China: The Big One

Fly to Beijing, China's historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is at leisure. (D)

Stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Next, visit Yandaixiejie Street where there's time to wander the hutongs. These narrow alleys offer a glimpse of old Beijing. (B/L)

Visit Huanghuacheng, a particularly scenic section of the Great Wall. Reached by boat it boasts particularly spectacular views from the top. Spend the afternoon at leisure exploring colourful Qianmen Street and Dashilan area. In the evening, enjoy an optional Peking duck dinner. (B/L)

Explore the beautifully designed grounds of the Summer Palace, including the Long Corridor and the Marble Boat. Spend time strolling along pretty Kunming Lake and walk up wooded Longevity Hill. Make a photo stop at the Olympic Park. (B/L)

Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, a masterpiece of Chinese architecture and orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Take the bullet train to Xian. (B/L)

Spend the morning marveling at the life-like warriors and horses, learning their fascinating history. Later, cycle or walk the 9-mile city wall surrounding Xian's old town before exploring the lively Muslim Quarter. (B/L)

The day is free at leisure to explore Xian or opt to explore the dramatic peaks of Mount Hua, one of China's most sacred mountains. (B)

Take the bullet train to Chengdu. The rest of the day is at your leisure. (B)

Visit the Chengdu Panda Conservation Centre and see these adorably charming bears up close. Later, walk around People's Park, Matchmaker's Corner, Wide and Narrow Alley, and stop by a local teahouse for a cup. (B/L)

Fly to Lijiang, set in the foothills of the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. (B)

Take a cable car to one of the high meadows and enjoy the vistas. Visit the minority Naxi village and admire the fascinating Baisha frescoes painted during the Ming Dynasty. (B/L)

Enjoy the day at leisure or trek to Tiger Leaping Gorge, through dramatic cliffs and down into the gorge itself. (B)

Discover Lijiang's historic old town. Drive to the ancient town of Shaxi, nestled deep in the Himalayan foothills and learn about the minority people who call it home. Drive to Dali. (B/L)

Enjoy the day at leisure or take an optional cable car up Cangshan Mountain to explore. (B)

Visit the Three Pagodas and the Old Town. Also stroll along Foreigner's Street and enjoy time at leisure. In the afternoon, drive to Kunming. (B/L)

Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest. Return to Kunming to visit Green Lake Park and have an evening at leisure, perhaps enjoying the vibrant Wenhua Alley district. (B/L)

Take a bullet train to Guilin and walk around the lakes before enjoying the evening at leisure – you may wish to stroll down Zhengyang Street. (B/L)

Today, there is an option to take a four-hour hike in the stunning rice terraces of Longji. Otherwise, spend more time in Guilin. (B)

Take a gentle cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo. Lined with dramatic limestone cliffs, the serenity of life on the riverbanks is a wonderful sight. Take a walk through this idyllic wonderland and get an insight into life here. There's an option to hike to the top of Ruyi Peak for epic views. (B/L)

Start the day with an invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure or take part in an optional activity. (B)

Visit the Reed Flute Cave before taking a bullet train to Chongqing. Explore the charming old town of Ciqikou at leisure before boarding your Yangtze cruise vessel. (B/D)

A cruise down the Yangtze reveals some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next few days, visit the Three Gorges Dam and enjoy various side trips and shore excursions. Disembark your cruise vessel, then travel by bullet train from Yichang to Shanghai. (B/L/D)

Wake up to the buzz of Shanghai and take a breakfast walking tour between shimmering skyscrapers and traditional streets. Visit Yu Garden, the old town, a silk factory, stroll along the Bund and cruise along Huangpu River. (B/L)

Join the optional day tour to delightful Zhujiajiao, or spend time at leisure in Shanghai. This evening, enjoy the ERA show and a delicious farewell dinner. (B/D)

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