China Shoestring Adventure

We meet our Adventure Leader and the group in Hong Kong for a pre tour briefing – the beginning of our journey through the south and centre of China. We ride up to Victoria Peak for sunset, gazing across the harbour and a forest of skyscrapers. We then stroll to the Avenue of Stars to watch the Symphony of Lights, the bay glittering after dark, before delving into Temple Street Night Market where sizzling stalls and lively chatter capture the city’s nocturnal energy.

We start with a final morning briefing in Hong Kong, then check out and take the MTR to Austin Station – a quick hop to the high speed rail terminal. We board the train north to Guilin and continue by road through karst scenery to Yangshuo, arriving at our hostel to settle in for the evening.

You have a full day at leisure in Yangshuo, framed by dramatic karst peaks – wander beside the river, browse the lanes and small shops, or simply sit back and enjoy the mountain views.

We cycle through Yangshuo’s rural heartland, pedalling past rice fields and along quiet village lanes with limestone peaks all around. Later, we drift down the Yulong River on bamboo rafts – gentle waters carrying us between emerald banks and timeless countryside.

You have another free day in Yangshuo – explore at your own pace and make the day entirely your own.

We leave Yangshuo by road for Guilin, then take the train to Chongqing, heading into China’s south west. On arrival we board a Yangtze River cruise for sweeping waterfront views. After dark, we explore Hongya Cave – a multi level complex whose traditional facades glow against the modern skyline.

You have time at leisure in Chongqing to roam steep hills, browse bustling markets and pick out cultural sights that catch your eye – a city shaped by the meeting of two great rivers.

We take the train from Chongqing across Sichuan to its capital – Chengdu.

We visit the Giant Panda Breeding Centre in Chengdu – a renowned hub for giant panda conservation – and observe these remarkable animals in a protected setting. Back in the city, we join a Mandarin lesson with our Adventure Leader, building on language skills as the journey unfolds.

Enjoy a free day in Chengdu to explore at your own pace – from serene temples to flavour packed street food and atmospheric neighbourhoods. The city is famed for its laid back rhythm and bold Sichuan spice.

We board the train in Chengdu for Xi’an – a cross country ride to one of China’s most storied cities.

We visit the Terracotta Warriors near Xi’an, where thousands of life size statues guard the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Afterwards, you have free time in the city to continue exploring temples, pagodas and historic squares – or to pursue other cultural experiences.

We travel by bus from Xi’an to Dengfeng, heartland of the legendary Shaolin Temple. In Dengfeng we take part in a Kung Fu lesson led by a master linked to the temple, then watch a stirring performance that highlights discipline, strength and traditional techniques. We round things off with a Mandarin lesson, reinforcing our progress.

You have a free day in Dengfeng – perhaps visit historic temples, wander among mountain scenery or seek out local cultural sites rooted in Shaolin heritage.

We take the train to Beijing, then hike an unrestored stretch of the Great Wall and set up camp for the night – a remote ridge with sweeping mountain views. As evening settles, we continue our Mandarin learning with a memorable lesson on the Wall.

We greet sunrise over the Great Wall – weather permitting a highlight of the journey – then travel by road back to Beijing. You have the afternoon free to explore at your own pace – perhaps the galleries of the 798 Art District or the lakes and gardens of the Summer Palace.

You have another day at leisure in Beijing – delve into hutong lanes, return to a favourite museum or simply linger over tea in a quiet courtyard as the city’s contrasts unfold.

We transfer from the hostel to the railway station and board the overnight train to Hangzhou, settling into our sleeper berths as we head south.

On arrival in Hangzhou we transfer into the city, check in and freshen up, then visit West Lake for a leisurely boat cruise across serene waters and scenic islets. You have free time to explore – perhaps the China National Tea Museum or Lingyin Temple – before we hike up Jiuyao Mountain for sunset over the lake and city.

We hike shaded forest paths to the Nine Creeks area, tracing clear streams beneath green canopy. After a short transfer to the station we board the high speed train to Shanghai, then take the metro into the centre and settle into our hostel.

You have a relaxed morning in Shanghai – you can join a Mandarin lesson if you wish – and the remainder of the day is yours to explore gardens, squares and lively shopping streets.

You have another unhurried morning in Shanghai – with the option to join a Mandarin lesson – followed by free time to wander tranquil gardens, linger in buzzing neighbourhoods or simply soak up the skyline at your own pace.

We explore the French Concession, with tree–lined avenues and European–style architecture recalling a layered past. We weave through the creative lanes of Tianzifang, dotted with boutiques and cafés, then ascend the Jinmao Tower observation deck for far reaching skyline views.

We board the bullet train from Shanghai to Nanjing County in Fujian. On arrival we meet our new Adventure Leader and continue by minivan into the countryside, staying tonight in a traditional Hakka tulou – a striking circular communal dwelling.

We explore several Hakka tulou villages in Fujian, recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites, their remarkable earthen architecture reflecting centuries of shared living. We also join a traditional tea ceremony and hike through mountain tea fields in a region famed for cultivation.

We cycle quiet village paths through the Fujian hills, passing tea plantations and rolling farmland. We visit the region’s largest Hakka roundhouse – a multi storey circular dwelling with wooden galleries and communal spaces.

We travel by minibus to Zhangzhou Station and board our return train, leaving the countryside behind as we head south towards Hong Kong. We complete the final overland leg back into the city – your journey concludes on arrival, when you bid farewell to your fellow travellers.