9 days Hong Kong to Chengdu
On this 9-day Hong Kong to Chengdu tour, you'll move from the fast-paced city of bright lights to one which prides itself on a slower pace of life - and its pandas! On the way, you'll go via the beautiful Yangshuo, where you'll get a taste of a slightly more rural Chinese way of life.
This 9-day China tour is perfect for anyone who’s short of time, but wants to pack in a taste of the Chinese way of life. Move from the bustle of Hong Kong, through the beautiful Yangshuo region, to the slower-paced Chengdu.
What's included
Accommodation
Including hostels & guesthouses
Adventure Leader
Bilingual Adventure Leaders in each city
Local transport
Transport within China
Activities
7 activities included
Optional activities can be added.
Read more
Itinerary & map

Day 1-2: Hong Kong
Discover one of the most vibrant and exciting cities in the world on your first day; observe how Eastern and Western cultures have fused together.

Day 3-6: Yangshuo
Towering karst peaks, a carpet of green, fertile fields and a never-ending list of activities; rafting on the Li river, mud baths, cycling, cooking, swimming and more.

Day 7-9: Chengdu
Find yourself in the laid-back heart of Western China, enjoying tea houses, pandas, Buddhist shrines, spicy hot-pot, temples, and as much KTV as you can handle!
Day 1: Welcome to Hong Kong!
Your 9-day China tour starts today! After arriving in bustling Hong Kong, make your way to your hostel where you can drop your things. Today, explore the area under your own steam, ready to meet your group and your Adventure Leader bright and early tomorrow!
Day 2: Hong Kong & Yangshuo
You’ll meet your group and Adventure Leader early this morning for a trip briefing, where you’ll find out everything the next few days have to offer you. But not content with a meeting on land – we’ll take you to the top of Victoria Peak by tram instead!
After that, you’ll head back to the hostel, grab your things, and head to the train station. We’ll be taking a train to Shenzen, ready to switch to board the bullet train to Guilin. From there, it’s a bus to your hostel and then time to rest up after a long day.
Day 3: Yangshuo
Today is a free day in Yangshuo, for you to make the most out of your time here. Why not try some of these exciting optional activities?
- Try your hand at cooking up some traditional Chinese foods, at a friendly culinary institute.
- Enjoy kayaking among the mountains along the Li River!
- Experience some relaxing Chinese traditional therapies – like Hot Cupping!
Day 4: Yangshuo
Today starts with an unmissable bike ride around the local area, along with a cruise down the Yulong River on bamboo rafts. If you’re bringing your camera (which you’ll want to) – make sure it’s waterproof!
Later, you have the option of heading to the Moon Hill complex to get mucky! In this cave complex, you’ll find mud baths and hot springs galore. In the evening, you have the option of joining your fellow travellers for a spot of fun out in the local area.
Day 5: Yangshuo
This morning, you’ve got the option of heading rock climbing. The region is a feast for the eyes thanks to its beautiful limestone peaks, so why not seize the chance to scale them?
Later, you can join your Adventure Leader and get a real glimpse into rural life in China. Head to a local village, where you’ll learn what life is like on a farm in the Yangshuo region.
Day 6: Yangshuo to Chengdu
Bid adieu to your Adventure Leader in Yangshuo, because you’re off to the final stop on your 9-day China tour – Chengdu! You’ll travel by train across the country, where you’ll be greeted by your new Adventure Leader and taken to your hostel to check in.
Day 7: Chengdu
This morning, you’ll be treated to a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’re off to visit pandas! Head to the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center, where you can learn all about the Center’s mission to breed and reintroduce pandas. While you can’t hold the pandas, you’ll get a chance to both get up close and learn about this amazing species.
After this, it’s time to brush up your Chinese skills! Your Adventure Leader will give you a Mandarin lesson, where you’ll learn all the key phrases you’ll need to make the most of your time in China.
If you’d like to learn more about China’s historical culture, this evening you can opt to attend a traditional Sichuan opera show.
Day 8: Chengdu
You can spend your day independently today, but if you’d like – why not join us on some optional activities? You can opt to join us on a trip to Leshan, where you’ll see the world’s largest stone Buddha. Carved into the side of Mt. Lingyun, the colossal statue is over 1,300-years-old and is considered to the tallest pre-modern statue. The site attracts millions of people every year, including Buddhist pilgrims, making it something of a sacred destination and an ancient wonder of the world.
In the evening you can sample the famous Sichuan Hot Pot (if you dare!). After that – Chengdu is yours to explore!
Day 9: Chengdu
If you’re keen to have a lie in, you can start your morning lazily under your own steam. However, if you want to get out and about in the local community, pay a visit to a local rehabilitation center, which works specifically with children with autism.
In the early afternoon, get a final look at Chengdu with a visit to Jinli & Chengdu People’s Park. There are many scenic spots in this park, including the Gold Water Stream, the Goldfish Island and the Potted Landscape Garden. Besides appreciating the charming landscape, tourists can sail on the artificial lake, drink tea in the teahouse by the lake and watch all kinds of exhibitions and performances on the Rockery Square.
This afternoon, your 9-day China tour comes to an end. Bid farewell to your fellow Dragons – it’s time to head home!
Photos
A deposit is required to make a reservation on our China tours, with the balance due 40 days prior to departure (unless booking with one of our promotions, for which specific balance due dates may apply).
The deposit is 10% of the group tour price (unless stated otherwise). If you book on to our China tours less than 40 days prior to departure, the full balance will be due within 3 days of booking.
No bookings can be accepted within 18 days of a trip departure date.
Need hostels booked for after your trip ends? We are more than happy to help – just let us know what you need!
If you would like to alter your trip itinerary from the one provided to you by us then please let us know more than 30 days before your trip departs so that we can make your trip the perfect one for you! When you let us know that means we can relay all information to our on the ground staff and make the appropriate arrangements. (Some such requests from previous Dragon Trippers are: I would like to skip Macau and go directly to Hong Kong from Fujian, I don’t need accommodation in Shanghai because I am staying with a friend, I would not like to camp on the wall and instead want to stay in regular accommodation, I would like to take a flight instead of a train for certain legs of the trip.) Please let us know more than 30 days in advance. If you do not let us know in advance The Dragon Trip will not be responsible for assisting you, or for providing reimbursement for accommodations or transportation not used.
Room upgrades for the entirety of this route. Room upgrade requests must be communicated to the Dragon Trip before the start of the trip. Customers wishing to upgrade once the trip has started must do so independently.
Room upgrades for our 9-day Hong Kong to Chengdu tour start from £80 for a double room.
The Yes Inn @ YMT has a luggage storage service that is available to use for Dragon Trippers. It is $50 HKD per day, per bag. Please make sure to receive your receipt from the Yes Inn at time of luggage storage. Please note that any theft, loss or damage caused to your luggage while in storage is not the responsibility of The Dragon Trip and any queries or issues with the service should be brought directly to the attention of the Yes Inn @ YMT.
Check out our included activities for this 9-day China tour below:
- Visit to Victoria Peak (Hong Kong)
- Bike ride on the Yulong River (Yangshuo)
- Bamboo raft river cruise (Yangshuo)
- Visit the Giant Panda Breeding and Research Center (Chengdu)
Train Tickets
There is always a small chance a group member’s ticket may not be sat with the rest of the group on one of the trains. Not to worry, in this situation the Adventure Leader will help you switch with a local so that the Dragon Trippers can sit together.
Drones
The use of Drones and other unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is prohibited during activities organized by The Dragon Trip. If you are in possession of a drone when entering the country it is your responsibility to be informed of and follow all local laws. This may include registering your drone with authorities. If you violate this policy or operate a drone illegally you are subject to removal from the tour as per our terms & conditions.
Activities that aren’t included in the 9-day China tour:
- Hot cupping (Yangshuo)
- Rock climbing (Yangshuo)
- Cooking class (Yangshuo)
- Kayaking (Yangshuo)
- Moon Hill & mud baths (Yangshuo)
- Day trip to Sally’s village (Yangshuo)
- Day trip to Leshan Buddha (Chengdu)
- Hotpot dinner (Chengdu)
- Sichuan Opera (Chengdu)
- Children’s Autism Rehabilitation Center (Chengdu)
Visit our FAQs page. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Please note: The Chinese Golden Week public holidays take place from 1st-7th May and 1st-7th October. During this time, many attractions can be much busier than usual.