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: 27
Sorry! There are no remaining departures for "Ultimate China on a Shoestring - Hong Kong to Hong Kong" (ACRR), but here are some similar trips.
This tour has changed beginning June 2020, to view June 2020 departures and beyond click here.
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.
Fast, fresh, and fun adventures that never slow down, made for young, budget-minded travellers.
Simple and clean hotels and hostels; affordable public and private transport; lots of optional activities.
Some tours may include light hiking, biking, rafting, or kayaking in addition to walking.
Small group experience; Max 18, avg 12.
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 toolThere are no departure dates currently available for the rest of this season. Some tours only run during parts of the year.
In a number of impactful ways, your adventure directly benefits the local people and places we visit.
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: 27
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.
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.
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.
Continue to explore beautiful Yangshuo with a free day.
Today, take the bullet train from Yangshuo to Chengdu. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of your day free to explore Chengdu.
Enjoy a free day to explore Chengdu, known for its spicy local food and the Giant Panda Breeding Centre.
Opt to see the Giant Pandas or continue exploring the vibrant city of Chengdu.
Say goodbye to Chengdu and its Giant Pandas and travel to Luoyang.
Arrive in Luoyang and opt to visit the Longmen Grottoes.
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.
Visit the Shaolin Temple, the home of Kung Fu. Transfer by private vehicle to Luoyang then board the bullet train to Beijing.
Enjoy free time in China's booming capital city.
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.
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.
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.
Spend the day continuing to explore Xi'an, then take an overnight train to 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!
See the city on an orientation walk, then enjoy free time to explore this metropolis on your own.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Hop 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.
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.
Hotels (14 nts), Hostels (standard twin/single) (3 nts), guesthouse (standard twin/single) (4 nts) sleeper trains (5 nts).
No meals included
Allow USD740-965 for meals not included.
Train, bus, sleeper train (beds), private vehicle.
English-speaking Chinese CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.
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.