China Explorer

Welcome to Hong Kong, one of Asia's most electric cities, where soaring skyscrapers sit right alongside centuries-old temples. Check into your accommodation, meet the rest of your crew, and get ready for what's ahead.

Time to soak up Hong Kong properly. Start with a ride on the legendary Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour, skyline towering around you. From there, ride up to Victoria Peak for arguably the best view in the city. Afterwards, explore the streets at your own pace before the city's nightlife kicks in.

Yangshuo Local Village Visit Catch a high-speed train from Hong Kong to Guilin, then push on to Yangshuo, where rolling limestone peaks stack endlessly into the horizon. In the afternoon, experience traditional rural Chinese life with a local village visit.

Today's all about Yangshuo's countryside, first on two wheels through limestone scenery and rice paddies, then on a bamboo raft drifting down the river at Yangshuo's signature unhurried pace.

Another high speed train, this time to Zhangjiajie, before heading on to Wulingyuan. In the afternoon, climb the 999 steps of Tianmen Mountain's famous Stairway to Heaven - the view at the top is worth every single step!

Walk from the hotel to the Southeast Gate and spend the day among the towering sandstone spires that inspired the floating mountains in Avatar. There's nowhere else in China quite like Zhangjiajie.

On to Chongqing, one of the world's most densely populated cities, built straight up the hillsides above the Yangtze River, via high-speed rail. Tonight, dive into a bubbling Chongqing hotpot - the birthplace of the modern spicy style - and brave the numbing kick of Sichuan peppercorns if you're up for it. Then head to Hongya Cave to watch the skyline light up.

A free day to explore Chongqing however you like. Catch the monorail as it cuts straight through a building, get lost in the cliffside laneways packed with shops and cafes, or take in the city's cyberpunk glow after dark.

A bit more downtime in Chongqing this morning before a short high-speed train to Chengdu. Tonight, take in a Sichuan Opera face-changing performance, a centuries-old art form where the masks seem to transform in an instant.

Visit China's national animal at its liveliest, timed for peak panda activity. This is a proper research and conservation centre, not a zoo, home to more than 200 giant pandas and over 100 red pandas. Spend the rest of the day exploring Chengdu, where panda imagery shows up everywhere from architecture to ice cream.

Small Change: Visit pandas at a genuine conservation and research base, where the focus is protecting the species.

Catch the high-speed train to Xi'an, one of China's oldest cities and home to its best-preserved city walls. We'll then jump on bikes and ride the full 14-kilometre loop along the top, the entire city unfolding below. Later, dive into the Muslim Quarter's night market, thick with smoke, spice and some seriously good street food.

This morning, stand before thousands of life-sized clay soldiers that have guarded an emperor's tomb for over two millennia, each one uniquely carved and only discovered in 1974. A local guide brings the scale of the site to life. In the afternoon, board the high-speed train to Shanghai.

A free day to wander Shanghai - the leafy streets of the old French Concession, the pavilions of Yu Garden, or the shops along Nanjing Road. Tonight, cruise the Bund after dark, when the city splits into two worlds: colonial architecture on one bank, neon towers on the other.

One last free morning in Shanghai beore we'll take the high speed train to Beijing - our final stop of the trip. Tonight you'll want to be hungry - we've got a dumpling-making class, followed by an authentic Peking duck dinner. Crispy skin, thin pancakes and all the trimmings - one of China's most iconic dishes done properly.

This morning we'll visit the Forbidden City, the imperial palace that governed China for over 500 years. Wander through the maze of courtyards and halls once reserved only for the emperor, his family and the closest members of the royal court. The afternoon is yours to explore this city further or simply take it easy.

The day we've been waiting for is here - it's time to see the Great Wall of China. Head to Mutianyu, one of its best-preserved sections, where the wall winds along mountain ridges into the distance. Take the cable car up through the trees, then walk the ancient stone yourself, watchtowers standing guard in both directions just as they did centuries ago.

Your incredible 17 day adventure through China wraps up today. Head to the airport if you're flying home, or extend your stay in China and keep the adventure going. We're here to help with anything you need!