Why book the Highlights of China tour?
Highlights of China is an 18-day shoestring journey from Hong Kong to Beijing covering the country's most extraordinary experiences: the karst mountains and bamboo rafting of Yangshuo, the world's largest panda breeding centre in Chengdu, a Yangtze River cruise through Chongqing's Hongya Cave canyons, the Leshan Giant Buddha (world's largest stone Buddha), Xi'an's city walls and the Terracotta Warriors of Qin Shi Huang, Shaolin Temple kung fu, and Beijing's Forbidden City (980 buildings, 24 emperors), Great Wall camping, Tiananmen Square, and Peking Roast Duck. Two Mandarin lessons and a Sichuan cooking introduction are included. Maximum 20 travellers with hostel accommodation; this is a proper shoestring adventure through a country that rewards depth.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to China?
Yes. The 18 days give you a genuine breadth of China that few single trips match. Having a guide for logistics is particularly valuable in China, where language barriers and domestic transport can be genuinely complex for independent travellers. The two included Mandarin lessons give you practical tools and cultural grounding.
What's the best time of year to do this tour?
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the most comfortable seasons across China's diverse geography. Summer is hot and humid, particularly in Chongqing. Winter in Beijing and Xi'an is cold and clear. The Great Wall camping option runs from April to September; from October 1 to the end of March, the camping section is replaced with a guesthouse stay.
Is a visa invitation letter included?
Yes. A China visa invitation letter is included in the tour. You'll need this to apply for your Chinese visa before departure.
Why does this tour cost what it does?
We get it, China can be a challenge to navigate independently at lower cost. But the inclusion here is significant: the Yangtze River cruise, two Mandarin lessons, Giant Panda Breeding Centre, Terracotta Warriors entrance, Great Wall access, Shaolin Temple visit, bamboo rafting on the Yulong River, and the Leshan Buddha are all sites with real entrance costs. The hostel accommodation and shared transport keep the headline price low while covering 18 days and 5 major cities.
What's actually included in the price?
Included: 17 nights accommodation (hostels, with private rooms available for supplement), all transport between destinations including high-speed train and overnight train, Yangtze River cruise, bamboo rafting, Giant Panda Breeding Centre, Terracotta Warriors, Shaolin Temple, Great Wall, Leshan Buddha, two Mandarin lessons, and a professional guide throughout.
What's NOT included and how much extra should I budget?
No meals are included in this tour (0 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 0 dinners). Budget for all your own food, which is inexpensive in China: street food and local restaurants are excellent and affordable throughout. International flights, travel insurance, the China visa, and personal spending are also not included. Optional activities like the Sichuan Opera and Longmen Grottoes are at your own cost.
Can I pay in instalments?
Yes. Reserve with a deposit and pay the balance 8 weeks before departure.
How physically demanding is this tour?
Moderate. The main physical elements are cycling on Xi'an's city walls, bamboo rafting and a bike ride in Yangshuo, and walking at large sites like the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors complex. The Great Wall section involves a climb. None of these require exceptional fitness. 18 days of frequent travel between cities involves early starts and long transit days, which requires stamina.
What if I'm older than the rest of the group?
Highlights of China attracts a range of ages. The hostel setting and the constant movement of an 18-day shoestring itinerary suit younger, more flexible travellers best. If you prefer more comfort and fewer moving parts, ask us about a private China itinerary with hotel accommodation.
What if I have mobility issues?
Xi'an's city wall cycling section and Great Wall hiking involve uneven surfaces and some strenuous walking. The Leshan Buddha involves steps. If mobility is a concern, flag it at booking so we can advise on which elements are genuinely accessible and which may need to be skipped.
Is China safe to visit?
China is a very safe country for international tourists. Violent crime against tourists is rare and the major cities on this itinerary are well-policed and thoroughly set up for visitors. The main practical considerations are internet access (VPN recommended for accessing services from home), language barriers (your guide is invaluable), and air quality in some cities.
Is it safe for women travelling solo?
China is generally safe for solo female travellers. The group setting provides natural support. Public spaces are well-monitored in China's major cities, and most travellers experience China as a very safe destination.
What happens if I get sick on tour?
Your guide is your first contact. China has well-equipped private hospitals in all major cities on this route (Hong Kong, Chengdu, Xi'an, Beijing). Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is compulsory.
What about internet access and apps?
China blocks many Western apps and websites including Google, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. Download a reliable VPN on your devices before entering China, as VPN apps are also blocked inside China. WeChat is the essential local messaging platform.
What's the accommodation actually like?
Accommodation is in hostels throughout. Most hostels offer private rooms for a supplement; dorm rooms are the standard shoestring option. Hostels on this route are generally very well-run, sociable, and central. If you'd prefer hotel accommodation throughout, ask us about upgrading to a private room supplement or a different tour format.
What's the Great Wall camping like?
Camping on the Great Wall section is one of the tour's signature experiences (available April through September; replaced with a guesthouse October through March). You sleep at a section of the Wall away from the main tourist crowds, watching the sun set over the battlements. It's genuinely extraordinary, though basic by comfort standards. Bring warm layers: nights on the Wall are cold even in summer.
Will I have Wi-Fi?
Most hostels in China have Wi-Fi. Remember that without a VPN your access to Western apps and sites will be blocked. Download your VPN before arriving in China.
Can I upgrade to a private room?
Yes. A private room supplement is available at most hostels on this tour. Book it at the same time as your main tour booking to guarantee availability.
What kind of food will we eat?
China's regional cuisines are a major highlight of the trip. In Chengdu, Sichuan cuisine is famous for ma po tofu and fiery hot pots. Yangshuo's outdoor night markets serve stir-fried beer fish (a local speciality). Xi'an's Muslim Quarter is a street food paradise: lamb skewers, rou jia mo (Chinese burger), and biang biang noodles. In Beijing, Peking Roast Duck (included) is one of the world's great dishes. WangFuJing night market in Beijing rounds off the food experience. All meals are at your own cost and expense, but eating well in China is very affordable.
Can you cater for vegetarian
vegan
Is it safe to drink the water?
Tap water in China is not safe to drink. Bottled water is cheap and available everywhere. Hotels and hostels generally provide hot water for tea. A reusable filter bottle reduces your plastic use.
Is this trip good for solo travellers?
Excellent. Shoestring tours attract a large proportion of solo travellers and the hostel setting makes it easy to socialise. The 18-day format gives plenty of time to form real friendships, and China's size and complexity means having a guide and group context makes the experience far richer than going it alone.
Do I have to share a room?
The standard shoestring option includes hostel dorms where you share with other group members. A private room supplement is available throughout for solo travellers who prefer their own space.
What's the group size and who else will be on the trip?
Minimum 7, maximum 20 travellers. Groups are typically a mix of solo travellers and pairs, commonly in their 20s-40s, from diverse nationalities united by genuine curiosity about China.
Can I book this as a private tour?
Yes. A private version of this itinerary is available with hotel accommodation and a dedicated guide and vehicle. Contact us to discuss.
Is this tour suitable for kids?
The shoestring format, hostel accommodation, and long transit days are better suited to independent adult travellers. Families looking for a China experience should ask us about a private family-oriented itinerary.
Do I need a visa for China?
Yes. Most nationalities require a Chinese visa, which you must obtain before departure. A visa invitation letter is included with your booking to support your application. Apply via your nearest Chinese embassy or consulate.
What should I pack?
Pack for varied climates: Hong Kong is subtropical (warm and humid), Chengdu is warm and rainy, Yangshuo is tropical, Xi'an and Beijing can be cold in winter and hot in summer. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors, and city walls. A padlock for hostel lockers, a universal adapter, and a VPN installed and tested before departure are practical essentials.
Are any vaccinations required?
Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid are generally recommended for China. Malaria is not a concern on this route. Check with your GP or travel health clinic before departure.
Do I need to book international flights through you?
No. Fly into Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) and depart from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX). Book your own international flights once the tour is confirmed.
What about tipping?
Tipping is not a Chinese cultural norm but has become expected in tourist contexts. Your guide will explain the local conventions. Tips for your tour guide are separate and appreciated.
Can I see the Sichuan Opera in Chengdu?
Yes. The Sichuan Opera (famous for its fire-breathing and face-changing techniques) is available as an optional evening performance in Chengdu.
Can I visit the Longmen Grottoes?
Yes. The Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO-listed complex of thousands of Buddhist stone carvings near Xi'an, are available as an optional excursion.
Can I try the mud baths at Yangshuo?
Yes. Mud baths near Yangshuo are available as an optional activity alongside the Moon Hill visit and bike ride.
How far ahead should I book?
China is bookable year-round. Book 2-3 months ahead for most dates; longer for Chinese Golden Week holidays when domestic and international tourism peaks.
How does booking work?
Reserve online with a deposit for instant confirmation. The balance is due 8 weeks before departure. Your visa invitation letter is provided after booking to support your visa application.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation and repatriation is compulsory. World Nomads is a reliable option.
What's your cancellation policy?
A sliding-scale policy applies with charges increasing closer to departure. Full terms are in the booking conditions. UK-registered and protected by Trust My Travel.
What if my dates are sold out?
Join the waitlist or contact us to discuss alternative departure dates. As an 18-day tour running in small groups, availability does vary by season.