Ultimate China: 27 Day Backpacking Escape

Arrive in lively Hong Kong and drop your bags at the hostel before kicking off the adventure. Meet your Adventure Leader and new travel crew for a welcome briefing to go over the journey ahead and get to know the group. Then ride the Star Ferry and tram up to Victoria Peak for epic sunset views of the city skyline. On the way, stroll the Avenue of Stars to snap a photo with Bruce Lee. Round off the night at the lively Temple Street Night Market, where you can shop, eat and soak up the atmosphere before heading back at your own pace.

After wrapping up your briefing, hop on the high-speed train from Hong Kong to Guilin and continue by private bus to Yangshuo. Settle into your new base, then head out to explore this scenic riverside town. In the evening, you’ll have the option to explore the city and join your group for your first meal together in China.

This morning you can opt to join a cooking class and learn how to prepare traditional Chinese dishes, from chopping and frying to sitting together to taste your creations. In the afternoon, you might choose to kayak along a peaceful stretch of the Li River, surrounded by incredible karst mountains, or opt for a traditional hot cupping session – a unique Chinese therapy designed to ease tension and boost circulation.

Spend the day exploring Yangshuo’s stunning countryside. Take a bike ride through peaceful villages before cruising down the Yulong River on traditional bamboo rafts. Later, you can choose to head out by minibus or bike to Moon Hill and the nearby cave complex, where mud baths and hot springs await! In the evening, keep the fun going with the choice of a KTV karaoke session or a night out in town.

Today you can opt to try your hand at rock climbing – a popular adventure against Yangshuo’s dramatic karst cliffs! Are you up for the challenge? For something completely different, experience local life with a visit to a nearby farming village (and home to one of our Adventure Leaders) in the afternoon and see what a wholesome day in the life is like in the countryside.

Time to say goodbye to your Adventure Leader in Yangshuo before heading to Chongqing. Once you’ve checked in and dropped your bags, it’s straight to the water for a Yangtze River cruise – the perfect way to see this mega-city lit up from the river. Afterwards, head to Hongya Cave, a maze of lanterns, food stalls and glowing balconies overlooking the water. It’s a feast for the eyes and the stomach, with plenty of dinner spots nearby to round off the night.

Kick off the day with the option to visit Liziba Station and watch the city’s monorail zoom straight through a residential building. You’ll then uncover the city’s underground culture with a visit to unique air raid shelters before stopping by the impressive People’s Great Hall. In the afternoon, you can opt to explore Chaotianmen Dock where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet, then hike up Eling Park for fresh breezes and sweeping city views. In the evening, the Guanyinqiao Area awaits, packed with bars, eateries and buzzing nightlife.

 Wave goodbye to your Adventure Leader in Chongqing and take the train to Chengdu. After settling in, you can choose to meet up with your new Adventure Leader for a stroll through People’s Park and buzzing Kuanzhai Alley.

Today is all about Chengdu’s most famous residents. Head to the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center, the world’s biggest and most important home for these incredible animals. Watch them munch on bamboo, play in their enclosures and, if you are lucky, spot some of the baby pandas too. Afterward, join your Adventure Leader for a Mandarin lesson and pick up a few phrases to use during your travels. Later, you can opt to experience a traditional Sichuan Opera and culture show, complete with face changing masks, fire breathing and music that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Fancy an adventure? You can head out on a day trip to Leshan to check out the world’s largest stone Buddha, carved into the cliffs, towering above the river. Back in Chengdu, it’s time to test your spice levels with the city’s famous hot pot – fiery, tasty and a real local favourite. In the evening the city is yours, so why not grab your crew and see where the night in Chengdu takes you?

Wave goodbye to your Adventure Leader in Chengdu and hop on the train to Xi’an, one of China’s most historic cities. Once you’ve settled in, you can opt to cycle along the ancient Ming Dynasty City Walls for a unique view of the city. Another great option is to explore the Bell and Drum Towers and wander through the Muslim Quarter, where the Silk Road comes to life through history, legends and local culture. Stick around for dinner and feast on delicious street food before browsing the nearby Silk Road market for a chilled evening.

Time for one of China’s biggest highlights! The Terracotta Warriors. Thousands of life-sized soldiers stand guard over the mausoleum of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, and seeing them up close is an experience you won’t forget. After that, the afternoon is yours to explore! Why not swing by the Big Goose Pagoda and catch the evening music and light show that fills the square?

Hop on the bus to Dengfeng! A Kung Fu lesson and show at a local school run by a master from the legendary Shaolin Temple. You’ll get to practice some moves yourself before watching the pros in action. Later, sharpen your skills in another Mandarin lesson to keep building on what you’ve learned, and if the group is up for it, round off the evening with a pub quiz for a bit of friendly competition.

Today you can opt to visit the legendary Shaolin Temple, the home of Kung Fu. Try a hike up to Dharma Cave, a spiritual spot for Buddhist pilgrims and soak up sweeping views of the temples and shrines below. If you fancy a change of scene, another option is the Longmen Grottoes – a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with thousands upon thousands of carved Buddhas. This evening is free, and with an early start tomorrow, it might be a good idea to call it a night early.

Rise and shine, it’s a big day ahead! Take the bullet train to Beijing, drop off your bags and jump on a private bus straight to the Great Wall. You’ll hike along a partially unrestored stretch before setting up camp on a deserted section. As the sun sets over one of the Wonders of the World, you’ll settle in for a night under the stars, with a Mandarin lesson around camp to make it even more memorable.

(Please note, due to cold weather before the end of April and after September 30th, we stay in a guest house near the Wall instead of camping.)

Wake up to catch the sunrise over the Great Wall, an unforgettable way to start the day. (Weather dependent) Once back in Beijing, the rest of the day is yours to explore. You could wander the trendy 798 Art District, stroll through the gardens of the Summer Palace, or check out some of the city’s other highlights with your travel crew.

Begin the day with the option to cross Tiananmen Square before stepping into the Forbidden City, the largest palace complex in the world. With 980 buildings and a history of 24 emperors, this place is bursting with stories. For sweeping views, head up Jingshan Park and look out over the palace grounds below. In the evening, you could catch an incredible Chinese acrobatics and circus show or tuck into Beijing’s most famous dish, Peking Roast Duck, once only reserved only for royalty.

Spend your final day in Beijing your way. You could browse the city’s famous fake goods markets before visiting the nearby Temple of Heaven, or head to the Nanluo district, one of the best preserved historical areas in Beijing. Wander through its maze of hutongs and siheyuan courtyards, stopping at cafes, bars and little handicraft shops along the way. In the evening, make your way to the station and board the night train to Hangzhou.

Arrive in Hangzhou and fuel up with a late breakfast before heading out to explore the city. Visit the famous West Lake and take a boat ride to one of its scenic islands. Later, you can opt to explore more of Hangzhou with visits to the National Tea Museum, the Silk Museum or the ancient Lingyin Temple. As the day winds down, hike up Jiuyao Mountain for a beautiful sunset. In the evening, grab some dinner and wander along Hefang Road, the city’s most famous ancient street, lined with shops, snacks and plenty of atmosphere.

Start the day with a hike through the 9 Creeks in Misty Woods, a lush valley famous for its Longjing tea fields. After freshening up and grabbing lunch, hop on the train from Hangzhou to Shanghai. Once you’ve arrived in China’s biggest city, you can choose to take a night cruise along the Huangpu River and watch the skyline sparkle after dark.

Why not start the day with a special Mandarin lesson at a local language school, where pro teachers will have you speaking like a natural in no time. From there, you could wander the Yu Gardens, once the lavish quarters of a dignitary’s family, before heading over to People’s Square. Fancy some shopping? West Nanjing Road is one of the busiest streets in the world, and the Bund is perfect for a stroll with its mix of cool architecture. As the sun sets, grab a drink from the top of a skyscraper and take in the views. And if you are still up for more, join the Shanghai Pub Crawl – always a big hit with our Travellers!

Today is all yours to enjoy however you like. You could head to Disneyland for some theme park fun, explore the collections at the Shanghai Museum, or stroll Moganshan Art Street to check out the city’s creative side. For something different, take a trip out to Zhujiajiao Watertown with its bridges and canals, or bargain your way through the city’s famous fake goods market. The choice is completely up to you!

Rise and shine! It’s time to head to your new final new destination – Fujian. You’ll 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.  

 Today we’ll take the bullet train to Nanjing in Fujian and meet your new Adventure Leader. From there, travel by minivan into the stunning tea growing hills to see a traditional Hakka roundhouse, the unique mud homes that have stood here for centuries. Tonight, you’ll get the rare opportunity to stay inside one of these roundhouses, taking in the history and atmosphere of this incredible setting. The evening is free, so you might want to rest up, watch a movie, try some karaoke or even practise your Mandarin with the locals.

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! 

Lace up for a day exploring Fujian’s beautiful countryside. Wander through UNESCO-listed Hakka roundhouses, stroll picture-perfect villages and take in the charm of endless tea fields. Take part in a traditional tea ceremony and tasting, then hike up into the mountains for big views and drop by plantations where the famous leaves are grown.

Jump on a bike and ride through Fujian’s incredible tea country, with winding trails and epic views all around. Stop off at the biggest Hakka roundhouse, head upstairs to check out its hidden nooks, and keep pedalling until you roll into a nearby village for a slice of local life.

Time to say goodbye to your travel friends who have been by your side for the past few weeks. Hop in a minibus to Zhangzhou station and catch the bullet train back to Hong Kong. For one final memory, you

can head back to the Avenue of Stars to watch the Symphony of Lights show – the world’s largest light display and the perfect way to round off your adventure. Time to get planning your next adventure!

If you’d like to extend your stay, we can help arrange extra nights – just let us know in advance. Get in touch with us at info@reighttravel.com.