China Revealed: Top to Toe

Arrive to Beijing, China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Soar up to the summit by a scenic chairlift or cable car ride and walk on the ancient stones, immersing yourself in the magnificence of its engineering and the landscapes it crosses. Choose a thrilling descent by toboggan ride or the more serene cable car. You will then have an opportunity to visit a jade factory, where you can buy a small handcrafted piece. Jade is revered throughout China, it is said to bring fortune and prosperity to those who wear it. Enjoy the afternoon strolling through the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace.

This morning, 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. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys of the warren-like hutongs and learn more about living in this traditional area. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. This evening, enjoy a Wangfujing street foodie tour.

Enjoy a day at leisure. Unwind in your hotel or soak up the local culture with some optional sightseeing. You could embark on a shopping tour of the Beijing Silk Market or take a trip to the bustling Hongqiao Pearl Market brimming with jewellery and accessories. Or weave your way through the narrow alleys of the Hutong's, admiring the ornate Lama Temple – the biggest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Beijing!

Board the bullet train to Xian, the former ancient capital. In the evening, enjoy a Shui Jiao dumpling meal and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

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. Tonight, enjoy a foodie tour around the Muslim Quarter.

Transfer to the airport and board your flight from Xian to Zhangjiajie, a scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars, rising from misty folds of subtropical forest and cloaked in vibrant green vegetation, Zhangjiajie's striking beauty is unforgettable.

Begin the day with a ride in the remarkable Bailong glass elevator. Embedded into the mountain, the elevator soars up the mountain side to a towering height of 326 metres in as little as two minutes! Soak up the amazing views of the 'First Bridge under the Sun' and Hallelujah Mountain. Continue to Emperor Mountain and Helong Park before taking a cable car down. Later, explore Jinbian Stream and the Ten-Mile Natural Gallery with a ride on the scenic train. End the day with a scenic sampan cruise on Lake Baofeng, a turquoise expanse of water amongst picturesque karst scenery.

Explore the colourful stalagmites and stalactites of the Huanglong Cave, stretching over 120 acres in area. Later, brace yourself for an exhilarating walk across Zhangjiajie's Glass Bridge, the world's longest and highest glass-bottomed bridge spanning 430-metres over the Grand Canyon.

Soar up the heights of Tianmen Mountain in the world's longest cable car, a 7-kilometre journey taking approximately 40-minutes. Atop the Mountain, marvel at Tianmen Cave, nicknamed 'Heaven's Door', standing proudly at the top of 999 steep steps and take a thrilling walk along a glass skywalk, aptly named the 'Walk of Faith'. Stop by Jun Sheng Sandstone painting gallery then transfer to the rail station for a bullet train to Changsha.

Step into history at the Yuelu Academy, a historical hub of learning nestled by the scenic Mt. Yuelu. Explore the lush gardens of Orange Island and take a visit to the Hunan museum.

Travel by bullet train to Chengdu, home of the celebrated Giant Panda. Later in the day, head to a local food market and tuck into some authentic Chengdu street food.

Spend the morning getting to know China's most famous resident, the giant panda, at Chengdu's Panda Conservation Centre. Later, soak up the culture at People's Park. People-watching here is an endless pleasure, from the lively locals playing mahjong to the parents searching for suitable partners for their children in Matchmaker's Corner.

Transfer to the airport and board your flight to Shanghai, a great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th century temples. Enjoy the rest of your day at leisure and unwind in your hotel or start exploring the bustling city.

Today we visit the peaceful Yu Garden and the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the historical waterfront Bund, before visiting the Silk Factory. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise.

Enjoy a day at leisure. You could discover the ancient and tranquil water towns of Shanghai on a Zhujiajiao City Tour. Alternatively, take a shopping trip to Shanghai Qipu Road, and be guided through Shanghai's largest wholesale clothing market packed with the latest trends.

Transfer to Shanghai airport for your onward travel arrangements.