China Panorama - 15 days

2012 - Your journey starts Beijing, ends Shanghai

DAYS 1-4 - BEIJING & OVERNIGHT TRAIN
On arrival in Beijing, transfer to your hotel. Traverse the expanse of Tiananmen Square and then walk to the marvellous Forbidden City. Discover one of the few remaining backstreets, or hutongs, in Beijing when you enter a local home for lunch followed by a rickshaw ride. View the famous Drum Tower and enjoy the chance to feast on Peking Duck along with free time to explore the Wangfujing Night Markets. A short trip to Mutianyu brings you to the incredible Great Wall of China. Further exploration includes a visit to the Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace, before boarding a comfortable overnight train to Xian.
Hotels: Novotel Xinqiao, Overnight train

DAY 5-6 - XIAN & CHENGDU
The bustling streets of the Muslim Quarter offer up a wealth of distractions before a visit to the Big Goose Pagoda. In the evening you have the chance to indulge in a sumptuous dumpling banquet. An early stroll through the City Park is magical, followed by the spectacular scene of countless life-size Terracotta Warriors. An afternoon flight to Chengdu transports you to Sichuan province. Meet with the splendid creatures at the Giant Panda Research & Breeding Base, and then unwind in the peaceful gardens of Dufu’s Cottage, a famed poet from the Tang Dynasty. Soak up local life as you relax in a teahouse in bustling People’s Park.
Hotel: Union Alliance Atravis, Tianfu Sunshine Hotel

DAYS 8-10 - GUILIN & LONGSHENG
A short flight brings you to Guilin, a lovely city on the banks of the Li River. Climb the stone steps to the top of Fubo Hill for panoramic views across rooftops and limestone mountains. At the local Traditional Chinese Medicine Centre, learn about acupuncture, reflexology and herbal medicine. Travel to Longsheng to experience a White Yao village and admire the spectacular rice terraces known as the Dragon’s Backbone.
Hotel: Universal

DAYS 11-12 - YANGSHUO
Float gently along the Li River, absorbing the region’s renowned limestone karst scenery and traditional rural scenes, to charming Yangshuo. Wander the cobbled streets and cycle into the pretty countryside. There is free time to visit the local markets and then take in an evening show.
Hotel: Yangshuo Regency

DAYS 13-15 - SHANGHAI
Fly to the thriving city of Shanghai. A walk along the Bund, a remnant of Shanghai’s days as a trading port, reveals an impressive collection of Art Deco buildings. Find peace in the serene Yu Yuan Garden, and immerse yourself in the lively back streets of the Chinese Quarter. Marvel at the spectacle of the famed Shanghai acrobats in action. On your last day, enjoy free time before your departure transfer.
Hotel: Rendezvous Merry