Glories of China

• 3 Nights Shanghai
• 2 Nights Guilin
• 2 Nightrs Yangshuo
• 2 Nights Xian
• 3 Nights Beijing

Days 1-2 Fly to Shanghai

Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the Paris of the East.

Days 3-4 Explore Shanghai

Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th century temples. Start with a visit to Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai’s sleep water towns. Afterwards see the antiquities of the Shanghai Museum before admiring the magnificent architecture with a stroll along the Bund. This evening enjoy a meal of Shanghai cuisine. The next day, visit the peaceful Yu Gardens and wander the bustling streets of the Old Town and visit the Silk Museum. View the city at night from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.

Day 5 Fly to Guilin

Fly to the scenic city of Guilin. Visit the Seven Star Park which is not only home to two Giant Pandas but also has beautiful scenery to stroll through. The South China Pearl Museum covers the fascinating 1700 year history of pearling in the South China Sea with displays and demonstrations. There are also beautiful pieces available to buy.

Day 6 Li River Cruise

Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming village 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, grazing buffalo and local fishermen.

Day 7 Yangshuo

Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of jewel-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Spend the morning exploring the countryside before having an afternoon at leisure. There are many activities available including cycling, rafting, and walking though you may prefer to relax in the town.

Day 8 Explore Guilin

Return to Guilin and enjoy a leisurely walk around Ronghu Lake and visit Sun & Moon Pagodas for spectacular views over downtown Guilin. This evening watch the famous cormorant fishing show.

Day 9 Fly to Xian

Fly to ancient Xian and visit the lovely Little Wild Goose Pagoda. Tonight feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings before a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Day 10 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 warrior. Visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate Terracotta Warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Watch the skilled production process and buy a souvenir warrior to take home. Later stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town.

Day 11 Bullet Train to Beijing

Board the bullet train to Beijing, the capital of China. On arrival take a rickshaw ride through the warren-like hutongs, visiting a local family to learn about local traditions and culture. Spend your evening soaking up the atmosphere of this fascinating city.

Day 12 Great Wall of China

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 it crosses. Visit a Jade Museum where you can understand the delicate process of carving this stone. In the afternoon savour the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you wander amongst traditional Chinese gardens and view the exquisite architecture. Round off the day with an evening Chinese acrobatic show.

Day 13 Forbidden City

Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. 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. This evening, relish Beijing’s best known delicacy – Peking Duck.

Day 14 Fly Beijing to UK

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