A Glimpse of China

Arrive in 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.

Today's explorations include a wander through the Shanghai Museum and traditional Yu Garden, as top in the bustling old town and an opportunity to learn about the age-old silk production at a silk factory. Later, admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund and Xintiandi precinct. In the evening view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise - the skyscrapers and glimmering lights are a sight to behold and make Shanghai unlike any other city in the world.

Visit Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai’s sleepy water towns, built on an old canal system once used to transport goods all over 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 your evening at leisure.

Fly to Xian, the ancient former capital. This evening feast on a traditional Shui Jiao Dumpling banquet, a specialty of the region, whilst enjoying a performance of music and dance from the Tang Dynasty.

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. Visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Laquer Exhibition Workshop, and later stroll on the beautifully preserved 14thcentury city walls that enclose Xian’s old town.

This morning visit the fascination Little Wild Goose Pagoda and spend time walking through the atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter, which are lined with Islamic food stalls. Here you will gain an insight into the city's fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. Later, take the bullet train to Beijing, China's historical capital.

Walk across the lengths of Tiananmen Square and into the magnificent Forbidden City. Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Later enjoy a leisurely stroll through Beijing's hutongs, some dating back 700 years. Meet a local family to get a glimpse of old Bejing's rich culture and experience first-hand the unique hutong way of life. In the evening, watch a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show.

This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight- the Great Wall. Reaching the summit by a scenic chairlift or cable car ride, take a stroll its ancient stones, admiring the magnificence of its construction and the dramatic scenery it crosses. Descend back down to the ground via a thrilling toboggan ride or by the more serene cable car. Visit a jade factory to discover this precious stone, believed to bring fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. Spend the afternoon strolling through the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you see the traditional Chinese gardens and exquisite architecture. Today's sightseeing is the perfect way to build up your appetite for Beijing's most famous delicacy - Peking duck.

After check-out this morning you will be transferred to Beijing airport where your arrangements end.