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Next: 21 JunThe adventure
Walk the Great Wall of China and trek through stunning Tiger Leaping Gorge. Stare down Terracotta Warriors and commune with giant pandas. For those seeking a unique adventure that balances China’s highlights with a look at its wild side, this three-week tour gives you the classics before taking you further afield to the hidden gems. Best of all, you get the free time you need to explore at your own pace. Whether wandering mountain monasteries or cycling through the region’s watercolour scenery, this tour will take you down the road less travelled.
At a glance
Where you'll go
Day by day
Your journey through
Hong Kong & China
Day 1Arrival dayArrivalArrive at any time.
Arrive at any time.
Day 2Visit the Great Wall of China at MutianyuBeijingTravel out of Beijing to explore the Great Wall at Mutianyu, an incredible piece of engineering stretching almost 3000km westwards from mountain ridges north of Beijing. Spend the day exploring the wall, taking photos, and chatting up souvenir hawkers.
BeijingTravel out of Beijing to explore the Great Wall at Mutianyu, an incredible piece of engineering stretching almost 3000km westwards from mountain ridges north of Beijing. Spend the day exploring the wall, taking photos, and chatting up souvenir hawkers.
Day 3Walk the legendary grounds of Tiananmen Square…BeijingEnjoy an included visit to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Use your free afternoon to shop in the various markets scattered throughout the city. Take tours of the ancient hutongs (alleyways) in Beijing's old city or the Summer Palace, or visit a Tibetan Monastery. In the evening, board an overnight train to Xi’an.
BeijingEnjoy an included visit to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Use your free afternoon to shop in the various markets scattered throughout the city. Take tours of the ancient hutongs (alleyways) in Beijing's old city or the Summer Palace, or visit a Tibetan Monastery. In the evening, board an overnight train to Xi’an.
Day 4Arrive in Xi'an and take an orientation walk…Take an orientation walk to get the lay of the land. With some free time, opt to visit the Bell and Drum Towers and the vibrant Muslim Quarter with its lively market and Great Mosque. In the evening, opt for a feast at a local dumpling banquet. Central Xi'an is still enclosed by Ming Dynasty walls, which are a great place to view the city. An excellent option is to rent a bicycle and ride around the city on the top of the walls. Visit one of the parks or squares and watch the locals ballroom dance or practice tai chi in the morning.
Take an orientation walk to get the lay of the land. With some free time, opt to visit the Bell and Drum Towers and the vibrant Muslim Quarter with its lively market and Great Mosque. In the evening, opt for a feast at a local dumpling banquet. Central Xi'an is still enclosed by Ming Dynasty walls, which are a great place to view the city. An excellent option is to rent a bicycle and ride around the city on the top of the walls. Visit one of the parks or squares and watch the locals ballroom dance or practice tai chi in the morning.
Day 5Enjoy an included visit to one of China’s…Visit the Terracotta Warriors, located a short drive out of town. The army of warriors was discovered in 1974, having been buried for more than 2000 years. Learn all about this once-buried treasure.
Visit the Terracotta Warriors, located a short drive out of town. The army of warriors was discovered in 1974, having been buried for more than 2000 years. Learn all about this once-buried treasure.
Day 6Enjoy free time to exploreSpend the day exploring Xi'an before catching an overnight train to Emei Shan.
Spend the day exploring Xi'an before catching an overnight train to Emei Shan.
Day 7Arrive in Emei ShanContinue on to Emei Shan and check into the monastery. This accommodation is very basic, but the experience and the views are breathtaking.
Continue on to Emei Shan and check into the monastery. This accommodation is very basic, but the experience and the views are breathtaking.
Day 8Enjoy free time to hike in the area…Lace up your hiking boots for treks around Emei Shan. Opt to take the cable car or public bus' to explore the area.
Lace up your hiking boots for treks around Emei Shan. Opt to take the cable car or public bus' to explore the area.
Day 9Visit Leshan with an option to see…En route to Chengdu, stop for an optional visit to the world's largest outdoor sitting Buddha in Leshan. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is a city of almost 12 million people, which still manages to retain some of its older characteristics and traditions. One of these traditions is the Sichuan Opera. The singing, comedy, puppetry, and incredible 'changing faces' act performed as part of the opera are a feast for the eyes.
En route to Chengdu, stop for an optional visit to the world's largest outdoor sitting Buddha in Leshan. Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is a city of almost 12 million people, which still manages to retain some of its older characteristics and traditions. One of these traditions is the Sichuan Opera. The singing, comedy, puppetry, and incredible 'changing faces' act performed as part of the opera are a feast for the eyes.
Day 10Visit the Panda Breeding Centre for an up-close…Take a flight to Lijiang. Spend time in Lijiang getting lost in the small pedestrian lanes that meander throughout the town. Every twist and turn reveals picturesque old buildings, local arts and crafts, fast flowing canals, and beautiful arched bridges.
Take a flight to Lijiang. Spend time in Lijiang getting lost in the small pedestrian lanes that meander throughout the town. Every twist and turn reveals picturesque old buildings, local arts and crafts, fast flowing canals, and beautiful arched bridges.
Day 11Enjoy a free day to explore LijiangOpt to spend an afternoon resting in a pavilion in the Black Dragon Pool Park, gazing at the reflection of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or listening to local Naxi music.
Opt to spend an afternoon resting in a pavilion in the Black Dragon Pool Park, gazing at the reflection of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or listening to local Naxi music.
Day 12Trek Tiger Leaping GorgeIn the heart of Yunnan province, the fast-flowing Yangtze has cut a dramatic gorge so narrow that legend has it a tiger once escaped capture by jumping across it. This area definitely rivals the well-known Three Gorges as the most spectacular scenery along the Yangtze River. Hiking the route is surely the best way to experience the landscape.
In the heart of Yunnan province, the fast-flowing Yangtze has cut a dramatic gorge so narrow that legend has it a tiger once escaped capture by jumping across it. This area definitely rivals the well-known Three Gorges as the most spectacular scenery along the Yangtze River. Hiking the route is surely the best way to experience the landscape.
Day 13Continue the hike through Tiger Leaping Gorge
Continue the hike through Tiger Leaping Gorge. Typically, return to Lijiang at the end of the second day's trek.
Day 14Explore this ancient walled town on an orientation walkThe town is small enough to explore on foot, but a bicycle or bus ride can take you to see smaller Bai villages, or to visit the colourful markets where women in traditional dress sell their handicrafts.
The town is small enough to explore on foot, but a bicycle or bus ride can take you to see smaller Bai villages, or to visit the colourful markets where women in traditional dress sell their handicrafts.
Day 15Enjoy a free day to explore markets, scenery, and temples
Enjoy a free day to explore markets, scenery, and temples.
Day 16Travel by bus to Kunming and explore…
Travel by bus to Kunming and explore the Green Lake and local markets on an included city tour.
Day 17Spend the morning in Kunming before a flight…Often remembered as a highlight on a trip to China, Yangshuo has some of the country’s most spectacular scenery along with a vibrant countryside and relaxed atmosphere. Hop on a bicycle and head off the beaten track for a ride into the countryside. It's like cycling through a traditional Chinese painting. Mountains, rivers, bamboo, rice paddies, water buffalo — there’s something new to see at every turn.
Often remembered as a highlight on a trip to China, Yangshuo has some of the country’s most spectacular scenery along with a vibrant countryside and relaxed atmosphere. Hop on a bicycle and head off the beaten track for a ride into the countryside. It's like cycling through a traditional Chinese painting. Mountains, rivers, bamboo, rice paddies, water buffalo — there’s something new to see at every turn.
Day 18Relax on an included Li River cruise passing…Enjoy an included river cruise on the Li River. Embark from Fuli town, taking in views of the mountainous landscape as you cruise down this scenic river.
Enjoy an included river cruise on the Li River. Embark from Fuli town, taking in views of the mountainous landscape as you cruise down this scenic river.
Day 19Enjoy free time to continue exploring Yangshuo
Enjoy free time to continue exploring Yangshuo.
Day 20Travel to Guilin to board a fast train…Hong KongArrival to Shenzhen and cross the border by foot. Catch the metro into the heart of Hong Kong. Prepare for the extreme change of pace and enjoy a last night in the most dynamic city in Asia. With extra time here, explore Stanley Park, shop and eat in one of the many night markets, visit Victoria Peak or take a harbour cruise for incredible views.
Hong KongArrival to Shenzhen and cross the border by foot. Catch the metro into the heart of Hong Kong. Prepare for the extreme change of pace and enjoy a last night in the most dynamic city in Asia. With extra time here, explore Stanley Park, shop and eat in one of the many night markets, visit Victoria Peak or take a harbour cruise for incredible views.
Day 21Departure dayDepartureDepart at any time.
Depart at any time.
Traveller reviews
“Great mix of places, right pace of itinerary, most hotels good, leader (Puma Wang) was fabulous”
“The tour was a great and unforgettable experience. The destinations are well chosen and allow an excellent insight in different aspects of China and its people.”
“This tour was my first experience with over seas travel. I will be using G Adventures again”
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