22-day China Loop

Our top-selling 22-day China backpacking tour takes you through the major regions, top destinations, famous sites, and countless hidden gems in off-the-beaten-track locations. We believe it is the ultimate, most cost-effective, and enjoyable way to experience all that China has to offer. From ancient temples to modern skyscrapers, tranquil rivers to majestic mountains, this tour truly encompasses the diverse beauty of China.

Day 1: Welcome to Hong Kong!

Day 2: Hong Kong – Guilin

Day 7: Chengdu

This morning, prepare yourself for an unforgettable experience that will truly be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You will have the incredible opportunity to visit pandas! Your destination is the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center, where you will have the chance to delve into the Center’s mission of breeding and reintroducing pandas into the wild. While you won’t be able to hold the pandas, you will have the unique opportunity to observe them up close and learn more about this fascinating species.

Following this exciting visit, it’s time to enhance your Chinese language skills! Your knowledgeable tour guide will provide you with a Mandarin lesson, equipping you with essential phrases to help you navigate and fully enjoy your time in China.

For those interested in delving deeper into China’s rich historical culture, you have the option to attend a traditional Sichuan opera show this evening. Immerse yourself in the captivating performances and experience a taste of China’s vibrant artistic heritage.

Day 8 : Chengdu

Leshan Giant Buddha (Da Fo)

Meet up at the lobby of your Chengdu Downtown hotel in the morning, greeting by your knowledgeable and friendly personal guide then transferred by an air-conditioned vehicle to Leshan Giant Buddha(approx.2.5 hours), relax on the way and enjoy beautiful countryside view. As the UNESCO Sites, construction of the Leshan Buddha, begun in the year 713 in the Tang Dynasty, and finished in the year 803, the statue took people more than 90 years to carve. During these years, thousands of workers had expended their efforts and wisdom on the project. As the biggest carved stone Buddha in the world, the Giant Buddha is featured in poetry, song and story. Follow your tour guide to explore the whole area, you will view Buddha from different view.

Lingyun Temple

Your first stop is the Lingyun Temple which located behind the Grand Buddha’s head. Marvel at the elaborate construction of the Buddha’s coiled hair, which is made up of around 1,020 twisted buns. Walk inside and marvel at the intricate sculptures and wall designs of the temple. Then absorb panoramic views of three rivers converging prettily below. Then, follow your guide walk down approximately 30 minutes toward the left side of the Grand Buddha. When you reach the bottom, gasp at the 233-foot (71-meter) height of the largest carved Buddha in the entire world and capture fantastic photographs of the sacred site.

Wuyou Temple

Next, explore the right side of the Buddha to discover the Wuyou Temple which contains an abundance of terra-cotta sculptures and calligraphic paintings. Stroll around the temple with your tour guide, learn more information about the Buddhism. If the line to Wuyou Temple too long, you will take a river cruise for the panoramic view of Giant Buddha instead. Afterwards heading to Huanglongxi Old Town( 50 minutes drive)

Huanglongxi Ancient Town

Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious homemade lunch at a local farmhouse. Then spend some leisure time to experience rural life at Huanglongxi Ancient Town. Huanglongxi Ancient town, with over 1700 years of history, still retains its rustic charm with ancient buildings and old folklore custom. Features ancient culture of water, Buddhism and tea, as well as the ecologic farming culture integrated with colorful folklore culture, screen culture and cooking culture. Being a national film and television photography base, it is also called Film City and Chinese Hollywood. Besides, it was The Home of Tea and The Ancient Tea Horse Road in the ancient times on account of its long experience of growing tea.

Huanglongxi Bridge

Follow your tour guide to explore the ancient town whose layouts as it was in Qing Dynasty: 7 streets and 9 allies on which 76 Western Sichuan style houses are scattered. Check out three temples at the Main Street. Admire over 1000-year old banyan trees in the old town.

Gulong Temple

While stroll around the town, there are many activities you can join at your own cost, such as dressing in traditional costume and taking pictures by the stream; Taste various snacks such as One-strand-noodle, Sesame Pudding, Crisp Pork Legs, Yellow Catfish, Pearl Tofu Pudding; and shopping for your special souvenir at the market, your guide will give tips on how to negotiate price. After your fun tour finished, you will be transferred to your hotel in Chengdu.

Day 9: Chengdu to Xi’an

After lunch, head to the 600 years old Xi’an City Wall. It is about 14 kilometers long and regarded as the best preserved and longest City Wall in China. Reach the top of the centuries-old City Wall, admire views of the city below.

Afterwards, heading to Muslim Quarter. It is the hub of the Muslim community in Xi’an City. Follow your tour guide to stroll around the Muslim food and souvenir market. After the tour finished, you will be transferred to your hotel in Xi’an.

Day 10:  Xi’an

The Museum of Qin Terra-cotta Warriors and Horses

Meet up at the lobby of your Xi’an Downtown hotel in the morning, greeting by your knowledgeable and friendly personal guide then transferred by an air-conditioned vehicle to the world-famous Terracotta warriors museum. Terracotta warriors, known as “the Eighth Wonders of the World”. Your tour guide will explain the related histories and stories on the way, feel free to ask questions if you have.

The museum divided into three sections: No.1 Pit, No.2 Pit, and No. 3 Pit. The original site was found by four local farmers while drilling a well in 1974 and now it has turned into the most important attraction in Xi’an. Stroll around the museum and get rich information from your tour guide.

Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta)

Enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, then drive to Xi’an city and visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. As the symbol of the old-line Xi’an, Giant Wild Goose Pagoda is a well-preserved ancient building and a holy place for Buddhists. Originally built in 652 of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Big Wild Goose Pagoda functioned to collect Buddhist materials that were taken from India by the hierarch Xuanzang, who travelled along the Silk Road for 17 years and traversing 100 countries, finally arriving in India. He obtained Buddha figures, 657 kinds of sutras, and several Buddha relics. Stroll around the area with your tour guide, visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, the Da Ci’en Temple, and different halls, squares and gardens. Get rich information about the ancient Silk Road, Buddhism in China, histories and stories about this UNESCO attraction. Feel free to ask questions if you have.

Afterwards you will be transferred to your hotel in Xi’an

Day 11: Xi’an to Luoyang – Shaolin

1 Longmen Grottoes

Your driver will pick you up in the lobby of your X’an city hotel, and transfer you to Xi’an Railway Station, relax on the 1.5 hour bullet train ride to Luoyang. Upon arrival, your tour guide will pick you up at the exit of the arrival hall by holding your name sign. Since this trip can be adjusted flexibly according to your interests, you can freely discuss it with your tour guide after meet. Typically, you will first visit the Longmen Grottoes. As the UNESCO Site, The Longmen Grottoes comprise more than 2,300 caves and niches carved into the steep limestone cliffs over a 1km long stretch. It is the largest and most impressive collection of Chinese art of the late Northern Wei and Tang Dynasties (316-907).

2: After Lunch heading directly to the world-famous – Shaolin Temple, which will takes about 1.5 hours. Your tour guide will explain the relate histories and stories along the way, feel free to ask any questions if you have!  Shaolin Temple is famous for Chinese Kungfu, first you will have a chance to witness the real Kungfu performed by Shaolin monks. As a UNESCO Site, the Shaolin Temple was first constructed in 495 A.D. Later, Emperor Xiaowen of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-557) had the temple built to accommodate the Indian master Batuo. As Chinese Kungfu also originated from Shaolin Temple, it has been recognized as the origin of Chan Buddhism and the cradle of Kungfu. Accompanied by your knowledgable tour guide, you will get you know the histories and related stories about Shaolin Temple – culture, people and soul.

Pagoda Forest of Shaolin Temple

Day 12:  Shaolin – Beijing

In the morning, heading to Yellow River Scenic Area (Approx. 1.5 hours drive).   Known as the mother river by all the Chinese people, the 5,464-kilometer (about 3,395 miles) Yellow River is the second longest in China after the Yangtze River. The Yellow River is the cradle of Chinese civilization, the spiritual home of the Chinese people. Spend some time in the park with your guide, your tour guide will explain the related histories and stories while walking.

After lunch heading to Beijing by bullet train. Once arrive Beijing, our driver will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Beijing.

Day 13:  Beijing

After meet your tour guide in the lobby of your hotel, start by exploring one of the world’s largest public areas, Tian’anmen Square. Use travel agency’s fast track enter the Tian’anmen Square and pass through the south gate to the Forbidden City. Follow your tour  guide to explore different halls and courtyards and learn the histories and stories about this massive palace. You will visit most important buildings inside the Forbidden City.

Stop in a local restaurant for lunch, then discover the Lama Temple in the afternoon. Lama Temple is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world. For evening, you can enjoy an amazing Chinese show, such as the Acrobatic show, Kongfu show or Peking opera.(at your own cost)

After the show finished, you will be transferred back to your hotel in Beijing

Day 14:  Beijing

Your driver and tour guide will meet you at the hotel lobby at 8:30am for departure to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. More rugged and slightly less crowded than more famous Badaling section of the Wall, more than 96% of Mutianyu is covered with lush trees and orchards.

Stop at a local restaurant for lunch and continue to the Drum Tower to see a drum performance, and take a rickshaw (at your own cost)on a trip through local Hutong alleyways. Make a photo stop at the Beijing National Stadium then return to your hotel.

Day 15:  Beijing

The driver and tour guide will meet you at your hotel lobby at 8:30am; today your exploration begins with the Temple of Heaven, once visited by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties for annual prayer ceremonies.

Next, see the pandas in the Beijing Zoo, learn some interesting stories about the panda bears and enjoy a delicious peking duck dinner at a local restaurant,
Continue to the Summer Palace, a well-preserved royal garden that’s renowned for its beautiful landscape and spectacular architecture, and is considered one of the most classical gardens in the world.

Day 16: Beijing to Hangzhou

Our driver will meet you in the lobby of your hotel and you will take a 5 hour bullet train on your own to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, our driver will take you to your hotel in Hangzhou

Day 17: Hangzhou

Meet your tour guide in the lobby of your Hangzhou hotel or Hangzhou Railway Station. Then hop on your private vehicle and start your Hangzhou adventure.

You can follow our sample itinerary, feel free to tell your guide if you want to make any changes during the tour.

Your first stop is West Lake. West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an iconic, symbolic sight in Hangzhou which is regarded as one of the most beautiful sights in China. Its beauty is the subject of many poems and paintings. Enjoy a 30 minute boat ride on tranquil West Lake, relax amid enchanting scenery as your pass by historic pagodas, Chinese-style arched bridges and more. Fully appreciate the amazing natural beauty of the whole area.

Continue your tour to Lingyin Temple and Feilai Peak. Immerse yourself in Lingyin Temple which is the biggest and oldest temple of China. It is considered a leading centre for research relative to Chinese Buddhist culture. Explore the palaces, pavilions and halls together with your tour guide and gain deep insight into the history behind.

Follow your tour guide to walk along a cobblestone pathway leading to Amanfayun Village where you can feel the tranquil atmosphere of the hamlet dotted with traditional dwellings and surrounded by tea fields.

After lunch in the local restaurant, your tour guide will design the activities in the afternoon based on your interest. Or follow our itinerary.

Stroll around the Hefang Street, the street’s origins can be traced back to the illustrious Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279), a time when Hangzhou flourished as the country’s capital and a vibrant hub of commerce and intellectual pursuits. Enjoy fun explore include the street food , arts, handicrafts, trinkets, and souvenir shopping with the assistance from you guide.

Or visit the Meijiawu Tea Village which is situated in the rural foothills of the West Lake district. Here you can learn about the production of Xihu Longjing tea, and sip the fragrant green tea as you relax in this scenic setting.

Day 18: Hangzhou – Suzhou

Meet your tour guide in the lobby of your Suzhou hotel or Suzhou Railway Station. Then hop on your private vehicle and start your Suzhou adventure.

You can follow our sample itinerary, feel free to tell your guide if you want to make any changes during the tour.

Choose to visit one or two UNESCO listed gardens in Suzhou, such as The Humble Administrator’s garden, Lingering garden and Master of the Nets Garden. 1: Humble Administrator’s Garden is the largest and most prestigious garden in Suzhou. You can explore magnificent halls, delicate pavilions, lush flowers, zigzagging bridges, bamboo groves and fragrant lotus ponds, here, you could admire the never-ending designs.

2: Lingering Garden is one of nine “Classical Gardens of Suzhou” on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and praised as one of China’s four famous gardens. With a history of more than 400 years, the Lingering Garden has changed hands several times. Each owner did his best to perfect it.

3:Master of the Nets Garden is a representative work of Suzhou classical gardens. It reflects the beauty of “Mountain and Water” gardens.

Follow your guide to explore the beautiful gardens and immerse yourself in the ancient charm while listening the interesting commentary from your guide.

Move on to the Pingjiang road which can dating back to Song Dynasty (960-1279). Extending for almost 2 kilometers through the heart of Suzhou’s Old Town, this narrow flagstone street and the lanes extending from it are lined with well-preserved traditional architecture, shops, teahouses, guesthouses, and local homes that lend the street an authentic, ancient atmosphere.

After lunch in the local restaurant, your tour guide will design the activities in the afternoon based on your interest. Visit sites such as Tiger Hill, Panmen Gate, Hanshan Temple, Beisi Pagoda, Lingering Garden etc. Or visit the silk factory to learn the fascinating silk process from the tiny little worms to the beautiful fabric and shop for your Suzhou souvenir.

Day 19: Suzhou – Shanghai

Today you will visit to one of two best well-known ancient water town Tongli or Zhouzhuang.

Tongli: Reputed as the “Oriental Venice”, Tongli has more than 1000 years of history. It is made up of seven islands, 12 canals or rivers, and 49 bridges to connect the town. Here you can see beautiful examples of traditional architecture, bridges, homes, gardens and canals.Here you can take a sculling boat (at your own cost) to feel the excitement of watching the ancient buildings and people passing by

Zhouzhuang: The most popular, developed, and commercialized water town in China, The town is built amid canals, ponds, and lakes. What makes it special are the old buildings and bridges, boat rides, crafts, and the quaint water town scenery. The canals that crisscross Zhouzhuang have many stone bridges, about fourteen of these were built in the imperial era about 150 years ago or more.

No matter which water town you will visit, you will be amazed by its fantastic ancient town scenery and learn its amazing culture from your guide.

In the late afternoon, you will be transferred to train station for a short bullet train ride to Shanghai

Day 20: Shanghai