China Experience

Intrepid Travel · 19 days

4.1

20 Reviews

Duration

19 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Average

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Experience a breadth of cultures, flavours and landscapes on this 19-day trip through China. Marvel at iconic attractions like the Great Wall, the Terracotta Warriors and the 71-m-tall World Heritage-listed Leshan Giant Buddha.

Includes

Meals: Breakfasts (4), Lunch (4), Dinner (3)
Accommodation: Hotel (13 nights), Monastery (1 nights), Overnight Riverboat (4 nights)

Highlights

Take in the iconic scenery of the Yangtze River as you sail through the dramatic Three Gorges on a three-day cruise.
Hike through the misty forests of Emei Shan for a stay in a monastery, where you’ll wake to the sound of drums and prayers in the morning Buddhist ritual.
Get up close to giant pandas in Chengdu and learn about the work being done to preserve this ancient species.
Cycle through the Chinese countryside against backdrops that look straight out of a painting, like the striking limestone karsts of Yangshuo.
Zip through the country from north to south on its efficient high-speed rail network and experience world-class wonders, from the ancient Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors to the skyline and night markets of Hong Kong.

Trip Details

Duration

19 days

Transportation

Private Bus, Public Bus, High-Speed Train, Overnight Riverboat, Subway, Taxi, Bicycle

Guide Language

English

Starts

Beijing, China

Finishes

Hong Kong, China

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer, Rail & Cruises, Budget

Physical Rating

Average

Itinerary

Day 1: Beijing

Ni hao! Welcome to Beijing – where historic sites dating back to the 13th century sit side by side with a bustling metropolis full of good food and striking contemporary architecture. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your local leader and fellow travellers. After, maybe head out to explore the Beijing streets. You might like to wander the city’s old hutongs (alleyways) or hop on the subway to venture out of the city centre. Tonight, maybe kick off your China adventure with a taste of an iconic dish – Peking duck.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Beijing

Today, you’ll explore two of the most popular sights in Beijing on foot and by public transport. While this can get crowded, it's the best way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Make your way to the centre of the city – Tiananmen Square, the symbolic centre of Chinese power. From here, you’ll enter the enormous Forbidden City. Built more than 500 years ago, the Forbidden City looks much like it always has. As you explore the great halls and courtyards, you’ll be able to appreciate the might and grandeur of the Imperial Court during the height of its power in the Ming and Qing dynasties. This evening is free for you to explore Beijing’s street food scene – the hutongs (historic narrow streets and alleys) come alive with lights and noise in the evening and are full of eateries.

Included Activities:

Beijing - Forbidden City
Beijing - Tiananmen Square

Optional Activities:

Beijing - Temple of Heaven (entrance fee) (40 CNY)
Beijing - Summer Palace (entrance fee) (60 CNY)
Beijing - Lama Temple (entrance fee) (25 CNY)
Beijing - Hutong family visit (150 CNY)
Beijing - Acrobat show (ticket) (290 CNY)
Beijing - Beijing Opera show (ticket) (380 CNY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Beijing

This morning, you’ll take a private bus to visit the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and tick off one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Here, you’ll spend some time exploring, taking photos and learning the history of this iconic site. An incredible feat of engineering, the 20,000 km wall was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements. Today’s walk is mostly on the restored section of the wall, but this still means walking on steep, uneven terrain with lots of steps, so a reasonable level of fitness and comfortable shoes are necessary. Survey the spectacular surrounding countryside from your vantage point as you surmount the best-preserved stretch of the Wall. After, you’ll return to Beijing by private bus for a free evening to relax or explore further.

Included Activities:

Beijing - Mutianyu Great Wall

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Xi'an

Today, you'll travel to Xi'an by high-speed train. The capital of the Shaanxi province, Xi’an is the largest city in northwest China. Once the imperial centre of China for 13 dynasties, modern Xi'an is dotted with historic sites ripe for exploring. Join your leader on a short walking tour to uncover what was the start of the ancient trading route, the Silk Road. In the city’s Muslim Quarter, you’ll wander through the narrow streets, passing shops, lively markets and endless stalls of street food. For the rest of the day, maybe visit the City Wall, which extends more than 13 km (8 mi) around the city – cycling is a great way to explore it. Or, visit the Bell and Drum Towers – according to legend, the former was built to restrain the dragons that were causing earthquakes. The latter is (unsurprisingly) full of drums that were once used to mark time and warn of emergencies. Xi’an’s history as a major hub on the Silk Road means it has an exciting mixture of cultures – this is exemplified by its food options. This evening, perhaps visit the night markets and try the tantalising local specialties such as pao mo (lamb broth that you break flatbread into), hand-pulled noodles, hot pot and grilled skewers.

Included Activities:

Xi'an - Muslim Quarter Walking Tour

Optional Activities:

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

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Xi'an

Today, hop on your private transfer to visit what is often referred to as the eighth wonder of the world – the Terracotta Warriors. You’ll learn all about this incredible archaeological site that had been buried for 2000 years before being discovered in 1974 by farmers who were digging a well. These clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots were commissioned by the Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi as part of his mausoleum after he became emperor in 221 BC. Three main pits are open, where just under 2000 of the warriors – each individually sculpted from clay and with a different costume, height and even facial expression – stand in battle formation. Return to Xi’an in the afternoon for some final exploration of the city.

Included Activities:

Xi'an - Terracotta Warriors Tour - leader led

Optional Activities:

Xi'an - Tang Dynasty Show (290 CNY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Chengdu

Today, you’ll take a high-speed train to Chengdu. The capital of the Sichuan province, Chengdu is most famous for two things – the pandas living in its mountains and the food. Chengdu's signature spicy cuisine is largely regarded as the best in China – in a country with such acclaimed cuisine, this is no mean feat. You’ll join your leader on a walking tour where you’ll check out Tianfu Square and People's Park – this is arguably the liveliest park in China, full of locals singing, dancing, doing tai chi or even modelling! Chengdu has preserved plenty of its traditional flavour, and you'll get a taste of it during this tour and in your free time this evening – maybe sample a Sichuan hotpot for dinner. Don't miss out on the teahouses – pull up a stool and sample the locals’ favourite green and jasmine teas. Don't be surprised if someone offers to give you a head massage or clean your ears while you sip!

Included Activities:

Chengdu - Leader-led walking tour
Chengdu - People's Park & Tianfu Square

Optional Activities:

Chengdu - Wenshu Monastery (entrance fee) (5 CNY)
Chengdu - Sichuan Opera (ticket) (260 CNY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Chengdu

Today, you’ll visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base where you’ll witness the conservation efforts being made to save this endearing species. There are only around 1800 pandas left in the world – they mainly live here in mountains of southwest China. This research facility was set up in 1987 to help protect this animal, and it is now home to more than 200 giant pandas – you'll have the chance to encounter these magnificent creatures. Watch them play, eat bamboo and climb the trees. If you’re lucky enough (and travelling between July and September) you might get to see newborns taking their first steps in the nursery. After, return to downtown Chengdu for some free time. Perhaps take in a performance of traditional Sichuan opera, visit the Wenshu Temple or take a cooking class. Your local leader will have all the best recommendations for how to make the most of your free time here!

Included Activities:

Chengdu - Giant Panda Breeding Research Base

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Emei Shan

Travel by private bus to the sacred mountains of Emei Shan. Along the way, stop in the town of Leshan to visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Giant Buddha. This 71-m-tall Buddha was carved into a cliff face around 1300 years ago and took almost 100 years to complete. Depending on the number of visitors, you may choose to either climb up and down Mount Emei or take the river boat to experience the Giant Buddha – the river boat is the better option if you want to see the statue's entirety and marvel at its magnificence. Then, continue to Emei Shan where you'll spend the next three nights.

Included Activities:

Leshan - Giant Buddha (boat ticket & transport included)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Emei Shan

Today will be spent exploring the landscape surrounding Emei Shan – one of China’s four sacred Buddhist mountains. In the morning, travel by public bus and then cable car to the Golden Summit. Soak up the views from the mountain’s 3099-m (10,167-ft) peak. Take a public bus down the mountain, then start your hike, led by a local guide, to your accommodation at a monastery. Expect plenty of steps and steep paths and dress accordingly. Sturdy footwear will help you to enjoy this challenging but rewarding day on the mountain.

Included Activities:

Emei Shan - Scenic Area Hiking
Emei Shan - Cable car & Golden Summit visit

Accommodation:

Monastery/Guesthouse (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Emei Shan

Today, continue exploring the countryside at the base of the mountain, which provides ample opportunity for leisurely walks. It may be possible to visit some local hot springs to relax and revive from your hike. Otherwise, you could take a tour of some nearby villages. You can also visit the Crouching Tiger Monastery, which is hidden deep in the forest, and see its 7-m-tall copper pagoda inscribed with Buddhist images and texts.

Optional Activities:

Emei Shan - Crouching Tiger Monastery (6 CNY)
Emei Shan - Hot Spring Resort (212 CNY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Yangzi River

Today, travel back to Chengdu and then continue to Yichang by train. Yichang is known as the gateway to the Three Gorges. From here, you'll start your four-day river trip up the Yangtze River. You’ll experience the views of the Yangtze from your boat as you set sail.

Accommodation:

Overnight Boat (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Yangzi River

This morning, enjoy a tour of the Three Gorges Dam. The world’s largest hydroelectric project, the dam generates power and prevents the major flooding that long threatened the people of the area. After, continue sailing along the Yangtze River. The Yangtze has inspired numerous poets, writers and travellers over the centuries. You’ll travel along one of the most picturesque sections – the renowned Three Gorges. The dramatic 'sanxia', as they’re known in Chinese, stretch for 200 km and vary from 100 m to 300 m in width. Relax and take in the sights – you might also have opportunities to visit some riverside attractions and towns on optional group excursions. This might include leaving the river boat to take a side-trip down a tributary of the Yangtze River. If you would prefer to stay on board, maybe take the chance to learn some Mandarin words or how to write characters from your leader.

Included Activities:

Yichang - Guided Three Gorges Dam Project tour

Accommodation:

Overnight Boat (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 13: Yangzi River

Accommodation:

Overnight Boat (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 14: Yangzi River

Accommodation:

Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 15: Yangshuo

Your Yangtze boat trip will end this morning in Chongqing – the biggest city in China, with a population of over 30 million sprawled throughout the city centre and the steep hills behind it. From here, you’ll take a private bus to the train station and board a bullet train to Yangshuo. When you arrive, take the time to rest and soak up the charm of this little town, popular with local and international travellers alike, who come for the beautiful landscape and stay for the great cafe and bar culture. The countryside around Yangshuo is immortalized in many traditional Chinese paintings – picture immense limestone karsts dotting the Li River and towering spectacularly over rice paddies.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 16: Yangshuo

Today, you’ll shake out your train legs and experience the limestone karst landscape during a bike ride, where you’ll gain genuine insight into rural Chinese life. Stop at a local home for a lunch made using locally grown produce. You’ll have a local guide during the ride, and helmets and bikes are included. After, the evening is free for you to explore Yangshuo's lively cafe and bar scene. Maybe grab a bowl of pork-stuffed tofu or beer fish (simmered freshwater fish).

Included Activities:

Yangshuo - Cycling tour (local guide & bike hire included)

Optional Activities:

Yangshuo - Moon Hill (entrance fee) (15 CNY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 17: Yangshuo

Today is as clear as a Yanghsuo spring day, but 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 simply sit back and relax as you enjoy a cruise down the Li or Yulong River. Maybe visit the market to shop with the locals and get a feel for the regional produce. Then, you might put this new knowledge to use in a cooking class at the Yangshuo Cooking School. Learn to cook Chinese dishes with recipes that are easy to follow and ingredients that are readily available outside of China, so that you’ll soon be impressing friends and family back at home with your newfound skills. Or, take a tour to the much-loved viewpoint at Xiangong Mountain for a bird’s-eye view of Yangshuo's landscape. Maybe visit a local tea farm to learn about tea picking and brewing. In the evening, perhaps watch an outdoor light show staged by 2008 Beijing Olympics’ Opening Ceremony director Zhang Yimou.

Optional Activities:

Yangshuo - Xianggongshan & Tea Farm Visit (Minimum 6, transport and entrance fee) (358 CNY)
Yangshuo - Impressions Liu Sanjie light show (minimum 4 people) (328 CNY)
Yangshuo - Tai Chi/Kung Fu class (120 CNY)
Yangshuo - Cooking School & Market Tour (230 CNY)
Yangshuo - Li River Cruise (230 CNY)
Yangshuo - Massage/Hot cupping (100 CNY)

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 18: Hong Kong

Take a private bus from your Yangshuo Hotel to Guilin West Station, then board a bullet train to West Kowloon station in Hong Kong. Once you arrive in the late afternoon, follow your leader on an orientation walk near your hotel. Hong Kong's fast-paced cityscape 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 through local shops and eateries. This evening, enjoy an optional final farewell dinner with your group to celebrate your adventure and sample some of the best Cantonese dishes.

Optional Activities:

Hong Kong - Victoria Peak & Tram (90 HKD)
Hong Kong - Star Ferry (15 HKD)
Hong Kong - Nightly Light Show - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 19: Hong Kong

There are no activities planned for today and your adventure comes to an end this morning. It’s highly recommended that you spend a couple of extra days here so that you can make the most of your time in Hong Kong. If you're interested, talk to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (unless otherwise stated)
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 will do 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.

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 $5,600

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 19 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Average

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 14 Jul 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

4.0

Michelle

Traveled, March 2024

04/02/2024

Fantastic trip well worth it. Visited amazing/ stunning places in China. The right amount of activities. Tour guide Long (Dragon) very knowledgeable and made the trip interesting and easy in a country where English is not well known.

4.0

Carlos

Traveled, March 2024

04/02/2024

Incredible experience in China. Culture, Food and beautiful Landscapes, covering very distinctive regions of China during 19 days.

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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