Arrive at any time. There are no activities planned until an evening welcome meeting.
Cross the border to Shenzhen and board a train to Guilin before transferring to scenic Yangshuo. Arrive in Guilin by train and transfer to the nearby village of Yangshuo, nestled among the limestone karsts jutting out of the Li River. One of the most scenic regions of China, this beautiful backpacker town is a haven for activities, cultural immersion, and relaxing at cafes.
The Li River and the limestone karst mountains interspersed with picturesque riverside villages and markets make this area perhaps the best known scenic attraction in the region.
Enjoy free time in Yangshuo. Opt for a tai chi lesson, visit a women-run Community Restaurant, take a cooking class, or cycling tour of the area.
Continue to explore beautiful Yangshuo with a free day.
Transfer to Liuzhou and board an overnight train to Chengdu.
Enjoy a free day to explore Chengdu, known for its spicy local food and the Giant Panda Breeding Centre.
Opt for a day trip to Leshan to see the giant Buddha or continue exploring the vibrant city of Chengdu.
Opt to see the famous pandas up close at the Giant Panda Breeding Center before boarding an overnight train to Luoyang.
Arrive in Luoyang and opt to visit the Longmen Grottoes. Enjoy time in Luoyang located in central China's Henan province, widely recognized as the region where Chinese civilization originated. The city was China's ancient capital and is home to many Temples, and close by the Longmen Grottoes which contain thousands of Buddhist rock carvings dating back to the 5th century.
Travel to the holy mountain of Song Shan and enjoy a hike in the surrounding countryside. Leave our large bags in storage and catch the public bus with an overnight pack to the Song Shan area. This beautiful Mountain area is best known as the home of the Shaolin Temple and birthplace of kung-fu.
Known as one of the five sacred Daoist Mountains of China, Dengfeng Shan, or Mount Song is a unique rock mountain containing many valleys, caves, pools, waterfalls, and steep cliffs. Recognized as an International Geological Park due to its unique landscape, its peaks can reach up to 1512 meters above sea level. Hike the surrounding areas and get a glimpse into this scared natural area.
Visit the Shaolin Temple, the home of Kung Fu. Transfer by public bus to Luoyang then board an overnight train to Beijing. Explore the Shaolin Temple, birth place of China Zen Buddhism and UNESCO World Heritage site. Established in 495 AD, martial arts have been practiced here for 1500 years as a way to practice Zen Buddhism.
We'll have some time upon return to Luoyang to get dinner and pick our bags up from storage.
Enjoy free time in China's booming capital city. Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Step back in time with a visit to the Great Wall. Opt to check out the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. The Chinese capital, Beijing, is one of the world's most impressive and vibrant cities. Spend a day at the Great Wall, a monumental feat of engineering intended to protect China from the northern barbarians.
Enjoy free time in Beijing before an overnight train to Xi'an.
Enjoy an orientation walk through the Muslim Quarter, then opt to visit the Terracotta Warriors, cycle the ancient city walls, or practice tai chi with the locals. Opt to tour the lovely and unusual Great Mosque (a wonderfully serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city), great souvenir stalls, and enjoy some of the best street food in China. The remaining city walls are a great place to watch the sunset or join the locals for ballroom dancing or tai chi in the early morning.
Opt to take a day trip to the Terracotta Warriors, situated a short drive out of town (approximately 1 hr).
Enjoy free time to explore Xi'an, then take an overnight train to Suzhou.
Visit Suzhou, the "Venice of the East." Opt to explore the Master of the Nets Garden, one of China's most exquisite gardens. In the evening, let loose like the locals with a karaoke session in a private room for the group; this is sure to be a memorable night!
See the city on an orientation walk, then enjoy free time to explore this metropolis on your own. Shanghai is the most modern of Chinese cities. Go shopping on the famous Nanjing Road or stroll along the Bund district with its many riverside historical buildings.
Enjoy free time in this bustling city. Today, new travellers may join you for the rest of your adventure. You are welcome to join them at a group meeting this evening, followed by an optional dinner.
Enjoy free time to explore, opt to join the CEO for a walk through the Bund. Board a bullet train to Wuyishan in the Fujian province.
Explore the area with an included entrance ticket to the reserve. Go hiking and opt to go bamboo rafting.
Board a fast train to Xiamen. Enjoy an orientation walk around colonial Xiamen on the coast, then opt to visit the cafes and beaches of Gulangyu Island and check out the night markets. Be sure to indulge in the lively nightlife of this university town. Xiamen is a modern city with a little something for everyone from night markets to beautiful sculptures lit-up at night to peaceful parks.
Transfer to a Yongding County. Overnight in a Hakka tulou, a large, multi-storey fortified roundhouse built for communal living. Enjoy an orientation tour around the village, then experience day-to-day life in this unique province full of history and traditional Chinese culture.
Experience day to day life in this unique province full of history and traditional Chinese culture. Opt to visit more Tulou villages in the scenic mountain area or enjoy some free time in the guesthouse.
Travel to Longyan in the morning and continue on a fast train to Shenzhen and cross the border to Hong Kong.
