Treasures of China

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.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to walk to the Temple of Heaven and try some local food. Stay: Xiao Xiang Hotel (Comfortable)

Today we drive out to a renovated part of the Great Wall at Mutianyu, situated 90km north of the city. Began 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. It is incredible to think that this wall spans the entire country! Here there is a 2km section to walk along with watchtowers and views of the surrounding countryside. En route we may also get to visit a cloisonné workshop where you can see examples of this ancient metal-working technique. Stay: Xiao Xiang Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

Our journey begins today with a drive to the impressive expanse of Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing, covering some 40 hectares and enclosed on all sides by memorials to the past and present. After visiting the square we will cross to the magnificent Forbidden City, the one-time home of the Ming and the Manchu (Qing) emperors and a treasure trove of eastern wares. So named, because for 500 years it was off limits to all but a privileged few, the Forbidden City is the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China, covering an area of 720,000 square metres and containing an incredible array of some 800 buildings.

Later this afternoon we take an overnight train to Xian - a great way to cover large distances and travel truly as a local. Berths are usually in 1st class 'soft sleeper' compartments. They are lockable and have 2 sets of bunks sleeping 4 people; clean bedding is provided. WC and washbasins for shared use are at the end of each carriage and hot meals and snacks are usually sold to your berth during the journey. In times of particularly high demand we may have to travel in 2nd class 'hard sleeper' which consists of sectioned off compartments for 6, leading off an open plan carriage. Stay: Overnight Train from Beijing to Xian (Simple) (B)

We arrive in Xian this morning and after taking breakfast at the hotel we begin to explore. 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 Big Wild Goose Pagoda (64m, a 7-storey high structure with a superb overview of the city) and the Great Mosque, a wonderful 15th century working mosque within the old Muslim Hui District, which we include in our sightseeing tour. The afternoon is free but highly recommended is an optional visit to the Shaanxi National Museum which takes us through a million years of Chinese history. Stay: Union Alliance Atravis Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

Today we 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 late afternoon we board the high speed bullet train to Chegdu. Stay: Chengdu Furong Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

This morning we drive to the Panda Research Centre to see the animal synonymous with China. Operational since 1990, the centre covers an area of some 92 acres and is home to a many Giant Pandas, who roam in their large leafy enclosures. The ultimate aim of the centre is to reintroduce Giant Pandas back into the wild, in such numbers as to ensure their survival, and the centre's nursery has enjoyed a success rate with new-born pandas over the past few years that has been quite extraordinary. After our visit we will return to the city and transfer to the local railway station for the bullet train to Chongqing. Stay: Hoi Tak Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

This morning we visit the cliff sculptures at Baoding Shan (Precious Summit Hill). It is fascinating to wander beside the many brightly painted images carved into the rock face, amongst the most impressive of which is an enormous reclining Buddha, 31m long and 5m high! We then return to Chongqing for dinner before boarding our riverboat for a two and a half day cruise along the Yangtse River. The longest river in China, the Yangtse runs through nine provinces forming a delta in the south which has attracted a very high population density to the region. In addition, the river flows through important industrial centres which form the economic heart of China. We travel on board an iconic Yangtse river boat fully equipped with two berth air-conditioned cabins. Our boat carries approximately 150 passengers with your fellow travellers likely to come from a variety of different countries. Stay: Yangtse River Boat (Comfortable) (B)

Today is spent relaxing on board as the scenery of the Yangtse drifts by. During the journey the boat will stop and visit Shibaozhai, the Precious Stone Fortress, a dramatic 9 storey temple set at the top of a 20o m tall cliff. In the afternoon the boat will make a stop at the Fengdu 'ghost town' and you'll be able to alight and explore this large complex of shrines, temples and monasteries dedicated to the afterlife. Stay: Yangtse River Boat (Comfortable) (B/L/D)

Our journey will take us 193km through the 'Three Gorges', each one spectacular in its own way. The first is Qutang Gorge which is only 8 km long. This was always considered a treacherous but necessary part of the river as it was the only way to reach Sichuan province from the eastern lowlands, which are surrounded by impassable mountains. After passing through Qutang Gorge, we enter Wu Gorge and take a side trip up Shennong stream to admire some of the smaller gorges feeding in to the Yangtse. Wu Gorge is 40km long and it follows a relatively calm stretch of river. Surrounded by hazy mountain peaks, this mystical section of the Yangtse is steeped in legend. After passing the Shennong stream we'll go through the Three Gorges Dam via the ship elevator. This is a great way to pass through this amazing engingeering project and gives us an opportunity to see the dam up close as well as from both sides. Later this evening, we'll take part in the famous captain's farewell dinner. Stay: Yangtse River Boat (Comfortable) (B/L/D)

This morning we enter the eastern section of the final of the three gorges, Xiling. Once renowned for its fast flowing rapids but now tamed by the Three Gorges Dam we'll cruise by as we have breakfast and disembark the cruise. We will then transfer to Yichang East train station and take a the bullet train to Guilin. We arrive in the early evening and check in to our hotel. Stay: Dan Gui Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

After breakfast we head to the MoPanShan Dock where we board our boat on the Li River and cruise to Yangshuo. Lunch is taken aboard the boat during the journey as we pass along the most scenic stretch of the river. We will pass paddy fields, villages and stunning limestone scenery en route. An afternoon arrival in Yangshuo offers the opportunity to explore this laid back town. During this free time you may wish to take one of the optional bike rides or walks in the surrounding villages. Alternatively you could head to one of the many limestone pinnacles around the town, the best known being the Moon Hill. Stay: New Li Jiang Hotel (Comfortable) (B/L)

Yangshuo has a lot to offer so the day is left free for you to explore at your own pace. You can walk into the surrounding karst summits or hire a bike and cycle through country back lanes. Alternatively, you can soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful riverside town. You may want to practice your bartering skills in the local market - selling batiks and silk paintings, or you may be tempted to buy a 'Little Red Book'. This evening you may choose to go to an amazing sound and light show (optional). Stay: New Li Jiang Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

Departing Yangshuo we drive to Guilin where we board a flight 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'. This wide avenue is a good place to start to get to know the city. Stay: Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Shanghai (Comfortable) (B)

Today we make a city sightseeing tour to visit the famous Jade Buddha temple with its white jade statues, continuing on to the 16th Century Yu Yuan Gardens. We also visit the museum which houses some very good examples of Ming pottery. In the evening you may wish to see the city's world famous troupe of acrobats (optional). Stay: Holiday Inn Express Zhabei Shanghai (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)