China Explorer

Arrive in Beijing; China's capital and its political and cultural centre. The city has been the capital for most of the period since Kublai Khan made it the capital of his mighty Asian Empire in the late 1200s. All clocks in this vast country are set by Beijing time despite the westernmost regions being some 5000kms away.

For those arriving on time our Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Beijing at any time. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into either Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) which is one hour to one hour and 30 minutes' from our hotel or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) which is one hour and 15 minutes to one hour and 45 minutes' drive away. Should you miss the welcome meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up the next morning. Stay: Xiao Xiang Hotel (Comfortable)

Beijing is the political and cultural centre of this vast country. This morning you will have a guided tour of Tienanmen Square and the iconic Forbidden City, the one-time home of the Ming and the Manchu (Qing) emperors and the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in the whole of China.

The afternoon is left free to visit the Temple of Heaven or just walk through the famous Beijing Hutongs, narrow alleys formed by traditional 'siheyuan' courtyard residences. Stay: Xiao Xiang Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

It's a busy day today as we drive out of the city to Mutianyu to visit the Great Wall. Its construction commenced in the 3rd century BC by Shi Huangdi, thousands of conscripted workers laboured on it and many lie buried in its brick and stone ramparts. Returning to Beijing we are scheduled to leave the city this evening on the sleeper train. The main railway station is a hive of activity. Stay: Overnight Train from Beijing to Xian (Simple) (B)

We arrive in Xian in time for breakfast. We make the short journey from the train station on foot. Our stay in Xian reveals the extraordinary continuity of Chinese civilisation. Xian (Changan) served 11 dynasties and was the very starting point of the Silk Road between Central Asia and Europe. Its ancient monuments include the Great Mosque, a wonderful 15th century working mosque within the old muslim Hui District. There is also the option to visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a 7-storey high structure with a superb overview of the city. Stay: Jie Fang Hotel (Simple) (B)

Today we take the public bus and visit one of the highlights of any visit to China - the magnificent Terracotta Warriors and Horses who guard the Qin Shi Huangdi Tomb. There are literally thousands of lifesize warriors, dating from 200BC. This dramatic find of the 1970s is considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the century. We should have time to stop at the on-site factory to see how the warriors are made today. In the early evening we take the overnight sleeper train to Suzhou. Stay: Overnight Train: Xian/Suzhou (Simple) (B)

Suzhou sits astride the Grand Canal which was completed in 610AD and linking the Yellow River with the Yangtse, and Beijing with Hangzhou, the 1,800 km Grand Canal was a magnificent engineering feat. Over the centuries it has transported food north from the fertile lands in the south. Over 2,500 years old, Suzhou is sometimes called the 'Venice of the Orient' with a series of bridges, canals and ancient buildings. But a little of Suzhou's special magic lies in its famous gardens, perhaps the most beautiful in all China. This afternoon we have time to explore this lovely old town with the option to take boat ride on the pretty canals or visit to the large 'Humble Administrator's Garden' which has streams, ponds and beautifully decorated pavilions scattered throughout. Here water reflects land and provides a fresh tableau at every turn. Stay: Gu Su Hotel Suzhou (Simple)

We continue our exploration of the town. There is time to make an optional visit to the 'Lingering Garden' which features a man-made mountain and lake, garden courts and elegant buildings, a real contrast to the garden from yesterday. Early afternoon we catch the train to Shanghai. Shanghai is one of Asia's most vibrant and dynamic cities. It began as a fishing village in the 11th century, but after the end of the first opium war and of the five newly opened treaty ports Shanghai soon became the most cosmopolitan city, with Asian, Russian, European and Jewish influences. Here were cabarets and ballrooms, fine shops and satirical newspapers, and with such style and influence Shanghai was dubbed the \ Paris of the Orient\ . Today its elegant past is still noticeable as you walk down 'the Bund\ . Stay: Railway Mansion (Comfortable) (B)

Time in Shanghai is left free for your own exploration. You may wish to visit the 16th century Yu Yuan Gardens or stroll along the Bund. Stay: Railway Mansion (Comfortable) (B)

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Shanghai.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Shanghai at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you need to depart from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA), which is 45 minutes from our hotel, or Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) which is one hour and 15 minutes' away. (B)