China & Vietnam: Beijing to Sapa Adventure
- Trip code: 480X028
- Dauer: 19
- Stil: Classic
From Beijing's iconic heart to Hanoi’s vibrant streets, this 21-day journey takes you through the best of China and Vietnam in one epic adventure. You’ll tick off bucket-list wonders like the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors, but the magic lies in discovering southern China’s hidden gems — Shaxi, Dali, and Kunming — where culture, nature, and local flavours reign supreme. Cross into Vietnam and dive into the colourful world of Sapa and Hanoi, just enough to get you hooked on the country's rich culture and cuisine. This isn’t just a trip — it’s a road trip filled with unforgettable moments that’ll leave you craving more.
Übersicht
Accommodation
Hotel (18nts)
Checklist
Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)
Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear
Group Leader
CEO (Chief Experience Officer) and local guides throughout
Group Size Notes
Mas 16, avg 14
Highlights
Forbidden City Visit, Tiananmen Square, Great Wall of China, Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour, Lunch with local family in Xi'an, Giant Panda Breeding Center, People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit in Chengdu, Lijiang Old Town Visit, Black Dragon Pool Park, Shaxi Walking Tour. Dali Old Town, Gentle hiking in Yuanyang Rice Terraces, Sapa 1-day Trekking Tour
Introduction
From Beijing's iconic heart to Hanoi’s vibrant streets, this 21-day journey takes you through the best of China and Vietnam in one epic adventure. You’ll tick off bucket-list wonders like the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors, but the magic lies in discovering southern China’s hidden gems — Shaxi, Dali, and Kunming — where culture, nature, and local flavours reign supreme. Cross into Vietnam and dive into the colourful world of Sapa and Hanoi, just enough to get you hooked on the country's rich culture and cuisine. This isn’t just a trip — it’s a road trip filled with unforgettable moments that’ll leave you craving more
Meals Included
2 Frühstück, 3 Mittagessen, 4 Abendessen
Meal Budget
Plane USD495-645 für nicht inbegriffene Mahlzeiten ein
Optional Activities
Beijing
- Wanderung durch die Hutongs
- Besuch im Himmelstempel (40CNY pro Person)
- Besuch des Lamatempels (25CNY pro Person)
- Besichtige den Trommel-und Glockenturm (30CNY pro Person)
- Sommerpalast (60CNY pro Person)
Mutianyu
- Toboggan at Great Wall (100-140CNY pro Person)
- Seilbahn auf der Großen Mauer (100-140CNY pro Person)
Xi'an
- Die große Moschee (25CNY pro Person)
- Besichtigung der Großen Wildganspagode (50CNY pro Person)
- Radtour auf der Stadtmauer von Xi'an (45-45CNY pro Person)
- The Tang Dynasty Cultural Show with Dumpling Banquet (328CNY pro Person)
- Südtor der Xi'an Stadtmauer (54CNY pro Person)
Shaxi
- Besichtigung des Tempels Xingjiao (30CNY pro Person)
- Ouyang Courtyard
Dali
- Drei Pagoden des Chongsheng-Tempels (120CNY pro Person)
Dali
- Erhai Lake Bike Tour
Start / Finish
Beijing nach Hanoi
Transport
Train, private vehicle, walking, plane, cyclo
What's Included
Dein Welcome-Moment: Anreise und Begrüßungstreffen
Dein Foodie-Moment: Local Family Lunch Xi'an, Xi'an
Dein Hands-On-Moment: Hmong Batik Workshop, Tả Van. Orientation walk in Beijing, Xi'an. Forbidden City Visit. Tiananmen Square. Free time in Beijing, Xi'an. Great Wall of China. Muslim Quarters Visit. Terracotta Warriors Guided Tour. Lunch with local family in Xi'an. Giant Panda Breeding Center. People's Park & Tianfu Square Visit in Chengdu. Lijiang Old Town Visit. Black Dragon Pool Park. Shaxi Walking Tour. Dali Old Town. Dali Xizhou Old Town walking tour. Jianshui City Tour. Tofu Workshop. Gentle hiking in Yuanyang Rice Terraces. Sapa 1-day Trekking Tour. Hanoi Cyclo Tour. Transport to and from included activities
Internationale Flüge
Check-in-Zeiten und Freigepäck/Einschränkungen können je nach Fluggesellschaft variieren und sich jederzeit ändern. Für die aktuellsten Informationen zu deinem Flug wende dich bitte an deine Fluggesellschaft. Wir empfehlen Online-Check-in, um mögliche Verzögerungen am Flughafen zu vermeiden
Minimum Age
Um ohne Begleitperson mit G Adventures zu reisen, musst du mindestens 18 Jahre alt sein. Das Mindestalter für Kinder in Begleitung eines Erziehungsberechtigten (über 21) beträgt 12 Jahre
Itinerary
Day 1 Beijing
Arrive at any time. Attend a welcome meeting in the evening followed by an orientation walk with your CEO in the area of Beijing near the joining hotel. There will be an optional group dinner afterwards at a local restaurant
Day 2 Beijing
Visit the vast expanses of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Use free time to explore the Hutongs (historic narrow streets and alleys) or The Temple of Heaven, the Drum and Bell Tower, Lama Temple, or Summer Palace
Day 3 Beijing
Travel north to the Great Wall, one of the most iconic sights in all of China. Spend the better part of the day exploring and taking photos, soaking in the atmosphere
Day 4 Beijing/Xi’an
In the morning catch a bullet train from Beijing to vibrant Xi'an. After settling in at your hotel go on an orientation walk with your CEO and visit points of interest around the city like the bustling Muslim Quarter. Known as one of Xi'an's most fascinating areas, you will pass the lovely and unusual Great Mosque and wander by food stalls with some of the best street eats in China
Day 5 Xi’an
Visit one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures—the Terracotta Warriors. This evening, opt for a dumpling banquet with your CEO and group
Day 6 Xi’an/Chengdu
Spend a free morning in Xi'An then board a bullet train in the afternoon to Chengdu. After getting settled at the hotel, join an orientation walk around the city. In the evening sit down for a Hotpot dinner with the group
Day 7 Chengdu
Enjoy a morning visit to see pandas at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. Witness the conservation efforts being made to save this endearing species. Afterwards, take time for lunch on your own before your CEO will take the group to People's Park by metro for an orientation walk. End the walk in Tianfu Square, located in the city centre of Chengdu. Take the metro back to the hotel before an optional group dinner in the evening
Day 8 Chengdu/Lijiang
Spend the morning free in the bustling city of Chengdu. Opt to visit the Wenshu Monastery or Kuanzhai Alley. Take an afternoon flight from Chengdu to Lijiang
Day 9 Lijiang
After a morning orientation walk of Lijiang, visit the the Black dragon Pool and the spectacular views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain above the marble bridge. Upon finishing the tour, opt to head to Lijiang Old town to and explore the must see spots like The Giant Water Wheel, Wangu Tower and Lion Hill. Then enjoy a free evening. Opt to visit the Mufu Museum or grab dinner with your group
Day 10 Lijiang/Shaxi
Drive to Shaxi Old Town first thing this morning and head out for a walking tour of this ancient, medieval town full of Buddhist culture. Visit the iconic spots of the town like the Old Market Square, the Old Theater, and Yujin Bridge. This afternoon, enjoy free time in this beautiful town. Opt to visit the Xingjiao Temple or the Ouyang Courtyard
Day 11 Shaxi/Dali
We head to the next town this morning, the thousand year old village of Xizhou Old Town. Explore the well preserved architecture with a tour led by your CEO. Then after a bit of free time in Xizhou, drive to Dali. Head out for an orientation walk and to Dali Old Town. Join your group and CEO for dinner together at a local restaurant. On the way back to the hotel, admire the lanterns that light up this beautiful town at night
Day 12 Dali
This beautiful lakeside town is yours to do as you wish today! Opt to explore the Old Town, cycle around Dali town or Lake Erhai. Maybe visit the National Geological park of Cangshan Mountain on a hike or on the cable car. A local favorite is the Three Pagodas at Chongsheng Temple or you could learn the art of traditional Tie-Dying by the local Bai people. With so many options, the choice is yours!
Day 13 Dali/Kunming
Together we'll catch a morning train to Kunming, known as one of China's best natural phenomenons with all its waterfalls, lakes and karst formations. After an orientation walk of the town, opt to head to lunch to try the famous local rice noodle dish. This afternoon, visit the jaw dropping Kunming Flower Market. Then head to the Green Lake (Cuihu) Park where not only will you see your first glimpse of this karst mountain, lake filled town, but you'll also witness locals dancing, singing and playing instruments during their leisure time
Day 14 Kunming/Jianshui
China explorations await and its off to Jianshui. After an orientation walk, take an tour of the city. Visit the Xianghui Bridge, the Xianghui old train station, the Double Dragon Bridge, the Chaoyan Tower and the Zhu's Family Garden. Then enjoy a free evening
Day 15 Jianshui/Yuanyang
Start the day with a tofu workshop and watch how the locals make this popular dish. Afterwards, drive toward Yuanyang to visit the impressive Yuanyang Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and see the sunshine reflect off the carved out mountainside. We'll spend the day exploring this huge rice terrace from different viewpoints and do some gentle hiking through the greenery. This place is special to visit. In a country often associated with bustling, crowded and noisy cities, this picturesque and peaceful landscape will transport you to a whole new side of China
Day 16 Yuanyang
Opt to rise early, and we recommend you do, to see the sun rise over the beautiful and peaceful Duoyishu Scenic Area. Take a short hike to the Pugao Old Village and see the local way of living. In the afternoon, we'll head to the main scenic area of the rice terrace with a chance to catch an epic sunset scene and meet some locals living in the field. Walk through Quan Fuzhuang to Bada platform and admire the incredible view
Day 17 Yuanyang/Sa Pá
Say goodbye to China this morning and drive to Hekou Border to cross into Vietnam. Your Chinese CEO will help you get to immigration but will stay in China. You'll meet your new Vietnamese CEO once you cross through customs. After arrival into Vietnam drive to the beautiful mountain region of Sapa. The first stop is at the Hmong Batik House for a painting experience with the local indigenous group, the Hmong people. Then we'll sit down together for an authentic and rustic hotpot dinner, a specialty of the Sapa regional cuisine
Day 18 Sa Pá
With mountainside covered in lush green rice terraces, picturesque villages tucked away in the hills and a rich culture unique to this region, Sapa is a must visit, off the beaten path part of Vietnam. Today, spend half a day trekking some of the best trails of the country. Hike through local villages, rice terraces and tea plantation. We'll stop part way on the trek to eat lunch at a local restaurant. After finishing the trek, head back to your hotel for the evening
Day 19 Sa Pá/Hanoi
After breakfast at the hotel, we'll depart from Sapa this morning and drive to the bustling city of Hanoi. After a long drive, we'll leave our bags at the hotel and have lunch at KOTO Restaurant, which provides job training opportunities for disadvantaged youth. Then it's time to explore Hanoi and what better way than on the front of a cyclo. Have a seat as you zoom through Hanoi's lively Old Quarter. Your tour ends upon return to the hotel where your bags are being stored
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Beijing
Day 2 Beijing
Explore bustling Beijing including the famous Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City. Due to restrictions in China after the pandemic, the maximum daily capacity in the Forbidden City has been reduced from 80,000 to 30,000. This significant decrease in daily tickets has had a great impact on availability for both individuals and group tours to secure tickets, especially during he summer season. Our local team works very hard to secure tickets for each group. However, on the off chance we are unable to secure tickets to the Forbidden City, we will visit the Summer Palace and the Temple of Heaven, places of similar architecture and importance
Day 3 Beijing
Head out to discover the wonders of the Great Wall of China.
Day 4 Beijing/Xi’an
Day 5 Xi’an
Day 6 Xi’an/Chengdu
Hotpot is a very local way to have a meal. We sit around a table with a pot built in the middle – the pot is divided into 2 halves (spicy vs. non-spicy usually). The restaurants flavoured soup is added and brought to a boil, then we can start adding our food in the pot to cook ( including vegetable, meat or fish). The table also offers various sorts of herbs, spices, oil etc so you can make your own soup to taste.
Day 7 Chengdu
Day 8 Chengdu/Lijiang
Day 9 Lijiang
Day 10 Lijiang/Shaxi
Day 11 Shaxi/Dali
Day 12 Dali
Day 13 Dali/Kunming
Day 14 Kunming/Jianshui
Day 15 Jianshui/Yuanyang
Day 16 Yuanyang
Day 17 Yuanyang/Sa Pá
If you are applying for a Visa for China, please note the following details for your visa application:
City of Departure: Honghe
County of Departure: Hekou Yaozu Zizhixian
Day 18 Sa Pá
Day 19 Sa Pá/Hanoi
When booking onward travel, please note that flights must depart no earlier than 19:00
