China: Beijing to Hong Kong — 20 Days

From the Forbidden City and Great Wall through Yunnan's mountains and terraced valleys to Guangxi's karst landscape.

This 20-day route moves across China's primary historical and geographical centers—Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu, Shangri-La, Lijiang, Dali, Kunming, Guilin, and Yangshuo—connecting imperial monuments with minority villages, mountain trekking with urban exploration. The itinerary traverses distinct regions: the northern capitals of Han Chinese rule; the Sichuan basin and its endemic wildlife; the high-altitude Tibetan borderlands of Yunnan; and the limestone karst formations of Guangxi. Overnight trains link major cities, reducing transfer time. Accommodation mixes modest hotels and guesthouses; meals are largely self-directed, with three included breakfasts. The pace allows time for optional activities—monastery visits, cooking classes, rock climbing, tai chi instruction—chosen according to personal interest rather than a fixed schedule.

Highlights

Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City (1406–1420), seat of Chinese imperial power for over 500 years
Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, one of the best-preserved and restored segments, approximately 2 hours from Beijing
Terracotta Warriors at Xi'an: approximately 6,000 individually sculpted clay figures discovered in 1976, standing in battle formation with horses and chariots
Panda Breeding Center in Chengdu, observing conservation efforts for this endangered species
Tiger Leaping Gorge trek through the Jinsha River canyon below snow-capped mountains, with 28 zigzagging turns offering panoramic views
Dukezong Ancient Town in Shangri-La, with over 1,300 years of history and Sungtseling Monastery, built by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century
Lijiang Old Town at 2,400 meters elevation, comprising Dayan, Baisha, and Shuhe districts with Black Dragon Pond and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain views
Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces at Longji, agricultural terraces with a 650-year history named for their resemblance to dragon scales, including Huangluo Yao Village, home to the world's longest-haired women by Guinness record
Yangshuo countryside cycling through karst formations and Moon Hill's crescent-shaped natural arch

Day by day

1Arrival in Beijinghotel in the evening · the capital · Lama Temple · Confucius Temple · Imperial College · Beihai Park · Bird's Nest and Water Cube

You arrive in Beijing and meet your local guide at the hotel in the evening. Following an orientation walk through the capital, you'll receive an overview of the trip logistics and the guides assigned to each subsequent city. Your first night is spent in central Beijing, with optional activities available including acrobat performances, kung fu shows, and visits to the Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, Imperial College, Beihai Park, and the Bird's Nest and Water Cube Olympic structures.

2Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, and Hutong NeighborhoodsTiananmen Square · Forbidden City · local restaurant · Beijing's hutongs

Walking time: 4–5 hours. Transport: Beijing subway and walking. Begin at Tiananmen Square, one of the world's largest public gathering spaces, then proceed to the Forbidden City—the ceremonial and political center of imperial China built between 1406 and 1420, now recognized by UNESCO as the most extensive collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world. After lunch of authentic Chinese dumplings at a local restaurant, spend the afternoon walking through Beijing's hutongs—the traditional courtyards and alleyways that form the core of historical Beijing's residential life. Accommodation: Beijing hotel. Meals: Lunch included.

3Beijing—Jingshan Park, Temples & MarketsJingshan Park · Temple of Heaven · Summer Palace · Lama Temple · Fakes Market · Hongqiao Pearl Market

Walking time: 2–3 hours. Transport: Walking and subway. Today is yours to shape. Start at Jingshan Park, where a climb provides a panoramic view encompassing the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Summer Palace, and Tiananmen Square. Alternatively, visit the Temple of Heaven and Lama Temple at ground level, or visit the Fakes Market and Hongqiao Pearl Market. The Summer Palace, with its lakeside architecture and gardens, offers another option for the day. Breakfast is included. Optional activities include acrobat or kung fu shows, or a guided tour combining the Lama Temple, Confucius Temple, and Imperial College. Other meals are at your discretion. Accommodation: Beijing hotel. Meals: Breakfast included.

4Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall and Overnight Train to Xi'anMutianyu Section of the Great Wall · Beijing to Xi'an

Walking time: 2–3 hours. Transport: Coach (2 hours north), walking, overnight hard-sleeper train. Travel approximately 2 hours north of Beijing to Mutianyu, one of the well-preserved sections of the Great Wall. The condition of this segment allows for manageable ascent while conveying the scale of the wall's construction across China's terrain. Return to Beijing in time to board an overnight hard-sleeper train to Xi'an, traveling south through the night. Accommodation: Hard-sleeper train. Meals: Not included.

5Xi'an: Terracotta Warriors Archaeological SiteTerracotta Warriors site · Xi'an city · Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter

Walking time: 2–3 hours. Transport: Coach from train station, walking. Upon arrival in Xi'an, meet your local guide and travel to the Terracotta Warriors site. This collection of approximately 6,000 life-sized clay figures—each individually sculpted with distinct costume, height, and facial expression—was buried for 2,000 years before farmers digging a well discovered it in 1976. Three main pits are open for viewing. The figures stand in battle formation alongside clay horses and chariots, arrayed at monumental scale. Return to Xi'an city for the afternoon and evening, which are free for independent exploration. The Great Mosque and Muslim Quarter are notable areas within the city. Accommodation: Xi'an hotel. Meals: Not included.

6Xi'an's Optional Landmarks and Fast Train to ChengduChengdu · Ming Dynasty City Walls · Big Wild Goose Pagoda · Bell and Drum Towers · Wutongli Youth Hostel or similar · Xi'an to Chengdu

Walking and cycling time: Variable (unscheduled morning). Transport: Fast train (4 hours). Your morning in Xi'an remains unscheduled, leaving time to pursue optional activities at your own pace. Consider cycling the Ming Dynasty City Walls. Alternatively, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda in the Qujiang District or visit the Bell and Drum Towers in the city center. After these explorations, make your way to the station for the 4-hour fast train journey to Chengdu. Upon arrival, you'll transfer to Wutongli Youth Hostel or similar accommodation, then set out on an evening orientation walk to familiarize yourself with the city. Accommodation: Wutongli Youth Hostel or similar. Meals: Not included.

7Chengdu Panda Center and Optional Afternoon ActivitiesPanda Breeding Center · Sichuan cuisine cooking class · Jinli Street and Kuaizhai Alley

Walking time: 2–3 hours. Transport: Coach from hotel. Begin your day at the Panda Breeding Center, where conservation efforts protect one of the world's most endangered species. Here you'll observe pandas at close range—watching them eat, play, and rest. The facility provides information on the dedicated work required to sustain their population. Your afternoon is unscheduled, with several optional activities to choose from. You might join a Sichuan cuisine cooking class or experience a traditional Sichuan opera performance in a local theatre. Alternatively, visit Jinli Street and Kuaizhai Alley, pedestrian quarters filled with local shops, restaurants, and street life. Your guide is available to suggest activities, arrange bookings, and provide recommendations based on your interests. Accommodation: Wutongli Youth Hostel or similar. Meals: Not included.

8Free Day in Chengdu with Optional Leshan Buddha Excursion; Flight to Shangri-LaZhongdian · Leshan Great Buddha · tea plantation

Transport: Optional coach (148 km, 3 hours each way); evening flight to Zhongdian (Shangri-la). The day is unscheduled. An optional excursion takes you 148 kilometers from Chengdu to see the Leshan Great Buddha, a monumental figure carved into Mt. Lingyun's cliffs over centuries. En route, you may visit a tea plantation and learn methods of traditional Chinese tea preparation. In the evening, fly to Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-la. The name Zhongdian translates to "Royal Ground," referring to the pastures surrounding the city. Accommodation: Zhongdian hotel. Meals: Not included.

9Dukezong Ancient Town, Tibetan Culture, and Optional Monastery or Village VisitDukezong Ancient Town · central square · Sungtseling Monastery · nearby Tibetan village

Walking time: 2–3 hours. Transport: Walking. Visit Dukezong Ancient Town this morning, a settlement with documented history spanning more than 1,300 years. Walk through narrow lanes lined with wooden structures, white-walled dwellings, Tibetan temples, gilded prayer halls, and pagodas. Join locals in the central square. The afternoon is free. An optional visit to Sungtseling Monastery—built in the 17th century by the 5th Dalai Lama and recognized as one of the most significant Tibetan monasteries outside Tibet itself—houses over 700 practicing Buddhist monks. The five-story structure contains a main assembly hall with red pillars, historic woodcarvings, and paintings across numerous chapels. Alternatively, visit a nearby Tibetan village to meet residents and observe their daily life and cultural practices. Accommodation: Zhongdian hotel. Meals: Not included.

10Tiger Leaping Gorge: First Day Trek to Tea Horse GuesthouseTiger Leaping Gorge · Tea Horse Guesthouse · Naxi family home

Trekking time: 4–5 hours. Transport: Coach to trailhead. Begin your two-day trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge, a canyon carved by the Jinsha River and framed by peaks. Leave your large backpack behind and carry only essentials for the hike. The route follows a winding path that climbs toward a Naxi family home for views across the gorge. From here, terrain becomes more demanding as you ascend 28 zigzagging turns—a steady, exposed climb. The landscape includes rocky outcrops, alpine vegetation, and river views far below. After approximately four to five hours of trekking, you'll reach Tea Horse Guesthouse. Accommodation: Tea Horse Guesthouse. Meals: Not included.

11Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek: Second Day and Transfer to LijiangTiger Leaping Gorge · Tina's Guesthouse · Old Town of Lijiang · Tiger Leaping Gorge to Lijiang

Trekking time: 3–4 hours. Transport: Coach (2.5 hours to Lijiang). The second day of trekking is more challenging. The trail remains a working transport route; you may encounter donkeys and horses carrying goods. Steep sections alternate with panoramic views of the canyon system and surrounding peaks. After lunch at Tina's Guesthouse, a private vehicle transports you approximately 2.5 hours across mountain landscape to Lijiang. This evening, visit the Old Town of Lijiang, situated at 2,400 meters elevation in northwest Yunnan. The town comprises three interconnected districts: Dayan Old Town (including Black Dragon Pond), Baisha, and Shuhe. Accommodation: Lijiang hotel. Meals: Lunch included.

12Lijiang Old Town: Black Dragon Pond, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Lion Hill ParkBlack Dragon Pond · Jade Dragon Snow Mountain · Lion Hill Park · Baisha to Shuhe

Walking time: 3–4 hours. Elevation: 2,400 meters. Continue exploring Lijiang Old Town this morning. Visit Black Dragon Pond, a water feature within Jade Spring Park at the foot of Elephant Hill, constructed in 1737 during the Qing dynasty. The white marble bridge frames views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the region's highest peak. Next, visit Lion Hill Park, centrally located in the old town and built against a hill formation that resembles a sleeping lion. Ancient buildings provide an elevated perspective across the old town's entire layout. The afternoon is free. Optional activities include hiking from the Naxi village of Baisha to Shuhe village, or a half-day excursion to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at higher elevation. Accommodation: Lijiang hotel. Meals: Not included.

13Transfer to Dali Ancient TownDali Ancient Town · Lijiang to Dali Ancient Town · Foreigner Street

Transport: Public bus (2–2.5 hours). Travel by public bus in the morning from Lijiang to Dali Ancient Town. Dali occupies a strategic position between the Cangshan Mountains to the west and Erhai Lake to the east. Visit the town during the afternoon and evening. The town contains Foreigner Street, where handicrafts and regional food are sold, or choose among local restaurants serving traditional Dali cuisine. Accommodation: Dali hotel. Meals: Not included.

14Cycling to Xizhou Village and Erhai LakeXizhou Village · Erhai Lake · Dali · Dali Old Town

Cycling distance: 23 kilometers. Walking time: 2–3 hours. Depart Dali by bicycle for a 23-kilometer ride to Xizhou Village, known for its Butterfly Spring and Bai architectural traditions. A guided tour of the village and local markets provides context for Bai cultural practices and building styles. Interact with families living in traditional courtyard homes. Sample local foods including baba (fried rice cake) and local cheese. After exploring Xizhou, cycle around the blue waters of Erhai Lake before returning to Dali Old Town at sunset. Accommodation: Dali hotel. Meals: Not included.

15Kunming: Green Lake Park and Yuantong Temple; Overnight Train to GuilinGreen Lake Park · Yuantong Temple · Dali to Kunming · The Loft · Kunming train station to Guilin

Walking time: 2–3 hours. Transport: Fast train (2.5 hours), metro, walking, overnight hard-sleeper train (approximately 18 hours). Take a fast train from Dali to Kunming. Meet your local guide at the station and travel by metro to Green Lake Park, established in the early 17th century on the western side of Wuhua Mountain. The park contains hundreds of tree and plant species alongside bird species and water features. Visit the surrounding city on foot. Visit The Loft, a restored factory district now housing art galleries and cafés. See Yuantong Temple, the largest Buddhist temple in Yunnan Province. Later, return to the train station for an overnight hard-sleeper train to Guilin. Accommodation: Hard-sleeper train. Meals: Not included.

16Longji Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces and Long-Hair VillageLongji · Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces · Ping'an Village · Huangluo Yao Village

Transport: Coach (1.5 hours from Guilin). Walking time: 1–2 hours. A 1.5-hour drive from Guilin brings you to Longji, home to the Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces. These agricultural formations span over 650 years of documented history and take their name from their resemblance to a dragon's spine and scales. Settle into a guesthouse in Ping'an Village, the first terrace area discovered by international tourists. In the afternoon, travel by sightseeing bus to Huangluo Yao Village, also known as Long-Hair Village. The women of this Yao ethnic settlement maintain long hair as cultural practice. Accommodation: Longji guesthouse. Meals: Not included.

17Longji Rice Terraces Hike and Transfer to YangshuoLongji Valley · Yangshuo hotel · Longji Valley to Yangshuo

Hiking time: 4–5 hours. Transport: Coach (3 hours to Yangshuo). Hike through Longji Valley, moving across rice terraces, bamboo stands, and chestnut forests along stone pathways. The route includes ascents interspersed with waterfalls and rice fields at varying elevations. Upon completing the hike, a vehicle collects you for a 3-hour drive to Yangshuo, a village surrounded by green karst hills and rice paddies. Accommodation: Yangshuo hotel. Meals: Not included.

18Yangshuo: Countryside Cycling and Moon HillYangshuo · Moon Hill · Yangshuo countryside

Cycling or hiking time: 3–4 hours (optional). Distance: Variable. A free day to visit Yangshuo at your own pace. An optional bicycle tour departs from town into the surrounding countryside, moving through rural landscapes and rice paddies. The tour includes a stop at Moon Hill, one of Yangshuo's visited attractions, recognizable by its crescent-moon-shaped natural arch. From the summit, panoramic views stretch across the countryside, showcasing the karst formations that define this region. Those preferring independent exploration will find Yangshuo suitable for both biking and hiking. Accommodation: Yangshuo hotel. Meals: Not included.

19Yangshuo: Optional Activities and Free ExplorationYangshuo · local farmers' market

Activity type: Variable (optional); time: 2–4 hours. Another free day in Yangshuo. Options include joining a tai chi class with a local instructor in the morning, taking a cooking class focused on regional preparation methods, or visiting a local farmers' market to observe daily commerce and regional produce. Yangshuo is also known for rock climbing and caving; your guide can arrange these activities if desired. Accommodation: Yangshuo hotel. Meals: Not included.

20Yangshuo to Hong Kong by Fast TrainYangshuo · Hong Kong · Guilin train station

Transport: Coach to Guilin train station (1 hour); fast train to Hong Kong (approximately 7–8 hours). Your last morning in Yangshuo is unscheduled. At the arranged time, you'll be transferred to Guilin train station to board the fast train bound for Hong Kong, where your Adventure Asia tour ends. Meals: Not included.

Where you go

Map: China: Beijing to Hong Kong — 20 Days route — Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap

1Tiananmen Square
2Forbidden City
3Temple of Heaven
4Mutianyu Section of the Great Wall
5Terracotta Warriors site
6Big Wild Goose Pagoda
7Dali
8Dali Old Town
9Yangshuo
10Hong Kong

Included

Included:
· 7 nights' hotel & 10 nights' guesthouse accommodation based on twin share
· 3 breakfasts ( no lunch or dinner is included)
· Public/Private transfers in each city as specified
· Local English-speaking guide service in each city
· Sightseeing tours with entrance fees as specified
· Overnight hard-sleeper train Beijing-Xi'an(1 night) & Kunming-Guilin (1 night)
· Regular class fast train Xi'an-Chengdu, Dali-Kunming and Guilin-Hong Kong
· Economic class flight Chengdu-Shangri-La

Not included

Excluded:
· International flights
· Travel insurance
· Chinese visa
· Expenses of personal nature, ie laundry, alcoholic drinks, and etc.