Day by Day

Days 1-2 Fly to Shanghai

Fly overnight to the exuberant city of Shanghai, called ‘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.

Day 3 Zhujiajiao Canal Town

Visit Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai’s sleepy water towns, built on an old canal system once used to transport goods allover imperial China. The town’s narrow alleyways exude old-world charm, whilst the waterways are lined with ancient buildings and crossed by stone bridges. Return to Shanghai and enjoy the fine arts and antiquities of the Shanghai Museum. Dinner is traditional Shanghainese cuisine.

Day 4 Discover Shanghai

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 traditional Yu Gardens and the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund before enjoying the1920s architectural styling of the Xintiandi area. This evening view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.

Day 5 Fly to Xian

Fly to Xian, the ancient former capital.Tonight feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings before a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Day 6 Terracotta Warriors

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. Later stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town.

Day 7 Fly to Beijing

A relaxed morning includes a visit to the lovely Little Wild Goose Pagoda and time to walk through the atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter, which are lined with Islamic food stalls. Later, fly to Beijing, China’s capital city.

Day 8 Forbidden City

Heading to Beijing’s symbolic heart, stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape, before an evening watching a Chinese acrobatic show.

Day 9 Great Wall of China

This morning is dedicated to China’s mosticonic sight – the Great Wall. Taking awalk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. Jade has been long cherished by the Chinese and at the Jade Museum you can understand and appreciate the delicate process of carving the stone and buy a piece if you wish. Savour an afternoon in the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you see the traditional Chinese gardens and exquisite architecture. Today’s sightseeingis the perfect way to build up your appetite for Beijing’s best known delicacy– Peking Duck.

Day 10 Fly Beijing to UK

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