China is a great example of a country with equally modern and historic relevance, and with this 19-day tour you’ll learn why. By crossing the country via train you’ll not only be able to visit a bunch of different cities (and Hong Kong!) in just under three weeks, but you’ll also get to see the diverse landscapes that make up the world’s most populous country. Stand face-to-face with the Terracotta Warriors, cycle the ancient city walls, practice Tai Chi with locals, go shopping in Shanghai, or sing your heart out in a karaoke session. If you’re feeling adventurous, do it all.

Day 1 Hong Kong
Arrive at any time. For your first night out, head down to Kowloon and experience the spectacular light show at Victoria Harbour. Get to know your fellow travellers and snap that iconic photo with the neon city backdrop. Afterward, opt for a traditional Cantonese dinner in a local restaurant and share stories over some Dim Sum.

Day 2 Hong Kong/Yangshuo
Board a bullet train and enjoy the scenic ride to Guilin, then transfer to the nearby village of Yangshuo. The Li River and limestone karst mountains interspersed with picturesque riverside villages and markets make this area perhaps the best known scenic attraction in the region, and a backpacker haven for activities, cultural immersion, and relaxing at cafés.

Day 3 Yangshuo
Enjoy free time in Yangshuo. Opt for a tai chi lesson, visit a women-run Community Restaurant, take a cooking class, or cycling tour of the area.

Day 4 Yangshuo
Continue to explore beautiful Yangshuo with a free day.

Day 5 Yangshuo/Chengdu
Today, take the bullet train from Yangshuo to Chengdu. Transfer to your hotel and spend the rest of your day free to explore Chengdu.

Day 6 Chengdu
Enjoy a free day to explore Chengdu, known for its spicy local food and the Giant Panda Breeding Centre.

Day 7 Chengdu
Opt to see the Giant Pandas or continue exploring the vibrant city of Chengdu.

Day 8 Chengdu/Luoyang
Say goodbye to Chengdu and its Giant Pandas and travel to Luoyang.

Day 9 Luoyang
Arrive in Luoyang and opt to visit the Longmen Grottoes.

Day 10 Luoyang/Song Shan
Catch the public bus with an overnight pack to Song Shan, a beautiful Mountain area best known as the home of the Shaolin Temple and birthplace of kung-fu. One of the five sacred Daoist Mountains of China, Dengfeng Shan, or Mount Song is a unique rock mountain containing many valleys, caves, pools, waterfalls, and steep cliffs. Hike the surrounding areas and get a glimpse into this scared natural area.

Day 11 Song Shan/Beijing
Visit the Shaolin Temple, the home of Kung Fu. Transfer by private vehicle to Luoyang then board the bullet train to Beijing.

Day 12 Beijing
Enjoy free time in China's booming capital city.

Day 13 Beijing
Step back in time for the day with a visit to the Great Wall, a monumental feat of engineering intended to protect China from northern barbarians. Climb the rolling hills, take in the scenery, and explore the wall capturing iconic photos from the watch towers. Later, opt to check out the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, or catch a kung fu show.

Day 14 Beijing/Xi'an
Another day in Beijing, another adventure. With so much to discover here, we decided to let you choose. Spend the day exploring the peaceful gardens, lakes, and temples at Summer Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Or visit the Temple of Heaven and capture an iconic picture of the Confucian architecture and practice tai chi with the local people. This evening board an overnight train and wake up in Xi'an.

Day 15 Xi'an
Embark on an orientation walk through the Muslim Quarter, then opt to visit the tranquil Great Mosque - a serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Check out the famous Terracotta Warriors or cycle the ancient city walls (the perfect place to catch the sunset). Be sure to enjoy some of the best street food China has to offer.

Day 16 Xi'an/Suzhou
Spend the day continuing to explore Xi'an, then take an overnight train to Suzhou.

Day 17 Suzhou
Visit Suzhou, the "Venice of the East." Opt to explore the Master of the Nets Garden, one of China's most exquisite gardens. In the evening, let loose like the locals with a karaoke session in a private room for the group; this is sure to be a memorable night!

Day 18 Suzhou/Shanghai
See the city on an orientation walk, then enjoy free time to explore this metropolis on your own.

Day 19 Shanghai
Depart at any time.