Overview
Book online and enjoy exclusive savings on G Adventures 15 Day 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 read more international city, and let us know which side of China steals your heart.
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Our Price From
US$1,484 per person
Price shown based on twin share
Save up to $165 per person
Trip Length
15 Days
Trip Starts
Beijing
Trip Ends
Shanghai
Departures
Jun 2026 to Oct 2027
Countries Visited:
Operator
G Adventures
Trip Style
18-to-Thirtysomethings
Budget
Affordable
Age Range
18-39 Years
Max. Group Size
18
Pace
Moderate
Guide Style
Fully Guided
Tour Code
ACBA
Itinerary
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.
Accommodation:
Golden Inns (Beijing South Railway Station)
Included Experiences
- Connect With New Friends: Connect with new friends on your first night out in a new destination. Only available on 18-to-Thirtysomethings tours.
- Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
- Orientation Walk: Set out on an orientation walk near the hotel with your CEO to get your bearings. They will show you restaurants, points of interest, supermarkets, ATMs, etc.
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. Forbidden City: Please note that visiting the Forbidden City is not included in the tour. We do not have time to visit on this tour. If you wish to visit, please do so before the trip.
Accommodation:
Golden Inns (Beijing South Railway Station)
Included Experiences
- Tiananmen Square: Explore one of the world's largest public squares and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace with its Mao portrait, Mao's Mausoleum, the Great Hall of the People, the National Museum, and with elaborate flag raising and lowering ceremonies at dawn and dusk, it's a place of pilgrimage for the Chinese tourists who consider it the heart of their nation.
- Nanluoguxiang: In the centre of Old Beijing, the narrow alley of Nanluoguxiang offers a unique experience in the city. This kilometer long street is lined with cute cafes, bars and traditional craft stores. Try a local snack or do some souvenir shopping.
- Jingshan Park Visit: Only a moat separates you from Jingshan Park. This royal garden offers the perfect birds eye view of the Forbidden City.
- Hutong Walk: Take a walking tour through some of Beijing's traditional alleyways and backstreets (known as hutongs) and get a taste of this magnificent metropolis.
- Drum and Bell Tower Visit: Visit the striking Drum Tower for some incredible photo ops. Back in the Han Dynasty the towers were used to echo the time to the city with bells in the morning and drums in the evening. Today the 63-ton bell still stands in one tower and drum performances happen daily in the morning and afternoon.
Optional Experiences
- Lama Temple Visit: Tour Lama Temple, or Yonghe Temple as its formally known, to learn more about the history of Buddhism in Beijing. The temple is ornately decorated with impressive frescoes, arches, and intricately carved architecture. Admire some of the statues in the different pavilions and halls, then head to the Wànfú Pavilion to see the Maitreya Buddha.
- Temple of Heaven: Explore the stunning Temple of Heaven, which was built during the rule of the Ming dynasty. Learn more about the history and significance of this place, often referred to as the symbol of Beijing.
- Forbidden City Visit: Check out the iconic Forbidden City in the heart of Beijing. For 500 years the palace was only accessible to the emperors’ attendants and officials by invitation only. Visit sights and wander through the Three Great Halls or stand in the shade of the cypress trees in the Imperial Garden.
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.
Included Experiences
- Basic Overnight Train (beds): Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest en route to your next stop.
- Mutianyu Great Wall Visit: Climb the rolling hills of Huairou County at Mutianyu, one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall. Enjoy scenic views as the wall winds along mountain ridges, and take brag-worthy photos of the wall from any of the 22 towers. The Great wall is an incredible piece of engineering stretching 6000 km west from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from nomadic northern tribes, and even though it failed in this purpose, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. The Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is located about 80km away from the Beijing City Center. The walk is approximately 5 kilometres and will take 2 to 3 hours depending on your level of fitness.
Optional Experiences
- Cable Car at Great Wall: The cable car ride is about 5 minutes ride up to tower 14, from where you may walk to the highest point of Mutianyu Great Wall at Tower 20. The walk from ticket check to tower 10 is about 30 minutes. The cable car ride is a good option if you are hoping to save energy to challenge the Tower 20. Return ticket is recommended as you may spend more time on the wall. (100-140 CNY per person)
- Toboggan at Great Wall: After your hike on the Great Wall, opt to take a Toboggan ride back down instead of the cable car! (100-140 CNY per person)
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.
Accommodation:
Bancheng Guesthouse
Included Experiences
- Orientation Walk: Enjoy a CEO-led orientation walk close to the Xi'an hotel to help you get the lay of the land. Learn where you can find local services (like ATMs and laundromats) and, perhaps, see some city highlights. Every CEO does something slightly different for their orientation walk to show visitors what they like best about the city.
- Muslim Quarter Orientation Walk: Enjoy a walk around Xi'an’s Muslim Quarter with our CEO, and be introduced to favourite streets, artists, chefs or food stalls in the quarter. Each CEO offers a unique perspective. Get a better feel for the district and have plenty of time to roam around on your own, shopping and eating along the way.
- Local Bus: Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride from the Terracotta Warriors Museum back to Xi'an.
- Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour: Take a guided tour of the Terracotta Warriors where more than 8,000 clay soldiers and hundreds of replica horses and chariots stand in three pits. Learn why the Emperor Qin Shihuang commissioned the statues to serve as his army in the afterlife and how they were discovered. Spend a half-day exploring this archaeological wonder.
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 or plum juice for yourself and enjoy it under the bright lights of Chengdu alongside your crew.
Accommodation:
Poshpacker Local Tea Hostel
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Enjoy some free time in Xi'an this morning.
- Bullet Train: Catch a high speed train to our next stop.
- Orientation Walk: Set out on an orientation walk near the hotel with your CEO to get your bearings. They will show you restaurants, points of interest, supermarkets, ATMs, etc.
- Big Night Out: Join your crew for a fun night out! Maybe have a beer or green tea and enjoy being out on the town with your group!
Optional Experiences
- Cycling Xi'an City Walls: Rent a bike and cycle the Xi’an city walls. The walls – built for protection in the Tang Dynasty and expanded in the Ming dynasty –are a great way to absorb local history. Hop off where you like and admire the views as you pedal along the 12m (39 ft) wide wall, which takes about 2 hrs to cycle along. (45 CNY per person)
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.
Accommodation:
Poshpacker Local Tea Hostel
Included Experiences
- Free Time: A free morning in Chengdu? How about a trip to the Panda Breeding Center!
- People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit: Built in 1911, the People's Park was the first public park in Chengdu. It's the largest green area in downtown. The park features an artificial lake, gardens, teahouses, and is a popular place for locals to enjoy the outdoors. Walk to Tianfu Square in the centre of the city, surrounded by museums.
- Kuan Zhai Xiang Zi: Wander through Kuan Zhai alley, translating to wide (kuan) and narrow (zhai) lanes. Dip into a charming teahouse, walk through the ancient architecture or try some delicious Sichuan food.
Optional Experiences
- Giant Panda Breeding Center: Visit the popular pandas at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, created to provide an ideal breeding environment for these endangered creatures. Learn about their life cycle and habitat and take memorable photographs of these iconic national treasures. See a number of other rare species, including the little-known red panda. Arrive in the fall for a chance to see tiny newborn pandas.
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.
Accommodation:
Floral Hotel Memorize Scene (Baina Hotel)
Included Experiences
- Bullet Train: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
- Orientation Walk: This backpacker town is full of things to do and see. An orientation walk will get you situated and help you make the most of your time in this idyllic location.
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.
Accommodation:
Floral Hotel Memorize Scene (Baina Hotel)
Included Meals:
Lunch
Included Experiences
- Yangshuo Guided Cycle Tour: Follow the guide and cycle over the flat(ish) landscape past rice paddies, local farmers, and water buffalo. Marvel at the limestone karsts and hear the legends of how they came to be. Stop for lunch at the house of a local family for a tasty meal made from freshly grown produce.
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!
Accommodation:
Floral Hotel Memorize Scene (Baina Hotel)
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Spend a free day exploring Yangshuo how you'd like.
Optional Experiences
- Impression Liu Sanjie Culture Show: When the sun goes down, the Li River lights up for the 'Impression of Liu Sanjie' light show. The show consists of 7 episodes: the Prelude, Red Impression, Green Impression, Golden Impression, Blue Impression, Silvery Impression and the Epilogue. Each scene in the show is more spectacular and breathtaking than the last and is made up of 600 actors and actresses, colourful stage lights, and special-effect smoke systems. Watch the moonlight dance along the Li River combined with colourful lights and dancers as the show plays on!
- Central Chinese Cooking Class - Yangshuo: Calling all foodies! Get an inside look at real Chinese food with a tour of the Yangshuo market to learn about the ingredients used in the Yangshuo area. Afterward, learn to cook Chinese food in a traditional Chinese farmhouse in the beautiful countryside just outside Yangshuo. After the cooking class you can sit down and enjoy the delicious dishes you have prepared.
- Xianggongshan & Tea Farm Visit: Travel us Xianggongshan, one of the amazing karst mountains in Yangshuo. Go up to the top and enjoy a birds eye view of the LiRiver. Visit a tea plantation and pick kumquats.
- Tai Chi Class: Start the day early with a private Tai Chi class led by a local expert. This weaving together of calming yoga and meditation is practiced by millions daily throughout China and around the world. Learn the basic principles and moves of this ancient practice and start to discover firsthand why Tai Chi is revered for such health benefits as stress relief, improved balance and circulation, and overall well-being.
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.
Accommodation:
Five Rams City Hotel
Included Experiences
- Bullet Train: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
- Guangzhou City Tour: Go on a tour of the city of Guangzhou led by your CEO. Visit Yuexiu Park, the largest park in Guangzhou, Five Ram Stone Statue, the symbol of Guangzhou, Ancient Ming-Dynasty city wall, Sun-Yat Sun Monument, Chen Clan Academy and Shamian Island.
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.
Accommodation:
Yuchenglou Guesthouse
Included Experiences
- Bullet Train: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
- Hakka Tulou: Spend two nights in an authentic Hakka tulou for a once-in-a-lifetime cultural immersion experience. These rural Chinese dwellings, also known as earthen houses, are circular or rectangular fortified structures up to five stories high with an open-air centre. Settle in and make yourself at home.
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.
Accommodation:
Yuchenglou Guesthouse
Included Experiences
- Hakka Cultural Village Orientation Walk: Starting from your Hakka guest house, go an orientation walk of the village and plan how you'll spend your day in this incredible place.
- Free Time: Enjoy a free day to continue visiting the village and have local interactions.
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!
Accommodation:
HuaYi Eastern Hotel (Shanghai Hongkou North Sichuan Road)
Included Experiences
- Shuttle: Move efficiently from point A to point B aboard this dependable ride.
- Bullet Train: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
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!
Accommodation:
HuaYi Eastern Hotel (Shanghai Hongkou North Sichuan Road)
Included Experiences
- Free Time: Enjoy a free afternoon in Shanghai.
- Old Town Shanghai Walk: Enjoy a walk in the picturesque Old Town of Shanghai, which lies inside the ancient walled city of Shanghai. There are many wonderful sites to explore here, including the Yuyuan Garden and many temples.
- Big Night Out: Join us for a night out on the town in Shanghai!
- Orientation Walk: Take a stroll along the Bund, a main road that follows the Huangpu River, with your CEO. This is a great opportunity to get a layout of the city and figure out what you want to explore next.
Depart at any time.
Trip Inclusions
- 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.
- Your First Night Out Moment: Connect With New Friends
- Your 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
- Bullet train, overnight train, metro, public bus, private vehicle, bicycle, walking
- CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout
- Hotels (11 Nights), Overnight Sleeper Train (1 Night), Hakka Guesthouse (2 Nights)
- 1 lunch
- Accommodation, itinerary and inclusions subject to change.
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included.
Operator
G Adventures came from a desire to deliver authentic and responsible small group travel adventures that were equally life-changing for travellers and the communities they visit. And we’re been doing just that for almost 30 years. Our award-winning trips span seven continents and over 100 countries, giving you meaningful more experiences with people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife, as well as offering you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
On all of our tours, you get to know locals every step of the way, from the places you visit and stay to where you eat and drink. You’ll also get to experience our ‘G for Good’ social impact initiatives on-trip, including our industry-leading ‘Ripple Score’. This score measures, as a percentage, the amount of money that stays in the local community through on-trip services like accommodation, restaurants and transport.
Trip Style: 18-to-Thirtysomethings
Built for young travelers ready to break free from the everyday grind, these trips bring together a safe and supportive group of like-minded people in their twenties and early thirties.
Connect on the First Night Out, explore with a Chief Experience Officer (CEO), enjoy free time, and celebrate unforgettable moments with new friends - without breaking the bank. Travel confidently, respectfully, and affordably.
Dates & Pricing
USD
Friday
08 May 2026
08 May 26
Beijing
Friday
22 May 2026
22 May 26
Shanghai
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,799
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Friday
15 May 2026
15 May 26
Beijing
Friday
29 May 2026
29 May 26
Shanghai
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,799
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Friday
29 May 2026
29 May 26
Beijing
Friday
12 Jun 2026
12 Jun 26
Shanghai
Details
Definite Departure
Our Price
US$1,799
Twin Share (Per Personpp)
Sold Out
Note
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
A definite departure means minimum numbers have been reached for this departure to operate. Your Global Journeys Travel Advisor will check the availability of your departure date when you Inquire. Additional savings may apply. T&C’s apply.
Note
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by G Adventures. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
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