This itinerary visits Shanghai, Xian and Beijing. Included are the must-see sights of the Terracotta Warriors, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. For contrast also visit the historic canal town of Wuzhen.

Days 1-2 : UK - Shanghai
Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’.

Day 3 : Wuzhen day tour
Travel to the ancient canal town of Wuzhen and enjoy a leisurely stroll to absorb the atmosphere of this centuries-old Chinese town. Home to an intricate system of canals,old wooden waterside houses, arch stone bridges, narrow cobblestone streets and an abundance of local handicrafts, Wuzhen is renowned for its old-world charm and picturesque setting. We visit the Taoist Temple, which was the former residence of Mao Dun, a master of contemporary Chinese literature and browse through little stores. Later, return to Shanghai and enjoy a dinner of traditional Shanghai cuisine.

Day 4 : Shanghai
Sightseeing today includes a stroll through the beautiful Yu Gardens and the Old Town as well as a visit to see the superb antiquities and fine arts of the Shanghai Museum which houses over 120,000 pieces of bronze, ceramics, paintings and calligraphy. We also walk along the famous Bund with its colonial architecture and explore the restored Xintiandi area with its unique 1920’s style shikumen buildings. Later we indulge in some shopping along Nanjing Road. In the evening, enjoy a cruise on the panoramic Huangpu River, where the historic Bund and the futuristic Pudong come face-to-face.

Day 5 : Shanghai - Xian
Enjoy the morning at leisure before flying to the former ancient capital of Xian. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling meal followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Day 6 : Xian
Visit one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the Terracotta Warriors, created over 2,000 years ago to accompany Emperor Qin Shihuang into the afterlife. We also walk along the Ancient City Wall.

Day 7 : Xian - Beijing
Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and the renowned Shaanxi Museum which is home to thousands of priceless relics. We also walk through the lively Muslim Quarter, past the Great Mosque to explore the Islamic food markets. Later, fly to Beijing, China's capital city and visit the unique Temple of Heaven.

Day 8 : Beijing
Sightseeing today includes a stroll through Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum to the treasure-filled Forbidden City, which is the largest and best preserved collection of ancient buildings in China from the Ming and Qing Dynasties and houses over 8,000 rooms. Enjoy a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic show in the evening.

Day 9 : Beijing
Walk on the Great Wall to appreciate 2,000 years of historical significance and admire the panoramic views. The Great Wall is China’s most iconic attraction, which stretches over 3,000 miles from the Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west. Also tour the exquisite Summer Palace. Our evening meal includes the local delicacy, Peking Duck.

Day 10 : Beijing - UK
Fly to the UK, arriving home later the same day or the following morning depending on airline chosen.