Self-Launched China Adventure

Arrive at Hong Kong International Airport and take the Airport Express train to Hong Kong station (approx. £10, ~24 mins) — much cheaper than a taxi. Check into a hostel in Mong Kok or Kowloon. Head to Victoria Peak in the afternoon via the historic Peak Tram (~£7 return). In the evening, walk the Avenue of Stars to watch the free 'Symphony of Light' show at 8pm, then explore the Temple Street Night Market for cheap local street food.

🚌Airport Express train from airport (~£10). MTR metro for local travel (~£1–2 per journey).

🛏Mei Ho House Youth Hostel or YHA Mei Ho House, Sham Shui Po (~£18–22/night in dorm)

• →Airport Express train from HKG to Hong Kong station (~£10)
• →Victoria Peak via Peak Tram (~£7 return)
• →Symphony of Light show from Avenue of Stars (free)
• →Temple Street Night Market for street food (budget £5–10 for dinner)

Take the high-speed bullet train from Hong Kong West Kowloon station to Guilin North (approx. 2.5 hrs, ~£30–40 — book in advance on the China Railway app or Trip.com). From Guilin, catch a local bus to Yangshuo (~45 mins, £2). Check into your hostel in Yangshuo's lively West Street area and enjoy drinks at the hostel bar.

🚌High-speed rail Hong Kong → Guilin North, then local bus to Yangshuo.

🛏Secret Garden Hostel or Giggling Tree Hostel, Yangshuo (~£10–14/night in dorm)

• →High-speed train Hong Kong West Kowloon → Guilin North (~£30–40, book via Trip.com or 12306.cn)
• →Local bus Guilin → Yangshuo (~£2)
• →Evening drinks on West Street, Yangshuo

Yangshuo's dramatic karst landscape is the backdrop for a great activity day. Book a traditional Chinese cooking class independently through GetYourGuide or direct with local schools like the Yangshuo Cooking School (~£30). Alternatively, rent a kayak on the Li River through your hostel or local outfitters (~£12). You can also try hot cupping at a local TCM clinic (~£10–15).

🚌Walking and local bicycle hire (~£3/day) for local exploration.

🛏Secret Garden Hostel or Giggling Tree Hostel, Yangshuo (~£10–14/night)

• →Yangshuo Cooking School: traditional Chinese dishes (~£30, book via GetYourGuide or direct)
• →Kayaking on the Li River (~£12, bookable via hostel or local operators)
• →Optional: Traditional Chinese cupping therapy (~£10–15 at local TCM clinics)

Hire a bicycle from your hostel or a local shop (~£3–5/day) and cycle out to the Yulong River. Book a bamboo rafting experience directly with local operators at the river launch point (~£10–15 per raft). In the afternoon, take a minibus or cycle to Moon Hill (~£3 entrance) and the cave complex with its mud baths and hot springs (~£15). Evening: find a KTV karaoke room on West Street (~£5–10/hr per person).

🚌Bicycle hire for cycling to Yulong River. Local minibus to Moon Hill (~£3 return).

🛏Secret Garden Hostel or Giggling Tree Hostel, Yangshuo (~£10–14/night)

• →Bicycle hire for the day (~£3–5)
• →Bamboo rafting on the Yulong River (~£10–15, pay direct at the river)
• →Moon Hill hike (~£3 entrance fee)
• →Optional: Hot springs and mud baths at the cave complex (~£15)
• →Optional: KTV karaoke on West Street (~£5–10/hr)

Yangshuo is one of Asia's top rock climbing destinations. Book a half-day guided climbing session with Climb Yangshuo or through GetYourGuide (~£35–45 including gear and instructor). Alternatively, explore the surrounding villages on your bicycle — the countryside around Yangshuo is stunning and totally free to roam. Stock up on snacks and supplies before tomorrow's early departure.

🚌Bicycle hire (~£3–5).

🛏Secret Garden Hostel or Giggling Tree Hostel, Yangshuo (~£10–14/night)

• →Rock climbing on karst limestone peaks (~£35–45 with Climb Yangshuo or via GetYourGuide, includes gear)
• →Optional: Free-roaming bicycle ride through local villages
• →Evening: Final dinner on West Street — try the famous Yangshuo beer fish

Take a bus from Yangshuo to Guilin station, then board a high-speed train to Chongqing North (approx. 4–5 hrs, ~£25–35 — book via Trip.com in advance). On arrival, take the metro to your hostel. In the evening, join a self-booked Yangtze River cruise (dusk/night cruise, ~£10–15 via Klook or direct at the pier), and spot the illuminated Hongya Cave building — a Chongqing icon. Explore the hotpot restaurants nearby for dinner (~£8–12).

🚌Bus Yangshuo → Guilin (~£3), high-speed train Guilin → Chongqing North (~£25–35), metro locally (~£1).

🛏Chongqing Atour Light Hotel or Chongqing mix Hostel (~£12–16/night in dorm)

• →High-speed train Guilin → Chongqing North (~£25–35, book via Trip.com)
• →Metro from Chongqing North station to hostel (~£1)
• →Yangtze River evening cruise (~£10–15, book via Klook or at the pier)
• →Hongya Cave night viewing (free from outside)
• →Dinner: Chongqing hotpot (~£8–12)

Spend the day exploring Chongqing's unique cyberpunk cityscape. Wander through Eling Park for emerald views (~£2 entrance), visit the historic WWII air-raid shelters (free or small fee), and climb to panoramic viewpoints over the city where rivers meet. In the evening, head to the Guanyinqiao district for street food, bars and nightlife.

🚌Chongqing metro and walking (~£2–3/day).

🛏Chongqing mix Hostel or similar (~£12–16/night in dorm)

• →Eling Park (~£2 entrance)
• →WWII air-raid shelter museums (free–£5)
• →Panoramic city viewpoints (free)
• →Evening: Guanyinqiao district for street food and nightlife

Take the high-speed train from Chongqing North to Chengdu East (approx. 1.5 hrs, ~£10–15 — very frequent departures, book via Trip.com). Check in to your hostel and head to People's Park for a stroll and to watch locals playing cards and dancing — a lovely free introduction to the city's slow pace. Wander the famous Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys) for street food and atmosphere. Free evening to dive into Chengdu's legendary spicy Sichuan cuisine.

🚌High-speed train Chongqing → Chengdu East (~£10–15), metro locally (~£1).

🛏Flip Flop Hostel or Mix Hostel Chengdu (~£10–14/night in dorm)

• →High-speed train Chongqing North → Chengdu East (~£10–15)
• →People's Park stroll (free)
• →Kuanzhai Alley (Wide and Narrow Alleys) — free to walk, budget ~£8–12 for food
• →Dinner: Mapo tofu or Dan Dan noodles at a local restaurant (~£5–8)

Head to the world-famous Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding — arrive early (before 9am) for the best panda activity. Take bus 87 or a Didi (Chinese Uber) from the city centre (~£2–5). Entrance is ~£10. Book the Sichuan Opera and Culture Show for the evening via Klook or direct at the Shufeng Yayun or Jinsha Theatre (~£15–25) — the face-changing (bianlian) performance is unmissable. You can do your own Mandarin learning via free apps like HelloChinese.

🚌Bus 87 or Didi to Panda Base (~£2–5 return), metro/Didi for opera (~£2–3).

🛏Flip Flop Hostel or Mix Hostel Chengdu (~£10–14/night in dorm)

• →Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding (~£10 entrance, take Bus 87 or Didi)
• →Arrive early (before 9am) for most active panda behaviour
• →Sichuan Opera & face-changing show (~£15–25, book via Klook or direct at Shufeng Yayun Theatre)
• →Self-guided Mandarin practice via HelloChinese app (free)

Take a direct bus or high-speed train from Chengdu to Leshan (~1.5 hrs, ~£5–8 return). The Leshan Giant Buddha (71m tall, carved into the cliff face) is one of the world's great spectacles — entrance ~£15. Take the boat tour from the river for the best view (~£5–8). Return to Chengdu in the afternoon for free exploration — teahouses, temples, or the Wuhou Shrine (~£8). Optional Sichuan hot pot dinner (~£10–15).

🚌Bus or train Chengdu → Leshan (~£5–8 return), metro locally (~£1).

🛏Flip Flop Hostel or Mix Hostel Chengdu (~£10–14/night in dorm)

• →Bus or high-speed train Chengdu → Leshan (~£5–8 return, ~1.5 hrs)
• →Leshan Giant Buddha (~£15 entrance)
• →River boat tour for the best Buddha view (~£5–8)
• →Return to Chengdu: Wuhou Shrine or Jinli Ancient Street (~£8 entrance)
• →Optional: Sichuan hotpot dinner (~£10–15)

Take the high-speed train from Chengdu East to Xi'an North (approx. 3.5 hrs, ~£25–40 — book in advance via Trip.com). Check into your hostel near the city centre. In the afternoon, rent a bicycle at the Xi'an City Wall for a cycling tour along the top of the ancient walls (~£5 bike hire + £8 wall entrance). Watch the sunset from the wall, then head to the Muslim Quarter (Huimin Jie) for one of China's best street food crawls — try lamb skewers, roujiamo (Chinese burger), and biangbiang noodles (~£8–12).

🚌High-speed train Chengdu → Xi'an North (~£25–40), metro/walking locally.

🛏Han Tang Inn or Shuyuan Youth Hostel, Xi'an (~£10–14/night in dorm)

• →High-speed train Chengdu East → Xi'an North (~£25–40, ~3.5 hrs)
• →City Wall bicycle tour (~£8 entrance + £5 bike hire)
• →Bell and Drum Tower viewing (exterior free, interior ~£5)
• →Muslim Quarter street food crawl (~£8–12 for dinner)

Don't miss one of the world's greatest archaeological discoveries. Take bus 306 or tourist bus line 5 from Xi'an Railway Station to the Terracotta Army Museum (~£1.50 each way, ~1 hr). Entrance is ~£15. Arrive early to beat the crowds. Audio guides are available for hire (~£5) and highly recommended — the history of the 8,000+ warriors and Emperor Qin Shi Huang's mausoleum is fascinating. Return to Xi'an in the afternoon for free exploration. Optional: Music and Light Show in the evening (~£10–15 via Klook).

🚌Public tourist bus to Terracotta Army (~£3 return), metro locally.

🛏Han Tang Inn or Shuyuan Youth Hostel, Xi'an (~£10–14/night in dorm)

• →Bus 306 or Tourist Bus Line 5 from Xi'an station to Terracotta Army (~£1.50 each way)
• →Terracotta Army Museum entrance (~£15)
• →Audio guide hire (~£5, highly recommended)
• →Return to Xi'an: free afternoon exploration
• →Optional: Tang Dynasty Music and Light Show (~£10–15, book via Klook)

Take a morning bus from Xi'an to Shaolin/Dengfeng (approx. 4–5 hrs, ~£15–20 — or take train to Zhengzhou then onward bus). Check into a guesthouse in Dengfeng. In the afternoon, book a Shaolin kung fu class directly at the Shaolin Martial Arts Training Centre or via Klook/GetYourGuide (~£20–30 for a group session). This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — learn the traditional animal styles with a Shaolin monk instructor.

🚌Long-distance bus Xi'an → Dengfeng (~£15–20).

🛏Shaolin International Youth Hostel or local guesthouse, Dengfeng (~£10–14/night)

• →Bus Xi'an → Dengfeng (~£15–20, ~4–5 hrs, or train to Zhengzhou then bus)
• →Shaolin Kung Fu class (~£20–30, book via Klook or direct at Shaolin Martial Arts Training Centre)
• →Evening: Explore Dengfeng's atmospheric streets and local restaurants

Optional early morning visit to the Shaolin Temple, the legendary birthplace of kung fu (~£12 entrance). Hike up to Dharma Cave for spiritual views over the surrounding mountains (included in Shaolin ticket). Alternatively, take a bus to Luoyang (~1 hr, ~£5) to visit the stunning Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with thousands of Buddhist carvings (~£15 entrance). Return to Dengfeng in the evening and enjoy a quiet night before the early start tomorrow.

🚌Walking to Shaolin Temple or local taxi (~£3). Bus to Luoyang if doing Longmen (~£5 each way).

🛏Shaolin International Youth Hostel or local guesthouse, Dengfeng (~£10–14/night)

• →Shaolin Temple visit (~£12 entrance, includes Dharma Cave)
• →Optional: Bus to Luoyang for Longmen Grottoes (~£5 each way + £15 entrance)
• →Early night recommended — early train departure tomorrow

Take a bullet train from Zhengzhou (bus from Dengfeng to Zhengzhou ~£5, then train to Beijing ~£25–40, ~2.5 hrs). From Beijing, arrange a transfer to a lesser-visited section of the Great Wall — Jiankou or Huanghua Cheng are the best 'wild' sections. Book a guided overnight Great Wall camping experience via GetYourGuide or China Hiking (~£40–60 including camping equipment, guide, and farmhouse dinner) — this is the one activity where a local guide is worth it for safety and logistics. Hike at sunset and sleep under the stars on the Wall.

🚌Bus to Zhengzhou (~£5), high-speed train to Beijing (~£25–40), shared minivan to Wall (~£15–20).

🛏Camping on the Great Wall (gear provided in camping package). Guesthouse alternative in colder months (~£15).

• →Bus Dengfeng → Zhengzhou (~£5), then high-speed train Zhengzhou → Beijing (~£25–40)
• →Transfer from Beijing to Jiankou/Huanghua Great Wall section (~£15–20 by shared minivan)
• →Overnight Great Wall camping experience (~£40–60 via GetYourGuide or China Hiking, includes tent, sleeping bag, dinner)
• →Sunset hike along the unrestored Wall
• →Campfire and stargazing on the Wall

Wake before dawn for the unforgettable sunrise over the Great Wall — one of the great travel experiences on earth. After breakfast at a local farmhouse (often included in camping packages), transfer back to Beijing by shared minivan (~£15–20). Spend the rest of the day exploring the capital at your own pace — wander the ancient hutong alleyways, visit the Lama Temple (~£6), or just soak up the city's incredible energy.

🚌Shared minivan Great Wall → Beijing (~£15–20), metro locally (~£1–2).

🛏Leo Hostel or Beijing Downtown Backpackers (~£12–16/night in dorm)

• →Sunrise over the Great Wall (highlight of the trip)
• →Transfer back to Beijing (~£15–20 shared minivan)
• →Afternoon: Explore Beijing's hutong alleyways (free)
• →Lama Temple (~£6)
• →Dinner at a local hutong restaurant (~£8–12)

Start with the vast Tiananmen Square (free), then enter the spectacular Forbidden City (~£10 — book tickets online in advance as they sell out). Walk through the Temple of Heaven afterwards (~£8). In the evening, book a Chinese acrobatics show — the Chaoyang Theatre or Legend of Kung Fu show are excellent (~£20–30, book via Klook or GetYourGuide). Try the famous Peking Roast Duck at a local restaurant for dinner (~£12–15 at DaDong or a local equivalent).

🚌Beijing metro (~£1–2 per journey).

🛏Leo Hostel or Beijing Downtown Backpackers (~£12–16/night in dorm)

• →Tiananmen Square (free)
• →Forbidden City (~£10 — pre-book online, tickets sell out fast)
• →Temple of Heaven (~£8)
• →Chinese Acrobatics Show at Chaoyang Theatre (~£20–30, book via Klook)
• →Peking Roast Duck dinner (~£12–15)

Spend the morning at the 798 Art District (free to enter, galleries vary) or the magnificent Summer Palace (~£8). In the evening, take the metro to Beijing South or Beijing station and board the overnight sleeper train to Hangzhou (~£25–40 for a hard sleeper bunk — book well in advance on Trip.com or 12306.cn). The sleeper train is a quintessential China experience — chatting with locals, watching the countryside fade into darkness, and waking up in a new city. NOTE: If on the 18-day itinerary, today is your final day.

🚌Metro to Beijing station (~£2), overnight sleeper train to Hangzhou (~£25–40).

🛏Overnight sleeper train (hard sleeper bunk ~£25–40)

• →798 Art District, Chaoyang (free entry, galleries vary)
• →Optional: Summer Palace (~£8)
• →Evening: board overnight sleeper train Beijing → Hangzhou (~£25–40 hard sleeper)

Arrive in Hangzhou in the morning and take the metro to your hostel (~£1). Drop your bags and head straight to the famous West Lake — book a self-rowed rowing boat or shared boat tour of the lake islands (~£5–10). In the afternoon, visit the China National Tea Museum (free) or the Lingyin Temple (~£12). Later, hike up Jiuyao Mountain for a stunning sunset view over the city. Head to Hefang Road for dinner at one of the ancient street's many local eateries (~£8–10).

🚌Metro from Hangzhou station (~£1), hire a bicycle for West Lake (~£3–5/day).

🛏Ming Town Youth Hostel or Hangzhou Youth Hostel (~£10–14/night in dorm)

• →Metro from Hangzhou station to hostel (~£1)
• →West Lake boat tour (~£5–10, self-rowed or shared tour boat)
• →China National Tea Museum (free)
• →Lingyin Temple (~£12 entrance)
• →Jiuyao Mountain sunset hike (free)
• →Dinner on Hefang Road (~£8–10)

Rise early for a morning hike through the Nine Creeks and Misty Forest (Jiuxi Yanshuzijian) — take Bus 103 from the city centre (~£1) to the trailhead. This magical woodland trail with waterfalls and crystal streams takes 2–3 hours and is completely free. Return to your hostel, check out, then take the metro to Hangzhou station and board a high-speed train to Shanghai Hongqiao (~£8–12, ~45 mins — very frequent). Arrive in Shanghai in the afternoon and take the metro to your hostel for a relaxed evening out with dinner and drinks.

🚌Bus to Nine Creeks (~£1 return), metro to Hangzhou station (~£1), high-speed train to Shanghai (~£8–12), Shanghai metro (~£1–2).

🛏Mingtown People's Square Hostel or Captain Hostel, Shanghai (~£12–16/night in dorm)

• →Bus 103 to Nine Creeks trailhead (~£1)
• →Nine Creeks & Misty Forest hike (free, ~2–3 hrs)
• →Check out and metro to Hangzhou station
• →High-speed train Hangzhou → Shanghai Hongqiao (~£8–12, ~45 mins)
• →Evening: explore hostel neighbourhood, dinner and drinks (~£10–15)

Spend the morning walking the famous Bund waterfront (free) for iconic views of the Pudong skyline. Explore the beautifully preserved French Concession neighbourhood on foot or by bicycle — rent a bike from your hostel (~£5/day). Visit the Yu Garden and Old Town (~£7 entrance) in the afternoon. In the evening, explore the TianZiFang arts and crafts quarter and the Nanjing Road pedestrian strip (both free to walk). Consider the Shanghai night cruise on the Huangpu River (~£10–15, book via Klook).

🚌Shanghai metro (~£1–2 per journey) and bicycle hire (~£5/day).

🛏Mingtown People's Square Hostel or Captain Hostel, Shanghai (~£12–16/night in dorm)

• →The Bund waterfront walk (free)
• →French Concession bicycle ride (~£5 bike hire)
• →Yu Garden and Old Town (~£7 entrance)
• →TianZiFang arts quarter (free to browse)
• →Optional: Huangpu River night cruise (~£10–15, book via Klook)

Head to the Pudong financial district and visit the Shanghai Tower observation deck (Skywalk at 340m — ~£20, book via Klook) for jaw-dropping city views. Explore the excellent Shanghai Museum on People's Square (free). In the afternoon, visit Moganshan Road (M50) for street art and galleries (free). In the evening, join the famous Drunken Panda Pub Crawl (~£15–20, book via their website or hostel noticeboard) for a brilliant way to meet fellow travellers.

🚌Shanghai metro (~£1–2 per journey).

🛏Mingtown People's Square Hostel or Captain Hostel, Shanghai (~£12–16/night in dorm)

• →Shanghai Tower Skywalk observation deck (~£20, book via Klook)
• →Shanghai Museum, People's Square (free)
• →Moganshan Road M50 art district (free)
• →Drunken Panda Pub Crawl (~£15–20, book via drunkenpandashanghai.com)

Take a half-day trip to the stunning Zhujiajiao Watertown (~1 hr by bus 1000 from Shanghai Stadium, ~£3 return). This ancient canal town has beautiful stone bridges and Ming-dynasty architecture — entrance is free, individual attractions ~£3–5 each. Return in the afternoon and stroll along the luxury shops of West Nanjing Road (free to walk). If time allows, explore the fascinating Shanghai Fake Market (AP Plaza) for bargain hunting. Final dinner in Shanghai — try xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at Din Tai Fung or a local equivalent.

🚌Bus 1000 to Zhujiajiao (~£3 return), Shanghai metro (~£2).

🛏Mingtown People's Square Hostel or Captain Hostel, Shanghai (~£12–16/night in dorm)

• →Bus 1000 to Zhujiajiao Watertown (~£3 return, ~1 hr)
• →Zhujiajiao canal town exploration (free entry, individual sights ~£3–5)
• →West Nanjing Road walk (free)
• →Optional: AP Plaza Shanghai Fake Market
• →Dinner: Xiaolongbao soup dumplings (~£8–12)

Take the metro to Shanghai Hongqiao station and board a high-speed train to Longyan, Fujian (~4–5 hrs, ~£35–50 — book well in advance via Trip.com). From Longyan, take a local bus or shared taxi to the Nanjing or Yongding Tulou clusters (~1–1.5 hrs, ~£8–12). Book a homestay directly inside a working tulou (mud roundhouse) — Mr Liu's tulou or similar family homestays are bookable via Booking.com or local agents (~£15–25/night). A truly unique cultural experience — very few travellers sleep in a real tulou.

🚌Metro to Hongqiao (~£2), high-speed train (~£35–50), local bus/shared taxi (~£8–12).

🛏Tulou family homestay (e.g. in Tianluokeng or Hekeng cluster) (~£15–25/night, often includes breakfast and dinner)

• →Metro to Shanghai Hongqiao station (~£2)
• →High-speed train Shanghai → Longyan (~£35–50, ~4–5 hrs)
• →Local bus or shared taxi Longyan → Nanjing/Yongding Tulou (~£8–12)
• →Check in to tulou (mud roundhouse) homestay
• →Evening meal with host family (often included in homestay price)

After breakfast with your host family, spend the morning on a self-guided or locally guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Hakka tulou clusters. The Tianluokeng 'Four Dishes and One Soup' cluster and Hekeng village are among the most photogenic. Book a traditional tea ceremony and tasting with a local tea farmer (~£8–12) — Fujian is China's most famous tea-growing region. In the evening, enjoy a relaxed night with your host family — movie night or karaoke in the village.

🚌Walking between tulou clusters (most are within 1–2km of each other).

🛏Tulou family homestay (~£15–25/night)

• →Self-guided UNESCO tulou walking tour (entrance ticket ~£8–12 for the cluster)
• →Hakka roundhouse villages and rice field exploration
• →Traditional tea ceremony and tasting with local farmer (~£8–12)
• →Evening: relaxed night with host family or village karaoke

Hire a bicycle from your homestay host or a local rental shop (~£5/day) and cycle through the beautiful Fujian countryside to a local village famous for its mountains, rivers and traditional architecture. Visit the Chengqilou tulou in Gaobei — the largest tulou in the region with 400 rooms. Pack your bags in the afternoon ready for tomorrow's early departure. Final evening with your host family — a wonderful way to end the group section of the trip.

🚌Bicycle hire (~£5/day).

🛏Tulou family homestay (~£15–25/night)

• →Bicycle hire (~£5/day from homestay or local rental)
• →Cycling through Fujian villages and tea fields
• →Chengqilou (largest tulou in the region) visit (~included in cluster ticket)
• →Final evening with host family, pack for early departure

Take a local bus or taxi to Zhangzhou or Longyan station (~£8–12). Board a high-speed bullet train to Hong Kong West Kowloon station (~3–4 hrs, ~£35–50 — book in advance via Trip.com). Arrive in Hong Kong, clear immigration and customs, and either head to the airport for your flight home or book an extra night to celebrate the end of an incredible adventure. Your hostel can arrange any onward bookings.

🚌Local bus/taxi to station (~£8–12), high-speed train to Hong Kong (~£35–50), Airport Express if flying same day (~£10).

🛏YHA Mei Ho House or Chungking Mansions guesthouse, Hong Kong (~£18–25/night if staying an extra night)

• →Local bus/taxi to Zhangzhou or Longyan station (~£8–12)
• →High-speed bullet train to Hong Kong West Kowloon (~£35–50, ~3–4 hrs)
• →Arrive Hong Kong: customs and onward travel
• →Optional: Extra night in Hong Kong to celebrate — explore Kowloon, Lan Kwai Fong nightlife