Schedule:

Day 1 Arrive in Beijing
Today you arrive in Beijing, the capital of China, and a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis. You’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel for an opportunity to settle in and look forward to your forthcoming tour through some of the wonders of China.

Day 2 Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Beijing’s hutongs
History shows that Beijing has been occupied for thousands of years but today its heart dates largely from the Ming and Qing Dynasty periods with many older remains too. After breakfast today we will walk from the hotel through famous Tiananmen Square to visit the largest complex in the city from these Ming Dynasty times – The Forbidden City. This was the royal palace and is a massive and grand affair that can provide no better introduction to the city and indeed country. The word ‘hutong’ originally meant a ‘space between two tents’ and dates from Mongol times. You can see how it has given its name to the narrow network of traditional streets, complete with courtyard houses that can still be found albeit in decreasing numbers, in Beijing as we wander on our afternoon tour. This evening is free for you to take in a traditional Peking opera or acrobatic show – all are optional and can easily be arranged via your local guide.

Day 3 The Ming Tombs and Great Wall
One of the great highlights of the trip today as we head out of Beijing. Our first stop is at the superb Ming Tombs. Located 50 km northwest of the city these are the final resting place of no fewer than 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). Perfectly preserved the mausoleums provide an intriguing insight into royal life and death with the tomb of Emperor Zhu Di and his empresses the most magnificent. The Great Wall is one of the world’s greatest sights. The Great Wall is made up of several connecting structures from various periods of time and is known in China as the Wan Li Chang Cheng, or 10,000 League Fortification. The classic image of the wall exists for only a relatively short part of its entire length and we have chosen to visit at Mutianyu, a less-busy section. This section winds 1.4 miles through high hills and ridge, its 8m high sides demonstrate its impregnability. At 4m wide and with both of the inner and outer sides having parapets the wall is less wall and more castle! 22 watchtowers provide communication points. In addition to its strategic location the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall is also famous for its breathtakingly beautiful scenery. After our visit we return to Beijing. Again there is the opportunity to either simply relax or to enjoy optional visits.

Day 4 Free in Beijing; overnight train to Xian
With included sightseeing completed and with a mental map of the city you are today free to explore alone. We recommended rising early to head to Temple of Heaven or Tiantan Park to watch the morning exercises and Tai Chi, grabbing a local breakfast en route. Later why not head to the famous Lama Temple (easily reached by the Metro). The Lama Temple is famous for its five large halls and courtyards each with beautifully decorative archways. This is a treasure-house of Buddhist art with sculptured images of gods, demons and Buddhas along with Tibetan-style murals. Later this evening we board the overnight train (soft-class) for Xian.

Day 5 Train arrives in Xian, city tour
After checking in our city tour today introduces some of the many wonders of this remarkable ancient capital of China. Sat at one end of the Silk Road Xian, or Chang’an as it was then known was home to more than 10 dynasties and has a history that stretches back to Neolithic times. We start our explorations heading from the imposing Bell Tower into the Hui Muslim quarter visiting the Grand Mosque as we go. This amazing structure is traditionally Chinese in look, but is none the less the focus of the city’s Muslim minority. If time allows we may visit our friend Mr. An. Next we take a walk on the city’s walls for amazing views as we next head to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, 4 km south. The pagoda stands in the Da Ci'en Temple complex and attracts numerous Buddhist pilgrims and dates from AD652 and the reign of Emperor Gaozong of the Tang Dynasty (618-907). It takes its name from a legend that where previously meat-eating Buddhist were converted to vegetarianism by a passing goose falling from the sky and the belief that this was a sign they should abstain from meat eating. Returning to your hotel there is time to relax before perhaps taking in one of the city’s unmissable Tang Dynasty shows.

Day 6 The Terracotta Warriors
Immediately recognisable the Terracotta Warriors have been amazing visitors ever since they were discovered by a farmer digging a well. His unwitting find lead archaeologists to unearth the defensive army of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi of the Han Dynasty who, in the 3rd century BC, wanted to assure himself of a well-protected afterlife. His mausoleum some 1.5 km away is the stuff of schoolboy imagination, with secret passages and traps to catch the unwary, Indiana Jones-style. It has yet to be excavated. The life-size warriors are housed in vast pits and it is said that no two are alike. There are horsemen and infantry, officers and other ranks, all frozen in time and the site deserves its UNESCO World Heritage status. On returning to Xian later this afternoon your time is free to explore, perhaps to the renowned Shaanxi Museum.

Day 7 Free in Xian before flying to Chengdu
We have much of today free to relax and explore Xian at leisure before we fly to Chengdu.

Day 8 Pandas of southern China
We are now in Sichuan Province, home to spicy food and, famously, pandas. This morning we set off for the panda research centre where work goes on to increase the numbers of this cute and highly endangered animal. Found only in limited amounts of forest in remote parts of this remote southern region the panda needs all the help it can get. Education is helping, but the main way that assistance is afforded is by helping them breed here at the research centre. You’ll have the opportunity to see pandas “in the fur”, as it were, as you make a memorable visit today! The rest of the day is free to explore Chengdu. Attractions include Wuhou Memorial Temple, Qingyang Palace and Wenshu Monastery for those that want to explore further.

Day 9 Leshan giant Buddha and Emei Shan
Leaving Chengdu we head into rural Sichuan as we make our way to the giant Buddha at Leshan. Famous throughout China and beyond the UNESCO-recognised Leshan Giant Buddha is an incredible feat of engineering and art. A statue of Maitreya (the seated Buddha) it is located at the confluence of the Min, Qingyi and Dadu rivers is Sichuan and dates from 713 during the Tang Dynasty. It was initiated by a monk called Hai Tong to bring the water spirit of the confluence under control. After our visit we continue to the foot of Emai Shan and look forward to our explorations tomorrow.

Day 10 Explore the pathways of Emei Shan
A day hike on the slopes of Emei Shan reveals just why this area has so inspired poets and artists alike. Translating as Eyebrow Mountain after its resemblance, so say locals, to the eyebrow of a girl Mt Emei is the highest of all the “scenic” mountains of China, at 3079m. It is said by some to be the location of the first Buddhist temple in China, dating from the 1st century and indeed the mountain has some 70 Buddhist monasteries from Ming and Qing dynastic periods on its slopes – we’ll visit several as we walk today. Whilst the walking is on steps and clear pathways these can be slippery when wet; a degree of physical stamina and fitness is required to get the most from today. Should you prefer to admire the mountain from a distance alternative arrangements can be made for those preferring not to explore on foot.

Day 11 Transfer to Chengdu and train to Chongqing; board Yangste cruise boat
Today we transfer to Chendu pausing en route to visit the ancient town of Huang Long Xi. From Chengdu we take the train to Chongqing and on arrival board our cruise boat. The cruise boat offers attractive and comfortable on-board en suite cabins and facilities. There’s an Observation Room, bar & coffee shop, ballroom, beauty salon and gift shop.

Day 12 Shore excursion to Fengdu “Ghost City” and Qutang Gorge
Starting at the White Emperor City in the west and ending at Daxi Stream in the east, the Qutang Gorge, or Kui Gorge, known for its magnificence, is “only” 8 kilometres long. The shortest in the world-famous Three Yangtse Gorges, it is the most spectacular. In this section, the Yangtse carves its way through the gorge between the sheer precipices of overhanging mountains on both sides. The mountain peaks are nestled in the clouds, making for some of Qutang Gorge's magnificent views.

Day 14 Three Gorges Dam; Xiling Gorge; disembark and fly to Guilin; transfer to Yangshuo
Three Gorges Project is the largest hydro-electric project in the world. It has helped in flood control, power generation and navigation. A visit to the project is a revelation and a testimony to China’s construction prowess. We disembark at Yichang, and head to Wuhan airport to catch flight to Guilin in the later afternoon. On arrival we transfer to poetic Yangshuo on the banks of the Li River, swapping one type of beautiful scenery for another.

Day 15 Bike ride around Yangshuo
We start our day with a bike ride into the countryside including a visit to a local family where we can have lunch. From here we take a hike up scenic Moon Hill, a famous local spot. On return to Yangshuo you are free to do some souvenir hunting or simply relax with a coffee in one of the little restaurants.

Day 16 Xingping, Li River walk and boat ride to Yangdi
Today we ride bikes to the local village of Xingping (bus available for those that prefer not to ride) then start a lovely the walk along the Li River for a couple of hours. We head to a place named "Jiu Ma Hua Shan" Nine Horses Mountain, where the eponymous horses are painted onto a cliff. We next take a boat ride to Yangdi, a small fishing village. The scenes along the way are typical of this part of China - farmers with their water buffalo, men fishing and a beautiful landscape wherever you look. From Yangdi we take the bus back to Yangshuo.

Day 17 Transfer to Guilin and fly to Shanghai
A transfer to Guilin airport sees us fly from there to Shanghai, the powerhouse of China’s modern economy. On arrival we head out to the famous Jade Buddha Temple housing an important Burmese Buddha image.

Day 18 Walking tour of Shanghai
Setting out today we embark on a walk from famous Nanjing Road to the Bund, visit Yu Yuan Garden in the old part of town and via antique markets to the Old French quarter. Nanjing Road is home to internationally recognisable brands names of the super rich and is the by-word for style and elegance in the city – quite a juxtaposition to what we have been used too. Shanghai sits on the Huangpu River and its waterfront Bund is lined with stately buildings dating from the time when colonial powers had influence here. Today the Bund provided a place for Shanghai residents to relax, walk and in the early morning practice their tai chi and other exercises. Yu Yuan Gardens is a superb example of classical Chinese garden design and dates from the 16th century. Pavilions, water, meticulous planting all combine to create what Pan Yunduan, the gardens’ creator, hoped was a peaceful place for his parents to live out their old age in. This afternoon we visit the Shanghai Museum where over 120,000 precious works of art can be found in eleven galleries and three exhibition halls covering Chinese art, ancient bronzes, ceramics, sculpture, jade, calligraphy and minority nationality treasures.

Day 19 Free in Shanghai
A final day to relax in Shanghai before travelling home. There is much to see and do in this fabulous city and it is even possible to make a day excursion by train to Suzhou, 1 hour away, returning later this evening.

Day 20 Tour ends
The tour ends with a transfer from the hotel to airport.