront for an evening cruise along the Yangtze River - a spectacular way to see this vibrant metropolis illuminated at night. Once back on shore, explore Hongya Cave, a lively network of lantern-lit walkways, street food stalls and wooden balconies overlooking the river. With an array of tempting dishes to choose from, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy dinner (not included) before turning in for the night.

Today is free for you to do as much or as little as you like. You could begin the day at Liziba Station, where you can watch the monorail glide dramatically through a residential building - a truly unforgettable sight.

Next, why not step into Chongqing’s fascinating wartime history by exploring a network of former air raid shelters, or a visit to the impressive People’s Great Hall? In the afternoon, you could head to Chaotianmen Dock, the meeting point of the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers, before continuing to Eling Park for some fresh air and panoramic views across the city. As evening falls, the lively Guanyinqiao Area awaits, with bustling streets lined with eateries, bars and vibrant nightlife - a perfect way to end the day.

Chongqing - Chengdu. This morning, say goodbye to your Chongqing tour leader and hop on the train to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province and home to the largest and best-known Panda breeding and research centre. After approximately 4 hours, arrive in Chengdu and meet your tour leader. Relax in the hostel or wander through People’s Park before exploring the sights, sounds and street food of lively Kuanzhai Alley.

On day 9, Chengdu’s most famous residents take centre stage as we visit the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Centre - the world’s largest and most significant sanctuary for these remarkable creatures. Watch them munch on bamboo, roll playfully around their enclosures and, with a bit of luck, spot some adorable cubs.

Later, join your tour leader for a Mandarin lesson and learn a few useful phrases to help you along the rest of your journey. In the evening, you may choose to experience a traditional Sichuan Opera and culture show, featuring mesmerising face-changing masks, fire-breathing performances and captivating live music.

Day 10 is yours to spend as you wish. If you’re in the mood for adventure, you can opt for a day trip to Leshan to see the world’s largest stone Buddha - an awe-inspiring figure carved into the cliffs and gazing serenely over the river. Back in Chengdu, turn up the heat with a classic Sichuan hot pot - fiery, flavourful and loved by locals. As night falls, the city is yours to explore, so gather your travel companions and see where the evening leads.

Your China adventure comes to an end today - make your own way to the airport or your next destination.