Highlights of China tour

Highlights of China tour

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17 Days From

$1635

Highlights of China tour

17 Days Starting in Hong Kong, China and ending in Beijing, China

Visiting: Hong Kong, Yangshuo, Chengdu, Xi'an, Dengfeng, Beijing

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

239

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 20

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

18-60

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Tour operated in:

English

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours, Camping

Interests:

Cultural, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Cycling, Walking

From: $1635

NB: Prices correct on 02-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through China with the "Highlights of China" tour, perfect for singles and adventure seekers. This small group tour takes you from the vibrant cityscape of Hong Kong to the serene rural landscapes of Fujian, offering a diverse array of experiences. Encounter the adorable pandas in Chengdu, marvel at the ancient Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an, and witness the martial prowess of the Kung Fu monks at Shaolin. The tour culminates in bustling Beijing, where you can explore the iconic Great Wall of China. Travel comfortably using trains, buses, and public transport, while staying in basic yet characterful hostels that provide a true taste of Chinese culture. This adventure promises a blend of urban excitement, cultural immersion, and natural beauty, making it an ideal choice for young travelers eager to explore China on a budget.

Highlights

  • Bright lights of Hong Kong

  • Active adventure in Yangshuo

  • Rural landscapes of Fujian

  • Encounter with cute Pandas in Chengdu

  • Visit to the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an

  • Kung Fu monks of Shaolin

  • Bustling Beijing and the Great Wall of China

Itinerary

Expand All

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, Options 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, Tour Ends

Location: Beijing

Accommodation Name: Beijing hostel

Today the tour ends so this is your last 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.

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 available on request but not included.

  • 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 great budget tour of China winds its way through the west of the country from the sky scrapers of Hong Kong, through stunning rural China, to the bustling capital of Beijing. Our budget tour of China starts in lively and crowded Hong Kong before heading out to the stunning rural landscapes of Yangshuo. Surrounded by towering karst mountain and fertile valleys, the area is an adventure playground with plenty of fun activities on offer. Next it's on to Chengdu for an unforgettable encounter with the iconic panda bear. Our next stop is Xi'an, rich in history & culture, and home of the world famous Terracotta Warriors. Then it's on to birthplace of kung fu for some martial arts training with the famous Shaolin monks. Our final stop is bustling Beijing and a chance to visit the impressive Great Wall of China.

Mode of Transport

The tour utilizes trains, buses, and public transport, offering a convenient and authentic way to explore China. This includes bullet trains and overnight sleeper trains, ensuring a comprehensive travel experience across various regions.

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.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the Highlights of China tour?

    The tour provides accommodation in basic but comfortable hostels, camping, and overnight trains. The hostels are safe and equipped with good showers, internet, washing machines, and have a real Chinese character. They are popular with young travelers aged 18 to 35 who are traveling on a small budget.

  • What kind of transport is used during the tour?

    The tour uses trains, buses, and public transport for all transfers and travel between destinations.

  • Are meals included in the Highlights of China tour?

    Meals are not included in the tour package. Participants will need to arrange their own meals.

  • Is there an opportunity to see pandas during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a visit to the Giant Panda Research and Breeding Centre in Chengdu, where you can learn about the efforts to breed and reintroduce pandas to the wild.

  • Can I participate in a kung fu lesson during the tour?

    Yes, there is an optional kung fu lesson and show available at a local children's home run by the Shaolin Temple in Dengfeng.

  • Will there be any opportunities to learn Mandarin during the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes Mandarin lessons where you can learn key phrases to help you make the most of your time in China.

  • Is there an option to camp on the Great Wall of China?

    Yes, the tour includes an opportunity to camp on a deserted section of the Great Wall of China, weather permitting. If the weather is not suitable, accommodation will be provided in a guest house near the Wall.

  • 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

Cristina Diniz  

Recommended tour

October 2017

Love them! Very professional and caring service.

Marijo Wilson  

Recommended trip

February 2018

Best trip I have ever been on. I have traveled with many tour companies but none compare to the itinerary, information, and professionalism of this company.

David N. Beasley Jr.  

Recommended tour

January 2018

Had a worry free amazing experience from tbr time we booked the trip till we arrived back home. Definitely recommend using them.

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Book 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.

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