Splendours of China by Rail

Splendours of China by Rail Itinerary

• Day 1: UK to Beijing

  Depart on your scheduled, overnight flight to Beijing.

• Day 2: Beijing

  On arrival in Beijing, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the heart of China's sprawling capital.

• Day 3: Beijing

  After a morning at leisure, discover Beijing's rich, imperial history on an afternoon city tour. Explore Tiananmen Square, the world's largest public square, under the watchful eye of Chairman Mao's large, central portrait. From here, enter the vast Forbidden Palace and wander its 9,999 rooms and chambers, brimming with age-old relics. After dinner later this evening, an optional excursion to the Legend of Kung Fu show allows you to marvel at the athleticism and precision of China's martial artists (payable locally).

• Day 4: Beijing

  After breakfast, today's tour starts at one of China's most iconic and impressive landmarks, the UNESCO Registered Great Wall of China. Access the wall from Juyongguan, the site of some of the Ming Dynasty's biggest battles, and stroll through 5th-century watchtowers and winding stone paths. In the afternoon walk around the royal grounds and peaceful lake of the Summer Palace. Continue on to Silk Street Market, a maze of over 1,700 stalls selling everything from designer dupes to fine silk shirts. Later tonight, feast on Beijing's greatest culinary contribution at a traditional Peking duck dinner.

• Day 5: Beijing to Xi'an

  Your morning tour visits the ancient sacrificial buildings of the Temple of Heaven which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Built to allow prayers to reach heaven, the heavily adorned pillars and ceiling are a spectacular ode to Ming Dynasty architecture. In the afternoon, browse the longstanding, traditional calligraphy and bookshops of Liulichang Antique Culture Street and the historic stores of Qianmen Dashilan, where some of China's most notable silk stores are located. After dinner, transfer to the railway station for your overnight sleeper train to Xi'an.

• Day 6: Xi'an

  On arrival in Xi'an and following breakfast, uncover the extraordinary craftsmanship of the Terracotta Warriors, an 8,000-strong army created so that no two warriors look alike. Explore these cavernous underground vaults then visit a UNESCO Listed building the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Continue to the Muslim Quarter, a network of market stalls and shops, and the city's Great Mosque nestled in its centre. Enjoy an evening of culture at tonight's entertaining Tang Dynasty dance performance.

• Day 7: Xi'an to Chengdu

  Travel to Xi'an's City Wall, a long stretch of fortifications which is the oldest in China and provides dramatic views of the city. Take in the defensive stronghold as you walk along its length then journey to the Tangbo Art Museum. Browse through an array of Shaanxi folk artwork and age-old masterpieces before trying your hand at the ancient art of calligraphy. In the late afternoon, transfer to the train station for your high-speed bullet train to Chengdu. Soak in China's picturesque rural landscapes before arriving in Chengdu where you will have a walk around the Jinli Ancient Street.

• Day 8: Chendgu to Guiyang

  Meet Chengdu's most famous residents on today's trip to the Panda Breeding and Research Centre. Concerted efforts to save this beloved endangered animal have increased the centre's population to 120 giant and 76 red pandas. Watch the comical creatures napping, snacking and playing in natural enclosures before continuing on to People's Park, a green oasis in the city centre. Next, transfer to the train station and board your high-speed train to Guiyang. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel for dinner.

• Day 9: Guiyang to Kaili

  After breakfast, set out for a morning of sightseeing, starting with a visit to the grand Jiaxiu Tower. Wander the ornate interior of this structure built in honour of the province's great intellectuals then continue on to Qingyan Ancient Town. Travel back to 14th century China as you explore this preserved town and its stone pavilions, ancestral halls and watchtowers. Delve deeper into the country's colourful culture as you journey to the city of Kaili, home to the Miao ethnic minority, for your overnight stay.

• Day 10: Kaili

  China is home to 56 ethnic groups, each with their own distinctive culture, and the city of Kaili is the ideal base from which to explore the villages of some of its most fascinating ethnic minorities. After breakfast, drive to the Zhenyuan Ancient Town of the Miao people, founded in 202BC. Although it covers a mere 1.2 square miles, this amazing settlement boasts over 160 scenic spots, including palaces, caves, temples and a spectacular central river. After a walk around the town, visit the imposing temple complex of Black Dragon Cave before travelling onward to Langde Miao Village to witness the daily life, customs and dress of the Miao people. Return to Kaili for the night.

• Day 11: Kaili to Guilin

  Your cultural experience continues as you make your way to the Matang Gejia Village. Witness the colourful clothes of the Gejia people, created using a traditional dyeing method, and delve into their rich, unique customs and traditions. At the nearby village of Shiqiao Miao, learn more about the villagers' ancient paper-making traditions and wander amongst their simple but elegant log houses as they go about their daily activities. In the afternoon, board your bullet train to Guilin, arriving in time for dinner and your overnight stay.

• Day 12: Guilin

  Take in some of China's most dazzling scenery on today's trip to the rice terraces of Longsheng. Known locally as 'dragon's backbone' for their shape, these stepped terraces of rippling, multi-coloured rice fields are set on dramatic mountain slopes. Journey to the Zhuang Minority Village for fascinating insight into the lives of the Zhuang people, renowned for their vibrant headdresses, hospitality and culture of singing and dancing. Explore the village with its stilted houses and multi-storey wooden buildings before returning to Guilin for the night.

• Day 13: Guilin to Shanghai

  See China from a new perspective as you embark on a boat trip down the Lijiang River. Sail between karsts and past riverside villages and verdant rice paddies on a breath-taking journey that showcases rural China at its best. After lunch on your boat, disembark in Yangshuo and walk along West Street, a shopping area with a fascinating mix of Eastern and international elements, where traditional jade stores lie next to Italian cafes. This evening, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai where you will be transferred to your hotel on arrival.

• Day 14: Shanghai

  Enjoy the day at leisure, giving you the chance to explore Shanghai at your own pace. Why not stroll along the waterfront promenade of the Bund, dine in the eateries of the French Concession area or take the day to relax back at your hotel.

• Day 15: Shanghai to UK

  After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK or continue on to your extension.