Highlights of China

Start the day with an orientation walk of the city and finish with free time to explore a mix of the modern and the historic in Shanghai. The Shanghai Museum is one of the best in the country, housing excellent collections of bronzes and artwork. In the afternoon, take a bullet train to Hangzhou, one of China's most dynamic cities.

Visit a tea plantation in Longjing village and the famous West Lake in Hangzhou. After, take an evening flight to Guilin and transfer to Yangshuo.

Spend most of the day exploring Hangzhou. Visit West Lake and Longjing village, home of the famous Longjing tea. Enjoy plantation views while learning about ancient tea production. Take the opportunity to taste some fresh brewed tea.

In the evening, fly to Guilin and travel south by private bus through stunning limestone karst scenery. Arrive at the town of Yangshuo on the world-famous Li River.

Spend two days in Yangshuo enjoying the heaps of activities available in this scenic region. Some favourites include trying your hand at cooking local fare at a boutique cooking school, dabbling in Tai Chi or Chinese calligraphy, walking and cycling through the countryside, climbing atop a karst for panoramic views or relaxing at one of the town's many cafés.

Enjoy a half-day cycling tour through the countryside. Take in a charming mix of vibrant rural life and unique stunning scenery. Pass rice paddies with local farmers and water buffalo, and wave to children swimming in the streams. Enjoy an otherwordly backdrop of surreal topography as you ride.

Fly to Chongqing and prepare for a two-day boat journey along the Yangtze River, which cuts through the magnificent Three Gorges.

Spend two days travelling through stunning scenery along one of China's most powerful rivers, which divides the country into north and south.

Opt to leave the boat and take small side trips on land to see villages and temples along the river. Or board smaller boats to visit tributaries along the way.

Opt to visit the largest dam in the world, the Three Gorges Dam. It's best viewed in passing, but there’s an option to tour the facility and see the engineering giant at work. Head to the train station and board an overnight train to Xi'an.

Arrive early to Xi'an, the ancient capital of China and terminus of the fabled Silk Road. Xi'an boats a plethora of attractions, including the Great Mosque and a downtown core enclosed by an enormous city wall, which can be climbed for a small fee.

Rent a bike and cycle around the walls for great city views. Head out to the Muslim Quarter for some of the best street food in China – the spicy beef and lamb kebabs are always a favourite.

Enjoy a free day to explore the city before an overnight train to Beijing.