Ni hao, and welcome to sprawling Beijing! Your adventure begins in China’s captivating capital, home to over 20 million people and millennia of fascinating history.
Upon arrival, take an included transfer to your opulent hotel for check-in, after which you’ll have time to explore freely. Choose to step out into the perpetual motion of city life, or sink into elegant comfort ahead of a whirlwind day tomorrow.
One of the world’s great megalopolises, Beijing’s distinctive architectural feats and cultural heritage are an ever-evolving story, stepping boldly forth with futuristic innovation.
Acquaint yourself with the city’s complex past as you visit historic Tiananmen Square – one of the largest public squares in the world – then pass through the southern gate of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Forbidden City for a glimpse at the imperial palace, home to China’s emperors for over 500 years. Wander the sprawling complex on a private tour, weaving through courtyards and passageways that hum with history.
This afternoon, continue to Beijing’s thousand-year-old ‘hutongs’ – narrow alleys through the city’s oldest neighbourhoods – offering a path into the daily lives of the locals. After, spend your evening at leisure.
Leave behind city life as you strike out for the utterly breathtaking Great Wall of China. Travel to Juyong Pass, carving an imposing line through the valley of the Changping District. Surrounded by mountains on either side, this is one of the most historically significant and impenetrable segments of the Great Wall. Admire the vast mountain scenery as you walk along this architectural wonder, then continue to a local jade factory for the opportunity to witness a traditional trade and maybe purchase a handcrafted souvenir.
On your return to Beijing, conclude a day of architectural accomplishments with a visit to the astounding venues constructed for the 2008 Olympic Games. Stand in awe at the outskirts of the famous Bird’s Nest stadium, then admire the bubbly design of the Water Cube aquatics centre.
This evening, perhaps you’ll choose to join an optional opera outing, with the chance to experience traditional Chinese music during an acrobatic kung fu performance.
Optional activities:
- Beijing Opera & kung fu show (from CNY380 per person, to be paid locally).
After an energising breakfast, start your morning with a visit to the Temple of Heaven, an imperial religious complex that emperors of the Ming and Qing Dynasties once visited to pray for a good harvest. Today, its place in the heart of Beijing society is evident from the groups gathering before it to perform tai chi, dance and sing.
After seeing this incredible temple, you’ll wave goodbye to Beijing’s busy streets as you board your Second Class cabin on a high-speed G train to Xi’an. Once you’ve checked in at your hotel, the evening is yours to spend freely.
Wake to breakfast and the promise of an adventurous day in Xi’an, where China’s dynastic legacy is built into the 14th-century city walls.
Set off for one of China’s most treasured sites to see the jaw-dropping Terracotta Army. One of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the 20th-century, this vault of terracotta-sculpted warriors is credited to the rule of unified China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Since its unexpected discovery, archaeologists have pored over the individual faces and assembled masses of these solemn statues in search of historic insights.
Sit down to a refreshing local lunch, then continue to the Muslim Quarter to lose yourself in the enchanting stalls and alluring aromas of typical street foods, from moreish roujiamo buns to freshly served liangpi.
Later, return to your hotel for the rest of your day free to spend as you desire.
This morning, take another high-speed G train to sprawling Shanghai, where old world character blends with modern innovation. Spend your day among the action, taking a turn around the renowned Yu Garden and into the vibrant Yuyuan Bazaar.
For those seeking a different vantage, choose to join an optional Huangpu River cruise for a tour of Shanghai’s sweeping cityscape, witnessing the international buildings that mark the western bank, as well as the eye-catching Lujiazui skyline, defined by its towering trio of skyscrapers (surcharges apply).
This evening, travel on to Suzhou, the ‘Venice of the East’, where you’ll check in at your sophisticated hotel for a night at leisure.
Optional activity:
- Huangpu River cruise (from CNY300 per person, to be paid locally).
Greet the day at the breathtaking Master of the Nets Garden, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its tranquil atmosphere and classical Chinese composition. Along Pingjiang Road, admire the charming old buildings that line the canals, then search for traditional souvenirs and local snacks down the narrow lanes.
Your day concludes with a visit to a local silk factory, where you’ll see firsthand how the fine material is spun from raw mulberry cocoons. Tonight, rest easy in your comfortable hotel.
After one last breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to say goodbye to charming China as you transfer to Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), where your adventure comes to a close.
