Day 1
Depart on your scheduled flight to Beijing.
Day 2
Arrival in Beijing, where you will be met by your Tour Manager and Chinese guide. Transfer to your hotel for a three night stay. During the afternoon you will be taken on an introductory city tour including Chang An Avenue and the strikingly beautiful Temple of Heaven.
Day 3
Today we visit the heart of Beijing – Tian an men Square, bordered by the Qianmen Gate, the Great Hall of the People and the Gate of Heavenly Peace. We will proceed through the gate, which forms the entrance to the incredible Forbidden City, to marvel at the magnificent buildings which house the Imperial Palace.
After lunch we see the pandas at the world-famous Beijing Zoo, before continuing to the magnificent, 800 year old Summer Palace, the largest and best preserved of all imperial palace gardens.
Day 4
This morning we visit the incredible Great Wall which is some 3,800 miles long and at least 2,600 years old. It winds like an immense dragon through the hills of northern China and passes within 40 miles of Beijing at Badaling, where it is wide enough to allow five horsemen to ride abreast. We have time to walk along the historic ramparts before lunch, followed by a visit to the Ming Tombs where thirteen emperors are buried. During the evening there will be a special Peking Duck Dinner.
Day 5
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Xian. On arrival transfer to your hotel for a two night stay. Afternoon tour of Xian, including the Goose Pagodas and dinner at your hotel this evening.
Day 6
We visit to the site of this Terracotta Army at Li Shan Mountain. The recent archaeological discoveries have staggered the imagination, for it is here that the Qin emperor was interred in 200BC with at least 6,000 life-size terracotta figures representing the individuals of the Imperial Guard. During the day you will also see the impressive tombs of Han Emperor Liu Qi, and his wife Empress Wang, which hold thousands of burial objects, including pottery figurines, chariots and weapons. In the evening, join our optional Tang Dynasty folklore show.
Day 7
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival transfer to your hotel for a three night stay.
Day 8
Shanghai is a vibrant and exciting city. Highlights on our sightseeing tour include the thronging shopping thoroughfare of Nanjing Road, the traditional Old Town, the Yu Yuan Gardens and beautiful Jade Buddha Temple, and time to stroll along The Bund, the city’s famous riverside boulevard. This evening there is an included visit to an Acrobatic Show.
Day 9
Join our full day tour by train to Suzhou, situated on China’s historic Grand Canal, and famous for its gardens and traditional architecture. Sightseeing includes the Lingering Garden and the Humble Minister’s Garden. A cruise on the canal and lunch are included.
Day 10
Transfer to the airport this morning for your return flight to the UK via Beijing. As you are travelling westwards your arrival will be later the same day.