Imperial China & Hong Kong (Including Zhangjiajie)
From the Forbidden City to Victoria Harbour — imperial China, giant pandas and the Avatar mountains in one grand southbound sweep
From
£2,470pp
About this tour
This 19-night journey runs the length of China, north to south, and ends somewhere that feels like a reward: Hong Kong, with the Star Ferry crossing Victoria Harbour and the whole glittering skyline spread below Victoria Peak. Between Beijing and that finale lie the essentials — the Forbidden City and the Great Wall at Mutianyu, the Terracotta Army at Xi'an, giant pandas at close quarters in Chengdu — and two landscapes that no first-time itinerary should miss but most do: the sandstone pillars of Zhangjiajie, inspiration for the floating mountains of Avatar, and the karst country of Guilin and Yangshuo, reached by the legendary Li River cruise. The rhythm is deliberate. Almost every city pairs a full sightseeing day with a day at leisure, so the Great Wall is followed by a free day in Beijing, the pandas and the Leshan Giant Buddha by a slow morning in Chengdu, and the drama of Tianmen Mountain's glass walkways by a high-speed glide to Shanghai. Travel between cities is by first-class high-speed train — including the final crossing into Hong Kong itself — with a private car and driver meeting you at every station. Wei Zhang, our Beijing-based specialist, designed this route for travellers who want one comprehensive journey rather than two separate trips: imperial China, wild China and Hong Kong's harbour-side glamour, threaded together without a single wasted day.
“Designed by Wei Zhang, our China specialist with 14 years of private guiding based in Beijing.”
Why this works for travellers over 50
- A leisure day follows almost every major sightseeing day — the itinerary breathes
- All intercity travel by first-class high-speed train or short flight, with private transfers at every station
- Zhangjiajie and Tianmen Mountain reached by cable car and lift, with the glass bridge entirely optional
- The Li River cruise and two nights in Yangshuo — China's most painted landscape at a standstill pace
- Ends in Hong Kong, where UK passport holders enter visa-free and English is everywhere — the gentlest possible finale
Request a Callback
Price per person — based on two travelling together.
We respond within 1 working day · No obligation
Your journey
Day-by-day itinerary
1Welcome to the Imperial Capital
Beijing
Very lightLe Joy Hotel
Welcome to the Imperial Capital
Beijing
You arrive in Beijing, where your journey through China begins. A private transfer takes you to the Le Joy Hotel, where you settle into your Superior King room; breakfast each morning sets you up for the days ahead.
2Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City & the Great Wall
Beijing
DemandingLe Joy Hotel
Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City & the Great Wall
Beijing
Today you visit two of China's most iconic landmarks: the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square and the magnificent Forbidden City at the heart of old Beijing. In the afternoon, head out to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall for sweeping views across the forested hills.
3More of Beijing at Your Leisure
Beijing
Free dayLe Joy Hotel
More of Beijing at Your Leisure
Beijing
A further day to soak up the atmosphere of this extraordinary city, with time to revisit any highlights or simply explore at your own pace. Your guide is on hand to help you make the most of Beijing before you move on tomorrow.
4High Speed to the Ancient Capital
Xi'an
Travel dayHyatt Regency Xi'an
High Speed to the Ancient Capital
Xi'an
Board a first-class high-speed train and travel south-west to Xi'an, one of the world's great ancient cities and the eastern terminus of the Silk Road. Check in to the Hyatt Regency Xi'an, with breakfast each morning during your stay.
5Terracotta Warriors, City Walls & the Muslim Quarter
Xi'an
Full dayHyatt Regency Xi'an
Terracotta Warriors, City Walls & the Muslim Quarter
Xi'an
A full day exploring Xi'an's remarkable heritage: marvel at the life-size Terracotta Army, walk or cycle the well-preserved Ancient City Wall, and wander the vibrant Muslim Quarter with its colourful market stalls and street food.
6Onwards to the Land of Giant Pandas
Chengdu
Travel dayShangri-La Hotel Chengdu
Onwards to the Land of Giant Pandas
Chengdu
Travel by first-class high-speed train to Chengdu, the laid-back capital of Sichuan province. Check in to the Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu and prepare for two fascinating days ahead.
7Pandas & the Giant Buddha of Leshan
Chengdu
Full day, but the Buddha is seen from the boatShangri-La Hotel Chengdu
Pandas & the Giant Buddha of Leshan
Chengdu
This morning visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, where you can watch these beloved creatures at close quarters. In the afternoon, take a day trip to Leshan to view the awe-inspiring Giant Buddha — the largest stone Buddha in the world — from a scenic river boat.
8A Final Morning in Chengdu
Chengdu
Free dayShangri-La Hotel Chengdu
A Final Morning in Chengdu
Chengdu
Enjoy a leisurely final morning in Chengdu before your onward journey tomorrow — a teahouse hour in People's Park is the classic way to spend it. Breakfast is included at the Shangri-La.
9Flying into the Avatar Mountains
Zhangjiajie
Travel dayHoward Johnson Neodalle Resort Zhangjiajie
Flying into the Avatar Mountains
Zhangjiajie
Fly from Chengdu to Zhangjiajie and check in to the Howard Johnson Neodalle Resort. This extraordinary region of towering sandstone pillars was the inspiration for the floating mountains in the film Avatar.
10Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie
Full dayHoward Johnson Neodalle Resort Zhangjiajie
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Zhangjiajie
Spend the day exploring Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, wandering among the extraordinary pillar-like rock formations that rise dramatically from the forest below. Cable cars and the Bailong cliff lift do the climbing; the scenery is unlike anywhere else on earth.
11Tianmen Mountain & the Famous Glass Bridge
Zhangjiajie
DemandingHoward Johnson Neodalle Resort Zhangjiajie
Tianmen Mountain & the Famous Glass Bridge
Zhangjiajie
Today you visit Tianmen Mountain, riding the world's longest cable car to its breathtaking cliffs, and — for the brave at heart — cross the famous glass bridge suspended high above the valley. Every head-for-heights element is entirely optional.
12High Speed to the City of the Future
Shanghai
Long travel dayShanghai Royal Garden Hotel (Shanghai International Resort)
High Speed to the City of the Future
Shanghai
Travel by first-class high-speed train to Shanghai, China's dazzling modern metropolis. Check in to the Shanghai Royal Garden Hotel and begin your exploration of this endlessly fascinating city.
13The Bund, Yu Garden & Shanghai Tower
Shanghai
Full day on flat city terrainShanghai Royal Garden Hotel (Shanghai International Resort)
The Bund, Yu Garden & Shanghai Tower
Shanghai
Stroll along the famous Bund waterfront, admiring the striking skyline across the Huangpu River, then explore the classical beauty of Yu Garden. Later, visit the soaring Shanghai Tower for an unforgettable view over the city.
14Nanjing Road & the Pace of Shanghai
Shanghai
GentleShanghai Royal Garden Hotel (Shanghai International Resort)
Nanjing Road & the Pace of Shanghai
Shanghai
Take a walk along Nanjing Road, one of the world's busiest shopping streets, and soak up the energy of this extraordinary city. There is plenty of time to linger over breakfast in the hotel's garden setting before heading out.
15South to Guilin by High-Speed Train
Guilin
Long travel day, gentle arrivalSecret Courtyard Resort Hotel
South to Guilin by High-Speed Train
Guilin
Board a first-class high-speed train and travel south to Guilin, gateway to one of China's most celebrated landscapes, where karst mountain peaks rise on every horizon and the Longji rice terraces carve the hillsides beyond. Check in to the Secret Courtyard Resort Hotel for your night amid the scenery.
16Li River Cruise into Yangshuo
Yangshuo
GentleYangshuo Li river resort
Li River Cruise into Yangshuo
Yangshuo
Today you board a boat for the legendary Li River cruise, gliding between dramatic karst peaks reflected in the still water before arriving in the charming riverside town of Yangshuo. Check in to the Yangshuo Li River Resort and enjoy your river-view room with balcony.
17Among the Karst Peaks of Yangshuo
Yangshuo
Free dayYangshuo Li river resort
Among the Karst Peaks of Yangshuo
Yangshuo
Spend a free day in Yangshuo, surrounded by the iconic limestone hills that have inspired Chinese painters and poets for centuries. The peaceful setting of your riverside resort makes for a perfect place to relax before the final leg of your journey.
18First-Class Train to Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Travel day with border formalitiesHong Kong Gold Coast Hotel
First-Class Train to Hong Kong
Hong Kong
Travel by first-class high-speed train from Yangshuo to Hong Kong and check in to the Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel, where your Deluxe Seaview room awaits. Breakfast is included each morning of your stay in this vibrant city. UK passport holders enter Hong Kong visa-free.
19Victoria Peak & the Star Ferry
Hong Kong
ModerateHong Kong Gold Coast Hotel
Victoria Peak & the Star Ferry
Hong Kong
Take the classic Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour and ascend to Victoria Peak for sweeping panoramic views over one of the world's most spectacular city skylines. A wonderful final full day to remember.
20Farewell to Asia
Hong Kong
Departure day
Farewell to Asia
Hong Kong
Your final morning in Hong Kong — enjoy a last breakfast with a sea view before your private transfer to the airport and the flight home. What an extraordinary journey through the heart of China.
Like what you see?
Our specialists can tailor every day to your preferences.
Fitness & mobility
Pacing & accessibility
Full sightseeing days alternate with leisure days in almost every city, and all intercity travel is by first-class high-speed train or short flight. Two days — the Great Wall day and Tianmen Mountain — are genuinely demanding; the rest is measured.
Accommodation
Your hotels
Le Joy Hotel
★★★★★Beijing · 3 nights
A polished modern hotel in Beijing with spacious Superior King rooms and breakfast included — a comfortable base for the capital's big three sights.
- Superior King rooms
- Breakfast included daily
- Convenient base for the Forbidden City and Great Wall touring
Hyatt Regency Xi'an
★★★★★Xi'an · 2 nights
A contemporary international five-star in Xi'an, well placed for the city wall and the road out to the Terracotta Army.
- International 5-star standards
- Well placed for the city wall
- Reliable Western and Chinese breakfast
Shangri-La Hotel Chengdu
★★★★★Chengdu · 3 nights
Chengdu's grande dame on the banks of the Jin River, with large rooms, a fine pool and the nightly glow of the Anshun Bridge outside.
- Riverside setting on the Jin River
- Large rooms and pool
- Walking distance to Lan Kwai Fong dining quarter
Howard Johnson Neodalle Resort Zhangjiajie
★★★★★Zhangjiajie · 3 nights
A resort-style hotel in the Wulingyuan district, close to the National Forest Park gates — a comfortable base for three nights among the peaks.
- Close to the National Forest Park
- Resort facilities after big walking days
- Mountain-view rooms available
Shanghai Royal Garden Hotel (Shanghai International Resort)
★★★★★Shanghai · 3 nights
A garden-set hotel within the Shanghai International Resort area — a calm green retreat from the city, with leisurely breakfasts in the garden setting.
- Peaceful garden setting
- Resort-area calm after city days
- Leisurely garden breakfasts
Secret Courtyard Resort Hotel
★★★★★Guilin · 1 night
An intimate courtyard resort amid Guilin's karst scenery — a tranquil single night before the Li River cruise.
- Courtyard architecture
- Karst-country setting
- Quiet night before the river cruise
Yangshuo Li river resort
★★★★★Yangshuo · 2 nights
A riverside resort on the Li River at Yangshuo — your river-view room comes with a balcony looking straight onto the karst peaks.
- River-view rooms with balconies
- Karst peaks from the terrace
- Peaceful riverside setting
Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel
★★★★★Hong Kong · 2 nights
A seafront resort hotel on Hong Kong's Gold Coast, with Deluxe Seaview rooms, palm-lined pools and a promenade along Castle Peak Bay.
- Deluxe Seaview rooms
- Seafront pools and promenade
- Resort calm with the city a train ride away
Enhance your trip
Business-class flight upgrade
+£from £1,650 per person
Upgrade your international flights to business class — flat beds in both directions.
Extra nights in Hong Kong
+£from £120 per person per night
Hong Kong rewards a longer stay — add nights at the Gold Coast Hotel for Lantau Island, the markets of Kowloon or a day trip to Macau.
Pre-tour night in Beijing
+£from £95 per person
Arrive a day early to shake off the flight before the Great Wall day.
Pricing
Holiday pricing
All prices are per person, based on two people sharing. We arrange departures throughout the year to suit your preferred dates.
Starting from
£2,470
per person · 2 sharing
Travelling solo?
Single supplement: +£715 pp
Full details
What’s included & not included
Included in your price
- Return international flights from London
- 19 nights' accommodation in the hand-picked hotels shown, including a river-view balcony room in Yangshuo and a Deluxe Seaview room in Hong Kong
- First-class high-speed trains: Beijing–Xi'an, Xi'an–Chengdu, Zhangjiajie–Shanghai, Shanghai–Guilin and Yangshuo–Hong Kong
- Internal flight Chengdu–Zhangjiajie
- Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo
- Private transfers at every airport, station and hotel
- Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Great Wall of China (Mutianyu) touring in Beijing
- Terracotta Army, Ancient City Wall and Muslim Quarter in Xi'an
- Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding and the Leshan Giant Buddha by scenic river boat
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, Tianmen Mountain and the Glass Bridge
- The Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower and Nanjing Road in Shanghai
- Victoria Peak and the Star Ferry in Hong Kong
- Daily breakfast throughout
- Full ATOL 10205 financial protection
Not included
- Travel insurance (required)
- China visa fees (Hong Kong is visa-free for UK passport holders)
- Lunches and dinners not stated in the itinerary
- Gratuities for guides and drivers
- Personal expenses
Your specialist
Who will plan your holiday
Wei Zhang
Wei was born in Beijing and grew up exploring the hutong lanes of the old city with his grandfather, who spent weekends taking him through the Palace Museum. He studied Chinese history at Capital Normal University, then spent six years as a guide at the Palace Museum, where daily contact with imperial art and artefacts gave him a depth of knowledge few private guides can match. He moved into private touring in 2010 and has worked with Holidays to Asia exclusively since 2015. His English is warm and precise, his patience with questions unlimited, and his ability to make thousands of years of Chinese history feel genuinely personal — rather than overwhelming — is the quality guests mention most in their reviews.
Tailor-made
Like this tour but want it adapted?
Extra nights, alternative hotels, private transfers — our specialists will build your perfect itinerary from scratch.
Before you go
Practical information
Visa requirements
Tourist visa (L visa) required for British citizens for mainland China. Apply through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC). Fee approx £155. 4 business days standard processing. Full guidance provided with booking confirmation. Hong Kong has separate immigration: UK passport holders enter visa-free for up to six months, with border formalities completed on the high-speed train from the mainland.
Currency
Chinese Yuan Renminbi (RMB/CNY) on the mainland — £1 ≈ 9 RMB; Hong Kong Dollars (HKD) in Hong Kong. Credit cards accepted at all hotels. Mobile payments (WeChat Pay) essential for independent spending on the mainland — your guide helps set this up. Bring some cash in both currencies.
Tipping
Tipping is not traditional in Chinese culture but is appreciated in the tourism industry. Guides: £20–25/day is appropriate. Hotel staff: 20–30 RMB per service. Drivers: 50–100 RMB per day. In Hong Kong, a 10% service charge usually appears on restaurant bills.
Electricity
220V, 50Hz. Type A (flat two-pin) and Type I sockets on the mainland; Hong Kong uses UK-style Type G three-pin plugs. A universal travel adaptor covers all needs.
Health & vaccinations
No compulsory vaccinations. Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus recommended. Air quality in Beijing can be poor in winter — those with respiratory conditions should check AQI before travel. Tap water not safe to drink on the mainland — bottled water provided at all hotels.
Flights
Fly London to Beijing (direct around 10.5 hours, or via a Gulf hub), returning from Hong Kong (HKG), which has excellent direct London services. We book open-jaw flights for this itinerary.
Local transport
Private vehicle and driver in every city. Five first-class high-speed train journeys (including the crossing into Hong Kong), one internal flight and the Li River cruise, all included, with private transfers throughout.
Travel with like-minded people
Join a Small Group Departure
Prefer to travel with a small group of fellow over-50s rather than as a couple or solo? Our fixed-departure group tours put you alongside eight to twelve like-minded travellers with a dedicated tour manager for the entire journey.
- Maximum 12 travellers — intimate by design
- Dedicated tour manager throughout
- Social dinners and shared discoveries
- Single supplement waived on selected departures
- Like-minded over-50s travellers
- No single friends needed — just arrive and enjoy
Register Your Interest
Tell us your preferred dates and travel companions — we’ll match you with the right departure and send full details.
Our team will respond within 1 working day.
Keep exploring
You might also like
China · Hong Kong
Southern China (Mountain) & Hong Kong
Rice terraces, karst rivers, ancient towns and the Avatar mountains — southern China's greatest landscapes, ending in Hong Kong
From
£1,895pp
China
China Grand Tour — 28 Nights
A full month across China — ten cities, a Yangtze cruise and the Avatar mountains, taken at a pace that lets you actually absorb it
From
£3,440pp
China · Hong Kong
China Highlights: Beijing, Shanghai, Guilin & Hong Kong
Ancient capital, global megacity, mountain river and the city that stands apart — China's greatest contrasts, exquisitely escorted
From
£2,295pp
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Do I need separate visas for China and Hong Kong?
You need a Chinese tourist visa (L visa) for the mainland portion — approximately £155 through the Chinese Visa Application Service Centre, with full guidance provided at booking. Hong Kong is a separate immigration territory and UK passport holders enter visa-free for up to six months; the border formalities happen on the high-speed train journey from Yangshuo, and your guide walks you through them.
How demanding are the Zhangjiajie days?
Honestly, they are the most physical part of the tour — but the climbing is done for you. The Bailong Elevator, cable cars and park shuttle buses handle every ascent; what remains is walking between viewpoints on paved paths that include stretches of steps, typically 5–6km across the day. The glass bridge and cliff walkways are entirely optional, and escalators bypass Tianmen's famous 999-step staircase. Each mountain day is followed by a restful travel day.
Do I have to cross the glass bridge?
Not at all — it is a highlight for the brave and an easy skip for everyone else. Plenty of guests enjoy Tianmen Mountain's cable car and summit viewpoints and leave the glass underfoot to others.
When is the best time to take this tour?
April–May and September–October are ideal across the whole route — mild in Beijing, clear at Zhangjiajie (mist can linger in high summer), and comfortable in subtropical Guilin and Hong Kong. October departures are timed to avoid the Golden Week national holiday. November works well too, trading a cooler north for a beautifully mild finish in Hong Kong.
Can I travel solo on this tour?
Yes — this is a private tour, so it runs for one traveller exactly as it does for a couple or a family group. The single supplement is £715 for sole occupancy throughout the 19 nights.
Is the Li River cruise suitable for someone unsteady on their feet?
Yes, with modest care at the jetties — boarding involves a gangway with crew assistance on both sides. Once aboard, the boat has proper seating, an open viewing deck and facilities, and the four hours to Yangshuo are as restful as sightseeing gets.
Let’s make it happen
Ready to plan your holiday?
Speak to one of our Asia specialists — no obligation, no hard sell. Just expert advice on the holiday that’s right for you.
ATOL Protected
Your money is safe
Refundable deposits
Book with confidence
No obligation
Free expert advice
Part of Halo Holidays
4,500+ verified reviews