China Uncovered
9 Days Starting in Chengdu, China and ending in Shanghai, China
Visiting: Chengdu, Emei Shan, Yangshuo, Shanghai
Tour operator:
Tour code:
26120
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 16
Age range:
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover the hidden gems of China on the "China Uncovered" tour, an adventure that takes you off the beaten path to explore the majestic Mt Emei, the vibrant cities of Chengdu and Shanghai, and the serene beauty of the Li River. This small group tour includes a visit to the awe-inspiring Leshan Giant Buddha, a hike around Emei Shan, and a bamboo raft ride down the picturesque Li River. Enjoy free time to explore Yangshuo and Shanghai, with highlights such as an orientation walk in Shanghai, a visit to The Bund, and the Shanghai Museum. Accommodations include 8 nights in hotels, ensuring a comfortable stay throughout your journey.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Chengdu
Location: Chengdu
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening followed by an orientation walk with your CEO in the area of Chengdu near the joining hotel. There will be an optional group dinner afterwards at a local restaurant.
ACTIVITY: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Day 2: Chengdu/Emei Shan
Location: Emei Shan
Accommodation Name: Monastery
Travel from Chengdu to Leshan this morning in a private vehicle. Upon arrival the group will have time to grab lunch on their own before the included visit to the Giant Buddha. The building of the monument began in the year 713 and finished in the year 803 taking more than 90 years to carve. Thousands of workers expended their efforts on the project. Then, drive to the foot of Mt. E'mei, located southwest of Sichuan Basin. Continue to the monastery.
ACTIVITY: See centuries-old Dafo, the largest Buddha in the world, from a number of viewpoints. Opt to board a boat and head out into the Mingjiang River to get an overall view of the statue from afar. Explore carvings and temples before climbing down the path that travels from the statue’s head to its enormous toes.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
FREE TIME: The evening is yours to explore the area around Mt. E'Mei and learn more about the region.
Day 3: Emei Shan
Location: Emei Shan
Accommodation Name: Monastery
Take the shuttle bus to Wannian Monastery Parking lot for the start of today's hike. Walk to Qingyin Ge, Guangfo Monastery, Fu hu Monastery, Shengshui Ge, Chun Yang Dian, Lei Yin Monastery. Finish at the WuXianGang Parking lot where the group can take the shuttle back to Baoguo Monastery, or choose to keep hiking to Fuhu Nunnery, then walking back to Baoguo Monastery. There will be free time before an optional group dinner in the evening.
ACTIVITY: Learn more about the significance of the area. Spend a full day exploring the monasteries, stunning vistas and sites of Mt Emei.
Emei Shan Hike takes 6h-10h. Lace up your hiking boots for treks around Emei Shan.
Day 4: Emei Shan/Yangshuo
Location: Yangshuo
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Travel by private vehicle to Leshan train station and hop on a bullet train to Yangshuo. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel, get settled, and then go on a CEO-led orientation walk before an optional group dinner.
TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
TRANSPORT: Get to your next destination faster than the speed of light (ok maybe not that fast) aboard a high-speed train.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs.
Day 5: Yangshuo
Location: Yangshuo
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Meals Included: Lunch
Drive to Xingping pier and navigate the stunning Li River on a bamboo raft. Afterwards, take the local ferry across the river to get to the Dabeicun Village. Set off on a short walking tour led by your CEO. End the walk at the Jia Community Restaurant where the group will have lunch.
ACTIVITY: Get on a local boat (called a bamboo raft) and enjoy the gentle ride along the Xingping section, known as the most beautiful portion of the Li River.
FREE TIME: Spend a free time this afternoon to explore Yangshuo on your own. Opt for available activities in the area like a Tea Farm Visit, try Tai Chi, take part in a cooking class, or go to a light show.
ACTIVITY: Enjoy a traditional Chinese meal served by rural women working to create new opportunities for their families. Since the migration of men to urban centres is common in rural regions, women and children now have a safe place to gather and learn together at Community Corners, created by the Rural Women's Development Foundation. In Liandaowan Village, you'll enjoy a meal and support women developing new work skills to become self-reliant. This initiative helps to create meaningful employment alternatives to agriculture as a source of income.
Day 6: Yangshuo
Location: Yangshuo
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Enjoy free time for more activities and to explore this beautiful area. Opt to join a cycling tour through the countryside which includes lunch with a local family.
FREE TIME: There's plenty to see and do in Yangshuo. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like taking a tai chi lesson, indulging in a traditional massage, and checking out the Li River Light Show. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask!
Day 7: Yangshuo/Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Catch a flight to Shanghai today and arrive in the late afternoon. Take an orientation walk down one of the city’s most famous streets, Nanjing Road and The Bund, a famous waterfront on the west bank of Huangpu River with a great view of the city's skyline. During winter months, take an evening flight to Shanghai and enjoy a free morning in Guilin.TRANSPORT: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.TRANSPORT: Catch a flight from Yangshuo to Shanghai.ACTIVITY: Take a stroll along the Bund, a main road that follows the Huangpu River, with your CEO. This is a great opportunity to get a layout of the city and figure out what you want to explore next.ACTIVITY: Take a stroll along the Bund, a waterfront area in the central part of Shanghai, and enjoy its spectacular array of Art Deco style buildings. Shanghai has one of the best collections of Art Deco architecture in the world, so enjoy this magnificent sight.
Day 8: Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Temples, markets, gardens and colonial enclaves are around every corner. Spend some time immersed in Shanghai today. Start with a visit to the Shanghai Museum, one of the best in the country. Then, take the metro to Yuyuan Gardens for an optional visit and walk around the grounds. The remainder of the afternoon is free for optional activities in the area. There will be an optional group dinner in the evening.
ACTIVITY: Visit Shanghai Museum, home to a world-class collection of ancient Chinese art. Tour individual galleries devoted to such items as sculpture, bronze, ceramics, jade, coins, Ming and Qing Dynasty furniture, paintings, and calligraphy. Stop at the gift shop on your way out.
FREE TIME: Enjoy free time in this bustling city.
Day 9: Shanghai
Location: Shanghai
Depart at any time.
What's Included
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Accommodation
Hotels (8 nights).
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G for Good Moment
Your G for Good Moment: Jia Community Restaurant, Yangshuo
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Welcome Moment
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
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Leshan Giant Buddha Visit
Visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest Buddha in the world.
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Hike around Emei Shan
Hike around the scenic and historic Emei Shan.
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Yangshuo Orientation Walk
Take an orientation walk in Yangshuo led by your CEO.
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Xing Ping Li River Bamboo Raft
Ride a bamboo raft down the Li River in Xing Ping.
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Jia Community Restaurant
Enjoy a meal at the Jia Community Restaurant.
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Free time in Emei Shan, Yangshuo, Shanghai
Enjoy free time to explore Emei Shan, Yangshuo, and Shanghai.
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Orientation walk in Shanghai
Take an orientation walk in Shanghai led by your CEO.
What's Not Included
MealsGenerally, meals are not included in the trip price to give you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what, and with whom to eat.
Meals Included
1 lunch
Solo Travellers
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Meals
Eating is a big part of travelling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Breakfast in China will usually be Asian style consisting of noodles or congee (rice porridge) or bread and eggs. Vegetarians will be able to find a range of different foods, although in some areas the choice maybe limited. While trekking in remote regions food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.
Mode of Transport
Train, private vehicle, boat, walking, plane.
Group Size
Max 16, avg 12.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 8 nights of accommodation in hotels.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Leshan Giant Buddha, a hike around Emei Shan, an orientation walk in Yangshuo, a bamboo raft ride down the Li River, a visit to the Jia Community Restaurant, free time in Emei Shan, Yangshuo, and Shanghai, an orientation walk in Shanghai, a visit to The Bund, and a visit to the Shanghai Museum.
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What transportation methods are used during the tour?
The tour uses a variety of transportation methods including train, private vehicle, boat, walking, and plane.
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Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, there is free time in Emei Shan, Yangshuo, and Shanghai for you to explore on your own.
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Are meals included in the tour?
One lunch is included in the tour. Generally, meals are not included to give you flexibility in deciding where, what, and with whom to eat. Your CEO will be able to suggest favorite restaurants during your trip.
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What is the group size for this tour?
The group size for this tour is a maximum of 16 people, with an average of 12.
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Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, solo travelers are welcome and will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. There is no single supplement for solo travelers.
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What can I expect on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will arrive in Chengdu at any time. In the evening, there will be a welcome meeting followed by an orientation walk with your CEO in the area near the joining hotel. There will also be an optional group dinner at a local restaurant.
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What kind of activities can I do during the free time in Yangshuo?
During your free time in Yangshuo, you can opt for activities like a Tea Farm Visit, Tai Chi lessons, a cooking class, or attending a light show. You can also join a cycling tour through the countryside which includes lunch with a local family.
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What will I see during the visit to the Leshan Giant Buddha?
During the visit to the Leshan Giant Buddha, you will see the largest Buddha in the world from various viewpoints. You can opt to board a boat to get an overall view of the statue from afar and explore carvings and temples before climbing down the path from the statue’s head to its enormous toes.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
G Adventures was established in 1990
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Most of our trips do not have a single supplement. This means that the accommodation is on a twin share basis and, if travelling on your own, you will be sharing a room with another G Adventures traveller of the same sex. Some tours have an optional single supplement. An optional service that may be available is called "My Own Room". This service allows solo travellers to request their own room.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
It's extremely difficult if not impossible to join a tour after it has begun. It is possible to leave a tour early however you will be responsible for your own arrangements from the moment you decide to leave the tour. You would also be responsible for all costs associated with joining a tour late or leaving one early. If you feel this may be necessary, please consult us before you book.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
https://www.gadventures.com/travel-with-confidence/
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/core-values/
Reviews of this operator
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Free Date Changes
G Adventures allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 0 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
G Adventures requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of g adventures charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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