China on a Shoestring–Hong Kong to Beijing image
Operated by G Adventures

China on a Shoestring–Hong Kong to Beijing

From
Price on request
Duration
18 days
Countries
Hong Kong, China
Activity
moderate

The adventure

Soak in the vibrant pulse of Hong Kong, float down the Yangtze on a Chinese-style riverboat, and walk the Great Wall with other others that share your appetite for adventure. Enjoy 18 days packed with China's major sights and out-of-the-way gems with the freedom to choose those that interest you. Cycle along Xian’s ancient city walls and through the stunning rice fields and limestone karsts of Yangzhou. Explore gorgeous scenery straight out of a painting or just relax and take it all in.

At a glance

Duration
18 days
Route
Hong Kong → Beijing
Countries
Hong Kong, China
Activity level
moderate
Style
Culture & History, Cycling, Rail Journeys
Group size
Ask
Flights
Not included
Solo travellers
Welcome

Where you'll go

China on a Shoestring–Hong Kong to Beijing image

Day by day

Serene mountain silhouette with sunset glow on Hong Kong Island, offering a tranquil natural view.
Your journey through

Hong Kong & China

Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2Cross the border to Shenzhen for the fast train to Guilin/YangshuoArrive to 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 cafés. 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.
Arrive to 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 cafés. 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.
Day 3Enjoy free time in Yangshuo
Enjoy free time in Yangshuo.
Day 4Enjoy free time in Yangshuo
Enjoy free time in Yangshuo.
Day 5Enjoy a free morning in YangshuoTake an afternoon bus to Guilin train station to catch the overnight train to Wuchang.
Take an afternoon bus to Guilin train station to catch the overnight train to Wuchang.
Day 6Arrive in Wuchang and travel by train to YichangArrive in Wuchang and take a fast train to Yichang. Yichang has a charming vibe, with great backstreets and alleyways with quaint tea houses and temples for exploring. It is renowned for its tea and fruit, all of which can be seen on (and purchased from) the street stalls. There is a great local food market where people can find prickly ash, hot peppers, and chili powder, which are among the ingredients used to add a local flavour to most dishes.
Arrive in Wuchang and take a fast train to Yichang. Yichang has a charming vibe, with great backstreets and alleyways with quaint tea houses and temples for exploring. It is renowned for its tea and fruit, all of which can be seen on (and purchased from) the street stalls. There is a great local food market where people can find prickly ash, hot peppers, and chili powder, which are among the ingredients used to add a local flavour to most dishes.
Day 7Enjoy a full-day boat trip along the mighty…Board a boat in the morning and cruise along the Yangtze River to view both the Xiling Gorge and the Three Gorges Dam. Both an inspiration to generations of painters and poets and a source of international controversy, the Three Gorges remains one of the world’s natural scenic wonders while the massive Three Gorges Dam is an incredible feat of modern technology.
Board a boat in the morning and cruise along the Yangtze River to view both the Xiling Gorge and the Three Gorges Dam. Both an inspiration to generations of painters and poets and a source of international controversy, the Three Gorges remains one of the world’s natural scenic wonders while the massive Three Gorges Dam is an incredible feat of modern technology.
Day 8Enjoy a free morning to explore Yichang before…
Enjoy a free morning to explore Yichang before we take an overnight train to Xi'an.
Day 9Take an orientation walk around this historical cityEnjoy an orientation walk to get familiar with the Muslim Quarter. Spend almost 3 full days exploring this city, including the active Muslim Quarter and its serene Great Mosque, as well as the exotic local street food stalls and the majestic Ming Dynasty City Wall.
Enjoy an orientation walk to get familiar with the Muslim Quarter. Spend almost 3 full days exploring this city, including the active Muslim Quarter and its serene Great Mosque, as well as the exotic local street food stalls and the majestic Ming Dynasty City Wall.
Day 10Free time to explore Xi'an
Free time to explore Xi'an.
Day 11Take advantage of a final day to explore…
Take advantage of a final day to explore Xi'an before boarding an overnight train to Shanghai.
Day 12Take an orientation walk of the BundBlending 21st century architecture with old-world charm, Shanghai is the vibrant pulse of the new China. Arrive at noon, enjoy an orientation walk along the Bund, with its spectacular array of art deco-style buildings. The afternoon is free to explore: go across the river to take in the sights of Pudong, a modern financial centre with amazing skyscrapers. Explore busy Yuyuan Bazaar, the French Concession, or shop till you drop in China's hippest stores! There is enough to see in at the impressive Shanghai Museum to spend a whole day exploring. It houses one of the best collections of Chinese bronze and artwork in the world. Try to catch a performance by the famous Shanghai Acrobats one night.
Blending 21st century architecture with old-world charm, Shanghai is the vibrant pulse of the new China. Arrive at noon, enjoy an orientation walk along the Bund, with its spectacular array of art deco-style buildings. The afternoon is free to explore: go across the river to take in the sights of Pudong, a modern financial centre with amazing skyscrapers. Explore busy Yuyuan Bazaar, the French Concession, or shop till you drop in China's hippest stores! There is enough to see in at the impressive Shanghai Museum to spend a whole day exploring. It houses one of the best collections of Chinese bronze and artwork in the world. Try to catch a performance by the famous Shanghai Acrobats one night.
Day 13Visit the impressive Shanghai Museum
Visit the impressive Shanghai Museum, which houses over 120,000 pieces of ancient Chinese art.
Day 14Enjoy free time to exploreBeijing
Cityscape featuring towering high-rise buildings against a mountainous backdrop.Beijing
Enjoy free time to explore. In the early evening, take an overnight train to Beijing.
Map showing Beijing
Day 15Free time to explore Tiananmen SquareEnjoy plenty of time to visit the numerous important sights in this city—Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. The backstreet hutongs, packed with local shops and restaurants, are a world away from the imperial splendors, but also part of this energetic city. Use your free time to explore at your leisure.
Enjoy plenty of time to visit the numerous important sights in this city—Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. The backstreet hutongs, packed with local shops and restaurants, are a world away from the imperial splendors, but also part of this energetic city. Use your free time to explore at your leisure.
Day 16Free time to explore Tiananmen SquareEnjoy plenty of time to visit the numerous important sights in this city—Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. The backstreet hutongs, packed with local shops and restaurants, are a world away from the imperial splendors, but also part of this energetic city. Use your free time to explore at your leisure.
Enjoy plenty of time to visit the numerous important sights in this city—Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. The backstreet hutongs, packed with local shops and restaurants, are a world away from the imperial splendors, but also part of this energetic city. Use your free time to explore at your leisure.
Day 17Visit the Great Wall of China with time…BeijingSet out early for a visit to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Spend the day wandering from tower to tower along this magnificent feat of construction. Opt to see a Shaolin Monk Kung Fu Show, the Beijing Opera, or the Beijing Acrobats.
Cityscape featuring towering high-rise buildings against a mountainous backdrop.Beijing
Set out early for a visit to the Great Wall at Mutianyu. Spend the day wandering from tower to tower along this magnificent feat of construction. Opt to see a Shaolin Monk Kung Fu Show, the Beijing Opera, or the Beijing Acrobats.
Map showing Beijing
Day 18Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.

Traveller reviews

The group had the right size. Everything was well arranged, the accommodation chosen were not luxurious but clean and comfortable. The trains were better than I was expecting as well.
I had a great time on the G Adventures tour across China - it allowed me to experience the country in a unique and interesting way!
This tour of China was a great experience and awesome adventure.

Discover Hong Kong

A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.

Cityscape featuring towering high-rise buildings against a mountainous backdrop.
Breathtaking aerial view of Hong Kong's islands and mountains at sunset, featuring the iconic bridge.
Dramatic sunset over the skyline of Hong Kong Island with vibrant colors and sea view.
A traditional garden contrasts with modern skyscrapers in Hong Kong's vibrant cityscape.
Stunning sunset landscape over Hong Kong Island with coastal views.
Operated by G Adventures

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