Southern China Highlights: Hong Kong to Shanghai

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
Southern China Highlights: Hong Kong to Shanghai
Southern China Highlights: Hong Kong to Shanghai
Southern China Highlights: Hong Kong to Shanghai
Southern China Highlights: Hong Kong to Shanghai
Southern China Highlights: Hong Kong to Shanghai
Southern China Highlights: Hong Kong to Shanghai
Southern China Highlights: Hong Kong to Shanghai
Southern China Highlights: Hong Kong to Shanghai
Southern China Highlights: Hong Kong to Shanghai
Southern China Highlights: Hong Kong to Shanghai
Southern China Highlights: Hong Kong to Shanghai
Southern China Highlights: Hong Kong to Shanghai
Southern China Highlights: Hong Kong to Shanghai
Southern China Highlights: Hong Kong to Shanghai
Southern China Highlights: Hong Kong to Shanghai
10 Days
From AUD $3495
Trip Type
Small Group
Activity Level
Light

Rating

Southern China Highlights: Hong Kong to Shanghai

Southern China Highlights: Hong Kong to Shanghai

Intrepid Travel · 10 days
View Map
Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Traverse southern China from the neon lit Hong Kong to the top skyline of Shanghai.

Highlights

  • Explore Chongqing’s cyberpunk cityscape, rebuilt from WWII ruins. Your leader will show you through winding alleys, where solo travellers often get lost. Marvel at its incredible urbanscape and enjoy a hotpot meal inside a former air-raid shelter.
  • Ride the world's fastest outdoor Bailong elevator to the Avatar like Zhangjiajie landscape. Hike in the national park and take in the amazing scenery.
  • Learn about Nvshu (translated to ‘women’s script) – a secret language created for the freedom of communication between women in ancient China. Meet an expert and learn about Nvshu’s history and cultural impact, then create your own message.
  • Discover Shanghai’s architectural transformations as you explore from the Bund to the historic French Concession, witnessing the city’s evolution from the ‘Paris of the East’ to one of Asia’s most iconic skylines.
  • Travel over 3000 km from Hong Kong to Shanghai on China’s high-speed rail. Witness incredible infrastructure and see how China has evolved over the last 40 years.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Private vehicle,High-speed Train,Subway,Taxi

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Hong Kong, China

Finishes

Shanghai, China

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Explorer

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Hong Kong
Neih-hou! Welcome to Hong Kong. A fusion of east and west, this dynamic city is known for its skyline, bustling markets and rich cultural heritage. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe ride the Peak Tram for panoramic views over Hong Kong, visit the Tian Tan Buddha or take a stroll along the Victorian Harbor. Tonight, join your group for a tour through the lively Temple Street night market, where the energy of Hong Kong comes alive. After, maybe head out together for dinner and sample some local cuisine like dim sum or roast goose.

Included Activities:

  • Hong Kong - Temple Street Night Market visit

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Chongqing
Enjoy a relaxed morning before your first bullet train journey. This is a true taste of modern China, as you reach speeds of up to 300 km/h. Sit back and enjoy the scenery, read a book or listen to your favourite podcast as you travel across provinces. You may even want to try ordering takeaway food from a train station to your seat (your leader can assist to make this happen). You’ll arrive in Chongqing early evening. Either settle into your accommodation or join your leader for a short orientation walk to explore the city.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
3
Day 3: Chongqing
Start today with a guided city walking tour. Experience daily life like a local as you explore Chongqing’s Old Town on guided city walking tour. Stroll through Longmenhao Old Street, walk among the skyscrapers of Nanbing Road and visit the Hongya Cave. Learn about the city’s history from the street and cross the Yangtze River on the public cable car and ferry. Your walk ends with a traditional Chongqing hot pot lunch served in a former air raid shelter. These shelters, built during World War II to protect citizens from bombings, have since been repurposed. Take the rest of the day to explore this city of hills, maybe even check out the trending site where the train goes into a building or try and find the local spot where you come out of a highrise building's 22 floor onto a street - no wonder the locals call it the 8D city!

Included Activities:

  • Chongqing - Hotpot meal in former air raid shelter
  • Chongqing - Guided Chongqing city tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
4
Day 4: Zhangjiajie City
Travel from Chongqing to Zhangjiajie City today via train. You'll arrive in Zhangjiajie by mid-afternoon, then head out on a short orientation walk with your leader to help you get familiar with the area. Located in Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie city is known for its natural landscapes, including the famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain. Beyond the iconic scenery, the city itself offers a vibrant local life in its bustling night markets, leafy parks filled with locals practicing tai chi and a distinct Hunan-style food culture known for its bold, aromatic spice (quite different from Chongqing’s heat). Enjoy a free evening to relax, try some local dishes or simply soak in the atmosphere of this lively mountain city.

Included Activities:

  • Zhangjiajie - Leader-led orientation walk

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
5
Day 5: Tianmen Mountain / Zhangjiajie City
This morning, you’ll visit the iconic Tianmen Mountain. This area is known for its cliff-hanging walkways, scenic cableway and the iconic Tianmen Cave – a massive natural archway often called Heaven’s Gate. Here, you’ll spend a few hours exploring the landmark. For those who’d rather skip the 999 steps, you can take an escalator to the top. After soaking in the views and fresh mountain air, you’ll return to Zhangjiajie city. This afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your own pace.

Included Activities:

  • Zhangjiajie - Tianmen Mountain

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
6
Day 6: Zhangjiajie National Park/Zhangjiajie City
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, located in China’s Hunan Province, is renowned for its towering sandstone pillars and misty peaks – and this area was the inspiration for the floating mountains in the Avatar! Spend the day exploring the national park, hiking along well-maintained trails that weave through dramatic cliffs and forested valleys. You’ll also ride the Bailong Elevator – a glass lift built into the side of a cliff. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed landmark offers countless of photo-worthy moments, so have your camera ready. Later, return to your accommodation in Wulingyuan for a relaxing night.

Included Activities:

  • Zhangjiajie National Park - Cable car
  • Zhangjiajie National Park - Balong Elevator
  • Zhangjiajie National Park - Hike

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
7
Day 7: Changsha
Take another bullet train to Changsha – the capital of Hunan Province. When you arrive, you’ll head straight to a local cultural heritage centre to learn about Nvshu – the world’s only known writing system created and used exclusively by women. Now recognised as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, this unique script reflects generations of female expression and resilience. Learn about the culture and stories behind Nvshu and try writing your own message in this elegant script. After, check into your hotel and enjoy some free time before you head to one of Changsha’s night markets, where you can pick up some local street food for dinner. For the more adventurous in eating, maybe try sticky tofu, pig’s feet or crayfish mouth.

Included Activities:

  • Changsha - Local night market visit
  • Changsha - Nvshu script writing with local master

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
8
Day 8: Shanghai
Travel to Shanghai this morning by bullet train, arriving in the city in the afternoon. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to spend as you like. In the evening, your leader will take you to the Bund, where you’ll see the striking contrast between old and new Shanghai. As you walk, you’ll see historic mansions dating back 100 to 200 years on one side and across the Huangpu River, you’ll see the modern skyline with high-rises and towers built over the past four decades.

Included Activities:

  • Shanghai - Leader-led night bund walking tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
9
Day 9: Shanghai
This morning, set off on a walking tour to Shanghai’s French Concession. Originally a residential and retail area of Shanghai, this neighbourhood is now known for its tree-lined streets, European-style architecture and vibrant cafes. Stroll through its historic lanes and learn about the city's blend of Chinese and French influences. This afternoon you have some free time to explore Shanghai at your own pace. Maybe visit the Shanghai Museum, explore the Yuyun Garden and Old Bazar or head up to the Shanghai Tower observation deck. Tonight, maybe meet up with your group and celebrate the end of the trip with a farewell dinner.

Included Activities:

  • Shanghai - Leader-led French Concession walking tour

Accommodation:

  • Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
10
Day 10: Shanghai
With no activities planned today, you’re free to leave at any time. If you’d like to extend your stay in Shanghai, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
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 $3,495
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

Traverse southern China from the neon lit Hong Kong to the top skyline of Shanghai.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 19 Mar 2026

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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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