Active China
This itinerary is perfect for those that like to be more active, with plenty of opportunity to get out and explore China’s beautiful countryside in a more adventurous way. Starting the journey, you’ll find your feet in the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai before venturing through the stunning landscapes of Yunnan and Guilin before finishing the trip in Hong Kong.
Journey highlights
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Enjoy the unique scenery of the Rice Terraces in Longsheng and have a chance to hike surrounded by spectacular views
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Wander through the cobbled streets of Lijiang Old Town and enjoy a hike about the magnificent Jade Dragon Mountain
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A visit to Shangri La isn't complete without a stop at Songzanlin Monastry - the largest Tibetan Buddhist Monastry in Yunnan
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Be awed by the spectacular scenery of Guilin, a city surrounded by rivers and towering limestone karts
- Active itinerary:Our Active Journeys let you get under the skin of a destination by hiking, biking or kayaking your way through it, while unwinding in some of the finest hotels around
Our tailor made journeys include:
- Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
- Private international airport transfers in destination
- Your own private, English-speaking local guides
- Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
- Entrance to must-see local sites
- Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
- Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support
When to visit
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
The weather in China has four distinct seasons - a pleasant warm spring, a hot rainy summer, a comfortable cool autumn and a cold winter. The hottest time in China comes in July and August, with more than 10 days at temperatures above 35 C. The coldest time is from the late January to early February. The spring from March to May is recommended as the best time to travel to China. Summer which also sees heavy rainstorms late in the season is surprisingly the peak season.
Itinerary
Shanghai, China
You’ll start your trip in Shanghai, which has such a wonderful cosmopolitan atmosphere. Shanghai boasts some of the best restaurants in China and we can of course recommend some fabulous options for your first night in the city. The following day we have included a private guide for you as you explore the fantastic French Concession area, Fuxing Park, Tianzifang and Old town on foot. This is a great way to become acquainted with the city.
Accommodation: Peninsula Shanghai ( 1 night )
Shangri-La
Departing Lijiang you will drive north to Shigu where the Yangtze River, still in it’s infancy here takes a dramatic turn to flow to Tiger Leaping Gorge. There is also a quirky museum here of the Red Army a reminder of China’s communist past. Head on to Tiger Leaping Gorge where the water flows fast through cliffs of 4000 metres. As you continue the drive you will notice a change in architecture as you cross into Greater Tibet until you finally reach Shangri-La where you will be spending the next three nights. If you are lucky on arrival you may even get to see dancers in the old town square, dancing in circles to the rhythm of traditional music.
On your first day in Shangri-La you’ll have the chance to visit the breath-taking Sumstenling Monastery where you will find monks carrying out their daily life and locals coming to worship. Head out to Napa Lake to enjoy a cycling tour, really showcasing the stunning beauty of the region. During your time here we have also included a full day out to the small villages surrounding Shangri-La, where you really will get to experience local life and if keen you can sample ‘tsampa’, a local drink made of yaks butter, tea and flour.
Accommodation: Banyan Tree Ringha ( 3 nights )
Guilin, China
From Shangri-La you’ll head to the exotic Guilin with connecting flight through Kunming and a total journey time of just under four hours. Guilin is a completely different experience to Shangri-La and this beautiful town is all low rise and surrounded by the characteristic limestone karts that this area is so famed. During your two nights in Guilin you’ll have a full day to explore with a cruise along the Li River as you pass the beautiful landscapes that have made this region so loved.
Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin ( 2 nights )
Ping An Village, China
After two nights, you are on the move again this time by car to Longsheng to visit the stunning rice terraces, taking just over one hour. Over your two nights, with your private guide you’ll have plenty of opportunity to hike in the surrounding mountains to some of the scenic points overlooking the amazing terraced rice fields known as The Dragon’s Backbone created by the slopes and contours of the land. This area is also home to a number of colourful local tribal people with a unique heritage and we can arrange visits for you here.
Accommodation: Li An Lodge ( 2 nights )
Hong Kong
For your final stop on the itinerary you will travel back to Guilin by car to take your connecting flight to Hong Kong, where you will have two nights. On your full day in Hong we have included a trip up to Victoria Peak, Hong Kong’s highest point, providing a picturesque view of the city. From here you’ll then visit the amazing Bird and Flower Markets full of bright colours and providing an amazing sensory experience.
Accommodation: Peninsula Hong Kong ( 2 nights )
Call us on 020 3918 3595 to start planning your holiday.
Price Guide: (per person based on double occupancy and includes international flights)
| Departing |
Price from*
|
Deposit from * | Enquire |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2024 | GBP £8,900 | GBP £1,300 | plan your trip |
| January 2025 | GBP £8,700 | GBP £1,300 | plan your trip |
| February 2025 | GBP £9,000 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| March 2025 | GBP £8,900 | GBP £1,300 | plan your trip |
| April 2025 | GBP £9,000 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| May 2025 | GBP £9,000 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| June 2025 | GBP £8,900 | GBP £1,300 | plan your trip |
| July 2025 | GBP £8,900 | GBP £1,300 | plan your trip |
| August 2025 | GBP £9,000 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| September 2025 | GBP £8,900 | GBP £1,300 | plan your trip |
| October 2025 | GBP £9,000 | GBP £1,400 | plan your trip |
| November 2025 | GBP £8,900 | GBP £1,300 | plan your trip |
-
December 2024
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £8,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,300
-
January 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £8,700
Deposit from*GBP £1,300
-
February 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,000
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
March 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £8,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,300
-
April 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,000
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
May 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,000
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
June 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £8,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,300
-
July 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £8,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,300
-
August 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,000
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
September 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £8,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,300
-
October 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £9,000
Deposit from*GBP £1,400
-
November 2025
Price from *
- Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
- Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public holidays) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
- Solo traveller pricing is available upon request.
GBP £8,900
Deposit from*GBP £1,300
- plan your trip