Discover Mighty China: No Visa Required
Itinerary
Days 1-4 – Temples and hutongs of Beijing
Welcome to China´s charming capital Beijing. You’ll spend three nights soaking up the sights, sounds and smells of Beijing, an intoxicating clutter of history and modern-day ambition. Wander through the atmospheric hutongs, visit the Forbidden City and take a breather from the madness of the city at the Temple of Heavenly Peace. Top off your time in Beijing with a trip along the twisting Great Wall, one of the world’s most staggering sights.
Days 4-6 – Terracotta Army and Drum Towers
Next, you’ll be picked up from your Beijing hotel and taken to the train station. We’ll make reservations for you aboard the bullet train to Xi’an, a journey that takes roughly 6 hours. China is one of the few countries to have such a modern railway and it’s a fantastic way to travel.
Marvel at the soldiers of the ancient Terracotta Army and wander around the Bell Tower in Xi’an. A modern city with an imperial past, it’s an eye-opening window into Chinese culture. Drenched in history and jam-packed with fascinating places to explore. You’ll spend two nights in China’s past Imperial Capital, soaking up the atmosphere and visiting the impressive Terracotta army.
Days 6-8 – Teddy bears and tea houses
Today you’ll be collected from your hotel in Xi’an and taken to the train station where you’ll board another bullet train to Chengdu, home of the pandas! Today’s journey will take around 4 hours. With mouth-watering food and teahouse culture, Chengdu is a winner. You’ll spend 2 nights here, ambling amongst old shops, sampling Sichuan dishes and slowing to the relaxed pace of life. On the second day, you’ll visit the giant pandas that have roamed these parts for 2 million years. Now residents of the ethically run Breeding Research Centre, you’ll be bowled over by their quiet beauty and sheer size.
Days 8-11 – Bamboo sailing through Karst Mountains
Today you’ll be transferred to Chengdu train station where you’ll board another train that brings you to one of our favourite highlights of China; the karst mountains near Guilin. Prefer to travel faster? Let us know we´ll arrange a 2-hours flight for you.
Cycle between Karst Mountains and drift lazily downstream aboard a bamboo raft through the gorgeous scenery of Yangshuo near Guilin. Cycling between forested hills and a patchwork of rice paddies is a sure-fire way to feel the spirit of rural China. You’ll spend three nights in the a countryside hotel and take a trip along the river by bike and bamboo raft.
Days 11-13 – Skyscrapers of Hong Kong
Next, you’ll be taken back to Guilin. From here you’ll catch the bullet train directly into Hong Kong. On arrival you’ll make your own way to your comfortable hotel in the popular Kowloon area of the city.
Gaze out over the harbour in Hong Kong, a place packed with endless possibility. With tongue-tingling cuisine and thriving traditional culture, it’s bewitching. Stare down upon silver skyscrapers from Victoria Peak, wander around bird markets and share steaming dim sum. You’ll spend two nights in a Kowloon hotel and during your stay you’ll get to visit all the big highlights of the city, from Victoria Peak to the up and coming suburbs where designers and artists are flourishing.
Day 13 – Departure
Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and today your China holiday must draw to a close. You’ll arrange your own transfer to the airport to catch your flight back to the UK.
Accommodation
