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Peregrine Travel Centre

China Adventure

China Adventure

From $ 5,770 AUD

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Description

Travel through China from neon-lit Hong Kong to historical Beijing on this 17-day adventure. Visit Chongqing and try its famous hot pot, ride the world’s tallest outdoor elevator to see the Avatar Mountains in Zhangjiajie National Park and explore ancient wonders like the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an. Hike the Great Wall at sunset, discover traditional culture with Nvshu script workshops and stroll Wuxi’s gardens. This is a trip that showcases a different side of China that mixes modern landscapes with traditional culture.

Trip Name
China Adventure
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
17
Capacity
16
Highlights
  • Travel from Hong Kong to Beijing by high-speed train. Sit back, relax, and watch the scenery change as you journey through the countryside.
  • Explore Zhangjiajie National Park. Hike among the 'Avatar Mountains' and ride the world's tallest outdoor escalator through quartz-sandstone landforms.
  • Discover China's evolution from 2000-year-old Terracotta Warriors to modern skyscrapers in Chongqing.
  • Spend time with locals, learning from them in Nvshu script workshops, snacking with them in Xi'an's Muslim Quarter and staying in a guesthouse near the Great Wall.
  • Hike a less-crowded section of the Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders, and watch the sun set over ancient stones.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk., URBAN ADVENTURES: Join us for the Best. Day. Ever. Urban Adventures are for those who want to get away from the tourist crowds and really connect with a city, with a local by their side. The experience can be as short as a couple of hours, or as long as a whole day, but in every case our Urban Adventures tours take travellers to interesting places to experience local culture and see what makes a place unique. If you are travelling before or after your trip with us and would like to book an Urban Adventure in advance, please contact your booking agent or use this link: http://www.urbanadventures.com/?aff=2226. While on tour with us, your leader can assist in booking other Urban Adventures. , PASSPORTS USED FOR ENTRY TO TOURISM SITES AND TRAIN STATIONS International visitors will have their passport scanned upon entry to tourism sites and at train stations in China. The passport acts as an entrance ticket and it takes 1-2mins for scanning and entry. This means that it can take 20-30mins for our groups to enter some locations, depending on group size and processing capacity in each location. Chinese nationals have their ID cards scanned at these locations and these are processed instantly.

Day 1 - Hong Kong
Neih-hou! Welcome to Hong Kong. A fusion of east and west, this dynamic city is known for its skyline, bustling markets and rich cultural heritage. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm where you'll meet your trip leader and fellow travellers. If you arrive early, maybe ride the Peak Tram for panoramic views over Hong Kong, visit the Tian Tan Buddha or take a stroll along the Victorian Harbor. Tonight, join your group for a tour through the lively Temple Street night market, where the energy of Hong Kong comes alive. After, maybe head out together for dinner and sample some local cuisine like dim sum or roast goose.
Day 2 - Chongqing
Enjoy a relaxed morning before your first bullet train journey. This is a true taste of modern China, as you reach speeds of up to 300 km/h. Sit back and enjoy the scenery, read a book or listen to your favourite podcast as you travel across provinces. You may even want to try ordering takeaway food from a train station to your seat (your leader can assist to make this happen). You’ll arrive in Chongqing early evening. Either settle into your accommodation or join your leader for a short orientation walk to explore the city.
Day 3 - Chongqing
Start today with a guided city walking tour. Experience daily life like a local as you explore Chongqing’s Old Town on guided city walking tour. Stroll through Longmenhao Old Street, walk among the skyscrapers of Nanbing Road and visit the Hongya Cave. Learn about the city’s history from the street and cross the Yangtze River on the public cable car and ferry. Your walk ends with a traditional Chongqing hot pot lunch served in a former air raid shelter. These shelters, built during World War II to protect citizens from bombings, have since been repurposed. Take the rest of the day to explore this city of hills, maybe even check out the trending site where the train goes into a building or try and find the local spot where you come out of a highrise building's 22 floor onto a street - no wonder the locals call it the 8D city!
Day 4 - Zhangjiajie
Travel from Chongqing to Zhangjiajie City today via train. You'll arrive in Zhangjiajie by mid-afternoon, then head out on a short orientation walk with your leader to help you get familiar with the area. Located in Hunan Province, Zhangjiajie city is known for its natural landscapes, including the famous Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and Tianmen Mountain. Beyond the iconic scenery, the city itself offers a vibrant local life in its bustling night markets, leafy parks filled with locals practicing tai chi and a distinct Hunan-style food culture known for its bold, aromatic spice (quite different from Chongqing’s heat). Enjoy a free evening to relax, try some local dishes or simply soak in the atmosphere of this lively mountain city.
Day 5 - Zhangjiajie
This morning, you’ll visit the iconic Tianmen Mountain. This area is known for its cliff-hanging walkways, scenic cableway and the iconic Tianmen Cave – a massive natural archway often called Heaven’s Gate. Here, you’ll spend a few hours exploring the landmark. For those who’d rather skip the 999 steps, you can take an escalator to the top. After soaking in the views and fresh mountain air, you’ll return to Zhangjiajie city. This afternoon is free for you to explore the city at your own pace.
Day 6 - Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, located in China’s Hunan Province, is renowned for its towering sandstone pillars and misty peaks – and this area was the inspiration for the floating mountains in the Avatar! Spend the day exploring the national park, hiking along well-maintained trails that weave through dramatic cliffs and forested valleys. You’ll also ride the Bailong Elevator – a glass lift built into the side of a cliff. This UNESCO World Heritage-listed landmark offers countless of photo-worthy moments, so have your camera ready. Later, return to your accommodation in Wulingyuan for a relaxing night.
Day 7 - Changsha
Take another bullet train to Changsha – the capital of Hunan Province. When you arrive, you’ll head straight to a local cultural heritage centre to learn about Nvshu – the world’s only known writing system created and used exclusively by women. Now recognised as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, this unique script reflects generations of female expression and resilience. Learn about the culture and stories behind Nvshu and try writing your own message in this elegant script. After, check into your hotel and enjoy some free time before you head to one of Changsha’s night markets, where you can pick up some local street food for dinner. For the more adventurous in eating, maybe try sticky tofu, pig’s feet or crayfish mouth.
Day 8 - Shanghai
Travel to Shanghai this morning by bullet train, arriving in the city in the afternoon. After checking into your hotel, the rest of the afternoon is free for you to spend as you like. In the evening, your leader will take you to the Bund, where you’ll see the striking contrast between old and new Shanghai. As you walk, you’ll see historic mansions dating back 100 to 200 years on one side and across the Huangpu River, you’ll see the modern skyline with high-rises and towers built over the past four decades.
Day 9 - Shanghai
This morning, set off on a walking tour to Shanghai’s French Concession. Originally a residential and retail area of Shanghai, this neighbourhood is now known for its tree-lined streets, European-style architecture and vibrant cafes. Stroll through its historic lanes and learn about the city's blend of Chinese and French influences. This afternoon you have some free time to explore Shanghai at your own pace. Maybe visit the Shanghai Museum, explore the Yuyun Garden and Old Bazar or head up to the Shanghai Tower observation deck. Tonight, maybe meet up with your group and celebrate the end of the trip with a farewell dinner.
Day 10 - Shanghai
Today is a free day to relax and recharge in Shanghai. In your free time, maybe wander through Yu Garden, shop on Nanjing Road or explore Jade Buddha Temple. Tonight, you’ll have another welcome meeting at 4 pm to meet the new travellers joining you on the next leg of your epic adventure. After your meeting, maybe join your group for dinner at a local restaurant – your leader will have the best recommendations!
Day 11 - Shanghai
Get ready for your first bullet train experience this morning. A half-hour train ride will take you to Wuxi – once a prominent water town and now a booming city. Follow your leader on a walking tour through the Huishan Ancient Town Scenic Area and explore the cultural relics, historic sites and Xihui scenic area full of gorgeous gardens. Wander through the Huishan historic and cultural streets almost like travelling back in time. Take some epic snaps, learn about the traditional life here and then visit the Jichang Garden – one of the finest examples of traditional Chinese gardens, listed as a protected national heritage site in 1998. Head back to Shanghai in the afternoon. The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace – why not grab a drink in one of the rooftop bars in Shanghai and look out over the bund.
Day 12 - Xi'an
Hop on the bullet train to Xi’an this morning – the capital of Shaanxi Province and the largest city in northwest China. Once the imperial centre and start of the Silk Road, Xi'an is now a vibrant, modern city dotted with many historical sites and a great place to explore. When you arrive, join your leader on a walking tour, passing the iconic Bell and Drum Towers – according to legend, the Bell Tower was built to restrain the pesky dragons that were causing devastating earthquakes. See the Muslim Quarter and wander past the shops, markets, and the Great Mosque. Sample some street snacks from local carts and see why this area is known for its food! For dinner tonight, maybe try some tantalising local specialties such as pao mo (lamb broth with flat bread), hand-pulled noodles and meat skewers.
Day 13 - Xi'an
Today, you’ll journey outside Xi’an and visit what is undoubtedly one of the man-made wonders of the world – the Terracotta Warriors. Learn about this incredible archaeological find, discovered after being buried for 2000 years, and take your time getting to know the 1000 warriors (each individually sculpted, with a different costume, height and facial expression). These clay statues depicting soldiers, horses and chariots were commissioned by the emperor Qin Shi Huangdi as part of his mausoleum after he ascended to the throne in 264 BC. Later, return to Xi’an and enjoy a free evening at leisure. Why not head to the Tang Paradise walking street near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda – this is an eclectic part of the city, full of light and sound and perfect for some local nightlife.
Day 14 - Great Wall
Today is a big day of travelling, so grab some snacks and a good book for the journey. You’ll transfer to the railway station, then board the high-speed train to Beijing. Watch the landscape change from farmland and villages to industrialised cities and take the opportunity to get to know your fellow travellers along the way. When you arrive in Beijing, board a private vehicle and drive into the countryside, where you’ll spend the night in a family-run guesthouse right inside the scenic area near the Great Wall of China! Tonight it’s highly recommended that you go for a short hike to the Wall for an unforgettable sunset. You’ve made it to one of the Seven Wonders of the World!
Day 15 - Beijing
Today is an exciting day as you’ll visit a section of the Great Wall of China – an ancient wonder of the world and this country’s iconic site. Spend some time exploring, take plenty of photos and learn the history of this mighty landmark. An incredible piece of engineering, the wall stretches 6000 km west of Beijing. It was initially constructed to protect Chinese empires from invaders from the north. Even though it failed, it's still one of the country's most remarkable achievements and an iconic destination. Hike along the top of the Wall for about 2 hours, along a section less visited by tourists and one of the most original section of the Wall - don't be surprised if you even feel you are the only ones on the Wall. Take in the scenery of the structure snaking through the hills almost endlessly into the distance. After, say goodbye to the epic site and head for Beijing – the capital and last stop of your trip.
Day 16 - Beijing
Make your way to the centre of Beijing this morning and explore Tiananmen Square – supposedly the largest downtown square in the world and the symbolic centre of Chinese power. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace, Mao's Mausoleum and the Great Hall of the People, it's a place of pilgrimage for Chinese tourists who consider it to be the heart of their nation. It's from here that you'll enter the enormous Forbidden City, which was built more than 500 years ago and has been off-limits to commoners for almost all that time. You’ll explore the halls and courtyards and witness the grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore on your own. Maybe check out the Temple of Heaven before getting together with your fellow travellers for a farewell dinner. There's no better way to celebrate the end of your journey than with a meal of Beijing duck (and maybe a drink or two).
Day 17 - Beijing
As there are no activities planned today, your China adventure comes to an end. There's so much to see and do in Beijing, so if you’d like to stay an extra few days, just speak to your booking agent.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-03-202604-04-2026AUD $ 6,645-
06-04-202622-04-2026AUD $ 7,185-
09-04-202625-04-2026AUD $ 7,095-
13-04-202629-04-2026AUD $ 7,185-
06-05-202622-05-2026AUD $ 6,885-
16-05-202601-06-2026AUD $ 6,885-
06-06-202622-06-2026AUD $ 6,645-
04-07-202620-07-2026AUD $ 5,770-
11-07-202627-07-2026AUD $ 6,645-
08-08-202624-08-2026AUD $ 5,790-
02-09-202618-09-2026AUD $ 7,185-
12-09-202628-09-2026AUD $ 6,940-
08-10-202624-10-2026AUD $ 6,115-
12-10-202628-10-2026AUD $ 5,945-
15-10-202631-10-2026AUD $ 6,065-
17-10-202602-11-2026AUD $ 6,645-
21-10-202606-11-2026AUD $ 5,945-
18-03-202703-04-2027AUD $ 6,000-
05-04-202721-04-2027AUD $ 6,480-
12-04-202728-04-2027AUD $ 6,480-
15-05-202731-05-2027AUD $ 6,240-
05-06-202721-06-2027AUD $ 6,000-
10-07-202726-07-2027AUD $ 6,000-
07-08-202723-08-2027AUD $ 6,000-
01-09-202717-09-2027AUD $ 6,480-
11-09-202727-09-2027AUD $ 6,480-
16-10-202701-11-2027AUD $ 6,000-

Accommodation

Hotel (15 nights), Guest House (1 night)

Transport

Private vehicle, High-speed Train, Subway, Taxi, Public bus

Map

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