Flying on British Airways depart from London Heathrow early this afternoon on a direct overnight flight to Beijing (11 hours).

Arriving in the Chinese capital this morning, transfer to the Prime Hotel, located on the famous Wangfujing Avenue. This afternoon there is an option to explore the fascinating Hutongs of Old Peking by pedicab.

This morning visit the incomparable grandeur of the Forbidden City, the once beating heart of the city whose expansive halls and pavilions were home to the all powerful Ming and Qing dynasties. Covering an area of some 720,000 square metres, in imperial days this fabulous enclave was strictly off-limits to the Emperor’s subjects under pain of death. It presents us with one of the most remarkable collections of Chinese imperial majesty anywhere, with some 800 buildings spread across the city, that are filled with a vast array of artefacts from the Ming and Manchu eras. The afternoon is taken up with a visit to the glorious Temple of Heaven, a true masterpiece of 15th century design and for many the high point of Ming architecture, which for over half a millennia was the centre of the ceremonial and cultural workings of the court of the Chinese emperors. This evening enjoy a traditional dinner of Peking Duck.

One of the highlights of the journey is a visit to the magnificent Great Wall of China at Mu Tian Yu, surely one of the world’s greatest archaeological sites and one of China’s most iconic and enduring treasures. Covering some 5,000 kilometres and spanning some 2,000 years, this incredible structure stretches from China’s eastern coast into the inhospitable landscapes of the Gobi Desert, its very walls infused with the rich history of this fascinating land. Less commercialised than other sections of the wall, Mu Tian Yu affords the opportunity of experiencing one of the true wonders of the ages as it snakes across a timeless landscape of plunging valleys and purple hills, its superbly preserved walls and imposing watchtowers offering a true glimpse of the dominating splendour of the Ming emperors that built it.

This morning pay a visit to the UNESCO site of the Summer Palace, where successive dynasties created a haven of Chinese Gardens and ornate pavilions, around the tranquil waters of Kunming Lake. Once the summer retreat of the emperors, it is a haven of serenity and includes the ornate marble boat that was commissioned by the Empress Dowager Cixi, apparently utilising funds originally intended for the Chinese navy. This afternoon fly to Xi’an (1 hour 45 minutes), for 2 nights at the Sheraton Hotel.

Xi’an was the ancient capital of China that served 11 different dynasties and was traditionally the starting point of the famous Silk Road that ran to the very borders of Europe. Its fame today though lies in it being the home of the astonishing Army of Terracotta Warriors of the Emperor Qin Shi Huangdi, considered by many to be the 8th Wonder of the Ancient World. A visit to the tombs today, with its 8,000 life-size Terracotta Warriors, bronze chariots and collection of antique weaponry, is without doubt one of the cultural high points of our trip. There will be an opportunity to take in the expansive wonders of this spectacular setting with a local guide, before returning to Xi’an later this afternoon, where you will visit the Big Goose Pagoda and the Bell Tower, before attending a traditional dance performance and dinner.

After a morning visit to the Hang Yan Ling tombs, board the flight to Chengdu (55 minutes) and transfer to the Crowne Plaza Hotel for 2 nights. The provincial capital of Sichuan, Chengdu dates back to the 4th century BC and today provides visitors with a fascinating mix of lively backstreets, teahouses and artisans. The city is also home to the Giant Panda Research Centre and afternoon sightseeing will include a visit to the centre. This evening there will be a traditional Sichuan hot pot dinner.

This morning visit the superbly preserved 7th century Wenshu Monastery, a temple dedicated to the Buddhist god of wisdom whose history hails from the Tang Dynasty. In the afternoon drive to Leshan, home to the gigantic figure of the Grand Buddha, known as Dafo, and the temples and mountains that surround it, Leshan makes for a fascinating experience. Carved from the sandstone cliffs that dominate the confluence of the Dadu, Min and Qingyi rivers, the statue measures an impressive 71 metres and is considered the largest Buddhist sculpture in Aisa. The statue took approximately 90 years to complete and faces west towards the mystical peaks of Emi Shan. Take a boat ride onteh lake before returning to Chengdu for overnight.

Morning visit to Dazu (approximately 2½ hours), famed for its extraordinary cave sculptures dating from the 9th century and numbering some 50,000. Lying to the north west of Chongqing, the cave sculptures of Dazu are amongst the most comprehensive in China, spanning some 400 years and incorporating Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian influences. Encompassing thousands of sculptures and carvings, the main sites at Bei Shan and Baoding Shan are rich repositories of work dating back to the 9th century. Continue to Chongqing (approximately 2½ hours), and embark the China Regal Cruises ship for the next 4 nights.

Cruising along the mighty Yangtze spend the next three days admiring the extraordinary beauty of the stunning ‘Three Gorges’. Traversing a landscape that has been the inspiration of artists for centuries, enjoy the rare tranquillity of one of the most breathtaking settings on the planet, including the dramatic Wu Xia Gorge and its twelve ‘Fairy Peaks’.

Passing a timeless tableau of rural China, where ethereal mountain peaks and steep canyon walls present an ever-changing backdrop, make your way to the imposing spectacle of the huge Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric project, which towers some 185m above the river and whose completion is set to change the face of this idyllic landscape forever.

Relax and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Yangtze River.

Disembarking in Jingzhou lying within the confines of its ancient town walls, on the north bank of the Yangtze river. Jingzhou’s museum is a rich repository for a wealth of Western Han artefacts dating back to the 3rd century BC and set to become a regional highlight. Continue by road to Wuhan for the flight to Shanghai (1 hour 15 minutes). A vibrant mix of modern style and colonial heritage, Shanghai is one of China’s most dynamic cities. Spend 2 nights at the Mayfair Hotel.

A tour of Old Shanghai, taking in the impressive Shanghai Museum, with its fine collection of Ming ceramics, and the elegance of the Yu Garden, is followed by a chance to stroll along the famous ‘Bund’, Shanghai’s renowned waterfront. The rest of the day is free for further exploration of the city that was once dubbed the ‘Paris of the Orient’ at your own pace. Alternatively, you may prefer to spend some time shopping along Nanjing Road before returning to the hotel.

Today take a flight to the classic landscapes of Guilin (2 hours 15 minutes), a spectacular vision of karst mountain landscapes and seemingly endless rivers that have been captured on Chinese scrolls for millennia. On arrival transfer to the Sheraton Hotel for a 2 night stay.

A morning cruise along the picturesque Li River takes us through some of Guilin’s most majestic scenery, passing an ever changing landscape of limestone outcrops and enchanting fishing villages as you travel to the bustling market town of Yangshuo. These spectacular limestone landscapes are amongst some of the most beautiful anywhere in China, where buffalo and cormorant fishermen share the vistas with a seemingly endless series of karst pinnacles that rise up from the lush, green valleys that hug the course of the Li’s meandering journey. After visiting the town return to Guilin for the evening.

Today has been left free to enjoy at leisure, with an option to take a trip out to the extraordinary geological formations of the Reed Flute Caves and the grand cavern of the ‘Crystal Palace of the Dragon King’. From the summit of Fupo Hill you can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view across Guilin’s unique vistas, before returning to the city for the evening flight to Hong Kong (1 hour 25 minutes) for 2 nights at the Sheraton Hotel.

Time in Hong Kong is free to explore this vibrant and cosmopolitan city. You can explore Kowloon’s famous waterfront, or take the tram to the top of Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island. Why not visit some of the many outlying islands, or enjoy a trip on the famous Star ferry, taking in one of the most renowned cityscapes on the planet? Alternatively you could try practicing your bargaining skills at the popular Stanley Market. Your Tour Manager will assist with any optional tours.

With a late checkout available there will be time to relax before the British Airways departure back to London (13 hours).

Arrive London Heathrow in the early morning.