China: Big Cities & Iconic Culture image
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Operated by G Adventures

China: Big Cities & Iconic Culture

From
CAD 1,539
Duration
15 days
Countries
China
Activity
moderate

The adventure

Get ready for two weeks of must-see highlights and epic off-the-beaten-path adventures that will make you fall in love with all sides of China. From the bustling cities of Beijing and Shanghai to the breathtaking nature of Yangshuo's riverside mountain town, every moment is unforgettable. But the real gem? A journey back in time to the Hakka tulou houses in Yongding. Stay in this cultural village and discover a side of China you never knew existed. Wrap up your adventure in Shanghai, China's most international city, and let us know which side of China steals your heart.

At a glance

Duration
15 days
Route
Beijing → Shanghai
Countries
China
Activity level
moderate
Style
Beach & Islands, Culture & History, Cycling, Food & Drink, Rail Journeys, Trekking & Hiking
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

China: Big Cities & Iconic Culture image

Day by day

Beautiful view of traditional Chinese architecture along West Lake in Hangzhou with boats and lush greenery in the background.
Your journey through

China

Day 1Welcome to China! Arrive at anytimeBeijing
Cityscape featuring towering high-rise buildings against a mountainous backdrop.Beijing
Welcome to China! Arrive at anytime. Then join your CEO and group in the evening for a Welcome Meeting and an Orientation Walk of Beijing. Tonight's your First Night Out so get to know your group under the bright Beijing lights.
Map showing Beijing
Day 2Hop on local transportation and visit some…Beijing
A striking contrast of old and modern architecture in Hong Kong, showcasing skyline beauty.Beijing
Hop on local transportation and visit some of Beijing's top tourist spots. Take a CEO led tour of the symbolic centre of Chinese power, Tiananmen Square. See the Forbidden City from a birds eye view at Jingshan Park and wander through the picturesque Hutong alleyways.
Map showing Beijing
Day 3This morningBeijing
Breathtaking Kowloon skyline with skyscrapers and harbor at sunset, showcasing Hong Kong's urban beauty.Beijing
This morning, travel to the legendary Great Wall of China. Together we'll hike about 5 kilometers of this 6000 km masterpiece. Opt to ride the cable car, chairlift or even ride the toboggan down. After a full day at the Wall, we'll return to Beijing where we'll board an overnight train to Xi'an.
Map showing Beijing
Day 4Wake up this morning as you pull…
Wake up this morning as you pull into the historical city of Xi'An, the entrance to the Silk Road. After an orientation walk, hop on a public bus with your CEO to take a tour of the mysterious Terracotta Warriors. In the evening, return to the city for an evening stroll through the Muslim Quarter.
Day 5This morning
This morning, enjoy some free time in the city of Xi'an before heading to our next destination. Opt to visit the ancient City Wall or take a cycling tour on top of it. Then head to train station to take the bullet train to Chengdu. Join your CEO for an orientation walk of the city before heading out for your Big Night Out! Grab a beer or plum juice for yourself and enjoy it under the bright lights of Chengdu alongside your crew.
Day 6After your Big Night Out
After your Big Night Out, choose to take this morning slow or get ready to see all that Chengdu has to offer. Opt to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center and learn about this amazing, but endangered, species. In the afternoon, with your group and CEO, visit Chengdu's more popular spots, like Tianfu Square, People's Park and Kuanzhaixiang.
Day 7We'll ditch the big city this morning…
We'll ditch the big city this morning and head to the mountains today. A late morning bullet train brings us to the city of Yangshuo. After we arrive, we'll take an orientation walk of this picturesque, riverside city.
Day 8Today we'll hop on a bike and explore…
Today we'll hop on a bike and explore the countryside of Yangshuo. Ride along the river, travel through a local village and stop for lunch at a local restaurant, all while taking in the incredible mountains surrounding the area. In the afternoon, head back to the city and enjoy a free evening.
Day 9Enjoy a free day in Yangshuo! While this…
Enjoy a free day in Yangshuo! While this city may not be as big as some of China's other top destinations, there is no shortage of things to do here. Opt to visit the Xianggongshan & Tea Farm or go to the Impression Liu Sanjie light show. How about a Tai Chi or Kung Fu class? Even a cooking class!
Day 10We'll arrive to the train station this morning…
We'll arrive to the train station this morning to take a bullet train to one of the most important cities in China, Guangzhou. After arriving and a short rest, we'll hit the town and take a tour to see what Guangzhou has to offer. Visit Chen Clan Academy and the Shamian Island. Then in the evening, opt to take the Pearl River boat cruise under the Guangzhou city lights.
Day 11The next two nights are a special opportunity…
The next two nights are a special opportunity to stay in the extremely unique homes of the Hakka People. We'll stay in Hakka Tulou, ancient fortified buildings. Some can be 5 stories tall and some can be dated back to the 12th century. Travel back to the past as we explore this super off the beaten path part of China.
Day 12Wake up in one of the most unique…
Wake up in one of the most unique places you'll ever stay. Then join your group and take an orientation walk of the Hakka Cultural Village. This afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to explore this impressive fortress how you'd like. Learn from the locals and hear their stories about how their families have been living in these homes for hundreds of years.
Day 13Say goodbye to the community at the Hakka…Shanghai
Vibrant Shanghai skyline at night featuring iconic skyscrapers and colorful lighting reflections on water.Shanghai
Say goodbye to the community at the Hakka Houses before we head off on our journey to Shanghai. This is a long travel day, but the big city beckons! Shanghai is known to be distinct from the rest of China as one of the most internationally influenced cities in the country. It's an awesome spot to end our trip!
Map showing Shanghai
Day 14Start today with an orientation walk in Shanghai
Dazzling night view of Shanghai's Pudong skyline with the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower reflecting on the water.Shanghai
Start today with an orientation walk in Shanghai. Then join your CEO to head to some of the cities most popular spots. Start in the historical, waterfront district of the Bund Area and then pay a visit to Shanghai Old Town. This afternoon, tick off whatever is left on your Shanghai to do list with some free time. Opt to visit the Yuyuan Garden, shop and stroll through Nanjing Road or ask your CEO from some local restaurant recs. The options are endless in Shanghai! In the evening, join your crew for a Big Night Out!
Map showing Shanghai
Day 15Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Discover China

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Aerial view of a Chinese town surrounded by lush landscapes and a river.
Beautiful landscape of lush grasslands and mountain ranges in Xinjiang, under cloudy skies.
Stunning view of a remote mountain range under dramatic cloudy sky, perfect for nature lovers.
Tranquil scene of West Lake with peaceful waters and distant hills in Hangzhou, China.
Peaceful view of traditional Chinese rooftops in Nanchong, Sichuan, framed by a window.

Upcoming departures

30% off Worldwide Trips - June Sale · ends 2026-06-30
DatesPrice / personAvailability
19 Jun 20263 Jul 2026CAD 1,539unknownBook my trip
26 Jun 202610 Jul 2026CAD 1,539unknownBook my trip
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