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
Ancient villages or bustling metropolises – what will you see while in China? We made sure this 28-day tour included both (and then some), so you won’t have to choose. Sights like the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and army of Terracotta Warriors can make China can seem intimidating. With an expert CEO leading the way, we’ll wipe away those worries and leave you free to enjoy the ride. And between the panda breeding centre, bamboo rafting, beaches, historic sites, Tai Chi, and lively nightlife, it’s not a ride you’ll want to miss.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Hong Kong & 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 walkShanghai 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.
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. 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 19Being China's largest city
Being China's largest city, spend another day experiencing all the nooks and crannies of Shanghai. Climb up the Pearl Tower for a 360-degree view of the city or venture to the Venice of Shanghai — Zhujiajiao Water Village — and take a boat ride weaving through narrow waterways and under ancient bridges. Take it all in before heading to the countryside tomorrow.
Day 20Spend the morning and early afternoon getting…
Spend the morning and early afternoon getting to know more of Shanghai. Visit the Bund for a daytime perspective of the many historical buildings and city view. Wander through picturesque Old Town or visit the lush scenery of People's Park. Later, board a bullet train to Wuyishan in the Fujian providence.
Day 21Wake up and take in the breathtaking serenity…
Wake up and take in the breathtaking serenity of the UNESCO Wuyishan Biosphere Reserve. Hike up towering peaks into the clouds for an encompassing valley view through the fog and mist, then climb down into the valley for an incredible view upward. After, opt for a bamboo raft ride down the Nine Bend Stream.
Day 22Catch a bullet train to the coastal colonial…
Catch a bullet train to the coastal colonial city of Xiamen. Embark on an orientation walk through the modern architecture, then opt to take a ferry to Gulangyu Island, a pedestrian-only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climb Sunlight Rock for a 360-degree view or relax in Shuzhuang Garden.
Day 23Jump on a local bus
Jump on a local bus — always an adventure in itself — and enjoy the ride to Hongkeng Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Yongding County. Take in the mountainous views and stroll down to Hongchuan Creek. Spend the night in an authentic Hakka tulou, a massive, multi-story fortified roundhouse built for communal living. This will definitely be an experience you'll never forget.
Day 24Discover Hongkeng on a village walk
Discover Hongkeng on a village walk, then experience rural day-to-day life by immersing yourself in the community. Learn of this unique regions history and traditional Chinese culture by mingling with the Hakka people.
Day 25Say farewell to the beautiful Hongkeng Village
Say farewell to the beautiful Hongkeng Village, catch the bus back to Xiamen, and get ready for your big night out. Venture to Zhongshan Road, indulge in local delicacies, and immerse yourself in the lively nightlife. Grab a drink on our tab and cheers to the life-changing adventures you've just shared with newfound friends!
Day 26Hop on a bullet train and cross…Hong Kong
Hong KongHop on a bullet train and cross the border into famous Hong Kong. Spend the evening exploring this bustling and towering metropolis on the sea. Stroll along Pearl River and capture the neon city at night.
Day 27Today is departure day
Today is departure day, but don't fret! There is no such thing as goodbye, only until next time. Share last laughs and exchange social medias with your newfound friends before heading on your way. Depart at any time.
Discover Hong Kong
A glimpse of the destination you'll explore.
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