Leave London Heathrow in the afternoon by British Airways non-stop flight to Beijing.

Morning arrival and transfer to the Xiyuan Hotel. In the afternoon there is the option of visiting the Summer Palace once the traditional summer residence of the Qing Emperors. Three quarters of the Summer Palace park is occupied by Kunming Lake and the design emphasis is on beautiful gardens and waterways.

Morning visit to Tiananmen Square before entering through the 15th century Meridian Gate into the Forbidden City of the Chinese Emperors. This huge complex with its red walls, yellow-tiled roofs and marble bridges and walkways, was both the administrative centre of the empire and the residence of the imperial family. The afternoon is at leisure with the option of exploring the intricate network of Hutongs by pedicab. Tonight enjoy a special Peking Duck dinner

There are few structures on earth that can evoke the same sense of wonder and awe than the imposing presence of the Great Wall of China. Begun over 2,000 years ago it stretches for some 5,000 kilometres, across a timeless landscape. Today we travel to Mu Tian Yu, where the remarkable sight of the wall snakes across a landscape of lush blanketed mountains above a plunging ravine.

In the morning fly to Xi’an where we visit the astonishing burial site of Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi (3rd century BC) with its army of 8,000 life-size Terracotta Warriors. Discovered by chance in 1974, the site overnight made Xi’an one of China’s most popular tourist destinations and has been hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World. Our accommodation is at the Tianyu Gloria Plaza Hotel.

The day is free with the option of taking a tour of the old part of the city, capital of 11 imperial dynasties and enclosed within its well-preserved Ming dynasty walls. You will take a short walk on the city walls and see the Bell and Drum Towers, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda and the Shaanxi Provincial Museum.

Morning flight to Guilin, one of China’s most beautiful destinations. Transfer to the Guilin Bravo Hotel. The afternoon is at leisure, we recommend a visit to the Reed Flute Caves, with their impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

In the morning enjoy a cruise on the Li River, passing through Guilin’s magnificent scenery of spectacular limestone outcrops and fishing villages. Disembark at Yangshou with its bustling markets, before returning to Guilin.

Fly to Shanghai, in the afternoon visit the famous ‘Bund’ waterfront and old Shanghai, including the Yu Yuan Garden. Stay at the Mayfair Hotel.

You may choose to relax today, or perhaps take an optional excursion by rail to the city of Suzhou on the Imperial Grand Canal, renowned for its classical Chinese gardens and also an important silk–producing centre. Please advise at the time of booking if you would like to take this optional trip (Price £40 per person).

Morning transfer to the airport by the Maglev Train for the British Airways nonstop flight to London Heathrow, arriving in the afternoon.