Best of China

Meet your group over a delicious roast duck dinner then tour the sights of Beijing, including Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven, where you might spot the locals practising calligraphy or tai chi. Walk along the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China, taking in the spectacular views of the wall snaking into the distant mountains. At over 6000 kilometres long, the wall stretches from Shanhaiguan in the east to Lop Lake in the west and is deservedly a World Heritage Site. Back in town, take an informative stroll around Beijing’s hutong backstreets.

Take the overnight train to Xi’an and cycle along the ancient city walls, 14 kilometres long and about 12 metres wide, a great way to get an overview of the area. It takes about two hours to do the full loop, assuming you’ll hop on and off to take pictures and soak up the sights. Explore the markets and food stalls of the Muslim Quarter, and try some of the delicious local foods (watch out – it can be spicy!). Learn about the famous terracotta warriors, an army of stern-faced stone soldiers protecting the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang and built over 2000 years ago.

Trek through the rice fields, villages and orchards to Yangshuo, and enjoy a relaxing cruise on the tranquil Li River, surrounded by picturesque karst scenery. Along the way, keep an eye out for water buffalos and fishermen cruising aboard bamboo rafts. Later, grab your wok and head off to cookery school. Here, have a go at creating the tasty local cuisine yourself, then sit down and feast on the fruits of your efforts.

In the early morning, enjoy an expert-led tai chi class where you’ll learn the basic principles and health benefits of this relaxing mix of yoga and meditation. Later on, travel on to Yangshuo town for a guided walk around the café-lined streets. After browsing the shops and sampling the restaurants, you’ll have a free afternoon to explore and, if you like, experience some of the town’s vibrant nightlife.

Fly to Shanghai and take a stroll along the Bund, admiring the futuristic skyline and the Huangpu River stretching out before you. You’ll have free time to explore on your own – you could visit the peaceful Yuyan Gardens, 400 years old and filled with pavilions, ponds and flowers. If you’re lucky you might catch a tea ceremony here. Alternatively you could investigate the Shanghai Museum, filled with Chinese art and artefacts from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. In the evening, treat yourself to a Chinese acrobatic show, with impressive balancing, contorting, tight-rope walking and gymnastics on display (optional, extra cost).