Essential China

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • Arrival in Beijing

  Our adventure begins in the bustling capital, Beijing. We will receive a warm welcome from our guide at the airport before transferring to the hotel. We then have the rest of the day at leisure to settle into our new surroundings.

• Day 2 • Beijing

  Discover Beijing's rich heritage as we step back in time to an era when mystery and incredible power reigned. We start at Tiananmen Square and get an overview of China's communist history. This is the symbolic heart of China and it can accommodate one million people. We then embark on an in-depth exploration of the Forbidden City, the power base of Chinese emperors for centuries. This contains the Imperial Palace Museum, which details the history of each dynasty, represented in four palatial halls with antiques and treasures from the Ming to the Qing dynasties. This was the ceremonial and political centre of government for almost 500 years. In the afternoon, we take a 40-minute transfer and explore the Summer Palace. This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises walkways, gardens, palaces and lakes. Stroll around and admire the beauty of the setting along with the ancient architectural structures and collections of cultural relics. Breakfast is at the hotel. Lunch is at a local restaurant. Welcome Dinner with famous Beijing Roast Duck.

• Day 3 • Beijing

  We embark on a 90-minute scenic drive to the Juyongguan section of the wall, which is less visited than the famous Badaling stretch. Built as a form of defence by millions of soldiers and peasants, the wall is a remarkable feat of engineering and archaeologists estimate that it once spanned nearly 10,000 km. Construction continued over the centuries, with the most impressive portions built during the Ming Dynasty. The Great Wall holds a prominent place in Chinese military history. After local lunch, continue with the Temple of Heaven, which was founded in the 15th century. This features a complex of fine buildings set in gardens, surrounded by pine woods. The layout and the individual buildings symbolise the relationship between heaven and earth, the gods' world and the human world and the special role played by emperors within this association. The temple provides a unique opportunity to see the capital's past and present exist in cohesion side-by-side. Dinner is free at leisure.

• Day 4 • Beijing | Xi'an

  We head to the train station and embark on a four-hour-plus train journey from Beijing to Xi'an, travelling in second class. (Supplement of USD 55 per person for a first-class ticket) Xian is the capital of Shaanxi Province and the first of China's Four Ancient Capitals, having been chosen by no fewer than 13 dynasties. Upon arrival, we transfer to the hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure.

• Day 5 • Xi'an

  We explore Xi'an's ancient historic past that dates back over 3,000 years, as we discover the Terracotta Warriors. A highlight of the tour is the acclaimed site of the Terracotta Warriors which consists of 8,000 figures built under the order of the emperor to accompany him to the afterlife. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, it remains one of the largest archaeological sites in the world. In the afternoon, we visit a terracotta replication factory to observe how craftsmen replicate the iconic statues. Lunch at local restaurant. In the afternoon, visit Small Wild Goose Pagoda, built in 709 as a tribute to Emperor Tang Gaozong. Commissioned by the Buddhist monk Dai An to house sacred scriptures, it has become a symbol of the city. Continue with a visit to the Great Mosque, founded in 742 and considered the oldest in China. Then explore the bustling Muslim Quarter, a lively maze of alleys, market stalls, colourful lanterns, and spice-scented shops. Local specialty of Dumpling Dinner, another essential experience before leaving Xian.

• Day 6 • Xi'an | Guilin

  After breakfast at the hotel, we transfer to the Airport for our domestic flight to Guilin, flying economy class. Guilin is situated in the southern Guangxi region and it is one of China's most beautiful locations. It features rugged karst mountains and meandering waterways that snake through an idyllic rural countryside of verdant rice terraces. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, visit Fubo Hill, located on the banks of the Li River. Named after a famous general, this scenic hill rises in the heart of the city. After climbing several hundred steps to the summit, you'll be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view of rice fields, rivers, and karst peaks. The rest of the day is at your leisure.

• Day 7 • Guilin | Yangshuo

  After breakfast, we are collected from our hotel and taken on a transfer to pier where we board the Li River Cruise, one of the most memorable experience in Guilin. The scenery along the river is simply breathtaking : the water winds its way through soaring karst peaks, lush green rice paddies, charming riverside villages, bamboo groves and traditional fishing boats. Simple lunch box on board. After disembarking, you will have free time to soak in the rural charm of Yangshuo, a picturesque town known for its laid-back atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings. In the afternoon, drive back to Guilin.

• Day 8 • Guilin | Shanghai

  Discover Shanghai's rich treasure chest of architectural styles in China's most dynamic city. We board a flight from Guilin to Shanghai Pearl of the Orient a bustling metropolis that is both futuristic and deeply traditional. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel with the rest of day at leisure.

• Day 9 • Shanghai

  All day at leisure to explore this pulsating metropolis. Visit the Mandarin Yu Garden, a 16th-century masterpiece in Ming style that recreates the typical southern Chinese landscape with ponds, rocks, and streams. Visit the nearby Bazaar for a souvenir shopping time. Continue to Jade Buddha Temple, home to revered white jade statue brought from Myanmar. Finally, the famous Bund, Shanghais iconic waterfront promenade. Return to hotel, with dinner free at leisure. Overnight in Shanghai Metropark Jichen or similar.

• Day 10 • Departure Shanghai

  All good things must come to an end and today sees our ten-day adventure draw to a close. Before transferring to the airport for our onward flight, we may have time to embark on some, independent, solo sight-seeing