Day 1
Shanghai
Arrive in Shanghai, where you will be met by your local guide / National Escort in the airport. Transfer to your hotel and, depending on arrival time, enjoy the rest of the day at leisure to explore the city. Get to know the group with an informal welcome dinner.
Overnight: Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel or similar (dinner included).
Day 2
Shanghai
Spend your first day discovering China’s great metropolis where history and the modern day collide with temples and skyscrapers lining the streets. Stroll through the tranquil Yu Garden, visit the Silk Factory and make a stop in the old town. Wander along the Bund and marvel at the impressive colonial architecture before an evening cruise on the Huangpu River with breath-taking views of Shanghai’s skyline. Enjoy traditional Shanghainese cuisine for dinner.
Overnight: Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 3
Zhujiajiao Water Town
On this day you will visit Zhujiajiao – one of Shanghai’s sleepy water towns. These towns were built on a canal system which was once used to transport goods across Imperial China. Explore the town’s historic alleyways and waterways lined with ancient buildings.
Upon your return to Shanghai, visit Shanghai Museum and stroll around People’s Square – the perfect place for people to meet and participate in tai chi and dance classes.
Overnight: Hongqiao Jinjiang Hotel or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 4
Guilin
Take a flight to the beautiful city of Guilin and wander through the stunning Seven Star Park and Cave – located on the banks of the Li River.
Overnight: Lijiang Waterfall Hotel or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 5
Yangshuo
Enjoy a tranquil cruise along the Li River, marvelling at breath-taking views around every bend. You may choose to watch the fantastic Impression Liu Sanjie music and light show in the evening.
Overnight: Elite Garden Hotel or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 6
Yangshuo
Situated in a stunning rural location with emerald paddy fields and limestone karsts as its backdrop, Yangshuo truly showcases the beauty of southern China.
The day begins with a Tai Chi session with a master before exploring the countryside. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure with many optional activities including cycling, rafting and walking.
Overnight: Elite Garden Hotel or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 7
Guilin
Return to Guilin, where you will walk around Ronghu Lake to see the impressive Sun and Moon pagodas and their Chinese Buddhist architecture. The South China Pearl Factory is your next stop, where you will learn about the intriguing 1700-year-old history of pearling and enjoy the displays and demonstrations on offer.
After this you will stop on the banks of the Li River to take photos with a cormorant fisherman.
Overnight: Lijiang Waterfall Hotel or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 8
Xian
Fly to Xian – China’s prior ancient capital and spend the afternoon visiting the impressive Little Wild Goose Pagoda before wandering the alleys of the Muslim Quarter. The Muslim Quarter is home to a variety of stalls selling delicious food, ornaments, silks and fabrics.
In the evening, enjoy a dinner of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and watch a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
Overnight: Dajing Castle Hotel (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 9
Xian
Today begins with a visit to marvel at the impressive Terracotta Army of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor. The Terracotta Warriors can be seen in three active archaeological digs and stand in their original formations where they were excavated. You will also visit the workshop of craftsmen who create smaller models of the warriors.
After this, walk along the 14th-century city walls surrounding Xian’s old town, offering a bird’s eye view over the city.
Overnight: Dajing Castle Hotel (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 10
Beijing
Make your way to Beijing, China’s capital, via bullet train. Walk around Beijing’s historical Hutongs, a style of housing established in the 13th century by the Mongol rulers of Beijing. Visit a local family, where you will learn first-hand about life in the Hutongs.
Overnight: Mercure Beijing Downtown (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 11
Beijing
In the morning, journey to China’s most iconic sight - the Great Wall. Take a walk along the wall and marvel at the incredible scenery. Enjoy an insight into the history of the Great Wall before exploring at your own pace.
Afterwards, visit a jade factory to learn more about one of China’s most important materials. Watch artisans at work and you may choose to buy some jade to take home. In the afternoon, wander around the Summer Palace – a former holiday retreat of the Qing emperors with stunning gardens.
Finish the day with watching an exciting Chinese acrobatic show.
Overnight: Mercure Beijing Downtown (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 12
Beijing
Explore the heart of Beijing and wander across Tiananmen Square to the impressive Forbidden City and take in the breath-taking Temple of Heaven. Enter through the Gate of Supreme Harmony and discover a complex of a thousand rooms and imperial treasures.
Take in the incredible surroundings before enjoying a Peking duck dinner in the evening.
Overnight: Mercure Beijing Downtown (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 13
Departure
The time before your flight is yours at leisure. You will be transferred to the airport for your international flight. If you would like to extend your time in China or the Far East, please speak to your travel expert.
Breakfast included.
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