On arrival to Beijing Airport, you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Please note that no meals have been arranged for today.

This morning you’ll visit Tiananmen Square and tour the amazing Forbidden City - headquarters of the Imperial Emperors for more than 500 years. After lunch visit the tranquil settings of the Temple of Heaven and time permitting, you can take in some retail therapy at the Silk Street Markets. In the evening partake in a sumptuous Peking Duck dinner, which is one of China’s most famous signature dishes. (BLD)

Today you’ll journey to the Great Wall of China and be overwhelmed as you walk along one of the greatest man-made structures in the world. You’ll also visit the Ming Tombs in the Shisanling Forest, resting place for 13 of the Ming Dynasty emperors. In the evening you have an option** of attending the widely acclaimed Kung Fu Show. (BL)

After breakfast you’ll visit the Beijing Olympics site to stroll around the main venues such as the Birds Nest and Water Cube and then on to the magnificent Summer Palace retreat and a boat trip on Kunming Lake. This afternoon you’ll board a flight to Xi’an where you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to the hotel. (BL)

The highlight of today’s tour is one of China’s most amazing archaeological wonders - the Terracotta Warriors. Marvel as you study the 6,000 plus life-sized clay soldiers and their horses. Later you’ll visit the large Wild Goose Pagoda and in the evening enjoy dinner whilst being entertained by the colourful performance of the Tang Dynasty Cultural Show. (BLD)

In the morning you’ll visit Xi’an’s City Wall, which is the best preserved of its kind in China. You’ll also be intrigued by the Shaanxi History Museum, which has a wonderful collection of artefacts on display. Later you’ll transfer to the railway station and board an express train to Luoyang - home of the beautiful Peony* which is China’s national flower. On arrival in Luoyang, your guide will meet you and transfer you to your hotel^. (BL)

Your itinerary today includes a venture to the renowned Longman Grottoes adjacent to the Yi He River. The grottoes stretch for roughly 1 km and are a rich collection of artworks comprising pagodas, stone tablets and thousands of sculptures. In the afternoon visit the sacred White Horse Temple, which is where early Buddhist scriptures and statues were first received after their journey from India. (BL)

Today you’ll depart Luoyang and travel by road to the legendary Shaolin Temple, origin of the famous Kung Fu discipline and Zen Buddhism. This is a must see for martial arts enthusiasts as you’ll watch in amazement as the monks demonstrate their incredible skills. Continue on to Zhengzhou and on arrival have a brief tour of the city and transfer to your hotel. (BL)

Depart Zhengzhou for the airport where you’ll take a flight to Shanghai. Your guide will be waiting at the airport and transfer you to the hotel. (BL)

In the morning visit the Jade Buddha Temple and admire the peaceful Yuyuan Gardens in Shanghai’s old city quarters. Afterwards, stroll along the Bund to study the architecture of the waterfront promenade and snap up a bargain in the busy markets of nearby Nanjing Road. In the evening enjoy a BBQ style dinner and cap off your day with a breath-taking performance by the Shanghai Acrobatic Show. (BLD)

After breakfast depart for the wonderful Suzhou, which is renowned for its beautiful stone bridges, pagodas and meticulously maintained gardens. You’ll visit the Silk Spinning Factory, Luzhi Water Village and the Master of the Nets Garden, which is reported to be the most balanced design of all the gardens in China. Later you’ll continue to Hangzhou where you’ll check in to your hotel. (BL)

This morning, we take a cruise on the beautiful West Lake - another national treasure of China. You’ll then visit the Liuhe Pagoda Museum before touring Lingyin Temple and one of the many splendid Tea Plantations. Here you’ll gain a wonderful insight into the culture of tea and sample some of China’s finest brews. Tonight you’ll enjoy a local specialty dinner in Hangzhou. (BLD)

Today you’ll drive back to Shanghai where you’ll discover the Pudong Development Area and gain an eagle’s eye view from either the Oriental Pearl Tower. The remainder of your day is free to venture about and maybe grab some last minute shopping and relax at the end of your tour. (BL)

Bid farewell to Shanghai and transfer to the airport for your onward flight (B)

Download a printable Tour Brochure - 396Kb