China on a Shoestring
25 days
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Group Tour
This 26-day full circuit of China take in all the major sites and more. An amazing budget china tour that covers Hong Kong, Chengdu, Beijing & Shanghai, along with plenty of off-the-beaten track adventures and activities
From$2,465
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Overview
Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule
What's this trip about?
This 26-day full circuit of China take in all the major sites and more. An amazing budget china tour that covers Hong Kong, Chengdu, Beijing & Shanghai, along with plenty of off-the-beaten track adventures and activities
Compare to similar trips
Details
Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeIntimate group - max of 1 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityYangshuo
End CityFujian
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Min Group Size
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary inbasic hostels
- All transport and transfers in trains, buses & public transport
- Sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary
- Entry fees to included activities
- Bilingual adventure leaders
Itinerary
DAY 1: Meet in Hong Kong . Visit Victoria Peak
Your Hong Kong to Beijing adventure starts today! After arriving in bustling Hong Kong, make your way to your hostel where you can drop your belongings. Meet your adventure leader early this afternoon.
We’ll then take you for your first glimpse of incredible Hong Kong,...
OVERNIGHT:
Hong Kong hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 2: Head to Yangshuo
We’re up bright and early this morning, ready to head to the train station. We’ll be taking the bullet train to Guilin. From there, it’s a bus to your hostel where you’ll arrive in the early evening. If you’d like, why not head out into Yangshuo to get your first taste of local food!
OVERNIGHT:
Yangshuo hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 3: Yangshuo (free day, options available)
You have a free day in Yangshuo today. To help you make the most of your time here, why not try some of these exciting optional activities?
Try your hand at cooking up some traditional Chinese foods, at a friendly culinary institute.
Enjoy kayaking among the mountains along the Li River!
Experience some relaxing Chinese traditional therapies – like Hot Cupping!
OVERNIGHT:
Yangshuo hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 4: Yangshuo, bike ride & bamboo rafting
Today begins with an unmissable bike ride around the local area, along with a cruise down the Yulong River on bamboo rafts. If you’re bringing your camera (which you definitely should!) – make sure it’s waterproof!
Later, you have the option of heading to the Moon Hill ...
OVERNIGHT:
Yangshuo hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 5: Yangshuo, free day (optional excursions available)
You day if free today to relax and enjoy the idyllic setting, or alternatively you can try your hand out at one of the many adventure activities on offer. These include rock climbing, kayaking, fishing, mountain biking and more. You can also jump on bikes to explore the surrounding countryside.
OVERNIGHT:
Yangshuo hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 6: Yangshuo, train to Chengdu
Today we make our way by train to Chengdu, situated in the heart of Western China in Sichuan province. Sichuan province is renowned for its beautiful countryside, there are many attractions on offer and the food is amazing. We transfer by metro to your hostel.
OVERNIGHT:
On board sleeper train
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 7: Chengdu, Panda Research Centre Visit & Chinese lesson
Chengdu has plenty of sights and experience to keep you busy during your stay, but today you'll have a once in a lifetime opportunity to visit the Giant Panda Research and Breeding Centre, here you'll learn more about the efforts being made to breed and reintroduce panda...
OVERNIGHT:
Chengdu hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 8: Chengdu (free day, options available).
You have some free time in Chengdu today to explore at leisure, or join our optional excursion to Leshan, to see the Worlds largest stone Buddha.
OVERNIGHT:
Chengdu hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 9: Chengdu, free time (optional excursions available), then train to Xi'an
After some free time in Chengdu where you can visit WenShu monastery and a traditional Chinese tea house, we board the train to Xi'an, cultural capital of China. Start and end of the famous "Silk Route", Xi'an is like a history book of China and the perfect place to explore the countries rich and interesting culture.
OVERNIGHT:
Xi'an hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 10: Xi'an, optional cycling tour
Today there is the option to take a bike ride over the city walls, an excellent way to get you bearing and a good overview of the city. In the evening is free for you to enjoy, perhaps try a dinner of local street foods at the Muslim Quarter and relax after dinner by visiting the local Silk Road market nearby.
OVERNIGHT:
Xi'an hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 11: Xi'an, Terracotta Warriors tour
Today we take you to visit the legendary Terracotta Warriors, row upon row of life-size statues stand silent guard over the burial place of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. In the evening you'll have the chance to visit the Star Sun home for people with disabilities and to volunteer. Then it's time for a night out Chinese style!
OVERNIGHT:
Xi'an hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 12: Dengfeng, optional kung fu lesson & show
This morning we board the public bus to DengFeng, the closest village to the Shaolin Temple. The rest of the day if free to take an optional kung fu lesson & show at a local children's Home run by the Shaolin Temple. Here the monks teach the children to be kung fu masters. All proceeds go directly to the children's home. We also have a second Mandarin lesson to help brush up on your language skills.
OVERNIGHT:
Dengfeng hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 13: Dengfeng (optional excursions available)
The day is free to explore more of Dengfeng and it's surrounding. You can visit the world famous Shaolin Temple and watch the masters of Kung Fu perform their amazing feats set amongst the beautiful temple courtyards. We'll take a hike to Dharma cave, spiritual centre for Buddhist pilgrims, before we board the overnight train to Beijing.
OVERNIGHT:
DengFeng hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 14: Bullet train to Beijing. Great Wall Camping
This morning we're up early to take the bullet train to Beijing, we'll arrive by late morning. Late afternoon we visit one of the wonder of the world, the Great Wall of China. To obtain permission to access the locals only sections of the unrestored Great Wall, we enjoy ...
OVERNIGHT:
Great Wall camping
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 15: Beijing, free day (optional excursions available)
After sunrise on the Wall we return back to Beijing. Back in Beijing the rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own leisure or try one of the many optional tour available (see the Options tab for all available local options). Perhaps you could visit the Olymp...
OVERNIGHT:
Beijing hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 16: Beijing, free day (optional excursions available)
Today is a full free day to see more of Beijing like Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven. In the evening you could explore the WangFuJing night market where you can push your taste buds to the limit and sample many foods you'll have never tried before, like scorpion, bugs and more.
OVERNIGHT:
Beijing hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 17: Beijing, free day (optional excursions available), then overnight train to Hangzhou
Our last day in Beijing is free to do some more sightseeing or perhaps test your bargaining skills with a visit to the Fake Goods Market. Finally we board the overnight train to Hangzhou.
OVERNIGHT:
On board overnight train
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 18: Arrive Hangzhou, West Lake visit & Sunset Hike
After arriving in Hangzhou this morning, transfer to your hostel for a late breakfast. We hope you slept on the train! Next, we’re off to the famous West Lake, ready to take a stunning boat tour to one of the Lake’s beautiful islands.
Once you’ve checked in this afterno...
OVERNIGHT:
Hangzhou hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 19: Nine Creeks Hike, transfer to Shanghai
This morning you have time to take a hike through misty woods to the Nine Creeks. Returning to the hostel for lunch we then catch the bullet train to Shanghai where we transfer via metro to your hostel.
OVERNIGHT:
Shanghai hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 20: Shanghai, Mandarin Lesson (optional excursions available)
After a lazy morining, you'll have a Mandarin Lesson. This extra special class will be held by professional teachers, all the way from the Mandarin Garden Chinese Language School.
Later in the day, there is an option to join a visit to the Yu Gardens , a busy historical...
OVERNIGHT:
Shanghai hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 21: Shanghai, free day (optional excursions available)
Today is another free day in Shanghai. There's lots to do to keep yourself busy, with plenty of sightseeing and shopping on offer. Alternatively you can let us do it for you and choose to take one of the many optional sightseeing tour available (see the Options tab for all available local options).
OVERNIGHT:
Shanghai hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 22: Shanghai, free day. Evening Huangpu River Cruise.
This morning you have the option of joining a stroll through the former French Concession to learn about Shanghai's international history. You can visit the Propoganda Museum and take in the famous city scapes of the ultra modern Financial District. You could also make a...
OVERNIGHT:
Shanghai hostel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 23: Train to Fujian
It’s time to leave Shanghai and head to a new region – Fujian. You’ll take the bullet train to Longyan. 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.
OVERNIGHT:
Fujian Guesthouse
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 24: Fujian, roundhouse & tea plantation tour
This morning we take a walking tour around the UNESCO World Heritage Site and enjoy exploring the neighbouring round-houses and the stunning countryside. We will also sample the locally grown tea in a traditional tea ceremony, and swim in a local lagoon. Later in the day we take time to visit a tea factory and surrounding plantations where you can see tea being made and buy some from the factory itself.
OVERNIGHT:
Fujian guesthouse
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 25: Fujian, cycling tour
We start the day with a cycling tour to a nearby village famous for its beautiful rivers and mountain scenery. The afternoon if free to relax and enjoy the natural surroundings and chat to the friendly locals.
OVERNIGHT:
Fujian guesthouse
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 26: Train to Hong Kong, tour ends
This morning, we’ll take a minibus back to Zhangzhou Station, ready to transfer by train back to Hong Kong. It’s here that your China backpacking tour comes to the end, and you’ll bid farewell to your fellow travellers.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
None
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Dates & Availability
Price From $2,465
Price per day$99
Last Updated: 4/19/2024
Departure Date
Finish Date
Double Occupancy Per Person
Single Occupancy Per Person
Triple Occupancy Per Person
Spaces Remain
23 Mar 2025
16 Apr 2025
$2,465
06 Apr 2025
30 Apr 2025
$2,465
11 May 2025
04 Jun 2025
$2,465
25 May 2025
18 Jun 2025
$2,465
08 Jun 2025
02 Jul 2025
$2,465
22 Jun 2025
16 Jul 2025
$2,465
06 Jul 2025
30 Jul 2025
$2,465
20 Jul 2025
13 Aug 2025
$2,465
03 Aug 2025
27 Aug 2025
$2,465
17 Aug 2025
10 Sep 2025
$2,465
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with Encounters Travel.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
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Logistics
What's excluded
- International flights (available on request)
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
- Single room supplements (chargeable if a same-sex room share is not available)
- Airport arrival & departure transfer service (optional on request)
- All meals
- Optional activies
- Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
- Tour guide tips
- Any other items not mentioned above
Accommodation
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against
unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies.
It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before
or during your journey
Visa requirements
Visa requirements vary depending on your country of origin and your country of destination.
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with the relevant requirements.
For a handy tool that can help you quickly find the requirements,
please visit this link
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
Encounterstraveltourcms-CHSHCS
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