Charms of China

Fly to Beijing, China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

This morning, visit Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, before exploring the magnificent Forbidden City, home to centuries of imperial history and treasures. Continue to the Temple of Heaven, a stunning example of traditional Chinese architecture. This evening, enjoy a delicious traditional Peking duck dinner.

This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. You will then have an opportunity to visit a jade factory, where you have the opportunity to buy a small handcrafted piece. Enjoy the afternoon strolling through the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace and admire the traditional Chinese landscapes and exquisite architecture.

Board the bullet train to Xian, the ancient former capital. Take a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the lively Muslim Quarter and gain an insight into the city's fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling dinner and Tang Dynasty dancing show.

After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and visit the workshop to see where they are intricately recreated. Return to Xian and round off the day with a refreshing beer tasting at a local brewery.

Fly to Zhangjiajie, where breathtaking landscapes of towering sandstone pillars and lush forests await. On arrival, visit Huanglong Cave, an impressive underground wonderland of vast caverns, dramatic stalactites and underground rivers.

Begin the day with a ride in the remarkable Bailong glass elevator. Embedded into the mountain, the elevator soars up the mountain side to a towering height of 326 metres in as little as two minutes! Soak up the amazing views of the 'First Bridge under the Sun' and Hallelujah Mountain. Continue to Emperor Mountain and Helong Park before taking a cable car down.

Soar up the heights of Tianmen Mountain in the world's longest cable car, a 7-kilometre journey taking approximately 40-minutes. Atop the Mountain, marvel at Tianmen Cave, nicknamed 'Heaven's Door', standing proudly at the top of 999 steep steps and take a thrilling walk along a glass skywalk, aptly named the 'Walk of Faith'.

Drive 4-hours to Yichang where you will board your Yangtze River cruise vessel for the next four-nights.

A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases this massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next three days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another, take a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.

Disembark from your cruise vessel in Chongqing and board a bullet train to Congjiang, in Guizhou Province. Continue to Zhaoxing Dong Village, one of China's largest Dong settlements. This large and well-preserved Dong village, considered one of the most beautiful villages in China, gives a fascinating glimpse into the life and culture of this ethnic minority people.

Explore the beautiful Tangan Rice Terraces, taking in the sweeping views of layered rice fields and surrounding mountains. Then drive to Xijiang Miao Village, where you'll enjoy a traditional Miao meal accompanied by the famous “Mountain & River” rice wine-pouring ceremony.

Discover Guizhou's ethnic heritage with visits to Langde Miao Village, where you'll enjoy a traditional music and dance performance, Shiqiao Papermaking Village to see handmade paper being produced, and Qingman Embroidery Village to admire intricate Miao embroidery, before continuing to Guiyang.

Today, visit two of Guizhou's most notable attractions. Drive to Huajiang Canyon Bridge, the world's highest bridge, standing 625 metres above the Huajiang Grand Canyon before continuing on to Huangguoshu Waterfall, one of China's most famous waterfalls.

Transfer to Guiyang Airport and fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East'. On arrival, transfer to the city and enjoy a cruise along the Huangpu River, offering views of Shanghai's iconic waterfront.

Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Today's explorations include the Yu Garden, a silk mill, and the quaint old town before admiring the colonial architecture along the Bund. Also visit the Jin Mao Tower for incredible views of the city's skyline.

Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.