SEMI INDEPENDENT: Uncover the delights of China’s vibrant cities and pristine landscapes on this 8 day tour from Hong Kong to Chengdu. Cruise along the Yulong River and marvel at the dramatic karst limestone peaks of Yangshuo, get close to China’s emblematic giant panda and other rare creatures at Chengdu’s Panda Research Centre and marvel at the Hong Kong Skyline. A great mix of included sightseeing and free time for you to explore independently!
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Hong Kong to Yangshuo
Hong Kong - Yangshuo. Welcome to China! Meet the group and tour leader for our pre-departure meeting. We then head to Victoria Peak where we admire the incredible panoramic views of the city below.
Then it's time for us to board a bullet train to Guilin in mainland China. Onward transfer 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.
Please note: The pre-departure meeting is at 7am on day 1, so please ensure you arrive in Hong Kong the day before your tour starts. We can arrange pre-tour accommodation for you.
Overnight: Yangshuo
Yangshuo
Yangshuo is a picturesque resort town, surrounded by dramatic karst mountains and known for its outdoor adventure opportunities. Day 2 is at leisure, with 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 3 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. Later, you can enjoy an optional mud bath, visit a nearby cave complex or enjoy a dip in some hot springs. There's optional karaoke in the evening!
Day 4 is free to continue exploring independently. We strongly recommend hiking and rock-climbing amongst the limestone peaks of the area, or you can opt to visit your local guide's home village for an insight into traditional life in Yangshuo.
Overnight: Yangshuo
Yangshuo to Chengdu
Yangshuo - Chengdu. Our final morning in Yangshuo is at leisure to see any last minute sites before we leave beautiful Yangshuo and our tour leader behind and board the bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province and home to the largest and best-known Panda breeding and research centre. On arrival we are met by our local tour guide and make our way to our hostel for an evening at leisure.
Overnight: Chengdu
Chengdu Pandas
On day 6 we take a short drive out of town to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, to visit China's animal emblem. We spend the day exploring the grounds and watching the pandas munch on bamboo. We can also see other endangered animals including red pandas, golden monkeys and more. Visit the panda nursery and get close to the new born or infant pandas.
In the afternoon we learn some useful Mandarin phrases in a brief lesson with our tour leader. The rest of the evening is free to relax. For those looking for an authentic experience, there is the optional traditional Sichuan opera.
Day 7 is at leisure to explore Chengdu, and perhaps wander down Jinli street or explore the Tibetan districts. We also have the opportunity to visit Leshan for a visit to see the worlds largest stone Buddha. This evening return to Chengdu for an optional hot pot dinner, a must try in Chengdu.
Overnight: Chengdu
Chengdu
This morning is free for you to unwind in the hostel or join an optional visit to a local Autism Children Rehabilitation Centre. After lunch, there is an optional visit to Chengdu People's Park before our tour comes to an end. We can arrange post-tour accommodation for you.
Is this holiday for you?
If you’re the kind of traveller that doesn’t mind time spent travelling independently on public transport and sharing a mixed dorm room with other travellers, then this trip will suit you just fine. There’s plenty of free time on this tour so it’s a great option if you like to explore a city at your own leisure.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates noted with a 'G' are guaranteed to operate. All other departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. Prices shown are per person travelling and the Dorm prices shown are based on mixed dormitory rooms. There is also a Twin / Double Room Upgrade and a Single Room upgrade for solo travellers. Twin / Double room upgrades are based on two people travelling together and are subject to availability.
Extra Prices
At a Glance
