Real China

Days: 12

Start: Beijing

Overview

End: Hong Kong

Group size: 1 to 16

Age: 18 - 35

Category: 18 - 35s/Basics

From an ancient Wonder of the World to pandas and karst mountains

You could travel for a lifetime in China, and there would still be more to explore – but this 12-day trip through the country’s highlights does a pretty good job of narrowing it down. Tick an ancient Wonder of the World off your bucket list at the Great Wall, witness the Terracotta Warriors in Xi-an and watch baby pandas play in Chengdu. Sip tea in People’s Park, taste delicious street food with a local leader who knows all the best spots and cycle through the misty countryside of Yangshuo – home to stunning vistas, Moon Hill and karst mountains. Start in Beijing and end in Hong Kong for some thriving nightlife and you’ve got a pretty cool adventure.

Trip Highlights

  • Walk the walk on the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), watching the stones snake as far as the eye can see. If you’d like, you can even toboggan back down!

  • Take a scenic cycling tour through farms and villages in Yangshuo’s karst-dotted countryside. Every turn in the road brings you to another postcard-perfect spot before riding to Moon Hill and taking a short hike that leads to panoramic views of the area.

  • Watch rolly polly baby pandas playing, munching bamboo and generally doing their thing at the Panda Breeding Centre in Chengdu – if they’re not already, pandas might just be your favourite animal after this.

  • Join a local guide to see the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an – the most famous site in the city – only discovered in 1976 by farmers digging a well.

  • Eat your way through China, from Beijing’s Peking duck to the delicious Sichuan pepper – then, maybe challenge yourself with authentic local delicacies like silkworms, spicy rabbit head and beer fish.

What’s included?

Meals: 1 Lunch

Transport: Overnight Hard Sleeper Train, Public bus, Private vehicle, High-speed Train, Subway, Taxi

Accommodation: Hotel (10 nights), Overnight Hard Sleeper Train (1 night)

Activities:

  • Beijing - Mutianyu Great Wall

  • Beijing - Tiananmen Square

  • Beijing - Leader-led Hutong Walking Tour

  • Xi'an - Muslim Quarter Walking Tour and Snack Sampling

  • Xi'an - Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square Walking Tour

  • Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour - leader led

  • Chengdu - Walking Tour (Tianfu Square, People's Park and Kuanzhai Lane)

  • Chengdu - Giant Panda Breeding Research Base

  • Yangshuo - Walking Tour

  • Yangshuo - Bike Tour with Lunch & Moon Hill Visit

  • Hong Kong - Leader-led Walking Tour

  • Hong Kong – Temple Street Night Market Walking Tour

For more information about this trip, for available dates and prices, or to book, please fill in the form below and we will be in contact with you to discuss it further!