Beijing to Hong Kong Adventure

Intrepid Travel · 12 days

4.3

2 Reviews

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Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Hit the major sights and sounds of China on a 12-day adventure from Beijing to Hong Kong. See the magnificent Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, the giant pandas of Sichuan and the striking limestone karsts in Yangshuo.

Highlights

See the heart of China, using the vast train network – you'll take one overnight train and three high-speed trains, covering almost 4000 km across the country from the north to the south – a fantastic way of low impact travelling!
Be welcomed into a local guesthouse near the Great Wall – after hiking along this magnificent Wonder of the World – and join a dumpling demonstration for lunch.
Explore the local countryside in the Yangshuo region, cycling through the riverbanks and karsts and stopping by a local home for a freshly prepared lunch.
Embrace the epicurean delights of China with a leader-led tour of Xi’an’s Muslim quarter (where you can try lots of authentic snacks), a day in Chengdu, the City of Gastronomy, and a steaming bowl of hotpot.
Veer off the busy tourist trail with a visit to the time-forgotten Taian Ancient Town, a hike down Mt Qingcheng – a sacred mountain in Taoism – and a meet and greet with giant pandas at the Dujiangyan Panda Breeding Center.

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,Overnight Train,High-speed Train,Subway,Taxi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Beijing, China

Finishes

Hong Kong, China

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer, Rail & Cruises

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Beijing

Nimen Hao! Welcome to China. Your adventure begins in Beijing with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe get acquainted with Beijing on your own before joining your group and leader for the meeting, then head out for an optional welcome dinner. Consider ordering Peking duck for your first meal in the country – first, the skin is carved and served in pancakes, then the rest is chopped and cooked into a soup. Yum!

Optional Activities:

Beijing - Lama Temple (entrance fee) (25 CNY)
Beijing - Temple of Heaven (entrance fee) (40 CNY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Great Wall/Beijing

This morning, get ready to tick one of the Wonders of the World off your list – the Great Wall of China, of course! You’ll visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and spend some time exploring, taking photos and learning the history of this mighty sight. An incredible piece of engineering, the wall stretches 6000 km west from Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from invaders from the north and continues to be one of the country's most remarkable achievements and a worldwide icon. The Mutianyu section is one of the best-preserved and has a high density of watch towers dotted along the wall. There is also the option to ride a toboggan down the hills near the Great Wall too, if you’re after a bit of a thrill! After, head to a local guest house for a dumpling making demonstration, tucking into the delicious favourites for lunch with your hosts. Return to Beijing for a free afternoon and evening.

Included Activities:

Great Wall - Dumpling making demonstration
Beijing - Mutianyu Great Wall

Optional Activities:

Beijing - Acrobat show (ticket) (290 CNY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Beijing/ Overnight Train

Visit the symbolic power centre of China this moring – Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace, Mao's Mausoleum and the Great Hall of the People, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it to be the heart of their nation. Cross the Golden Water bridge north to the square and enter the grounds of the enormous Forbidden City, which was built more than 600 years ago and has been off limits to commoners for almost all that time. Despite the transformation of the city around it, the Forbidden City looks much like it always has. Explore the halls and courtyards and appreciate the might and grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Then, you’ll have a free afternoon to maybe explore the Hutong area in the old part of the city, which originated from Yuan Dynasty when the Mongols were in control of China. Now, it’s a local neighbourhood that represents the spirit of old Beijing. Leave in the early evening for an overnight train to Xi’an.

Included Activities:

Beijing - Forbidden City
Beijing - Tiananmen Square

Accommodation:

Overnight Train (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Terra Cotta Warriors/Xi'an

This morning upon arrival, you’ll journey outside of Xi’an to what is undoubtedly one of the man-made wonders of the world – the Terracotta Warriors. Learn all about this incredible archaeological find, which was discovered after being buried for 2000 years. These clay statues depicting soldiers, horses and chariots were commissioned by the emperor Qin Shi Huang as part of his mausoleum after he ascended to the throne in 264 BC. See over 1000 warriors, each individually sculpted from clay and with a different costume, height and facial expression. In the afternoon, return to Xi’an and refresh. In the late afternoon, you’ll head out on a walking tour of what was once the start of the Silk Road. Your leader will introduce you to the Muslim Quarter. Xi’an’s Silk Road history means it has an exciting mixture of cultures, especially found in its food – Muslim dishes are a specialty here! For tonight's dinner, you'll get to try a range of different snacks to get a real sense of the passion for food the locals have – maybe try some lamb kebabs, persimmon cake, cold noodles, fried rice with pickles or a varied range of dried fruits.

Included Activities:

Xi'an - Leader-led Muslim Quarter snack crawl
Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour - leader led

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Xi'an

Today is a free day to explore Xi’an at your own pace. Within the ancient city walls, this city is very walkable! You could also hop on a bike on the city wall for a different perspective. Maybe visit the Bell Tower, which according to legend was built to restrain dragons that were causing earthquakes, or the Drum Tower, which is full of instruments once used to mark time and warn the population in emergencies. Maybe see the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and its squares, which now is a popular hotspot in the city for the locals – music, fountains, dancing, and lots of food!

Optional Activities:

Xi'an - Tang Dynasty Show (290 CNY)
Xi'an - City Wall bike hire (45 CNY)
Xi'an - Great Mosque (entrance fee) (25 CNY)
Xi'an - Big Goose Pagoda (entrance fee) (80 CNY)
Xi'an - Bell & Drum Towers (entrance fee) (50 CNY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Mt. Qingcheng

Take the bullet train to Chengdu and transfer to Mt Qingcheng. On the way, stop and visit the Dujiangyan Panda Breeding Center to learn how they introduce the pandas back into the wild after the breeding program, which battles against extinction. Then, head on to Mt Qingcheng – where philosopher Zhang Ling founded the doctrine of Chinese Taoism in 142 AD. Most of the temples on the mountain represent the main teachings of Taoism, having been built in the Jin and Tang dynasties. Explore the ancient town at the foot of the mountain with your leader, wander the old streets lined with houses that were built hundreds of years ago and soak in the scenery. Tonight, you’ll enjoy a hotpot dinner in town (spicy bubbling broth cooking fresh meat and vegetables).

Included Activities:

Dujiangyan - Dujiangyan Giant Panda Base
Mt. Qingcheng - Tai'an Ancient Town visit

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Chengdu

This morning, you’ll continue to explore Mt Qingcheng with your leader. Take the cable car up the mountain for some incredible panoramic views, then take the easy hike back down. While you walk through the ancient forest, listen to the chimes of old temples and maybe find your own meditative state within the trees. After, take a private transfer to Chengdu. Here, you’ll head out on a walking tour through Tianfu Square (spot the giant statue of Chairman Mao!) and the People’s Park. Perhaps take the chance to sit down in a traditional tea house with your free time this afternoon. Tonight, make the most of Chengdu’s culinary offerings for dinner – Chengdu was listed a City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, so you know you’re in for a treat!

Included Activities:

Chengdu - Leader-led walking tour
Chengdu - People's Park & Tianfu Square
Mt. Qingcheng - Cable Car (one way)
Mt. Qingcheng - hike

Optional Activities:

Chengdu - Sichuan Opera (ticket) (260 CNY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Yangshuo

Embrace a full day of travelling from Chengdu to Yangshuo today. Hop on a high-speed train from Chengdu to Guilin, then transfer to your hotel in Yangshuo. Surrounded by limestone karsts, Yangshuo is popular with both international and local tourists and has become a hub for those wanting to explore the natural side of China. Take a walk through the town with your leader and head down to the Li River to get a feel for the landscape, having been immortalised in many paintings and summed up by Han Yu, a Tang dynasty poet – ‘the river winds like a green silk ribbon, while the hills are like jade hairpins.’

Included Activities:

Yangshuo - Walking Tour

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Yangshuo

This morning, strap on your trainers and get active with a bike ride through the striking natural landscape. You’ll head into the countryside and gain a true insight into rural Chinese life. Stop by a local house for a delicious home-cooked meal from locally grown produce. You’ll have a guide during the ride, and helmets and bike rental are included. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to explore Yangshuo’s lively restaurant and bar scene, so perhaps grab yourself some pork stuffed tofu or ‘beer fish’ (a regional specialty of fish simmered in a fragrant broth).

Included Activities:

Yangshuo - Bike Tour with Lunch & Moon Hill Visit

Optional Activities:

Yangshuo - Moon Hill (entrance fee) (15 CNY)
Yangshuo - Massage/Hot cupping (100 CNY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Yangshuo

Today is as clear as Yangshuo’s spring, and there are plenty of optional activities to choose from. You could begin the day by focusing your body and mind with a morning tai chi class or kung-fu lesson. Perhaps try your hand at Chinese calligraphy, or book in a relaxing cruise down the Li or Yulong River. Maybe visit the market to shop with the locals and get a feel for the regional produce, and perhaps put this new knowledge to use in a cooking class at the Yangshuo Cooking School. Later, you can book in to watch the Liu San Jie Impression Light Show, which runs every night and has been staged by 2008 Beijing Olympics’ Opening Ceremony director, Zhang Yimou. It’s best to book tickets in advance to ensure you have an ideal viewing and get to see the show from the official seating area.

Optional Activities:

Yangshuo - Impressions Liu Sanjie light show (minimum 4 people) (328 CNY)
Yangshuo - Cooking School & Market Tour (230 CNY)
Yangshuo - Li River Cruise (230 CNY)
Yangshuo - Xianggongshan & Tea Farm Visit (Minimum 6, transport and entrance fee) (358 CNY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Hong Kong

Take a private bus to the train station, then board a bullet train to Hong Kong. When you arrive, follow your leader on an orientation walk near your hotel. Hong Kong's cityscape is spectacular, and its modern fast-paced life is only minutes from picturesque islands and beaches. The locals are very proud of their Cantonese culture and history, so step out of the shopping malls and off the main streets to discover another side of the city. This evening, enjoy an optional final farewell dinner to sample some of the best Cantonese dishes.

Included Activities:

Hong Kong - Leader-led orientation Walk

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Hong Kong

There are no activities planned for the today, and you’re free to leave at any time. It’s highly recommended that you spend a couple of extra days here so that you can make the most of Hong Kong. If you would like to book additional accommodation, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $3,695

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 12 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 08 Jun 2026

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

Cat

Traveled, April 2024

04/17/2024

This trip packs so much into a 12-day timeframe without ever feeling rushed. It's a perfect, fast-paced introduction to China's incredible regional diversity that allows you to discover, explore and eat your way around a different world each day. We were lucky to have had Peter as our exceptional guide.

4.0

Traveled, April 2024

04/18/2024

I would recommend Intrepid especially if you are a solo traveller for the first time. As it gives you an idea of what you are really looking for in your travel plans.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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