17-Day China Discovery: Hong Kong to Beijing via Xi'an

Your China backpacking tour starts today! After arriving in bustling Hong Kong, you’ll meet your group and Adventure Leader in the mid-afternoon for a trip briefing, where you’ll find out everything the next few weeks have to offer you.

We’ll then take you for your first amazing glimpse of Hong Kong, with a trip up Victoria Peak to see the sunset over the skyline.

After taking in the stunning views, you’ll head straight to the Temple Street Night Market, where your Adventure Leader will be on hand to show you the best places to grab a late dinner and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

All Aboard for Guilin Adventure: Let's Get Going! Hey, early birds! Rise and shine because today marks the start of an epic adventure in Guilin! Bright and early, we're headed to the train station to catch the bullet train to Guilin. Get ready for a speedy journey through stunning landscapes! Upon arrival, a quick bus ride will take us to your cozy hostel just in time for the early evening. And hey, if you're up for it, why not venture into Yangshuo to tantalize your taste buds with some delicious local cuisine? It's the perfect way to kick off your Guilin experience! So pack your bags, grab your sense of adventure, and let's embark on an unforgettable journey through Guilin. Adventure awaits!

Embrace the freedom of a day in Yangshuo, offering you the flexibility to curate your experience. Explore these enticing optional activities:

• Culinary Delights: Unleash your inner chef at a welcoming culinary institute, where you can master the art of preparing traditional Chinese dishes.

• Scenic Kayaking: Glide through the picturesque landscapes along the Li River, surrounded by majestic mountains, for a memorable kayaking adventure.

• Traditional Chinese Therapies: Indulge in a serene experience with traditional Chinese therapies, including the soothing practice of Hot Cupping.

Embark on an unforgettable day starting with a scenic bike ride around the local area, followed by a tranquil bamboo raft cruise down the Yulong River. Ensure your camera is waterproof to capture the mesmerizing moments!

In the afternoon, consider venturing to the Moon Hill complex for a unique experience. Indulge in mud baths and hot springs within the cave complex, creating lasting memories. As the day unfolds, you also have the option to join your fellow travellers for a delightful evening of fun in the local area.

Start your day with an exhilarating option to go rock climbing amid the breath-taking limestone peaks of the region. Seize the opportunity to scale these stunning natural formations.

In the later part of the day, join your Adventure Leader for an authentic experience delving into rural life in China. Visit a local village and gain insights into the daily life on a farm in the Yangshuo region.

Farewell to your Adventure Leader in Yangshuo as you embark on your journey to Chengdu! Travel across the country by train, and upon arrival, be welcomed by your new Adventure Leader. Head to your hostel for check-in and get ready for the next exciting leg of your journey.

Embark on a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience this morning as you visit the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Centre. Explore the centre's mission to breed and reintroduce pandas, gaining insights into the incredible efforts to preserve this species. Although you won't be able to hold the pandas, you'll have the opportunity to get up close and learn more about these fascinating creatures.

Following this, dive into a Mandarin lesson with your Adventure Leader, acquiring key phrases to enhance your experience in China. If you're eager to delve into China's historical culture, consider attending a traditional Sichuan opera show in the evening.

Feel free to spend your day independently, or enhance your experience with optional activities. Consider joining us on a trip to Leshan, where you'll encounter the world's largest stone Buddha. Carved into the side of Mt. Lingyun, this colossal statue, over 1,300 years old, stands as the tallest pre-modern statue. A sacred destination and an ancient wonder of the world, it attracts millions, including Buddhist pilgrims.

In the evening, dare to indulge in the famous Sichuan Hot Pot before exploring the vibrant city of Chengdu at your own pace.

If you prefer a leisurely morning, take your time to start the day. Alternatively, for an enriching experience in the local community, consider visiting a rehabilitation centre dedicated to children with autism.

In the early afternoon, bid farewell to Chengdu with a visit to Jinli & Chengdu People’s Park. Explore scenic spots like the Gold Water Stream, Goldfish Island, and the Potted Landscape Garden. Enjoy activities such as sailing on the artificial lake, sipping tea in the lakeside teahouse, and witnessing exhibitions and performances on Rockery Square.

Tonight, embark on a journey to Xi’an, your next destination on the Hong Kong to Beijing tour. Upon arrival, meet your new Adventure Leader and settle into your hostel for a well-deserved rest.

Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring at your own pace or seek recommendations from your Adventure Leader for nearby museums, temples, or shopping spots. In the afternoon, consider an optional bike ride on the ancient city walls dating back to the Ming Dynasty.

Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Silk Road as you explore the Bell-Drum Towers and the Muslim Quarter. Don't miss the opportunity to savour local street food specialties in this vibrant area.

Embark on a captivating morning visit to one of China's most iconic attractions – the Terracotta Warriors! Witness the awe-inspiring collection of life-size terracotta sculptures strategically arranged in battle formations, depicting the imperial guard troops of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a profound glimpse into ancient Chinese history.

In the evening, immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the music and light fountain show at the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the Qujiang District.

Embark on a journey to Dengfeng, situated just outside Shaolin, your next captivating destination! Choose to partake in a kung fu lesson and demonstration, immersing yourself in the birthplace of this ancient martial art.

As the day concludes, embrace your second Mandarin lesson and gauge your progress in mastering this fascinating language.

If you're an early riser, seize the opportunity to join us on an excursion to the renowned Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of kung fu. Following this, embark on a hike to the Dharma Cave, a sacred destination for Buddhist pilgrims, offering breathtaking views of local shrines and temples.

Alternatively, for those less inclined towards martial arts, a visit to the Longmen Grottoes awaits. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts an astounding 100,000 carved Buddhas! Enjoy a late lunch at the guesthouse and use your evening wisely, as an early start awaits.

This morning, rise before the birds to catch a bullet train to our final destination – Beijing! Arriving in the late morning, we'll transfer directly to one of the tour’s most incredible experiences – the Great Wall! Before lacing up our boots, we'll enjoy lunch at a local farm to fuel up for our hike. In the mid-afternoon, we’ll venture to totally secluded, unrestored sections of the Wall, where we’ll set up camp to witness the sunset from atop one of the Wonders of the World.

[Please note: Due to cold weather before the end of April and after the end of September, we stay in a guesthouse near the Wall instead of camping.]

Wake up early to witness the magnificent sunrise across the Great Wall of China. Once you’ve absorbed the breathtaking views, we’ll pack up and return to Beijing, ready to explore this colossal city. You can join us for a walk through Tiananmen Square, a visit to the Forbidden City, and an exploration of Jingshan Park.

In the evening, indulge in some entertainment with an acrobatics show. These captivating circus-like performances feature young talents recruited from all over China.

If you’ve worked up an appetite, seize the opportunity to dine like ancient royalty and savor Beijing’s signature dish – Peking duck!

Today is a free day! You'll have the option to explore the fake goods markets for some shopping and visit the nearby Temple of Heaven.

In the afternoon, consider a visit to the Nanluo district. Nanluo is one of the best-preserved historical areas in Beijing, renowned for its hutongs and siheyuan courtyards, along with its vibrant mix of bars, cafes, and handicraft shops.

Enjoy another free morning to explore the remaining sights of Beijing before your Hong Kong to Beijing tour concludes. In the afternoon, bid farewell to your peers and prepare for your journey home!