Leave London Heathrow by British Airways flight to Beijing (11 hours).

Arrive Beijing in the morning, where you will be met and transferred to the Shangri-La Hotel. Beijing has been China’s political and cultural centre since the Mongol warlord Kublai Khan made it his capital in 1264 and this afternoon drive to the Hutongs north of the Forbidden City for a pedicab ride through the city’s hutongs. On arrival transfer into rickshaws for a tour of the small, narrow lanes, visiting a family en route.

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. Afternoon visit to the Temple of Heaven.

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. This evening enjoy dinner at a traditional Peking Duck restaurant.

Take a morning flight to Xi’an (1 hour 45 minutes), en route to the city 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. Continue to Xi’an for a 2 night stay at the Shangri-La Hotel.

A full day visiting the highlights of China’s ancient imperial capital, including the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, the Bell Tower and the 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. This evening, attend the Tang Dynasty Show

Flying on to Shanghai (2 hours), transfer to 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.

Today is free to enjoy at your own pace in this vibrant city. A bustling multicultural metropolis at the mouth of the Yangtze, Shanghai is a fascinating mix of modern panache and colonial heritage. A city of nearly 20 million, Shanghai has risen from post war austerity to become one of China’s fastest developing cities, with a style and vibrancy very much in keeping with its meteoric rise. Home to an excellent museum and the fascinating architectural treasures of its famous Bund district, Shanghai is fast asserting itself as the ‘Paris of the Orient’, enjoying its reputation as a shoppers’ paradise and benefitting from the culinary expertise of some of the finest restaurants in the country. If your visit is between May and October, you may like to visit the Shanghai Expo 2010.

Following a morning at leisure, transfer to the railway station for the rail journey to Suzhou (approximately 1 hour). Transfer to the Shangri-La Hotel for an overnight stay. Suzhou is China’s very own Venice, a once important silk centre famed for its picturesque canals and classical gardens. Enjoying a golden age during the 16th century, it retains something of its elegant grace amongst the horticultural masterpieces. This afternoon visit the ornamental Lingering Garden and take a boat trip along the canals.

This morning’s sightseeing in Suzhou includes a visit to the Humble Administrators Garden and a silk factory. After lunch return to Shanghai by road, travelling directly to the airport for the late afternoon flight to Guilin. On arrival in Guilin you will be met and transferred to the Shangri-La Hotel for you 2 night stay.

Guilin lies along the western banks of the Li River, nestling amongst the limestone landscapes of the Guangxi Zhuang province, making it an ideal base from which to explore the region’s canvas of verdant plains, lakes and rivers. With a history stretching back over 2 millennia and some of the most breathtaking scenery in the country, this is one of the most beautiful regions in China, its landscapes reputed to be the ’finest under heaven’ according to Chinese proverbs. A morning cruise along the picturesque Li River through some of Guilin’s most majestic scenery, passing an ever changing landscape of limestone outcrops and enchanting fishing villages as you journey to the bustling market town of Yangshuo. After visiting the town return to Guilin and take a trip to the summit of Fubo Hill, for a panoramic view across Guilin’s unique vistas.

After a morning at leisure, take a trip out to the extraordinary geological formations of the Reed Flute Caves. Transfer to the airport for the flight to Hong Kong to connect with the British Airways flight back to London (13 hours).

Arrive London Heathrow in the early hours of the morning.