Leave London Heathrow in the evening by Virgin Atlantic Airways non-stop flight to Beijing (code-share flight operated by Air China).

Arrive in Beijing where you will be met and transferred to the Shangri-La Hotel

This morning’s sightseeing takes in the contrasting settings of Beijing’s heart, where the grandiose monuments to Imperial and Communist power sit side by side. Tiananmen Square is the largest open urban setting on earth, housing both the imposing Monument to the Heroes and the final resting place of Chairman Mao. Opposite stands the Forbidden City, the once imperious refuge of the Ming and Qing emperors, but today a rich repository of the grandeur of China’s imperial past. This afternoon there is the option to enjoy a pedicab ride through the city’s hutongs.

Travel to Mu Tian Yu to visit the Great Wall of China, one of the great wonders of antiquity, begun over two millennia ago and today an enduring testimony to the might of the Ming Dynasty. Returning to Beijing the rest of the day is free.

After taking in the wonderful delights of the Summer Palace take an afternoon flight to Xi’an, for a stay at the Shangri-La Golden Flower Hotel.

A full day visiting the highlights of China’s ancient imperial capital, including the Big Goose Pagoda, the Bell Tower and impressive Army of the Terracotta Warriors. Discovered by chance in 1974, these 8,000 life-size replicas are without doubt one of the highlights of any journey into China’s fascinating past

En route to the airport today, visit the often over-looked Hang Yan Ling Imperial Tombs on the outskirts of Xi’an, a magnificent mausoleum complex built by the Western Han emperor Liu Qi in 153 AD. Flying on to Chongqing embark on the Viking Century Sky cruise ship for your 5-night Yangtze cruise.

The following days are spend cruising along one of the most inspiring landscapes on earth, taking in the breathtaking spectacle of the ‘Three Gorges’ and the Wu Xia Gorge and enjoying a unique glimpse of a part of Chinese life that will soon disappear forever. With a chance to learn something of its remarkable engineering project and the effects it will have on these timeless vistas, the journey along the Yangzte takes you west, towards the city of Wuhan.

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Disembark in Wuhan and fly to dynamic Shanghai, where tradition and modernity meet, for your stay at the Pudong Shangri-La Hotel.

A morning tour of Old Shanghai takes in the Museum and the famous 16th century Yu Yuan Gardens, a stunning example of Ming design. The tour ends at the famous Bund district and the chance to shop for souvenirs on busy Nanjing Road. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy at your own pace in this vibrant city.

Day at leisure, with an optional excursion by rail to Suzhou, where sightseeing will include the ornamental Master of the Nets Garden. Please advise at the time of booking if you would like to take this optional trip (Price £40 per person).

Fly Virgin Atlantic Airways this morning back to London Heathrow.