China Splendour

Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th Century temples. Visit the Yu Garden, stop in the old town and admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund. Later, learn about the age-old silk production process at the Silk Factory, from the cultivation of silkworms up to creating the final piece. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Shanghainese cuisine.

Fly to Beijing, China’s fascinating capital. 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. Later this evening, savour Beijing’s best-known delicacy – Peking duck.

This morning, head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City where you will find a complex full of imperial treasures. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. An evening of Chinese acrobatics rounds off the day.

This morning is dedicated to China’s most iconic sight – the Great Wall. There is no better way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it than by taking a fascinating walk along it. Also visit a jade factory, then relax in the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace as you explore traditional Chinese landscapes and view exquisite architecture. This evening, you may wish to join an optional kung fu show.

Fly to Xian, China's historic former capital. Stroll on the beautifully preserved 14thcentury city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. Tonight feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings before 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-like warriors. Visit the workshop of the craftspeople who recreate Terracotta Warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Watch the skilled production process and choose to purchase your own little warrior to take home. Later visit the lovely Little Wild Goose Pagoda, then soak up the atmosphere in the narrow alleyways of the Muslim Quarter.

Fly to Chongqing and transfer to Wulong – an area of stunning natural scenery with towering limestone karsts, deep gorges, caves and natural bridges. Its remote location has ensured that the park is relatively unspoilt. It comes as no surprise that Wulong is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Today, visit Three Bridges National Park, a rare geological wonder consisting of three natural karst bridges: Tianlong Bridge, Qinglong Bridge and Heilong Bridge. Continue to Longshuixia Fissure, a narrow fault line that has been carved out by the river.

Return by road to Chongqing and then take the bullet train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province.

Visit Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre where you can get up close to China's celebrated bears, as they chomp through piles of bamboo, in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Continue to People's Park and spend time in Matchmaker's Corner. Tonight, dine on delicious Sichuanese cuisine. There is an optional performance to see the ‘face changing’ show at the Sichuan Opera.

Take a day trip to Leshan to see the 71-metre high UNESCO-listed Grand Buddha. Completed in the year 803, it is said that the Buddha's presence has calmed the turbulent waters of the river. View the Buddha from above before taking a short boat trip, which will give you an even better perspective from below. Later, return by road to Chengdu.

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