DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Beijing.
On arrival in Beijing you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for two nights. The rest of the day is yours to begin exploring this vibrant city, glorified by 13th century Mongol leader Kublai Khan as the capital of his empire. (D)

DAY 3: Beijing. Included Great Wall of China.
An included full day tour of the legendary Great Wall of China at Juyunguan Pass. Stretching approximately 4,000 miles and dating back to the Ming period, this startling edifice will stay etched in your memory forever. Other highlights include the Summer Palace, with its ornate pavilions. In the evening, enjoy a Peking Duck dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Beijing - Xian.
This morning you will fly to Xian. Upon arrival visit the ancient city wall, built in 1378 and surrounding the old city, before transferring to your hotel for two nights. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Xian. Included Terracotta Warriors.
Today sees one of the real highlights of your trip as we visit the first emperor's funeral vault to see the amazing Terracotta Warriors. Nothing will prepare you for this incredible display of 8,000 life-sized model warriors, chariots and horses. In the evening, enjoy the Tang Dynasty show, which includes dinner at the Tang Palace Theatre & Restaurant. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Xian - Chengdu.
The day begins with an included sightseeing excursion to the Wild Goose Pagoda, after which you will fly to Chengdu for one night. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Chengdu - Leshan - Mount Emei.
Today you will journey through the beautiful scenery to Leshan, where you will see the largest stone Buddha in the world. Carved into a mountain it is said to date to the Tang Emperor, Tang Xuanzong (713 AD). Continue to the foot of Mount Emei, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, for your overnight stay. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Mount Emei - Chengdu.
Today you will explore the impressive Mount Emei. Travelling to and from Wannian by cable car, you will visit Wannian Temple. In the afternoon return to Chengdu. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Panda Base Research Centre. Chengdu - Chongqing. Yangtze River.
This morning will surely be one of the highlights of your tour, a visit to the Panda Base Research Centre. You will have a chance to learn about these wonderful animals, as well as view them up close. This afternoon you will take a train to Chongqing where you will transfer to the MV President No. 6 for your three-night Yangtze River cruise. Note: Your price is based on a cabin with a balcony. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Yangtze River.
Today we visit the Ghost City of Fengdu. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Yangtze River.
Another unforgettable day, with a shore visit to the Lesser Three Gorges (or Shennong Stream). You will also pass through Qutang Gorge, Wu Gorge and the west section of Xiling Gorge. Your cruise boat will then glide through the dramatic Three Gorges Dam Five Stage Ship Lock. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Yangtze River - Yichang - Shanghai.
Today visit the Three Gorges Dam project, before sailing through the east section of Xiling Gorge. After lunch you will disembark your cruise at Yichang and transfer to the airport for an afternoon flight to Shanghai, where you will spend the next two nights.
Note: If there is no direct flight from Yichang to Shanghai, disembark in the morning to visit the dam site before driving to Wuhan (approx. five hours), where you will board an alternative flight. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Shanghai.
Immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Shanghai and tour the surreal Yu Yuan Garden, with its Ming Dynasty miniature landscapes and the famous Jade Buddha Temple. This afternoon is free for you to explore at leisure, perhaps visiting The Bund, Shanghai's famous riverside boulevard, or the Shanghai Museum, where you can learn about past and future life in the city. After dinner, enjoy an included acrobatic show. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Shanghai - Suzhou. Included sightseeing.
This morning travel to Suzhou by train. Suzhou is famed for its silk industry and was dubbed the 'Venice of the East', because of its many ancient canals and bridges. Your full day tour includes a visit to a silk reeling factory and a short cruise on the small canal. You will also visit the ancient street on Santang which is home to traditional style houses. This evening, musicians with classical Chinese instruments, folk singers and dancers will entertain you in Suzhou's scenic Garden of the Master of the Nets. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Suzhou - Beijing.
Your day begins with a visit to Luzhi, a small town near Suzhou, famous for its traditional houses and small canals. You will have the opportunity to experience local life, before returning to Suzhou for a visit to the exquisite Lingering Garden, and dinner. This evening, board an overnight train to Beijing.
Note: Accommodation on the train will be in private sleeper compartments. Each carriage has two toilets and a wash room. There is also a dining car with a small bar on board. For your convenience, baggage will be checked through to Beijing. Checked baggage will not be accessible during the journey so plan to pack an overnight case. (B, L, D)

DAY 16: Beijing.
On arrival in Beijing, enjoy breakfast before visiting the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world. This afternoon, check in to your Beijing hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, relaxing or exploring at your own pace. (B, L)

DAY 17: Beijing - UK.
Transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK. (B)