South China bite-sized trips

Amble amongst the weeping willows, stone bridges and cobbles of timeless Lijiang. Packed with lanterns and teahouses, it’s the China that you’ve always imagined. Nestled at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and circled by pine forests, its setting matches the beauty of its old world alleys.

Discover another side of China as your head north of Lijiang city into the snow-capped mountains passing by traditional Naxi villages, clear blue lakes and the famous Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This is truly rural China and the further you go the more you’ll notice the lack of tourist crowds.

Trek along the rim of one of the world’s deepest gorges, with dizzying views over snow-capped mountains and the distant waters below every step of the way. It’s not a hike for the faint-hearted but it’s filled with unbelievable reward.

Explore China’s answer to Shangri-La, a peaceful Tibetan nook in the snow-capped mountains. Visit remote monasteries and soak up the spirit of the Himalayas. Wander through cobbled backstreets, meet friendly monks and gaze down upon green valleys.

Whip up authentic Chinese dishes during a cooking class in bohemian Dali, a picturesque old town with a laid-back vibe. Home of the minority Bai tribe, it’s caught between the mountains and Erlai Lake, a gorgeous backdrop for a culinary break.

Get off the beaten track with a visit to the ancient Tea-Horse Road, an important trade route between China and India through the foothills of Tibet. The village of Shaxi, located halfway between Dali and Lijiang, offers a relaxed vibe, ancient temples and the last fully preserved market on the route to explore.

Cycle between Karst Mountains and drift lazily downstream aboard a bamboo raft through the gorgeous scenery of Yangshuo. It’s a scenic trip that’s second to none. Sailing along the Yulong River between gnarly forested hills and a patchwork of rice paddies is a sure-fire way to feel the spirit of rural China.

Amble between tumbling rice terraces and meet the minority Zhuang people. You’ll be welcomed into a timeless world of hillside tradition and rural hospitality.

Famed for its soaring karst peaks and its iconic glass bridge, Zhangjiajie is a landscape of dramatic vistas. Said to have inspired the floating mountains in the film Avatar, the region is a paradise for walkers and nature enthusiasts in search of an immersive experience. You can design your own personalised discovery tour or explore the national park alongside our guide.

Chongqing, one of the world’s largest cities, is a buzzing and increasingly trendy spot in China. Its impressive modern skyline and multi-layered cityscape sit alongside lively streets and charming traditional neighbourhoods, perfect for wandering and people-watching. From sampling the city’s famous hotpot to guided tours that reveal its surprising perspectives, Chongqing invites you to explore at your own pace and uncover its many delights.

Xiamen has a relaxed feel and is easy to explore. You can wander leafy streets and visit the colonial island of Gulangyu. You will also travel into the countryside to see the remarkable Tulou. These are traditional circular homes built by the Hakka in the 14th century and many are still lived in today.

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 socialise over a steaming dim sum.