China Encounters

Fly to Beijing, China’s historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

This morning, head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City where you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Here, mingle with the locals and watch or participate as they practise tai chi, dance or play cards. This evening, sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck and enjoy an acrobatics show.

In the morning, enjoy the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace before visiting a jade factory, then travel to Chengde by road.

The summer retreat of Manchu emperors, Chengde is home to a wealth of imperial architecture. Visit the magnificent Mountain Resort and sacred temples, including Puning and Puyuo.

Make the return journey back to Beijing. This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall, namely the Jinshanling section. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it.

Take a bullet train to Xian and enjoy some time at leisure. Tonight, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses. Also visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated. Later this afternoon, take a stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town. Also explore the narrow and winding streets of the atmospheric Muslim Quarter, which are lined with Islamic food stalls. Here, you will gain an insight into the city’s fascinating culture.

Board the bullet train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province.

Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre to see and learn about China's celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. A look around the information museum gives an overview of the reserve's breeding programme. Next, stroll through the bustling People's Park to Matchmaker's Corner, where parents search for worthy suitors for their children, and wander through the Wide and Narrow Alleys.

Take the bullet train to Yichang and board your Yangtze River cruise vessel, where you will stay for the next four nights.

Visit The Three Gorges Dam which showcases a massive feat of engineering. As you cruise upstream, nature takes over revealing some of the world’s most dramatic scenery including the Three Gorges themselves. Over the next few days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Enjoy a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream, as well as various shore excursions.

Disembark in Chongqing and then fly to the monastery town of Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La. This afternoon is at leisure to acclimatise to the altitude.

Spend the morning exploring the spectacular Songzanlin Monastery. Afterwards, make your way to a rural Tibetan-style village where you will learn about the villagers' way of life and taste home-cooked dishes. End the day with a tour of the old town and Dafo Temple.

Journey to the 3,000-metre-deep Tiger Leaping Gorge. With its stunning backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it is one of China's most extraordinary sights. The whole area is spectacular, with breathtaking views. Travel to Lijiang and discover the old quarter; the quintessential Chinese 'old town' and wander the jumble of cobbled streets, traditional wooden buildings and rustic stone bridges.

A magnificent mountain, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain comprises several peaks, the tallest of which soars 5,500 metres. Taking a cable car, explore one of the stunning high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. Visit Baisha Old Town to view the fascinating frescoes painted during the early Ming Dynasty and take a tour of the embroidery school.

This morning, visit Black Dragon Pool Park where there are wonderful views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Later, travel to Dali and explore the lively Foreigners' Street.

The area surrounding Dali is extremely scenic. Explore the village of Xizhou to browse its local market. See the Yan family home and watch a tie-dying demonstration. Wander through Dali's ancient quarter and relax with a cruise on Erhai Lake. The next day, visit the Three Pagodas and take the bullet train to Kunming. This evening, dine on local dish Across the Bridge Noodles.

Explore the magnificent formations of the picturesque Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand tree-like in a fascinating illusion of woodland, before taking your seats to see the impressive 'Dynamic Yunnan' show.

Fly to Australia, arriving home the same or following day.