China on a Shoestring tour
China on a Shoestring tour
China on a Shoestring tour
26 Days Starting and ending in Hong Kong, China
Visiting: Hong Kong, Yangshuo, Chengdu, Xi'an, Dengfeng, Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Fujian
Tour operator:
Tour code:
238
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 20
Age range:
18-60
Special diets catered:
Please advise request
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
This 26-day full circuit of China take in all the major sites and more. An amazing budget china tour that covers Hong Kong, Chengdu, Beijing & Shanghai, along with plenty of off-the-beaten track adventures and activities along the way.
Starting and ending in the dazzling city of Hong Kong, we take you on a budget tour of China beginning with Yangshuo and its towering karst mountains, green fertile fields, and a long list of adventure activities to try out. It's then on to Chengdu for an encounter with the endangered but equally endearing panda bear.
Next we drop in to Xi'an for a shot of China's rich and ancient cultural history, and a visit to the world famous Terracotta Warriors. Continuing on to Dengfeng, home to the iconic Shaolin Temple, it's all out kung fu madness, with a chance to watch and even train with the masters of martial arts. Eventually we reach Beijing, China's bustling capital, and from here we take a trip out to the unmissable Great Wall of China and a night camping on the walls, and also enjoy a spectacular sunset and sunrise.
Heading towards Shanghai we spend a little time in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province amongst the beautiful bamboo forests and crystal clear lagoons, before reaching the world's biggest city. A night out in Shanghai is an experience you'll never forget. We finally work our way back to Hong Kong, stopping off in Fujian en route to sample rural China at its best.
Due to the nature of the way this trip runs, we set a minimum age of 18 and maximum age of 55.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Meet In Hong Kong . Visit Victoria Peak
Location: Hong Kong
Accommodation Name: Hong Kong hostel
Your Hong Kong to Beijing adventure starts today! After arriving in bustling Hong Kong, make your way to your hostel where you can drop your belongings. Meet your adventure leader early this afternoon. We’ll then take you for your first glimpse of incredible Hong Kong, with a trip up Victoria Peak to see the sunset over the skyline. After that, we’re heading to Tsim Sha Tsui, where you’ll watch the ‘Symphony of Light’ show from the Avenue of Stars. Finally, if your busy day has you ready to eat, you’re in luck. You’ll head to the Temple Street Night Market, where your Adventure Leader will be on hand to show you the best places to grab a late dinner.
Day 2 : Head To Yangshuo
Location: Yangshuo
Accommodation Name: Yangshuo hostel
We’re up bright and early this morning, ready to head to the train station. We’ll be taking the bullet train to Guilin. From there, it’s a bus to your hostel where you’ll arrive in the early evening. If you’d like, why not head out into Yangshuo to get your first taste of local food!
Day 3 : Yangshuo (Free Day, Options Available)
Location: Yangshuo
Accommodation Name: Yangshuo hostel
You have a free day in Yangshuo today. To help you make the most of your time here, why not try some of these exciting optional activities? Try your hand at cooking up some traditional Chinese foods, at a friendly culinary institute. Enjoy kayaking among the mountains along the Li River! Experience some relaxing Chinese traditional therapies – like Hot Cupping!
Day 4 : Yangshuo, Bike Ride & Bamboo Rafting
Location: Yangshuo
Accommodation Name: Yangshuo hostel
Today begins with an unmissable bike ride around the local area, along with a cruise down the Yulong River on bamboo rafts. If you’re bringing your camera (which you definitely should!) – make sure it’s waterproof! Later, you have the option of heading to the Moon Hill complex to get dirty! In this cave complex, you’ll find mud baths and hot springs galore. In the evening, you have the option of joining your fellow travellers for a spot of fun out in the local area.
Day 5 : Yangshuo, Free Day (Optional Excursions Available)
Location: Yangshuo
Accommodation Name: Yangshuo hostel
You day if free today to relax and enjoy the idyllic setting, or alternatively you can try your hand out at one of the many adventure activities on offer. These include rock climbing, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking and more. You can also jump on bikes to explore the surrounding countryside.
Day 6 : Yangshuo, Train To Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Accommodation Name: On board sleeper train
Today we make our way by train to Chengdu, situated in the heart of Western China in Sichuan province. Sichuan province is renowned for its beautiful countryside, there are many attractions on offer and the food is amazing. We transfer by metro to your hostel.
Day 7 : Chengdu, Panda Research Centre Visit & Chinese Lesson
Location: Chengdu
Accommodation Name: Chengdu hostel
Chengdu has plenty of sights and experience to keep you busy during your stay, but today you'll have a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the Giant Panda Research and Breeding Centre, here you'll learn more about the efforts being made to breed and reintroduce pandas to the wild. While you won't be able to hold the Pandas, you'll have a chance to get up close to these beautiful creatures. After this, it’s time to brush up your Chinese skills! Your Adventure Leader will give you a Mandarin lesson, where you’ll learn all the key phrases you’ll need to make the most of your time in China. In the evening you might like to head out to experience a night out in Chengdu and perhaps try the traditional dish of Sichuan Hotpot for dinner.
Day 8 : Chengdu (Free Day, Options Available).
Location: Chengdu
Accommodation Name: Chengdu hostel
You have some free time in Chengdu today to explore at leisure, or join our optional excursion to Leshan, to see the Worlds largest stone Buddha.
Day 9 : Chengdu, Free Time (Optional Excursions Available), Then Train To Xi'an
Location: Chengdu
Accommodation Name: Xi'an hostel
After some free time in Chengdu where you can visit WenShu monastery and a traditional Chinese tea house, we board the train to Xi'an, cultural capital of China. Start and end of the famous "Silk Route", Xi'an is like a history book of China and the perfect place to explore the countries rich and interesting culture.
Day 10 : Xi'an, Optional Cycling Tour
Location: Xi'an
Accommodation Name: Xi'an hostel
Today there is the option to take a bike ride over the city walls, an excellent way to get you bearing and a good overview of the city. In the evening is free for you to enjoy, perhaps try a dinner of local street foods at the Muslim Quarter and relax after dinner by visiting the local Silk Road market nearby.
Day 11 : Xi'an, Terracotta Warriors Tour
Location: Xi'an
Accommodation Name: Xi'an hostel
Today we take you to visit the legendary Terracotta Warriors, row upon row of life-size statues stand silent guard over the burial place of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. In the evening you'll have the chance to visit the Star Sun home for people with disabilities and to volunteer. Then it's time for a night out Chinese style!
Day 12 : Dengfeng, Optional Kung Fu Lesson & Show
Location: Dengfeng
Accommodation Name: Dengfeng hostel
This morning we board the public bus to DengFeng, the closest village to the Shaolin Temple. The rest of the day if free to take an optional kung fu lesson & show at a local children's Home run by the Shaolin Temple. Here the monks teach the children to be kung fu masters. All proceeds go directly to the children's home. We also have a second Mandarin lesson to help brush up on your language skills.
Day 13 : Dengfeng (Optional Excursions Available)
Location: Dengfeng
Accommodation Name: DengFeng hostel
The day is free to explore more of Dengfeng and it's surrounding. You can visit the world famous Shaolin Temple and watch the masters of Kung Fu perform their amazing feats set amongst the beautiful temple courtyards. We'll take a hike to Dharma cave, spiritual centre for Buddhist pilgrims, before we board the overnight train to Beijing.
Day 14 : Bullet Train To Beijing. Great Wall Camping
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Great Wall camping
This morning we're up early to take the bullet train to Beijing, we'll arrive by late morning. Late afternoon we visit one of the wonder of the world, the Great Wall of China. To obtain permission to access the locals only sections of the unrestored Great Wall, we enjoy a mandatory meal at a local farm. We'll then hike on totally unrestored sections of the Wall where we set up camp on a deserted section of the wall. In the evening we take in sunset in this ancient and dramatic setting (Please note, due to cold weather before the end of April and after September, we stay in a guest house near the Wall instead of camping, but still return to the Wall to watch sunrise in the morning. Between April and September monsoon rain may also mean we are unable to camp on the wall.).
Day 15 : Beijing, Free Day (Optional Excursions Available)
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Beijing hostel
After sunrise on the Wall we return back to Beijing. Back in Beijing the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own leisure or try one of the many optional tour available (see the Options tab for all available local options). Perhaps you could visit the Olympic Bird's Nest Stadium, or enjoy the incredible Beijing Acrobatics Show. For dinner tonight there is a chance to taste Beijing's signature dish Peking Roast Duck, enjoyed exclusively by royalty in ancient times.
Day 16 : Beijing, Free Day (Optional Excursions Available)
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: Beijing hostel
Today is a full free day to see more of Beijing like Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. In the evening you could explore the WangFuJing night market where you can push your taste buds to the limit and sample many foods you'll have never tried before, like scorpion, bugs and more.
Day 17 : Beijing, Free Day (Optional Excursions Available), Then Overnight Train To Hangzhou
Location: Beijing
Accommodation Name: On board overnight train
Our last day in Beijing is free to do some more sightseeing or perhaps test your bargaining skills with a visit to the Fake Goods Market. Finally we board the overnight train to Hangzhou.
Day 18 : Arrive Hangzhou, West Lake Visit & Sunset Hike
Location: Hangzhou
Accommodation Name: Hangzhou hostel
After arriving in Hangzhou this morning, transfer to your hostel for a late breakfast. We hope you slept on the train! Next, we’re off to the famous West Lake, ready to take a stunning boat tour to one of the Lake’s beautiful islands. Once you’ve checked in this afternoon,you'll have some free time. If you’re keen to stay vertical, why not check out China’s National Tea Museum, or the Lingyin Temple? This evening, it’s an unmissable hike up Jiuyao Mountain to see the stunning sunset from there. Before you head back down to street level for dinner and a free evening to explore. Make sure you check out Hefang Road – the most famous ancient street in town!
Day 19 : Nine Creeks Hike, Transfer To Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Shanghai hostel
This morning you have time to take a hike through misty woods to the Nine Creeks. Returning to the hostel for lunch we then catch the bullet train to Shanghai where we transfer via metro to your hostel.
Day 20 : Shanghai, Mandarin Lesson (Optional Excursions Available)
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Shanghai hostel
After a lazy morining, you'll have a Mandarin Lesson. This extra special class will be held by professional teachers, all the way from the Mandarin Garden Chinese Language School. Later in the day, there is an option to join a visit to the Yu Gardens , a busy historical site, formerly the site of a lavish family home. You could also visit People's Square before heading to the worlds busiest shopping street 'Nanjing Road' In the evenings, you can enjoy Shanghai's lively bar scene, and perhaps try out the largest bar crawl in China "the Drunken Dragon Pub Crawl". If you're looking for something a little more sophisticated try sipping champagne in a hot tub on the rooftop of a skyscraper, taking in Shanghai's spectacular skyline.
Day 21 : Shanghai, Free Day (Optional Excursions Available)
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Shanghai hostel
Today is another free day in Shanghai. There's lots to do to keep yourself busy, with plenty of sightseeing and shopping on offer. Alternatively you can let us do it for you and choose to take one of the many optional sightseeing tour available (see the Options tab for all available local options).
Day 22 : Shanghai, Free Day. Evening Huangpu River Cruise.
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Shanghai hostel
This morning you have the option of joining a stroll through the former French Concession to learn about Shanghai's international history. You can visit the Propoganda Museum and take in the famous city scapes of the ultra modern Financial District. You could also make a visit to TianZiFang, a local artists lane blending chic and traditional styles.
For any daredevils in the group, you could head to the top of Jinmao Tower and brave the sky walk!
In the evening, you’ll take in the bright city lights from the water with a night cruise down the Huangpu River
Day 23 : Train To Fujian
Location: Fujian
Accommodation Name: Fujian Guesthouse
It’s time to leave Shanghai and head to a new region – Fujian. You’ll take the bullet train to Longyan. After around 6 hours on the train, you’ll arrive and transfer deep into the verdant tea-growing hills. On the way, visit a mud roundhouse – these are the traditional homes of the local Hakka peoples. This evening, you’ll arrive at your guesthouse, ready for a relaxing night in after a long day of travel.
Day 24 : Fujian, Roundhouse & Tea Plantation Tour
Location: Fujian
Accommodation Name: Fujian guesthouse
This morning we take a walking tour around the UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoy exploring the neighbouring round-houses and the stunning countryside. We will also sample the locally grown tea in a traditional tea ceremony, and swim in a local lagoon. Later in the day we take time to visit a tea factory and surrounding plantations where you can see tea being made and buy some from the factory itself.
Day 25 : Fujian, Cycling Tour
Location: Fujian
Accommodation Name: Fujian guesthouse
We start the day with a cycling tour to a nearby village famous for its beautiful rivers and mountain scenery. The afternoon if free to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings and chat to the friendly locals.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
All accommodation as stated in the itinerary in basic hostels.
-
Transport
All transport and transfers in trains, buses, and public transport.
-
Sightseeing Tours
Sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary.
-
Entry Fees
Entry fees to included activities.
-
Bilingual Adventure Leaders
Bilingual adventure leaders are included.
What's Not Included
-
International Flights
International flights are not included but are available on request.
-
Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included.
-
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and not included, but available on request.
-
Single Room Supplements
Single room supplements are chargeable if a same-sex room share is not available.
-
Airport Transfers
Airport arrival and departure transfer service is optional and available on request.
-
Meals
All meals are not included.
-
Optional Activities
Optional activities are not included.
-
Personal Expenses
Drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses (e.
g.
, laundry) are not included. -
Tour Guide Tips
Tour guide tips are not included.
-
Other Items
Any other items not mentioned above are not included.
More Info
This 25-day full circuit of China take in all the major sites and more. An amazing budget china tour that covers Hong Kong, Chengdu, Beijing & Shanghai, along with plenty of off-the-beaten track adventures and activities along the way. Starting and ending in the dazzling city of Hong Kong, we take you on a budget tour of China beginning with Yangshuo and its towering karst mountains, green fertile fields, and a long list of adventure activities to try out. It's then on to Chengdu for an encounter with the endangered but equally endearing panda bear. Next we drop in to Xi'an for a shot of China's rich and ancient cultural history, and a visit to the world famous Terracotta Warriors. Continuing on to Dengfeng, home to the iconic Shaolin Temple, it's all out kung fu madness, with a chance to watch and even train with the masters of martial arts. Eventually we reach Beijing, China's bustling capital, and from here we take a trip out to the unmissable Great Wall of China and a night camping on the walls, and also enjoy a spectacular sunset and sunrise. Heading towards Shanghai we spend a little time in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province amongst the beautiful bamboo forests and crystal clear lagoons, before reaching the world's biggest city. A night out in Shanghai is an experience you'll never forget. We finally work our way back to Hong Kong, stopping off in Fujian en route to sample rural China at its best.
Mode of Transport
Experience China using trains, buses, and public transport, ensuring a budget-friendly and immersive travel experience. Overnight train journeys include sleeper seats, and the tour leaders assist with seat arrangements to keep the group together.
Accommodation
Hostels, camping & overnight train. Our Shoestring China tours are based on basic but comfortable and fun hostel accommodation. These are safe and have good showers, internet, washing machines, and real Chinese character. Like hostels around the world, they tend to be most popular with young travellers aged 18 to 35 who are travelling on a small budget and who are keen to meet people and make new friends in the lounge or bar. Accommodation is in shared dorm rooms with all bedding and linen provided (this includes sleeping bags and mats during camping excursions at the Great Wall). Luggage is tagged, recorded and stored at the hostels while you are out on day excursions. Camping at the Great Wall is only available between April and the end of September. You will have your own sleeper seat on each overnight train journey (full flat bed). We try to ensure that all our travellers are booked in the same compartement so you can have fun getting to know each other better, play some games, and share a few drinks.If you or a fellow traveller have a seat that is not with the rest of the group, the tour leaders have a process in place to try to switch seats. In some stations they will be able to board the train and arrange a seat swap with another passenger. In other cases you can make use of the emergency phone that we provide to accompany every group, and the tour leader will then use this to speak in Mandarin to the conductor or directly to another passenger to help arrange a seat swap. This normally works very smoothly and without incident.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in basic but comfortable hostels, camping, and overnight trains. Hostels are safe and equipped with good showers, internet, washing machines, and have a real Chinese character. Accommodation is in shared dorm rooms with all bedding and linen provided, including sleeping bags and mats during camping excursions at the Great Wall.
-
How is luggage handled during the tour?
Luggage is tagged, recorded, and stored at the hostels while you are out on day excursions. This ensures that your belongings are safe and secure while you explore.
-
What happens if my train seat is not with the rest of the group?
If your seat is not with the rest of the group, the tour leaders have a process in place to try to switch seats. They may board the train to arrange a seat swap with another passenger or use an emergency phone to speak in Mandarin to the conductor or another passenger to help arrange a seat swap.
-
Is camping on the Great Wall available year-round?
Camping on the Great Wall is only available between April and the end of September. Outside of these months, due to cold weather, guests stay in a guest house near the Wall but still return to watch the sunrise.
-
What kind of transport is used during the tour?
The tour uses trains, buses, and public transport to move between destinations, providing an authentic travel experience across China.
-
Are there any language lessons included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes Mandarin lessons to help you learn key phrases that will enhance your experience in China.
-
Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
-
When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
-
Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
1 Select your preferred date
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Jul
2025 Aug
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Mar
2026 Apr
2026 May
2026 Jun
2026 Jul
2026 Aug
2026 Sep
2026 Oct
2026
Sunday - Thursday
Mar 23, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Apr 06, 2025 - May 01, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Apr 13, 2025 - May 08, 2025Sunday - Thursday
May 11, 2025 - Jun 05, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jun 01, 2025 - Jun 26, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jun 08, 2025 - Jul 03, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jul 10, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jun 22, 2025 - Jul 17, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jul 06, 2025 - Jul 31, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jul 13, 2025 - Aug 07, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Jul 20, 2025 - Aug 14, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Aug 03, 2025 - Aug 28, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Aug 17, 2025 - Sep 11, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Aug 31, 2025 - Sep 25, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Sep 07, 2025 - Oct 02, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Sep 14, 2025 - Oct 09, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Oct 12, 2025 - Nov 06, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Oct 19, 2025 - Nov 13, 2025Sunday - Thursday
Mar 22, 2026 - Apr 16, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Mar 29, 2026 - Apr 23, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Apr 05, 2026 - Apr 30, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Apr 12, 2026 - May 07, 2026Sunday - Thursday
May 10, 2026 - Jun 04, 2026Sunday - Thursday
May 24, 2026 - Jun 18, 2026Sunday - Thursday
May 31, 2026 - Jun 25, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Jun 07, 2026 - Jul 02, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Jun 21, 2026 - Jul 16, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Jul 05, 2026 - Jul 30, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Jul 12, 2026 - Aug 06, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Jul 26, 2026 - Aug 20, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Aug 02, 2026 - Aug 27, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Aug 16, 2026 - Sep 10, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Aug 30, 2026 - Sep 24, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Sep 06, 2026 - Oct 01, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Oct 11, 2026 - Nov 05, 2026Sunday - Thursday
Oct 18, 2026 - Nov 12, 2026Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.