Intrepid Travel: Beijing to Hong Kong Adventure

Welcome to China! Your journey begins in Beijing with a 6 pm welcome meeting, followed by an optional dinner where you might try the famous Peking duck. The next day, explore the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known for its well-preserved watchtowers and scenic views, with an optional toboggan ride for thrill-seekers. Enjoy a dumpling-making session at a local guesthouse before returning to Beijing for a free afternoon. On your final day, visit Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City, rich in imperial history, then spend your afternoon exploring the traditional Hutong neighborhoods before boarding an overnight train to Xi’an.

Upon arriving in Xi’an, you’ll head straight to the awe-inspiring Terracotta Warriors, an archaeological marvel commissioned by Emperor Qin Shi Huang in 264 BC and buried for 2000 years, featuring over 1000 individually sculpted clay soldiers, horses, and chariots. After returning to the city and refreshing, you’ll explore the historic Muslim Quarter on a walking tour, sampling a variety of Silk Road-influenced street foods like lamb kebabs, persimmon cake, and cold noodles. The following day is free for you to discover Xi’an at your own pace—walk or bike along the ancient city walls, visit the legendary Bell and Drum Towers, or enjoy the lively atmosphere around the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, filled with music, fountains, and local delicacies.

Take the bullet train to Chengdu and transfer to Mt Qingcheng, stopping en route at the Dujiangyan Panda Breeding Center to learn about efforts to reintroduce pandas into the wild. At Mt Qingcheng, the birthplace of Taoism, explore ancient temples from the Jin and Tang dynasties and stroll through the historic town at the mountain’s base before enjoying a traditional hotpot dinner. The next morning, take a cable car up the mountain for panoramic views and hike down through serene forests and temple chimes. Later, transfer to Chengdu for a walking tour of Tianfu Square and the People’s Park, with free time to relax in a traditional tea house before indulging in Chengdu’s renowned cuisine—this UNESCO City of Gastronomy promises a delicious evening.

Travel from Chengdu to Yangshuo begins with a high-speed train to Guilin, followed by a transfer to your hotel nestled among stunning limestone karsts. After a walk through town and along the scenic Li River—once poetically described by Tang dynasty poet Han Yu—you’ll spend the next morning cycling through the countryside, stopping at a local home for a fresh, home-cooked meal. The afternoon and evening are free to explore Yangshuo’s vibrant food scene, with specialties like pork stuffed tofu and beer fish. On your final day, choose from optional activities such as tai chi, kung-fu, calligraphy, river cruises, market visits, or a cooking class.

Take a private bus to the train station, then board a bullet train to Hong Kong. When you arrive, follow your leader on an orientation walk near your hotel. Hong Kong's cityscape is spectacular, and its modern fast-paced life is only minutes from picturesque islands and beaches. The locals are very proud of their Cantonese culture and history, so step out of the shopping malls and off the main streets to discover another side of the city. This evening, enjoy an optional final farewell dinner to sample some of the best Cantonese dishes.

Your tour ends this evening, and tomorrow you will fly back to the UK. If you wish to extend your time in Hong Kong, speak with your travel expert who can help you book accommodation and activities for after your tour ends.