Day 1: Beijing

     Saturday. Huan ying, welcome to Chinaand the start of your holiday! Airport arrival transfer and hotel check in. Overnight – Beijing

Day 2: Forbidden City

     This morning, we tour the centre of Beijing including the massive Tiananmen Square and the sprawling Forbidden City. Boasting some 9999 rooms, the city within a city was once the sole preserve of the Chinese emperors. Afternoon rickshaw ride through the Hutongs of Beijing and welcome dinner this evening. Overnight – Beijing

Day 3: The Great Wall

     Today, we drive beyond Beijing to Badaling, to walk a section of the famous Great Wall. Built in the Ming Dynasty, a 6m wide pathway makes a formidable defence, following the highest contours of a steep range of hills. Tonight, we attend a Chinese acrobatic performance. Overnight – Beijing

Day 4: Summer Palace

     Beijing – Xi'an. Strong stomachs today, if you are game to try a few unusual delicacies in the local street market. Later we visit the Silk Alley markets and the Summer Palace, set on Kunming Lake. A drive past the 2008 Olympic stadium commonly referred to as the 'bird's nest' and aquatic center. Overnight – Sleeper train to Xi'an

Day 5: Terracotta Warriors

     Arrive Xi'an and hotel check in. Later we tour the Terracotta Warrior archaeological site where some 7,000 warriors stand in battle ready position and a factory demonstrating how the warriors are crafted. Tonight, optional Tang Synasty Bolt-on, with dinner and performance. Overnight – Xi'an

Day 6: Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

     Xi'an – Beijing. Early this morning you can opt to undertake our Giant Panda bolt-on by visiting the Shaanxi Rare Wildlife Rescue and Breeding Centre, a 2 hour drive from Xi'an. The centre offers care to a small number of injured Giant Pandas in the region. There are also many other rare animals including golden monkeys, black bears, leopards, white lipped deer and vultures to be seen. Alternatively, spend the morning at leisure before visiting the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and enjoying a bicycle ride atop the Xi'an City Wall. After, enjoy an early dinner before boarding the overnight express train bound for Shanghai. Overnight – Sleeper Train to Shanghai

Day 7: City Tour

     Focus your eyes on spectacular Shanghai. Perhaps China's most modern city, its amazing Pudong skyline is stunning. We enjoy a tour of the many city sights including Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple and The Bund, with a cruise on the Huangpu River. Overnight – Shanghai

Day 8: Water Canals

     Shanghai – Suzhou – Shanghai. A sort of oriental Venice, ancient Suzhou is interwoven by a series of canals and pretty waterways. We enjoy a cruise on the Grand Canal, tour the Humble Administrator's Garden and visit a silk workshop. Overnight – Shanghai

Day 9: Shanghai

     Sunday. Shanghai. Our tour ends after breakfast and onward departure transfer to airport.