China Delights

Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East'. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Sightseeing today begins with a visit to the classical Yu Garden and a stop in the old town before admiring the colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund. Round off the day with a delicious meal of traditional Shanghainese cuisine.

Wander the vibrant streets of Tianzifang, stop by a silk mill, then explore the futuristic district of Pudong. Head up Jin Mao Tower for sweeping views of Shanghai's dramatic skyline. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.

Suzhou's centre has managed to retain a sense of quaint charm even as the city has grown up around it. Renowned for its traditional gardens, visit the Humble Administrator's Garden, typical of the Chinese appreciation of balance and harmony. Later, cruise on the thousand-year-old Grand Canal.

Travel to the water town of Wuzhen, known for its timber buildings and narrow canals. Enjoy a Chinese wine tasting experience before continuing to the garden city Hangzhou.

A restful morning is spent wandering around the Temple of Inspired Seclusion, one of China's most renowned Buddhist temples. Cruise on Hangzhou's West Lake, admiring the gardens, pagodas and old bridges on its shores. Later, browse the bustling local markets and visit the plantations of Meijiawu to enjoy a cup of organic green tea and learn the teamaking process, from bush to brew.

Fly to the beautiful city of Guilin. Visit Reed Flute Cave to admire the colourful stalagmites and stalactites.

Begin today with a relaxing cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery and grazing buffalo. Wander through the cobbled streets and visit a local market.

Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of emerald-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Begin your day with an invigorating Tai Chi class led by a local master, followed by a soothing Chinese reflexology massage. Spend the rest of the morning exploring the countryside and enjoy some time at leisure in the afternoon.

Return to Guilin by road then board the bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province.

Travel to Leshan to visit the UNESCO-listed Grand Buddha which, at 71 metres, is the world's largest stone-carved Buddhist monument. Get a bird's eye view of the Buddha from the adjacent park, then a short boat trip will give excellent views from the river. Return to Chengdu and in the evening, sample a delicious Sichuanese meal.

Visit the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to see and learn about China's celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Later, take the bullet train to Xian, the ancient former capital.

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 horses. Also visit the workshop of the craftsmen to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts.

Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town then quench your thirst with a beer tasting experience at a local brewery. This evening, sit down to a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Try your hand at traditional Chinese calligraphy then board the bullet train to Beijing, China's capital.

Spend the morning soaking up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Next, head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. A Chinese acrobatic show rounds off the day.

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 sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. Visit a jade factory before spending the afternoon enjoying the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace, wandering through traditional Chinese gardens and seeing the exquisite architecture. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner of Peking duck.

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.