Glorious China

Upon arrival into Shanghai you will be met by a local guide and transferred to your hotel.

Embark on a morning tour of Shanghai, with visits to Yuyuan Gardens, French Concession, and the Shanghai Museum. After lunch, visit the Bund, followed by a stroll along the world's busiest shopping street, Nanjing Road. This evening take an optional excursion to cruise along the Huangpu River (at your own cost).

Explore the picturesque water town of Zhujiajiao, a collection of meandering canals, bridges, and traditional homes. This afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight to Guilin.

After breakfast travel to one of Guilin’s most scenic spots Fubo Hill, and travel on to Elephant Trunk Hill, the hill is named after its unique shape of a giant elephant stretching its trunk into the Li River. This afternoon visit a tea plantation and learn about the different tea leaves. Take a scenic walk along the banks of one of Guilin's many lakes taking in all the beautiful views.

Begin today with a peaceful cruise along the winding Li River. Having observed this charming rural landscape arrive at Yangshuo, one of China's most beautiful cities. Following lunch, explore this stunning area at leisure. There will be an optional tour this evening to watch the impression of Liu Sanjie (at your own cost).

Spend the day at leisure in the beautiful village of Yanghuo. You could explore the local area by foot or by bike, or simple wander the varied local markets.

Take a morning flight to Xian and explore the Ancient City Walls, an imposing defense that encircles the city, then enjoy a visit to the Wild Goose Pagoda, and stroll through the Muslim Quarter's marketplace. This evening witness an artistic performance at the Tang Dynasty Show.

Marvel at the sight of over 7,000 life-sized soldiers, horses, and chariots, each uniquely crafted to guard the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Discovered in 1974, this vast underground army, known as the Terracotta Warriors, stands as one of the most remarkable archaeological finds of the modern era. As you explore the excavation pits, admire the intricate details of each figure, from their facial expressions to their armor, and learn about the immense effort that went into their creation over 2,000 years ago. Often referred to as the "Eighth Wonder of the World," this awe-inspiring site offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Chinese history and the powerful legacy of the Qin Dynasty.

This morning, transfer to the train station for your Bullet train to Beijing. Upon arrival, you will proceed to the stunning Summer Palace, a masterpiece of Chinese landscape design. In the evening, indulge in a traditional Peking duck dinner, a celebrated dish renowned for its crispy skin and tender meat.

Today you will have a full day of sightseeing starting in Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City’s large palace complex. Explore the Lama Temple with numerous rooms. The temple is home to a 26-meter-tall Buddha carved out of a single piece of sandalwood and still to this day many monks and worshippers come here to burn incense. Optional evening Kung Fu Show (at your own cost).

Today's sightseeing tour will begin at the iconic Great Wall of China, built over 2,000 years ago to guard the Chinese Empire against Mongol invaders. Stop off before lunch to visit a Cloisonne factory and see how this ancient metalworking technique is used to create Jewellery, vases and other decorative items. Later, stop off at the Bird's Nest stadium used for the 2008 Olympic games and enjoy a Chinese Acrobatic show.

Start your day off with a visit to the Unesco world heritage site the Temple of Heaven. The temple was used by emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to offer sacrifice to heaven and pray for bumper harvests. This afternoon take a rickshaw ride around the Hutong district, through the backstreets seeing how the locals live before a farewell dinner.

Transfer to Beijing airport for your flight back to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension.