Highlights of China

Day 1 Shanghai

On arrival in Shanghai, transfer to your hotel and enjoy free time until your tour briefing. Stay the next three nights at Pentahotel (or similar).

Day 2 Shanghai

Shanghai has emerged as one of Asia’s most important cities and is a buzzing contemporary metropolis. Visit the China Art Palace and discover the modern buildings of the Pudong area. Enjoy lunch before exploring the French Concession area and take a backstreets walking tour to find Shanghai’s hidden gems. Discover the historical riverfront area known as the Bund, home to an impressive collection of 1920s neoclassical buildings. Wander through Yu Yuan, an extensive garden nestled in the centre of Shanghai’s old city. In the evening, enjoy an acrobatic performance. (BL)

Drive from Shanghai to Fengjing, a traditional water canal town. Enjoy a short cruise along the narrow canals to see the daily life of the people living along the river. Known for peasant painting, meet local artists who take inspiration from folk art including indigo prints, embroidery and murals to create unique art depicting traditional life. Return to Shanghai for an evening at leisure. (B)

Fly from Shanghai to Xian, the start of the world’s most famous trade route – the Silk Road. Visit the 14th century city walls and continue to the Great Mosque, an interesting fusion of Middle Eastern and traditional architectural styles. Walk through the Muslim Quarter to Yongxingfang as you take in the lively street markets and exotic local foods which range from Muslim cuisine to traditional Shaanxi dishes. Stay the next two nights at Grand Dynasty Hotel Xian (or similar). (B)

Drive a short distance to the Army of Terracotta Warriors – one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Still under excavation, the life-sized terracotta warriors and horses were only unearthed in 1974 after being buried for 2,000 years. Each figure is completely unique both in facial features and expression. Return to Xian for an afternoon at leisure. In the evening, choose to join an optional dumpling cooking class and sample your creations for dinner or discover your own eatery to try some local delicacies. (BL)

Travel by high-speed train from Xian to Beijing and transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Summer Palace and discover the temples, pavilions and decorated corridors of the extensive grounds. Stay the next four nights at Novotel Xinqiao (or similar). (BL)

Spend a full day exploring Beijing’s impressive sites. Walk through vast Tiananmen Square which is said to hold over a million people. Continue to the Forbidden City and discover the massive collection of imperial buildings which make up one of the largest palace complexes in the world. At a local restaurant, try zha jiang mian, a noodle dish with pork or beef topped with soybean paste. Venture off the tourist path into traditional residential alleyways known as ‘hutongs’ which have not changed significantly for centuries and gain a glimpse into the lives of the locals. Continue to rarely visited Miaoying Temple and tranquil Beihai Park before returning to your hotel. (BL)

Visit the iconic Temple of Heaven, a perfect example of Ming architecture and a symbol of Beijing. With neither nails nor concrete used in its construction, the temple stands 38 metres high, 30 metres in diameter and is completely balanced by wooden pillars. Continue to Beijing’s largest market, Panjiayuan Antique Market which is known for its arts, crafts and antiques. Spend time wandering through the market before returning to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. (B)

Considered one of the world’s most famous man-made sites, the Great Wall of China is not to be missed. Travel to Mutianyu, a less crowded section of the wall with numerous guard towers. Take the cable car up to the wall and spend time exploring this incredible creation. This evening, enjoy a farewell Peking duck group dinner. (BD)

Day 10 Beijing

Enjoy breakfast before transferring to the airport for your onward journey. (B)