Day 1-4 Beijing

As group members will arrive at different times there are no arranged activities on Day 1 until our group meeting in the early evening followed by dinner. Please see the notice board in the hotel foyer for details of this meeting.

On day 2 we travel north to the Great Wall. An incredible piece of engineering stretching almost 3000km westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing, it was originally constructed to protect the Chinese empires from the Mongolian 'barbarians' of the north.

Spend the morning of day 3 exploring the vast expanses of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Use your free time to shop in the various markets scattered throughout the city, take a tour of the ancient alleyways (hutongs) in Beijing's Old city or visit the Tibetan Monastery.

In the late afternoon of Day 4 board an overnight train to Xi'an.

Day 5-6 Xi'an

Arrive in Xi'an in the morning and, after checking into the hotel, take an orientation walk through one of Xi’an’s most fascinating areas – the Muslim Quarter. Tour the lovely and unusual Great Mosque (a wonderfully serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city), great souvenir stalls and enjoy some of the best street food in China. The remaining city walls are a great place to watch the sunset or join the locals for ballroom dancing or tai chi in the early morning.

This former imperial capital is also homebase for a day trip to the Terracotta Warriors, situated a short drive out of town (approximately 1 hour). The warriors were re-discovered in 1974, having been buried for over 2000 years. All face east in battle formation, complete with horses and chariots to guard the tomb of the emperor Shi Huang Di.

Day 7-9 Chengdu, Leshan and Emei Mountain

On day 7, we fly to Chengdu. Chengdu has managed to preserve some of its traditional flavor, so keep a sharp eye out for legendary teahouses and some of the most interesting food in China, including the spicy Sichuan hot pot.

We have the rest of day 7 to explore the teahouses and streets of Chengdu,, get a massage and perhaps sample some of the local specialties. Go to the Sichuan cultural performance - a cultural experience not to be missed.

On the morning of day 8 we get up early to go to the Panda Breeding and Research Center to witness the conservation efforts being made to save this adorable endangered species. If your lucky you can see some of the new babies that have just been born.

Continue to Leshan, home to the world's largest outdoor seated Buddha. 'Da Fo' the Buddha is carved into a cliff face standing 71m tall We overnight at the foot of Mt Emei in a monastery for the night before heading up the next day to top of the summit. In the evening we return back to Chengdu.

Day 10-12 Yangshuo

We fly to Guiling on day 10 and continue by road to the town of Yangshuo(1.5 hrs). Situated on the Li River and surrounded by limestone karst mountains, Yangshuo is a beautiful town.
There are many options for our time here. You may choose to take a day trip visiting the stunning Li River, stopping at markets and picturesque villages along the way. You can try your hand at calligraphy, take a mahjong lesson, a chinese language class or cook up a storm at the cooking school. Or, take a bike ride through the surrounding countryside with a local guide to gain an insight into rural Chinese life.

Day 13 Beijing

Today we fly back to Beijing and will meet up for a farewell dinner to say our goodbyes.

Day 14 Beijing

Depart Beijing at any time on day 14.