G Adventures
Save 20%Epic Southeast Asia: River Cruises & Karst Mountains
Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand · 40 days · Moderate
fromCAD 3,935
Next: 21 JunThe adventure
China is a great example of a country with equally modern and historic relevance, and with this 19-day tour you’ll learn why. By crossing the country via train you’ll not only be able to visit a bunch of different cities (and Hong Kong!) in just under three weeks, but you’ll also get to see the diverse landscapes that make up the world’s most populous country. Stand face-to-face with the Terracotta Warriors, cycle the ancient city walls, practice Tai Chi with locals, go shopping in Shanghai, or sing your heart out in a karaoke session. If you’re feeling adventurous, do it all.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
China
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time. For your first night out, head down to Kowloon and experience the spectacular light show at Victoria Harbour. Get to know your fellow travellers and snap that iconic photo with the neon city backdrop. Afterward, opt for a traditional Cantonese dinner in a local restaurant and share stories over some Dim Sum.
Arrive at any time. For your first night out, head down to Kowloon and experience the spectacular light show at Victoria Harbour. Get to know your fellow travellers and snap that iconic photo with the neon city backdrop. Afterward, opt for a traditional Cantonese dinner in a local restaurant and share stories over some Dim Sum.
Day 2Board a bullet train and enjoy the scenic…
Board a bullet train and enjoy the scenic ride to Guilin, then transfer to the nearby village of Yangshuo. The Li River and limestone karst mountains interspersed with picturesque riverside villages and markets make this area perhaps the best known scenic attraction in the region, and a backpacker haven for activities, cultural immersion, and relaxing at cafés.
Day 3Enjoy free time in YangshuoTry your hand at cooking local fare at a boutique cooking school and pre-book the Central Chinese Cooking Class by adding it to your checkout page, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Try your hand at cooking local fare at a boutique cooking school and pre-book the Central Chinese Cooking Class by adding it to your checkout page, or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Day 4Continue to explore beautiful Yangshuo with a free day
Continue to explore beautiful Yangshuo with a free day.
Day 5Today
Today, take the bullet train from Yangshuo to Chengdu. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of your day free to explore Chengdu.
Day 6Enjoy a free day to explore Chengdu
Enjoy a free day to explore Chengdu, known for its spicy local food and the Giant Panda Breeding Centre.
Day 7Opt to see the Giant Pandas or continue…
Opt to see the Giant Pandas or continue exploring the vibrant city of Chengdu.
Day 8Say goodbye to Chengdu and its Giant Pandas and travel to Luoyang
Say goodbye to Chengdu and its Giant Pandas and travel to Luoyang.
Day 9Arrive in Luoyang and opt to visit the Longmen GrottoesEnjoy 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.
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.
Day 10Catch the public bus with an overnight pack…
Catch the public bus with an overnight pack to Song Shan, a beautiful Mountain area best known as the home of the Shaolin Temple and birthplace of kung-fu. 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. Hike the surrounding areas and get a glimpse into this scared natural area.
Day 11Visit the Shaolin TempleExplore 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 pick our bags up from storage.
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 pick our bags up from storage.
Day 12Enjoy free time in China's booming capital cityToday, 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.
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.
Day 13Step back in time for the day…
Step back in time for the day with a visit to the Great Wall, a monumental feat of engineering intended to protect China from northern barbarians. Climb the rolling hills, take in the scenery, and explore the wall capturing iconic photos from the watch towers. Later, opt to check out the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, or catch a kung fu show.
Day 14Another day in Beijing
Another day in Beijing, another adventure. With so much to discover here, we decided to let you choose. Spend the day exploring the peaceful gardens, lakes, and temples at Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or visit the Temple of Heaven and capture an iconic picture of the Confucian architecture and practice tai chi with the local people. This evening board an overnight train and wake up in Xi'an.
Day 15Embark on an orientation walk through the Muslim Quarter
Embark on an orientation walk through the Muslim Quarter, then opt to visit the tranquil Great Mosque - a serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Check out the famous Terracotta Warriors or cycle the ancient city walls (the perfect place to catch the sunset). Be sure to enjoy some of the best street food China has to offer.
Day 16Spend the day continuing to explore Xi'an
Spend the day continuing to explore Xi'an, then take an overnight train to Suzhou.
Day 17Visit 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!
Day 18See the city on an orientation walkShanghaiShanghai 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. Opt to see a show, pre-book the Shanghai Acrobatic Performance on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
ShanghaiShanghai 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. Opt to see a show, pre-book the Shanghai Acrobatic Performance on the checkout page to include this optional activity on your tour or ask your GCO or travel agent for assistance.
Day 19Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Discover China
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
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