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Hong Kong to Shanghai on a Shoestring

19 days, Hong Kong to Shanghai

The group cycling through the countryside in China
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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.

19 days

Hong Kong to Shanghai

Sold Out

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Trip Code: ACRS

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

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.

Is this tour for me?

Travel Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.

Service Level: Basic

Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.

Physical Rating: 3 - Average

Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.

Trip Type: Small Group

Small group experience; Max 18, avg 12.

Age requirement: 18-39

Check Your Visa Requirements

Before booking, use our handy entry requirements tool so you know which documents you need to enter and travel through the countries on your trip.

View our Entry Requirements tool

19 days

Hong Kong to Shanghai

Sold Out

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Trip Code: ACRS

Need a flight? We can help.

Call us to book your flights! We'll find you the best option!

See how your trip uplifts communities

In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.

Trees for Days

Help us spread love around the world — with trees! Together with Planeterra, we'll plant one tree in your name for every travel day.

Trees planted for this trip: 19

Ripple Score

Want to create ripples that change lives? The higher the Ripple Score percentage, the more money stays in the local communities you visit.

Ripple Score for this trip: 100

Map of the route for Hong Kong to Shanghai on a Shoestring

Places visited

Itinerary

Day 1Hong Kong

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your First Night Out Moment Connect With New Friends| Your Welcome Moment Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Day 2Hong Kong/Yangshuo

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 3Yangshuo

Enjoy free time in Yangshuo. Opt for a tai chi lesson, visit a women-run Community Restaurant, take a cooking class, or cycling tour of the area.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 4Yangshuo

Continue to explore beautiful Yangshuo with a free day.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 5Yangshuo/Chengdu

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 6Chengdu

Enjoy a free day to explore Chengdu, known for its spicy local food and the Giant Panda Breeding Centre.

Day 7Chengdu

Opt to see the Giant Pandas or continue exploring the vibrant city of Chengdu.

Day 8Chengdu/Luoyang

Say goodbye to Chengdu and its Giant Pandas and travel to Luoyang.

Day 9Luoyang

Arrive in Luoyang and opt to visit the Longmen Grottoes.

Day 10Luoyang/Song Shan

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 11Song Shan/Beijing

Visit the Shaolin Temple, the home of Kung Fu. Transfer by private vehicle to Luoyang then board the bullet train to Beijing.

Day 12Beijing

Enjoy free time in China's booming capital city.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 13Beijing

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 14Beijing/Xi'an

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.

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Discover Moment

Day 15Xi'an

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 16Xi'an/Suzhou

Spend the day continuing to explore Xi'an, then take an overnight train to Suzhou.

Day 17Suzhou

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!

Exclusive Inclusions:

Your Big Night Out Moment Private Karaoke Session

Day 18Suzhou/Shanghai

See the city on an orientation walk, then enjoy free time to explore this metropolis on your own.

Day 19Shanghai

Depart at any time.

View full itinerary

What's Included

  • Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
  • Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
  • Your Discover Moment: Yangshuo
  • Your Discover Moment: Beijing
  • Your Big Night Out Moment: Private Karaoke Session, Suzhou
  • Great Wall Mutianyu Visit
  • Shanghai and Xi'an orientation walks
  • Private Karaoke Session (Suzhou)
  • Song Shan hike
  • Shaolin Temple Visit
  • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Accommodations

Hotels (12 nts), hostels (standard twin/single) (2 nts), guesthouse (standard twin/single) (2 nts), sleeper trains (2 nts).

Meals

No meals included
Allow USD520-680 for meals not included.

Transportation

Local bus, train, private vehicle.

Staff & experts

English-speaking Chinese CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Departures

There are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.

Please Contact Us to inquire about dates for next season, or to discuss other tour options.

Hong Kong to Shanghai on a Shoestring

| 19 days - Hong Kong to Shanghai - Sold Out