14-Nights China: Big Cities & Iconic Culture - 18-to-Thirtysomethings from $1,236

G Adventures

OFFER ID 1557375

China: Big Cities & Iconic Culture
Get ready for two weeks of must-see highlights and epic off-the-beaten-path adventures that will make you fall in love with all sides of China. From the bustling cities of Beijing and Shanghai to the breathtaking nature of Yangshuo's riverside mountain town, every moment is unforgettable. But the real gem? A journey back in time to the Hakka tulou houses in Yongding. Stay in this cultural village and discover a side of China you never knew existed. Wrap up your adventure in Shanghai, China's most international city, and let us know which side of China steals your heart.

Highlights
Travel off the beaten track and stay in the historic, fortified tulou homes of the Hakka people in central China, Shop, eat and stroll through iconic cities like Shanghai and Beijing, Go off the beaten track to see the beautiful mountains in the Guilin country side.

Accommodation
Hotels (11 nights), overnight sleeper train (1 night), Hakka guesthouse (2 nights).

Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.

Group Size Notes
Max 18, avg 15

Meals Included
1 lunch

What's Included
Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group Your Big Night Out Moment: Chengdu Your Discover Moment: Yangshuo Your Local Living Moment: Hakka Tulou, Hongkeng Village Your Big Night Out Moment: Shanghai. Tour of Tiananmen Square. Jingshan Park visit. Orientation walk in Beijing. Included visit to the Great Wall of China. Visit the Terracotta Warriors. Tour the Xi'An Muslim Quarter tour. Orientation walk in Xi'an. Tianfu Square visit. Orientation walk in Chengdu. Overnight stay in a traditional Hakka Village. Cycle tour through Yangshuo city and countryside. Orientation walk in Yangshuo. Chinese lunch in a local Yangshuo community. Guangzhou city tour. CEO-led walk through old town Shanghai. Free time in Shanghai.

14 nights from $1,236 per person

Itinerary

Click here for Full Itinerary Details

Itinerary Details

G Adventures: China: Big Cities & Iconic Culture

Day 1: Beijing
Welcome to China! Arrive at anytime. Then join your CEO and group in the evening for a Welcome Meeting and an Orientation Walk of Beijing. Tonight's your First Night Out so get to know your group under the bright Beijing lights.

Day 2: Beijing
Hop on local transportation and visit some of Beijing's top tourist spots. Take a CEO led tour of the symbolic centre of Chinese power, Tiananmen Square. See the Forbidden City from a birds eye view at Jingshan Park and wander through the picturesque Hutong alleyways.

Day 3: Beijing/Xi’an
This morning, travel to the legendary Great Wall of China. Together we'll hike about 5 kilometers of this 6000 km masterpiece. Opt to ride the cable car, chairlift or even ride the toboggan down. After a full day at the Wall, we'll return to Beijing where we'll board an overnight train to Xi'an.
Lunch will be on your own at the Great Wall. There are options at the foot of the wall, but you can also bring your own lunch if you wish to spend more time on the wall.

Day 4: Xi’an
Wake up this morning as you pull into the historical city of Xi'An, the entrance to the Silk Road. After an orientation walk, hop on a public bus with your CEO to take a tour of the mysterious Terracotta Warriors. In the evening, return to the city for an evening stroll through the Muslim Quarter.

Day 5: Xi’an/Chengdu
This morning, enjoy some free time in the city of Xi'an before heading to our next destination. Opt to visit the ancient City Wall or take a cycling tour on top of it. Then head to train station to take the bullet train to Chengdu. Join your CEO for an orientation walk of the city before heading out for your Big Night Out! Grab a beer, on us, and enjoy under the bright lights of Chengdu.

Day 6: Chengdu
After your Big Night Out, choose to take this morning slow or get ready to see all that Chengdu has to offer. Opt to visit the Giant Panda Breeding Center and learn about this amazing, but endangered, species. In the afternoon, with your group and CEO, visit Chengdu's more popular spots, like Tianfu Square, People's Park and Kuanzhaixiang.

Day 7: Chengdu/Yangshuo
We'll ditch the big city this morning and head to the mountains today. A late morning bullet train brings us to the city of Yangshuo. After we arrive, we'll take an orientation walk of this picturesque, riverside city.

Day 8: Yangshuo
Today we'll hop on a bike and explore the countryside of Yangshuo. Ride along the river, travel through a local village and stop for lunch at a local restaurant, all while taking in the incredible mountains surrounding the area. In the afternoon, head back to the city and enjoy a free evening.

Day 9: Yangshuo
Enjoy a free day in Yangshuo! While this city may not be as big as some of China's other top destinations, there is no shortage of things to do here. Opt to visit the Xianggongshan & Tea Farm or go to the Impression Liu Sanjie light show. How about a Tai Chi or Kung Fu class? Even a cooking class!

Day 10: Yangshuo/Guangzhou
We'll arrive to the train station this morning to take a bullet train to one of the most important cities in China, Guangzhou. After arriving and a short rest, we'll hit the town and take a tour to see what Guangzhou has to offer. Visit Yuexiu Park, Chen Clan Academy and the Shamian Island. Then in the evening, opt to take the Pearl River boat cruise under the Guangzhou city lights.

Day 11: Guangzhou/Yongding
The next two nights are a special opportunity to stay in the extremely unique homes of the Hakka People. We'll stay in Hakka Tulou, ancient fortified buildings. Some can be 5 stories tall and some can be dated back to the 12th century. Travel back to the past as we explore this super off the beaten path part of China.
Today's travel brings you quite a distance so charge up those devices and get your playlists ready to roll.

Day 12: Yongding
Wake up in one of the most unique places you'll ever stay. Then join your group and take an orientation walk of the Hakka Cultural Village. This afternoon, you'll have the opportunity to explore this impressive fortress how you'd like. Learn from the locals and hear their stories about how their families have been living in these homes for hundreds of years.

Day 13: Yongding/Shanghai
Say goodbye to the community at the Hakka Houses before we head off on our journey to Shanghai. This is a long travel day, but the big city beckons! Shanghai is known to be distinct from the rest of China as one of the most internationally influenced cities in the country. It's an awesome spot to end our trip!

Day 14: Shanghai
Start today with an orientation walk in Shanghai. Then join your CEO to head to some of the cities most popular spots. Start in the historical, waterfront district of the Bund Area and then pay a visit to Shanghai Old Town. This afternoon, tick off whatever is left on your Shanghai to do list with some free time. Opt to visit the Yuyuan Garden, shop and stroll through Nanjing Road or ask your CEO from some local restaurant recs. The options are endless in Shanghai! In the evening, join your crew for a Big Night Out and a drink on us!

Day 15: Shanghai
Depart at any time.

Featured Destinations

Yongding

Yangshuo

Yangshuo has become a mecca for travelers in recent years.

Ironically, amid magnificent natural beauty, Yangshuo's main pedestrian street, West Street, has the feel of the Las Vegas Strip, with hawkers trying to coax tipsy travelers into noisy clubs. Unless they have state-of-the-art earplugs, guests at hotels within a block of West Street will likely have difficulty sleeping before 2 am.

The highlight in Yangshuo for many, though, is an evening performance of Impression Liu Sanjie, co-directed by Zhang Yimou (known internationally for creating the opening ceremony production at the Beijing Olympics), Wang Chaoge and Fan Yue. The 70-minute, open-air musical on the Li River runs March-December and features a cast of more than 600 performers wearing traditional Zhuang, Miao and Yao dress.

Daylight activities include river cruises on and hikes along the Li River and its tributaries. The stunning landscape will look familiar to those who saw Star Wars: Episode III—Revenge of the Sith since much of the movie was filmed there. In fact, the route from Yangdi to Xingping has a view that is so breathtaking that the scene has been engraved on the 20-yuan banknote.

One of the most popular hikes is on Moon Hill, starting approximately 5 mi/8 km south of Yangshuo, on the road to Wuzhou. Spectacular views of the entire Guilin and Yangshuo area reward intrepid hikers who make it to the top.

For those who are not content to walk along or hike in the mountains but want to hang on their dramatic facades, Yangshuo has more than 400 climbing routes, and there are many well-supplied climbing shops in the area. The annual Yangshuo Climbing Festival takes place there in December. http://www.ysclimbfest.com.

After a day of hiking, climbing or floating along the river, a variety of restaurants and regional dishes await. Both Yangshuo and Guilin cuisine are known for their use of spices, especially chili. Beer fish (pijiu yu) is a local specialty cooked with several species of fish. Whichever fish is used is cooked whole, so diners need to be aware of bones. For those who want to delve deeper into the local cuisine, a number of cooking schools in Yangshuo and Guilin offer classes.

Xi'an

Shanghai

Shanghai is a teeming metropolis of 11 million, bustling with energy, towering skyscrapers, art deco buildings, honking traffic, and shopping crowds. Once here, visitors will find Eastern ways abound: Tai Chi along the Bund, the serenity of exquisite ponds and gardens, and an endless flotilla of sampans edging along the Huangpu River. Explore Shanghai old and new: the busy bazaars and alleyways of the Old Town, Yu Garden, Wuxingting Tea House, Long Hua Temple and more.

Excursions

Shanghai: Yu Garden & Old Town Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: French Concession & The Bund (4 hours)

Shanghai: Jewish Quarter Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: Museum Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: Disposal Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai City Tour (8 hours)

Shanghai: Disposal Tour (8 hours)

Guangzhou

Chengdu

Beijing

Vacation Details

Valid Date Ranges

03/21/2025 - 04/04/2025

from $1,236 per person

06/20/2025 - 07/04/2025

from $1,236 per person

07/04/2025 - 07/18/2025

from $1,368 per person

07/18/2025 - 08/01/2025

from $1,368 per person

08/08/2025 - 08/22/2025

from $1,368 per person

08/15/2025 - 08/29/2025

from $1,368 per person

08/29/2025 - 09/12/2025

from $1,368 per person

09/05/2025 - 09/19/2025

from $1,493 per person

09/12/2025 - 09/26/2025

from $1,493 per person

10/10/2025 - 10/24/2025

from $1,493 per person

10/17/2025 - 10/31/2025

from $1,493 per person

10/31/2025 - 11/14/2025

from $1,493 per person

11/07/2025 - 11/21/2025

from $1,244 per person

11/14/2025 - 11/28/2025

from $1,244 per person

12/19/2025 - 01/02/2026

from $1,499 per person

01/09/2026 - 01/23/2026

from $1,499 per person

02/20/2026 - 03/06/2026

from $1,499 per person

03/13/2026 - 03/27/2026

from $1,649 per person

03/20/2026 - 04/03/2026

from $1,649 per person

03/27/2026 - 04/10/2026

from $1,649 per person

04/10/2026 - 04/24/2026

from $1,799 per person

05/08/2026 - 05/22/2026

from $1,799 per person

05/15/2026 - 05/29/2026

from $1,799 per person

06/05/2026 - 06/19/2026

from $1,649 per person

06/19/2026 - 07/03/2026

from $1,649 per person

07/03/2026 - 07/17/2026

from $1,649 per person

07/17/2026 - 07/31/2026

from $1,649 per person

08/07/2026 - 08/21/2026

from $1,649 per person

08/14/2026 - 08/28/2026

from $1,649 per person

08/28/2026 - 09/11/2026

from $1,649 per person

09/04/2026 - 09/18/2026

from $1,799 per person

09/11/2026 - 09/25/2026

from $1,799 per person

10/09/2026 - 10/23/2026

from $1,799 per person

10/16/2026 - 10/30/2026

from $1,799 per person

10/30/2026 - 11/13/2026

from $1,799 per person

11/06/2026 - 11/20/2026

from $1,499 per person

11/13/2026 - 11/27/2026

from $1,499 per person

12/18/2026 - 01/01/2027

from $1,499 per person

* This departure has been designated a guaranteed departure by the operator, meaning that the minimum number of guests has been met, although still subject to weather and other conditions.

Prices Start At

from $1,236 per person

Length

14 Nights

Air City

Call for airfares from your city.

Vacation Rating

Moderate

Remarks

Pricing is per person, land only, in US dollars and based on double occupancy. For specific validity dates, discount amount and tour information, please return to the promotion in question. Promotion valid on G Adventures small group tours excluding Independent, MS Expedition or National Geographic Journeys, unless otherwise stated. Promotion applicable to new bookings only and cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion. Does not apply to airfare (unless otherwise stated), pre-/post-accommodation, 'My Own Room' or 'My Own Tent', transfers, theme packs, insurance, polar kayaking & camping excursions or other in-country services. G Adventures reserves the right to withdraw this offer from sale at any time. Itinerary and map subject to change. Local Flights
All local flights are included in the cost of your tour unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Dossier Disclaimer
The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer
While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission. Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.

OFFER ID

1557375

Reference this number when contacting our agency so we may better serve you. Also keeping this number handy will allow you to locate this document again quickly.

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14-Nights China: Big Cities & Iconic Culture - 18-to-Thirtysomethings from $1,236

Itinerary Details

Excursions

Shanghai: Yu Garden & Old Town Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: French Concession & The Bund (4 hours)

Shanghai: Jewish Quarter Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: Museum Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai: Disposal Tour (4 hours)

Shanghai City Tour (8 hours)

Shanghai: Disposal Tour (8 hours)

Vacation Details

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