SMALL GROUP TOUR • BEIJING TO HONG KONG
Real China – From Ancient Wonders to Karst Mountains
Tick an ancient Wonder of the World off your bucket list at the Great Wall, witness the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an and watch baby pandas play in Chengdu. Sip tea in People’s Park, taste delicious street food with a local leader, cycle through the misty karst countryside of Yangshuo, and end in vibrant Hong Kong.
Tour operator: Intrepid
Local tax: No local tax due
Deposit: Secure your place with just £1pp deposit
Departure airport: Birmingham (regional airports available on request)
Other Departure Dates: September 2026 – December 2028
The Great Wall of China
Walk along the majestic Mutianyu section of the Great Wall — one of the Seven Wonders of the World — with an optional toboggan ride back down for extra thrills.
Giant Pandas in Chengdu
Watch adorable baby pandas playing and munching bamboo at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Research Base — a truly unforgettable wildlife experience.
Terracotta Warriors & Karst Scenery
Join a local guide to see the iconic Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, then cycle through the postcard-perfect karst countryside of Yangshuo to Moon Hill.
YOUR CHINA ADVENTURE
From an ancient Wonder of the World to pandas and karst mountains.
You could travel for a lifetime in China and there would still be more to explore — but this 12-day journey through the country’s absolute highlights does a pretty good job of narrowing it down. From the imperial grandeur of Beijing to the neon glow of Hong Kong, experience China’s most iconic sights and hidden local moments.
Travel between key cities aboard high-speed bullet trains and even try an overnight hard sleeper train for an authentic slice of local life. Eat your way through Peking duck, spicy Sichuan cuisine, and Yangshuo beer fish — and challenge yourself with local delicacies like silkworms if you dare!
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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY
Your 12-day journey through Real China
Beijing, China
Welcome to China! Meet your local leader and fellow travellers for an important welcome meeting at 6pm at your hotel in Beijing.
Great Wall of China (Mutianyu)
Take an exhilarating trip to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Walk along its ancient stones, take a cable car up, and toboggan back down!
Beijing – Tiananmen & Hutongs
Explore vast Tiananmen Square and enjoy a leader-led walking tour through the traditional narrow alleyways of Beijing’s ancient hutongs.
Beijing to Xi’an (Overnight Train)
Board a hard sleeper train bound for Xi’an — an authentic and unforgettable Chinese travel experience. Get comfy for the overnight journey.
Xi’an – Muslim Quarter
Arrive in Xi’an. Join a leader-led walking tour through the bustling Muslim Quarter for delicious snack sampling and colourful market culture.
Terracotta Warriors, Xi’an
Discover the world-famous Terracotta Warriors with a local guide. Explore the Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square in the evening.
Xi’an to Chengdu (Bullet Train)
Travel via high-speed bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of the Sichuan province, renowned for spicy cuisine and giant pandas.
Chengdu – Panda Breeding Base
Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base to watch these gentle giants in action. Later, enjoy a walking tour of Tianfu Square, People’s Park and Kuanzhai Lane.
Chengdu to Yangshuo
Fly to Guilin then transfer to the stunning karst-dotted town of Yangshuo. Enjoy a walking tour to get your bearings in this scenic paradise.
Yangshuo – Bike Tour & Moon Hill
Take a scenic cycling tour through farms and villages, enjoy a home-cooked lunch, then hike to Moon Hill for panoramic views of the karst landscape.
Yangshuo to Hong Kong
Travel to vibrant Hong Kong. Join a leader-led walking tour, then explore the buzzing Temple Street Night Market for street food and shopping.
Hong Kong – Tour Ends
Your Real China adventure comes to an end. Check out of your hostel and take away memories to last a lifetime.
HIGHLIGHTS & INCLUSIONS
Your package highlights
11 nights’ accommodation: Hotel (8 nights), Overnight Hard Sleeper Train (1 night), Hostel (2 nights)
Expert local leader throughout your tour
Walk the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China
Discover the imperial grandeur of Beijing’s Tiananmen Square
Leader-led Hutong walking tour in old Beijing
Muslim Quarter walking tour & snack sampling in Xi’an
Guided tour of the world-famous Terracotta Warriors
Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square walking tour
Chengdu walking tour of Tianfu Square, People’s Park & Kuanzhai Lane
Visit Giant Panda Breeding Research Base in Chengdu
Yangshuo walking tour and home-cooked lunch included
Cycling tour through karst countryside & visit to Moon Hill
Leader-led walking tour of Hong Kong
Temple Street Night Market walking tour in Hong Kong
Internal transport: hard sleeper train, bullet trains & internal flights
1 included lunch (additional meals allow flexibility to eat like a local)
READY TO DISCOVER REAL CHINA?
Talk to our
China tour experts.
Secure your place with just £1pp deposit. Contact our specialists today to discuss departure dates between September 2026 and December 2028, plus alternative UK airport options.
Terms, conditions & important information
Pricing: From £1,789 per person based on twin/double share. Lead-in pricing based on 15 June 2027 departure from Birmingham. Prices vary by season, departure date, and UK airport.
Deposit: Secure your place with just £1pp deposit.
Departures: Multiple flexible departure dates available from September 2026 through to December 2028. Additional UK departure airports also available on request.
Tour Operator: Intrepid Travel — a global leader in small group adventure travel with responsible travel principles at the heart of every itinerary.
Solo Travellers: Solo travellers have the option to share a room with someone of the same gender at no extra cost. For those wanting their own room, a single supplement of £255 is available on request.
Accommodation: 8 nights hotel, 1 night overnight hard sleeper train (authentic local experience), 2 nights hostel-style accommodation.
Group Size: Small group tour led by an expert local leader throughout.
What’s Not Included: International flights, visa fees, travel insurance (compulsory), tips for your leader, most meals (allowing flexibility to sample local cuisine), optional activities.
Standard Intrepid Travel booking terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability. E&OE.