Days 1-2: Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing on day 2 after an overnight flight, you’ll be met by your local guide and transfer to your hotel for a 3 night stay (approx. 1hr drive). Beijing is China’s charming capital city, with a wealth of rich history blended with modern appeal. The remainder of the day will be at leisure, and there will be a tour introduction either in the evening or the next day.

Day 3: Beijing
Take a walk through Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares into Beijing’s famous Forbidden City for around 3-4 hours of sightseeing. Experience a rickshaw ride through a series of ancient hutongs to meet a local family, and later visit the Temple of Heaven where you can either watch or take part in an outdoor dance performance. Enjoy Peking duck for dinner in the evening.
(Please note that the Forbidden City is closed on Mondays, so if day 3 of your tour falls on a Monday, it will be switched around so you can visit on an alternative day 

Day 4: The Great Wall
 After an early start, you’ll drive to the Juyongguan Pass (approx. 2hrs), where you can take a walk on the first section of the famed Great Wall of China. After a brief introduction to the rich history of the Great Wall, there will be some leisure time to explore this epic landmark at your own pace. Later on you’ll visit the Jade Factory and enjoy a walk through the Summer Palace.

Day 5: Beijing – XianIn the morning you’ll be transferred to Beijing airport for a 2 hour flight to Xian, a thriving cultural hub home to some of the country’s most historic sites, architectural marvels and delectable cuisines. Take a walk through Xian’s bustling Muslim Quarter and then enjoy a feast of traditional Chinese Shui Jiao dumplings, as well as a Tang Dynasty dance show in the evening.

Day 6: Xian
In the morning you’ll be exploring the Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses (approx. 1 hr drive from the hotel) which displays the life-sized Terracotta Warriors. Afterwards, you’ll visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop where smaller models of the warriors are created. Later, take a stroll along Xian’s well preserved city walls with some leisure time to explore. 

Day 7: Xian – Yangtze River Cruise
In the morning there is a 1hr 30min flight to Wuhan. Upon arrival, take a 5-6hr drive to the Maoping docks and board a cruise ship for a 4 night journey along the stunning Yangtze River (subject to river conditions and water levels). You’ll be handed a detailed itinerary for each day of the cruise (please note that there are many steps when embarking/disembarking the cruise ship).

Day 8: Yangtze River Cruise
Day 8 includes a visit to the Three Gorges Dam, which is the world’s largest hydroelectric dam. You’ll disembark the cruise ship and take a 20 minute drive to a scenic viewing spot above the ship locks where you can admire this marvel. There will be around 1 hour of sightseeing, before you return to your ship and sail through the Xiling Gorge - the deepest and longest of the famed three gorges.

Day 9: Yangtze River Cruise
Enjoy an excursion to the Shennong Stream gorges on a smaller vessel and later on as your cruise ship heads upstream, there will be some stunning vistas as you pass the Qutang gorge, the shortest and most spectacular gorge and Wu gorge, which is renowned for its lush mountains and cliffs. You may alternatively travel along the Goddess Stream gorges depending on local river conditions. 

Day 10: Yangtze River CruiseAfter disembarking from your ship you’ll take a short bus transfer to the Jade Emperor Scenic Area, which boasts the world’s largest image of the Jade Emperor standing at 100ft, as well as over 200 Buddhist and Taoist sculptures to admire (you’ll be off the ship for around 3hrs). You may alternatively visit Shibaozhai Temple or Fengdu Ghost City, depending on local river conditions.

Day 11: Yangtze River Cruise – Guilin
You’ll check out of your boat cabin early in the morning and disembark in Chongqing, where you’ll visit the Chongqing Zoo panda exhibit and meet some wonderful giant pandas and red pandas. Afterwards you’ll board a bullet train to Guilin (approx. 5 hrs). The rest of this day is at leisure to explore Guilin, one of China’s most beautiful cities that is renowned for its surrounding mountains.

Day 12: Guilin 
Enjoy a relaxing 4 hour cruise along the Li River in Yangshuo, where you’ll spend 1 night. Look forward to admiring breath-taking rural landscapes including dramatic limestone karsts and passing charming fishing villages. Afterwards, you’ll walk to your hotel with your local guide (approx. 30mins – electric carts can be hired at an additional cost). You’ll have some time to visit Yangshuo’s colourful local markets.

Day 13: Yangshuo – Guilin
Spend the morning exploring Yangshuo’s beautiful countryside. Afterwards, drive back to Guilin and visit the Reed Flute Cave which is home to colourful stalactites and stalagmites, and the South China Pearl Factory where you’ll learn all about South China’s pearling industry. You’ll stop for a photo along the banks of the Li River with the chance to meet a local cormorant fisherman.

Day 14: Guilin – Shanghai 
In the morning you’ll take a stroll around Ronghu Lake, witness the Chinese-Buddhist Sun and Moon Pagodas and discover the well-preserved Ancient South Gate. Afterwards, there is a 2 hour afternoon flight to Shanghai, where you’ll stay for 2 nights. In the evening there is a cruise along the Huangpu River which offers panoramic city views and allows you to witness a mixture of modern buildings and historical architecture.

Day 15: Shanghai 
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Shanghai’s city centre (approx. 3-4 hours on foot). Explore the traditional Chinese style Yu Garden and visit the city’s old town, which is home to lots of colonial buildings. Take a leisurely stroll along the Bund to admire various architectural marvels, then visit the Silk Factory and learn about China’s production of silk. In the evening, enjoy an ERA acrobatic performance.

Day 16: Depart Shanghai 
Spend some last moments at leisure in Shanghai before you are transferred to the airport from your hotel for your international flight home.