Leave London Heathrow in the afternoon by British Airways non-stop flight to Beijing (11 hours).

Morning arrival and transfer to the Doubletree Hilton Hotel. This afternoon there is an option to explore the fascinating Hutongs of Old Peking by pedicab.

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. Tonight enjoy a special Peking Duck dinner.

Morning Tai Chi lesson - a great way to participate in and actively learn about China’s rich traditions. Over 45 minutes, you will discover the importance of Tai Chi’s role in Chinese culture, including the emphasis on correct breathing and enjoy an advanced display from your expert master. The lesson will be held in the grounds outside the Temple of Heaven where the local people do their daily exercise. The lesson is followed by 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. In the afternoon, 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. Today 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.

In the morning fly to Xi’an (2 hours) where you will 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. Accommodation is at the Sofitel on Renmin Square.

Take a tour of the old part of the city, the 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. The afternoon is at leisure.

Morning flight to Guilin (1 hour 45 minutes), one of China’s most beautiful destinations. Transfer to the Sheraton 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 (2 hours 10 minutes), in the afternoon visit old Shanghai, including the Yu Yuan Gardens and experience a tea ceremony. Set in the beautiful Yu Yuan Gardens, the famous Mid Lake Pavilion teahouse dates back to the Qing Dyansty. Enjoy a tea ceremony where you can choose from a wide selection of tea with a demonstration of the process before sampling your choice. 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 £49 per person).

Morning transfer to the airport by the Maglev Train for the British Airways non-stop flight to London Heathrow, arriving in the afternoon