Essential China From Hong Kong - 26 days

Essential China From Hong Kong - 26 days

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26 Days From

$3175

Essential China From Hong Kong - 26 days

26 Days Starting and ending in Hong Kong

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

Tour operator:

On The Go Tours

Guide Type:

Partially Guided

Group size:

2 - 20

Physical rating:

Medium

Age range:

18-55

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English
From: $3175

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

SEMI INDEPENDENT: Take in the best of China on this Essentials tour which starts and ends in Hong Kong! Admire the skyline of the city from Victoria Peak and contrast this with the lush scenery and karst peaks of Yangshuo. Enjoy bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, learn Mandarin as you travel and see giant pandas in Chengdu. Visit the Terracotta Army in Xi'an, join an optional Kung Fu masterclass in Shaolin, hike along an unrestored section of the Great Wall and explore sprawling Beijing and Shanghai independently.

Highlights

  • Hong Kong - Begin your adventure in this vibrant city, head to Victoria Peak to admire the panoramic views and enjoy the Symphony of Light show

  • Yangshuo - Spend your free time hiking and enjoying the scenery, plus take an included bike ride and sail a bamboo raft along the Yulong River

  • Chengdu - Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see China's national animal and other rare species such as red pandas

  • Xi'an - Marvel at the famous Terracotta Army and join an optional bike ride along the Ming Dynasty city walls

  • Shaolin - See the Shaolin Temple and opt for a Kung Fu masterclass, or choose to visit the impressive UNESCO-listed Longmen Grottoes

  • The Great Wall - Hike along a quiet, unrestored section of this ancient wonder and spend a night camping nearby

  • Beijing - Discover the highlights of China's capital independently, choosing to visit the Forbidden City or Tiananmen Square

  • Hangzhou - Sail on West Lake and hike to the peak of Jiuyao Mountain, then hike through the picturesque Misty Woods

  • Shanghai - Explore the city independently with four days to visit Disneyland, browse the Shanghai Museum or climb one of the city's skyscrapers

  • Fujian - Enjoy a walking tour around the Fujian Tulou UNESCO World Heritage Site and join a bike tour of the local area

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Hong Kong

Location: Hong Kong

Upon your arrival in vibrant Hong Kong, make your own way to the hostel. At 16:30pm, you'll meet your tour leader and group for a trip briefing.





Your tour leader will then take the group to Victoria Peak for incredible panoramic views of the city below, and a chance to watch the sunset over the skyline. Afterwards, head to Tsim Sha Tsui, where you’ll watch the ‘Symphony of Light’ show from the Avenue of Stars.





Conclude your first day with a visit to Temple Street Night Market. This bustling market has plenty of options to choose from, and your tour leader can help with the best recommendations for a late dinner!

Day 2: Hong Kong

Location: Hong Kong

Hong Kong - Yangshuo. Early this morning, we make our way to Hong Kong West Kowloon Station where we board a bullet train to Guilin in mainland China. Arriving in Guilin we board a private bus to Yangshuo where we check-in to our hostel. The rest of the evening is at leisure to explore the town and try some of the local delicacies including beer fish, a must try.



Day 3-5: Yangshuo

Location: Yangshuo

Yangshuo is a picturesque town, surrounded by dramatic karst mountains and known for its outdoor adventure opportunities. Day 3 is at leisure, with three available optional activities including a Chinese cooking class, kayaking along the Li River or a Chinese therapy experience, where you can enjoy traditional hot cupping.





Day 4 sees us heading out to enjoy some included activities. We start the day with a bike ride before transferring to bamboo rafts to cruise down the Yulong River. You can either enjoy the rest of the day at leisure exploring the city or take part in a couple of optional activities which are a trip to Moon hill and cave complex featuring mud baths and hot springs and an evening Karaoke trip or night out.





Day 5 is free to continue exploring independently. However, there are a couple of optional activities that you could join. These include a highly recommended rock climbing trip and a visit to a local village to experience what life is like there.

Day 6: Yangshuo

Location: Yangshuo

Yangshuo - Chengdu. This morning we leave beautiful Yangshuo and our tour leader behind and board the train to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province and home to the largest and best-known Panda breeding and research centre. After approximately 7 hours we arrive in Chengdu and are met by our local tour guide and make our way to our hostel for an evening at leisure.

Day 7-8: Chengdu

Location: Chengdu

On day 7 we take a short drive out of town to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, to visit China's animal emblem. We spend time exploring the grounds and watching the pandas munch on bamboo. We can also see other endangered animals including red pandas, golden monkeys and more. We visit the panda nursery and get close to the new born or infant pandas. In the afternoon we learn some useful Mandarin phrases in a brief lesson with our tour leader. The rest of the evening is free to relax. For those looking for an authentic experience, there is the optional trip to a traditional Sichuan Opera & Culture show.





Day 8 is at leisure to explore Chengdu, and perhaps wander down Jinli street or explore the Tibetan districts. There is also the optional activity which takes us to Leshan to see the worlds largest stone Buddha. Returning to Chengdu the rest of the day is either at leisure or you can take part in an optional trip for a hot pot dinner, a must try in Chengdu.

Day 9: Chengdu

Location: Chengdu

Chengdu - Xi’an. If you’re keen to have a lie in, you can start your morning lazily under your own steam. However, if you want to get out and about in the local community, pay a visit to a local rehabilitation center, which works specifically with children with autism.





In the early afternoon, get a final look at Chengdu with a visit to Jinli & Chengdu People’s Park. There are many scenic spots in this park, including the Gold Water Stream, the Goldfish Island and the Potted Landscape Garden. Besides appreciating the charming landscape, tourists can sail on the artificial lake, drink tea in the teahouse by the lake and watch all kinds of exhibitions and performances on the Rockery Square.





This evening, it’s time to transfer to Xi’an! You’ll arrive in Xi’an tonight – the next stop on your China backpacking tour! Meet your new Adventure Leader upon arrival, and head to your hostel for some well-earned rest.

Day 10-11: Xi'an

Location: Xi'an

Today, day 10, we spend our morning as we see fit. If you’d like some suggestions, ask your Adventure Leader! You might want to explore nearby museums, temples, or indulge in a spot of retail therapy. This afternoon, you have the option to bike ride on the city walls, which date back to the Ming Dynasty. Later, you can explore the Bell-Drum Towers and the Muslim Quarter to learn about the history of the Silk Road. Make sure to enjoy some local street food while you’re there!





The morning of day 11, we are paying a visit to one of the most unmissable sights in China – the Terracotta Warriors! The Terracotta Army in Xian is a large collection of life-size terracotta sculptures in battle formations, reproducing the mega imperial guard troops of Emperor Qin Shi Huang (259 – 210BC), the first emperor of the first unified dynasty of Imperial China. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Terracotta Army is a must-see for every visitor to Xian. In the evening, you can enjoy the music and light fountain show that takes place on the North Square of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, in the Qujiang District.

Day 12: Xi'an

Location: Xi'an

Xi’an - Shaolin. Today we leave Xi’an behind and board the bus to Shaolin (approx. 7 hours). On arrival we make our way to our family run guest house, located a stone’s throw away from the Shaolin Temple. This afternoon there is an optional Kung Fu lesson and show at a local children’s home run by a master from the Shaolin Temple. We finish our day with another Mandarin lesson from our trip leader.

Day 13: Dengfeng

Location: Dengfeng

If you’re a keen riser, you might want to join us on a trip to the world-famous Shaolin Temple – the birthplace of kung-fu. From there, we can take a hike up to the Dharma Cave, a spiritual spot for Buddhist pilgrims. Our climb will be rewarded with beautiful views of the local shrines and temples, and incredible vistas across the region. Alternatively, if you’re not a fan of martial arts, you might opt to head out to the Longmen Grottoes. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features 100,000 carved Buddhas! You’ll then have the option of returning for a late lunch at the guesthouse, before your evening is yours to explore. But use it wisely – there’s an early start ahead!

Day 14: Dengfeng

Location: Dengfeng

Shaolin - Beijing. Up before dawn, we catch a bullet train to Beijing! Arriving in late morning, our first stop is the awe-inspiring Great Wall. After a lunch break at a local farm, we hike the secluded, unrestored sections of the Wall in the mid-afternoon. Camping on this Wonder of the World, we'll witness a stunning sunset.





Please Note: Due to seasonal weather conditions, the camping experience only takes place between May and September. For all tours departing in this time, wherever possible we aim to include this experience. However, in the event of adverse weather conditions, travellers will stay in a nearby hostel.

Day 15-16: Beijing

Location: Beijing

On day 15 we wake up early to watch the magnificent sunrise across the Great Wall of China. Once we’ve picked our jaws off the floor, we’ll pack up and head back into Beijing, ready to explore this mammoth city. If you’d like, you can join us with a walk through Tiananmen Square, a visit to the Forbidden City, and a look around Jingshan Park. This evening, why not get an entertainment fill with an acrobatics show? These amazing circus-like performances feature young talents recruited from all over China. If you’ve worked up an appetite, now is your chance to make like ancient royalty and try Beijing’s signature dish – Peking duck!





Day 16 is a free day! You’ll have the option to visit the fake good markets for a spot of shopping, as well as the nearby Temple of Heaven. In the afternoon, you can visit the Nanluo district. Nanluo is one of the best-preserved historical areas in Beijing that’s famous for its hutongs and siheyuan courtyards, as well as the bars, cafes and handicraft shops.

Day 17: Beijing

Location: Beijing

Beijing - Hangzhou. Enjoy another free morning and afternoon to pack in the last few of Beijing’s sights, before heading to your next destination. You can visit the 798 art district, the Summer Palace, or any other highlights of Beijing. Be sure to ask your Adventure Leader for recommendations!





In the late afternoon/early evening, we’ll transfer to Beijing station, where we’ll board a night train bound for Hangzhou.

Day 18: Hangzhou

Location: Hangzhou

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’ve got time for an optional activity if you’d like – or you can take a couple of hours respite! 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: Hangzhou

Location: Hangzhou

Hangzhou - Shanghai. This morning, kick your day off with a beautiful hike to the Nine Creeks. On your way, meander through the Misty Woods – a truly magical place. Once you’re back at the hostel, you’ve got time to freshen up and grab some lunch before your check out, ready to travel onwards!





This afternoon, we’re off to our next stop on the China backpacking tour: Shanghai! You’ll arrive in the early evening – just in time to check in and explore the local area!

Day 20-22: Shanghai

Location: Shanghai

On day 20, after a lazy-ish morning, we get another Mandarin lesson – this time, with a twist! This extra special class will be held by professional teachers, all the way from the Mandarin Garden Chinese Language School! Later, we have the option to walk to the Yu Gardens, a bustling historical site of a former dignitary’s lavish family quarters. We can also see People’s Square, before heading on to the world’s busiest shopping street, Nanjing Road. Afterwards, we can go for a walk along the Bund, a hub of global architecture. To finish off, head to the top floor of a skyscraper to admire Shanghai’s skyline from a rooftop bar. Enjoy your free evening!





Day 21 is another day to explore this bustling, melting-pot of history, culture, and modernity. If you need any help deciding what to do our adventure leader is more than happy to give you some ideas.





In the morning of day 22 we have the option to stroll through the former French Concession to learn about Shanghai’s international history, visit the Propaganda History Museum, and take in the sights of the ultra-modern Shanghai financial district. We can also visit TianZiFang – a local artisan’s lane that blends the chic and the traditional. For the daredevils, you can head up to the top of Jinmao Tower and brave the Skywalk! Or, you can just go up and take in the stunning panoramic views. In the evening, you’ll take in the bright city lights from the water with a night cruise down the Huangpu River.

Day 23: Shanghai

Location: Shanghai

Shanghai - Fujian. Rise and shine! It’s time to head to our new final new destination – Fujian. We grab the bullet train to Longyan, where you’ll bid farewell to your Shanghai Adventure Leader. 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 24-25: Fujian

Location: Fujian

On day 24, after a tasty breakfast at our guesthouse, it’s time for an unmissable experience! We take a walking tour around the Fujian Tulou UNESCO World Heritage Site. We explore the Hakka Minority Roundhouses, picturesque villages, tea fields, traditional tea ceremony and tea tasting. We'll head up the mountain and visit the tea plantations, so take some cash if you’d like to purchase some tea! This evening, there will be a movie night if you want to chill out. But if you’re not tired of it yet – head out for karaoke!





On day 25 we grab our bikes for a tour of the local area and visit the world’s biggest roundhouse along the way! If you get tired, don’t worry – there’ll be a support vehicle with you if you feel like taking a load off. You’ll end up at a neighbouring local village, where you’ll have some time to explore. This afternoon is yours to relax, and prepare yourself for an early transfer tomorrow morning. One of our top tips today is to get your breakfast ready for tomorrow. Future You will thank you!

Day 26: Hong Kong

Location: Hong Kong

Fujian - Hong Kong. This morning, we’ll transfer by minibus back to Zhangzhou Station, ready to transfer by train back to Hong Kong. It’s here that your China backpacking tour comes to the end, and you’ll bid farewell to your fellow travellers.

What's Included

  • Accommodation
    Simple accommodation and Camping

  • 23 nights hostel, 1 night camping, 1 overnight trains (6-berth hard sleeper cabins) from Beijing - Hangzhou

  • All relevant transfer and transportation within China using public transport

  • Local guides for scheduled sightseeing in Yangshuo, Chengdu, Xi’an, Shaolin, Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, and Fujian.

  • Free basic Mandarin lessons

  • Local guide in Hong Kong for tour briefing

  • Entrance to Terracotta Warriors museum

  • Hiking & camping along unrestored parts of The Great Wall of China

  • Entrance to Giant Panda Research and Breeding Centre

  • Cycle and cruise excursion down Yulong River

  • Visit to the West Lake & boat tour in Hangzhou

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What's Not Included

  • International flights and visa

  • Airport transfers

  • Optional activities - paid locally

Age Policy

Age ranges from 18 – 55 years old. Please note these are backpacker type tours, please bear this in mind when quoting passengers. There is some flexibility with the maximum age on the family tours. Min age: 18 years old for group tours.Avg age: 28 years old. 

Check out our Q&As

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1998

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Nicola Hodgkinson (Google Reviewer)  

Recently returned from Greece, a...

07-May-2024

Recently returned from Greece, a 5 day tour with OTG. Unfortunately, I had a negative experience on day 2 where I needed local support to get me out of a tricky situation. Thank you to Alexandra Z from Hetco Tours in Athens for helping me continue on with the trip, to the Hotel Zafolia staffing team and to Danielle and team here in the UK for supporting me with the aftermath. Your kindness will not be forgotten and I will pay it forward. I've now booked 3 trips with yourselves and will continue to go back. Thank you all. Honestly, I am SO grateful. Blessings to you all. Nicola

Calvin  

Wonderful experience

05-Jan-2023

Jamal is our tour guide. Right from the start, he created a group chat in whatsapp and if any issues to make sure we contact him. He was on the ball with every issue thrown at him. Luggage being left behind, stragglers wondered off in a different path, hotel room etc. He explains the various site along our route to give us a better understanding of the local cultures. We had a great time, thanks to Jamal.

Trustpilot
Norma Sullivan  

Land of the Northern Lights 5 day tour of Iceland

10-Sep-2021

The Land of Northern Lights tour was a triumph! My tour of Southern Iceland was absolutely wonderful. The venues chosen, the timing allotted at each venue and the variety of things to experience was nearly perfect. Our guide, "Thor", was smart, amusing, full of history and anecdotal stories as well as being incredibly hospitable and helpful. This small group experience was my first, but not my last thanks to On the Go.

Trawls (Google Reviewer)  

On The Go Tours Sri...

05-Feb-2024

On The Go Tours Sri Lanka was an incredible experience that was made even better by our tour guide Akthar. He was incredibly knowledgeable about his country and he loved sharing it with us. The tour covers a wide range of activities so you can truly experience what Sri Lanka is all about. The beautiful 4-5 star hotels at the end of every day was an absolute bonus. Thanks for a great trip OTGT I’m sure this won’t be my last

Xtreme Floor Care (Google Reviewer)  

Traveled through Egypt with On...

30-Nov-2023

Traveled through Egypt with On the Go Tours, professional service, very informative and helpful tour guides. The choice of hotels was excellent... Definitely recommend this company

Gavin Harrigan  

King Tutankhamun 10 day tour of Egypt

16-Sep-2021

I have just returned from my tour with On The Go and it was an amazing trip! From arriving at the airport and meeting the OTG representative, everything was well organised and hassle free.  Our tour guide was Amir. He is awesome!! From the beginning he was so friendly and enthusiastic about showing us around Egypt, giving us loads of information at each place and time to explore ourselves. Learnt so much from him about this fascinating place, and he was always happy to answer more questions.   The trip itself was amazing. There's lots of travelling on this trip, but it's really not too bad, and the sights you see when you get to where you are going are worth it. I'm not a big fan of boats, but the Felluca ride across the Nile was pretty fun too.  On the first day I also did the optional tour of Cairo with Ahmed Helal - another excellent guide from OTG. It's worth doing this add on as you don't spend much time in Cairo, and you go to three very different places.  I'm so glad that I decided to do this trip. It was just ace.  If you're thinking about it too, you should probably just book it. And hopefully you get Amir as your guide.

Paul Kelly (Google Reviewer)  

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9...

26-Feb-2023

TOTALLY MOROCCO We booked a 9 day tour of Morocco visiting many main cities and places of interest. The coach was very comfortable and we felt safe with the driver Suliman. The guide was Hicham Touraouine and he was fantastic. He spoke perfect English as well as French, Arabic and Berber. He was so kind and considerate and made a good tour great. We particularly enjoyed ‘glamming in the Sahara Desert. So much to see and do and great food and company. We would definitely use On The Go Tours again, especially if Hicham was the guide. Paul & Penny

Joyce Heitler (Google Reviewer)  

I would give this tour...

09-May-2024

I would give this tour group no stars if possible. The tour was not guaranteed but they did not inform me when I booked and they did not have enough people. Way after I booked they said I needed a doctors letter because I was over 70. Also way after booking I was informed I needed travel insurance. They knew my age when I booked. They would not refund my tour even though it was 4 months away.

Sarah Paterson (Google Reviewer)  

Terrible tour of India. For...

27-Dec-2023

Terrible tour of India. For some reason On the Go hadn't realised that my room mate had booked her own room for the first night of tour. So the hotel in Delhi had tried to put me in her room after midnight, by wheeling in an extra bed. She went Crazy!! I then had to sit in hotel reception for hours. While the tour guide said he couldn't find me a room. Throughout the tour the guide consistently ask me and my room mate for money for my room, causing more friction between us. Don't book with this company had the worst experience ever. Go with Intrepid or G Adventure

brandy hoffman (Google Reviewer)  

I had used them once...

09-Aug-2023

I had used them once before and loved them. I decided to try them again for a Baltic tour not knowing that they put me on another Tour group- Baltic vision. Loved that tour but was not impressed they marked up the cost for me over 100%. I understand taking some for yourself because of paperwork, but over double the cost everyone else paid on the tour. Just double check before you book with them that you’re not over paying.

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Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD 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 on the go tours charges.

    Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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