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

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 soft sleeper train for Datong where you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to the hotel. (BL)

In the morning visit the incredible Yungang Grottoes, the site of China’s largest and oldest Buddhist stone sculpture collections. The grottoes run for more than a kilometre with an estimated 50,000 carvings adorning the rock faces. In the afternoon visit the Huayan Temple and the Nine Dragon Screen. (BL)

Transfer to Mount Wutai, which is one of the most famous Buddhist mountains in China. With the highest of its 5 peaks reaching 3,058 metres, it’s earned the title of “Roof of North China”. Also visit the gravity defying Hanging Temple of Hengshan Mountain, which was built some 1400 years ago. Later you’ll check-in to your Hotel at Mt Wutai^. (BL)

Today is an extensive tour of the Temples on Mt Wutai, which were built as far back as the Eastern Han Dynasty. With construction spanning across several dynasties, expect to see varying styles that have made Mt Wutai a popular centre for Buddhist activities. After lunch you’ll transfer to Taiyuan - the capital city of the Shanxi Province. (BL)

Depart this morning on a journey to Pingyao Ancient City, which is only 100 km away from Taiyuan. Pingyao has retained its original condition of well-preserved residences and its magnificent barbican gates that were built around 800 BC. Later you’ll return to Taiyuan and board an overnight soft sleeper train to Xi’an. (BL)

On arrival in Xi’an, you’ll be met at the railway station by your guide and transferred to the hotel for breakfast. Then you’ll tour the City Wall, Drum Tower and Shanxi History Museum which is one of the finest in China. You’ll also stroll through the old streets of the Muslim town before taking an interesting tour of the Grand Mosque. (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)

Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)

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