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An unhurried journey through China exploring imperial dynasties, misty tea hills and centuries-old vegan food.
You are invited to Ahimsa Travel Club's China adventure where we move through Beijing's imperial past, Wuyishan's wild tea and temple stillness and Shanghai's restless present. This eleven-day, plant-based itinerary through China moves from the Forbidden City and Great Wall to a full day deep in the tea reserve following the celebrated Three Pits, Two Creeks route, and on to Shanghai's historic quarters and riverside gardens. Along the way we'll be participating in a hands-on cooking class in a hutong home (Prachi's favorite neighborhood in Beijing), bamboo rafting through towering cliffs, tea tasting paired with Chinese sound healing, temple meditation and incredible vegan meals that tell a story of Buddhism, connection to nature and innovation.
Explore the full itinerary for China
DAY 1 | WELCOME TO BEIJING!
Welcome to one of the world's oldest and most fascinating capitals. After arriving in Beijing, we'll transfer you to our boutique hotel where you'll have time to settle in, recover from your journey, and meet your fellow travelers. This evening we'll gather for our first meal together at one of Beijing's outstanding vegan restaurants within a beautiful courtyard. It's the perfect introduction to China's remarkable plant-based cuisine and an opportunity to get to know one another before our adventure begins. Some of the dishes we are looking at ordering for the welcome dinner include earthy morel mushrooms from the Yunnan region, steamed chayote with fennel and wasabi, and delicate broths with wild aquatic plants.
Meals Included: Dinner
DAY 2 | STEPPING BACK IN TIME IN THE FORBIDDEN CITY AND THE SUMMER PALACE
After breakfast, we'll go on a walking tour of Beijing with a visit to the magnificent Forbidden City, home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. As we wander through its grand courtyards, intricate halls, and hidden gardens, we'll uncover the symbolism, philosophy, and traditions that shaped Chinese civilization for centuries with our local Beijing guide. Later, we'll escape the city's bustle at the breathtaking Summer Palace, where emperors once sought refuge among tranquil lakes, ornate pavilions, and peaceful gardens. We'll end the afternoon with time to relax over tea or coffee tucked away inside one of the palace's hidden garden cafés. Dinner tonight is a cozy vegan cafe famous for their handmade dumplings.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 | THE MAGNIFICENCE OF THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
No visit to China would be complete without experiencing the Great Wall. We'll travel to the quieter Mutianyu section where a cable car carries us to panoramic views stretching across forested mountain ridges. With fewer crowds and spectacular scenery, this is one of the most enjoyable places to appreciate one of humanity's greatest engineering achievements. After a million photos and lunch, we'll visit Wachang, a former glazed-tile factory that has been thoughtfully transformed into a creative arts community. Blending industrial history, contemporary design, and environmental stewardship, it's a wonderful example of how China is reimagining historic spaces for a new generation. The evening is free for you to relax in the hotel or go to a nearby vegan restaurant on your own. We recommend a vegan restaurant owned by an artist full of paintings and natural wines to pair with exquisite dishes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4 | LIFE IN OLD BEIJING AND A FAMILY HOME
Today we'll slow down and experience a more intimate side of Beijing. We'll stroll through the city's historic hutongs (narrow alleyways that have been home to generations of local families) and gain insight into everyday neighborhood life. You might catch a local wedding or meander through small general stores for a glimpse of what this megacity was like in the past. Later we'll be welcomed into a local family's home for a hands-on vegan cooking class. Together we'll prepare traditional Chinese dishes before sitting down to enjoy the meal we've created together. The evening is yours to explore independently, visit the botanical gardens, or simply relax before tomorrow's journey south.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 5 | OFF TO THE CONTEMPLATIVE TEA MOUNTAINS OF WUYISHAN
We'll begin our morning at the magnificent Temple of Heaven, joining locals in the park as they begin their day. This peaceful community space remains a place where Beijing residents gather to walk, exercise, practice tai chi, dance, and enjoy the outdoors. It's a chance to experience the city as locals do, surrounded by centuries of history. Later, we'll leave the energy of Beijing behind and fly south to Wuyishan, a dramatically different landscape of towering cliffs, winding rivers, bamboo forests, and some of China's most celebrated tea-growing regions. As we settle into this quieter corner of China, we'll begin to discover the mountains, wellness and tea culture that has shaped life here for generations.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 | BAMBOO RAFTING AND LUSH MOUNTAIN GREENERY
It's time to completely slow down, exhale and take in the mountains that surround us in Wuyishan. We'll begin with a gentle visit to the tea-growing countryside and an easy hike into the reserve, learning about the region's distinctive landscape, history, and tea culture from a local tea master.
In the afternoon, we'll experience Wuyishan from the water as we drift by bamboo raft beneath towering cliffs. Surrounded by mist, rock formations, and lush greenery, it's a wonderfully peaceful way to take in this ancient landscape.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 | VEGAN TEMPLE FOOD, MEDITATION AND A WILD TEA IMMERSION
After breakfast, we'll venture deeper into the Wuyishan reserve following the Three Pits, Two Creeks route through the dramatic landscape where some of China's most prized rock tea is grown. Surrounded by towering cliffs, lush forests, streams, and ancient tea gardens, we'll learn how the unique terroir of this region gives Wuyi tea its distinctive character and why this small corner of China has become legendary among tea lovers.We'll also visit a local temple, where we'll enjoy a traditional vegan temple lunch and experience a quieter side of Chinese Buddhist culture. After lunch, we'll slow down even further with a guided meditation surrounded by the peaceful landscape. It's a day designed to understand why the mountain locals believe this area is conducive to peace and harmony, the Chinese Buddhist way. The evening is yours to explore on your own and tuck into a cozy cafe.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8 | SHAKUHACHI FLUTE AND OFF TO SHANGHAI, A VIBRANT TIME MACHINE
Our final morning in Wuyishan will bring together two of the region's most contemplative traditions: tea and sound. We'll begin with a tea tasting paired with a sound-healing exhoperience featuring singing bowls and shakuhachi flute, creating an otherworldly moment of art and stillness before we continue our journey. Then we'll board China's high-speed train and watch the landscape transform as we travel from the quiet tea mountains toward the romantic lights of Shanghai. By late afternoon we'll arrive in the city and head to the Bund, where we'll enjoy dinner overlooking Shanghai's spectacular waterfront before taking an evening stroll along the river. After the peaceful mountains of Wuyishan, Shanghai will feel like an entirely new chapter of the journey. For dinner, we'll try some Sichuan cuisine at one of the city's first vegan bistros that excels in bold, regional flavors and dishes like mapo tofu hummus (their specialty) and mala mala with rice cakes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 9 | EXPLORING THE SOUL OF SHANGHAI
After breakfast, we'll experience Shanghai beyond its famous skyline, exploring the historic neighborhoods and everyday streets that reveal the city's fascinating layers. We'll ride through the city by electric moped(!!), following the Suzhou Creek waterfront, passing early-20th-century architecture near the Bund, weaving through the Old Town, and continuing into the leafy streets of the former French Concession. Along the way, we'll stop to walk, sample vegan-friendly Shanghai street snacks, and take in the rhythms of everyday life. In the afternoon, we'll trade the city streets for a little self-care with your choice of a traditional Chinese TCM tuina massage or a relaxing head spa, giving us a chance to unwind after an adventurous week of exploring. The evening is yours to explore a street, live music, rooftop or anything you feel called to. Our team is always available to help you sort out dinner or what to do.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 10 | SUZHOU CREEK, THE BEAUTIFUL YU GARDENS, THE FRENCH CONCESSION AND A GOODBYE DINNER
We'll spend our final full day discovering another side of Shanghai, beginning with a leisurely walk along the Bund and Suzhou Creek. From here, we'll make our way to the beautiful Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden filled with winding pathways, pavilions, ponds, and centuries of history.
Later, we'll wander through the tree-lined streets of the former French Concession, where Shanghai's history and contemporary creative culture meet. With our local guide, we'll really learn to notice the architecture, cafés, neighborhood shops, and everyday life that make this one of the city's most fascinating areas. Tonight, we'll come together for our farewell dinner at Yeyeputi, celebrating everything we've experienced together—from Beijing's imperial palaces and hutongs to Wuyishan's tea mountains and Shanghai's vibrant streets. Our goodbye dinner will be at one of our favorite vegan restaurants in the city that features seasonal produce, herbs and dishes like black truffle fried rice, soft taro infused with fragrant florals paired with hazelnut barley water and plum syrup desserts.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 11 | FAREWELL TO CHINA
Enjoy a leisurely final morning in Shanghai to sleep in, take one last walk, pick up a few souvenirs, or simply savor a quiet breakfast and reflect on everything we've experienced together. When you're ready to depart, we'll arrange your private transfer to the airport, sending you home with wonderful memories, new flavors, and a deeper appreciation for the many sides of China.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Explore the full itinerary for China
DAY 1 | WELCOME TO BEIJING!
Welcome to one of the world's oldest and most fascinating capitals. After arriving in Beijing, we'll transfer you to our boutique hotel where you'll have time to settle in, recover from your journey, and meet your fellow travelers. This evening we'll gather for our first meal together at one of Beijing's outstanding vegan restaurants within a beautiful courtyard. It's the perfect introduction to China's remarkable plant-based cuisine and an opportunity to get to know one another before our adventure begins. Some of the dishes we are looking at ordering for the welcome dinner include earthy morel mushrooms from the Yunnan region, steamed chayote with fennel and wasabi, and delicate broths with wild aquatic plants.
Meals Included: Dinner
DAY 2 | STEPPING BACK IN TIME IN THE FORBIDDEN CITY AND THE SUMMER PALACE
After breakfast, we'll go on a walking tour of Beijing with a visit to the magnificent Forbidden City, home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties. As we wander through its grand courtyards, intricate halls, and hidden gardens, we'll uncover the symbolism, philosophy, and traditions that shaped Chinese civilization for centuries with our local Beijing guide. Later, we'll escape the city's bustle at the breathtaking Summer Palace, where emperors once sought refuge among tranquil lakes, ornate pavilions, and peaceful gardens. We'll end the afternoon with time to relax over tea or coffee tucked away inside one of the palace's hidden garden cafés. Dinner tonight is a cozy vegan cafe famous for their handmade dumplings.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 | THE MAGNIFICENCE OF THE GREAT WALL OF CHINA
No visit to China would be complete without experiencing the Great Wall. We'll travel to the quieter Mutianyu section where a cable car carries us to panoramic views stretching across forested mountain ridges. With fewer crowds and spectacular scenery, this is one of the most enjoyable places to appreciate one of humanity's greatest engineering achievements. After a million photos and lunch, we'll visit Wachang, a former glazed-tile factory that has been thoughtfully transformed into a creative arts community. Blending industrial history, contemporary design, and environmental stewardship, it's a wonderful example of how China is reimagining historic spaces for a new generation. The evening is free for you to relax in the hotel or go to a nearby vegan restaurant on your own. We recommend a vegan restaurant owned by an artist full of paintings and natural wines to pair with exquisite dishes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 4 | LIFE IN OLD BEIJING AND A FAMILY HOME
Today we'll slow down and experience a more intimate side of Beijing. We'll stroll through the city's historic hutongs (narrow alleyways that have been home to generations of local families) and gain insight into everyday neighborhood life. You might catch a local wedding or meander through small general stores for a glimpse of what this megacity was like in the past. Later we'll be welcomed into a local family's home for a hands-on vegan cooking class. Together we'll prepare traditional Chinese dishes before sitting down to enjoy the meal we've created together. The evening is yours to explore independently, visit the botanical gardens, or simply relax before tomorrow's journey south.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 5 | OFF TO THE CONTEMPLATIVE TEA MOUNTAINS OF WUYISHAN
We'll begin our morning at the magnificent Temple of Heaven, joining locals in the park as they begin their day. This peaceful community space remains a place where Beijing residents gather to walk, exercise, practice tai chi, dance, and enjoy the outdoors. It's a chance to experience the city as locals do, surrounded by centuries of history. Later, we'll leave the energy of Beijing behind and fly south to Wuyishan, a dramatically different landscape of towering cliffs, winding rivers, bamboo forests, and some of China's most celebrated tea-growing regions. As we settle into this quieter corner of China, we'll begin to discover the mountains, wellness and tea culture that has shaped life here for generations.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 | BAMBOO RAFTING AND LUSH MOUNTAIN GREENERY
It's time to completely slow down, exhale and take in the mountains that surround us in Wuyishan. We'll begin with a gentle visit to the tea-growing countryside and an easy hike into the reserve, learning about the region's distinctive landscape, history, and tea culture from a local tea master.
In the afternoon, we'll experience Wuyishan from the water as we drift by bamboo raft beneath towering cliffs. Surrounded by mist, rock formations, and lush greenery, it's a wonderfully peaceful way to take in this ancient landscape.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 | VEGAN TEMPLE FOOD, MEDITATION AND A WILD TEA IMMERSION
After breakfast, we'll venture deeper into the Wuyishan reserve following the Three Pits, Two Creeks route through the dramatic landscape where some of China's most prized rock tea is grown. Surrounded by towering cliffs, lush forests, streams, and ancient tea gardens, we'll learn how the unique terroir of this region gives Wuyi tea its distinctive character and why this small corner of China has become legendary among tea lovers.We'll also visit a local temple, where we'll enjoy a traditional vegan temple lunch and experience a quieter side of Chinese Buddhist culture. After lunch, we'll slow down even further with a guided meditation surrounded by the peaceful landscape. It's a day designed to understand why the mountain locals believe this area is conducive to peace and harmony, the Chinese Buddhist way. The evening is yours to explore on your own and tuck into a cozy cafe.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 8 | SHAKUHACHI FLUTE AND OFF TO SHANGHAI, A VIBRANT TIME MACHINE
Our final morning in Wuyishan will bring together two of the region's most contemplative traditions: tea and sound. We'll begin with a tea tasting paired with a sound-healing exhoperience featuring singing bowls and shakuhachi flute, creating an otherworldly moment of art and stillness before we continue our journey. Then we'll board China's high-speed train and watch the landscape transform as we travel from the quiet tea mountains toward the romantic lights of Shanghai. By late afternoon we'll arrive in the city and head to the Bund, where we'll enjoy dinner overlooking Shanghai's spectacular waterfront before taking an evening stroll along the river. After the peaceful mountains of Wuyishan, Shanghai will feel like an entirely new chapter of the journey. For dinner, we'll try some Sichuan cuisine at one of the city's first vegan bistros that excels in bold, regional flavors and dishes like mapo tofu hummus (their specialty) and mala mala with rice cakes.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
"China left me feeling in awe of the sheer scale of human history and the centuries of unique ways of living that have come before us. Some of the vegan food I've had here will stay in my memory for the rest of my life."
Prachi
Why you'll love this tour
Come curious and leave changed by the depth, beauty, and generosity you'll encounter along the way. From peaceful tea mountains to bustling city streets, this is a journey designed to awaken your senses, expand your perspective, and leave you with memories that stay with you long after you return home.
Prehispanic food
Taste Mexican foods such as vegan tlacoyos, sopes and tetelas
Frida Kahlo & art
Explore the incredible works of Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera & other artists
Aztec architecture
Guided anthroplogical deep dives into pyramids and Centro Historico
Walking tours
We'll show you our favorite neighborhoods, alleys and cute cafes
Why you'll love this tour
Come curious and leave changed by the depth, beauty, and generosity you'll encounter along the way. From peaceful tea mountains to bustling city streets, this is a journey designed to awaken your senses, expand your perspective, and leave you with memories that stay with you long after you return home.
The Great Wall
A 2,000 year old history that unfolds before your eyes
Mountains and wild tea
Explore the Wuyi mountain range, winding rivers and rock tea tasting
Cultural Contrast
Weave through vastly different cultures in three distinct regions
Walking tours
We'll show you our favorite neighborhoods, alleys and zen gardens
Essential Trip Information
Price
$6,295 USD per person for a private room / $5,795 USD for a double room
*A non-refundable deposit of $1,250 USD, along with a registration form, are required in order to join the tour. Your space is not guaranteed until both of these are received.
Dates
November 6th-16th 2027
Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Group size
8-12 people
What's included
-
10 nights accommodation
-
9 lunches
-
8 dinners
-
Airport transfers
-
1 Domestic flight to Wuyishan
-
Sightseeing and entrance tickets
-
Transportation between activities
-
Local team
-
Tips to drivers and guides
What's not included
-
Airfare
-
Travel Insurance
-
Visa (if needed)
-
Laundry
-
Beverages outside of coffee, tea, water
-
Personal expenses and shopping
-
Taxis for personal use
Lodging
We stay in three different 4-star boutique hotels in Beijing, Wuyishan and Shanghai.
Good to know for China
Walking + Mobility
Amount of walking: varies per day but sometimes it is as little as 8,000 steps and other days it might be closer to 12,000.
Airport
This tour starts in Beijing (airport code PEK) and ends in Shanghai (airport code PVG).
Visa
Most travelers need a visa to enter China. Our team will assist you as the trip gets closer with your visa application.
Domestic Flights
A domestic flight is included from Beijing to Wuyishan. Passport details will be needed when we are ready to book your ticket.
Meet your China Trip Leaders
Prachi
Pre-departure support + Host
Rania
Operations and Logistics + on-site support
Rachel
Cultural host + vegan restaurant expert
A vegan culinary journey
Prepare to discover the incredible depth of Chinese vegan cuisine, from handmade dumplings and dishes prepared alongside a local family to traditional Buddhist temple cuisine and regional specialties. We'll explore how ingredients like tofu, mushrooms, herbs, vegetables, rice, tea, and other plant-based foods are transformed into dishes that were birthed through Chinese culinary traditions and migrated around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ahimsa Travel Club and what kind of vegan travel company are you?
Ahimsa Travel Club is a global vegan travel company offering ethically designed, small-group vegan tours around the world. We focus on compassionate, sustainable travel that respects animals, supports local communities, and allows travelers to experience cultures through a fully plant-based lens.
Are your tours fully vegan and plant-based?
Yes. All Ahimsa Travel Club trips are 100% vegan tours, including plant-based meals, carefully selected accommodations, and ethical activities. We work with local partners to ensure that your experience aligns with vegan values and cruelty-free travel wherever possible.
Can I join if I'm not vegan?
Yes you can join if you are not vegan. Our tours are ideal for vegans, plant-based travelers, and ethically minded explorers—as well as anyone curious about traveling more compassionately. You do not need to be vegan; our trips are designed to be welcoming, supportive, and well-paced. All meals on the tour will be vegan.
How large are your tour groups?
We specialize in small-group vegan travel, typically keeping group sizes intentionally limited. Smaller groups allow for deeper cultural immersion, stronger community impact, and a more personal, relaxed travel experience. Groups of 8-12 people also allow us to travel more responsibly and build meaningful relationships with local guides, businesses, and communities.
What is included in the cost of your vegan tours
Most of our vegan travel packages include accommodations, most meals, guided experiences, ground transportation during the trip, and professional tour leadership. Each tour page clearly outlines inclusions so travelers can plan with confidence.
How do I book a tour or ask more questions?
You can book directly through our website by selecting your preferred vegan tour destination. If you have questions before booking, our team is always available to help you feel confident about your travel plans. If you have questions, we’re always happy to help simply reach out through our contact form or email at info@ahimsatravelclub.com, and we’ll personally assist you.
Where do you offer vegan tours and ethical travel experiences?
We offer international vegan travel experiences across multiple continents, with destinations chosen for their culture, history, nature, and growing vegan food scenes. Each itinerary is designed to support sustainable tourism and ethical travel practices.
Are these tours suitable for families and kids?
Some Ahimsa Travel Club tours are suitable for families and older children, depending on the destination and itinerary. We clearly note age recommendations, activity levels, and pacing on each tour page. Our tours can also be customized just for you and your family by emphasizing cultural learning, nature, and shared meals, making them a meaningful option for families seeking ethical, plant-based travel together. If you’re traveling with kids, we’re happy to help you choose the best-fit tour or be your personal travel concierge.
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