This classic itinerary visits the three most famous cities of China: cosmopolitan Shanghai, historic Xian and bustling Beijing. Included are the must-see sights of the Terracotta Warriors, the Forbidden City and the Great Wall. for contrast we also visit the historic canal town of Wuzhen with its old-world charm and picturesque setting.

Shanghai is a renowned international metropolis drawing more and more attention from all over the world. Situated on the estuary of Yangtze River, it serves as the most influential economic, financial, international trade, cultural, science and technology center in East China. In addition to its modernisation, the city's multicultural flair endows it with a unique glamour. Here, visitors can find the perfect blend of cultures - the modern and the traditional, and the western and the oriental. New skyscrapers and old Shikumen stand side by side to draw the skyline of the city. Western customs and Chinese traditions intertwine and form the city's culture, making a visitor's stay truly memorable.

As the eastern terminal of the Silk Road and the site of the famous Terracotta Warriors of the Qin Dynasty, Xian has won a reputation all over the world. More than 3,000 years of history including over 1,100 years as the capital city of ancient dynasties, have endowed the city with an amazing historical heritage. Visitors marvel at the numerous historical sites and cultural relics in and around the city.

As one of the six ancient cities in China, Beijing has been the heart and soul of politics and society throughout its long history and consequently there is an unparalleled wealth of discovery to delight and intrigue travellers as they explore the city's ancient past and exciting modern development. Now it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with about 140 million Chinese tourists and 4.4 million international visitors in a year.

Day 1 Depart UK
From selected airports.

Day 2 Beijing
Upon arrival in Beijing you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day 3 Beijing
This morning visit the Temple of Heaven which was where the Ming and Qing emperors worshipped and prayed for a good harvest. During your visit you will have the chance to observe the tradition of practicing Tai Chi in the courtyard. Continue to Tiananmen Square for a stroll before visiting the Forbidden City which served as the grand imperial palace for centuries.

Day 4 Beijing
Today begins with a visit to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, which offers all round stunning views and a less crowded atmosphere. In the evening there will be a sumptuous Peking Duck dinner, a traditional delicacy and a culinary must in Beijing!

Day 5 Beijing/Xi’an
This morning visit the Summer Palace which has a grand collection of lakes, gardens and palaces. Afterwards enjoy a relaxing boat ride on beautiful Kunming Lake before a stop at the Birds Nest Stadium and Water Cube. Stop at the Hutongs for a more personal insight into the everyday life of traditional Beijing citizens. Transfer to the airport for a flight to Xi’an and on arrival you will be transferred to your hotel.

Day 6 Xi’an
Today you will visit the Terracotta Warriors, a stunning collection of ten thousand life size statues of the Chinese army made over two thousand years ago, yet preserved almost perfectly. The next stop is the Small Wild Goose Pagoda before visiting the Muslim Quarter to see local life in the community. This evening enjoy a Tang Dynasty Show, a colourful performance of traditional music and dance.

Day 7 Xi’an/Shanghai
Begin with a visit to the Shaanxi Museum, which houses over 250,000 artefacts including treasures from many periods of China’s history. This is followed by a visit to the ancient city wall in Xi’an, which can be enjoyed either on foot or by bike. Continue to the airport for your flight to Shanghai and on arrival transfer to your hotel.

Day 8 Shanghai
The first attraction of the day is the Yu Yuan Gardens followed by the Jade Buddha Temple. The centuries old Yu Yuan Gardens is home to beautiful pavilions, corridors, streams, courtyards and flowers, while at the Jade Buddha Temple expect to see impressive temples, both historical and modern, sporting large, intricate sculptures of Buddha. After viewing the Shanghai Museum, there is an opportunity to visit the waterfront Bund before enjoying breathtaking views of the city from the top of Shanghai’s World Financial Centre.

Day 9 Suzhou
Travel to the scenic city of Suzhou, known as the “Venice of the East”. After viewing attractive gardens enjoy a cruise on the Grand Canal then continue to a local silk mill and finally visit the Panmen Gate. Return to Shanghai.

Day 10 Shanghai/UK
Departure to the UK.

Beijing Guangxi Hotel
Located only 150 yrd from Panjiayuan Subway Station (Line 10) is Beijing Guangxi Hotel. The 4-star property offers world class facilities including a spacious, heated indoor swimming pool and free internet access throughout the hotel. Guestrooms at the Beijing Guangxi hotel are elegantly styled, featuring warm décor and modern furnishings. Each room comes fitted with air-conditioning, private bathrooms and free broadband internet access.

Besides the indoor swimming pool, a well equipped fitness centre allows guests to work out while staying at the hotel. Guests can also enjoy sauna facilities and the services of a beauty and barber salon. Also available are 11 types of meeting rooms that cater to different needs. For a taste of what culinary delights Guangxi has to offer, experience local delicacies at the hotel’s Nalan Restaurant. Unwind with a drink at the lobby bar after a long day.

Grand New World Hotel
Grand New World Hotel is located in central Xian City, a few minutes’ walk from the Ancient City Wall and Islamic Mosque. It offers an indoor pool and a café. Rooms at New World Grand Hotel are fitted with air-conditioning and a satellite TV. A minibar and attached toilet with bathtub and shower facilities are included.

Guests can enjoy a relaxing massage or exercise at the fitness centre. Evenings can be spent around the table tennis table or karaoke rooms. There is also a business centre and tour desk.A daily buffet or a la carte breakfast awaits guests every morning at Grand New World’s café. In-room dining is available with room service.

Grand New World Hotel is a 5-minute drive from Muslim Street, Bell Tower and Drum Tower. Xianyang International Airport is about 40 minutes' drive away.

Ocean Hotel Shanghai
The 5-star Ocean Hotel Shanghai is located at the bustling North Bund Shipping Zone, a short 10-minute drive from Yu Garden and The Bund. Karaoke rooms and spa treatments are available. Revolving 28 on the top floor enjoys panoramic city views and serves delicacies like bird's nest and abalone. Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the property.

Ocean Hotel Shanghai is a 10-minute walk from line 4 Yangshupu Road metro station, a 10-minute walk from Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, and a 15-minute walk from 2 cross-river tunnels which links to Lujiazui Financial Zone. People's Square is 1.9 miles away, while Shanghai Railway Station is a 20-minute drive away.

Modern and spacious, all air-conditioned rooms come equipped with free wired internet, a flat-screen TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Some rooms have a sofa. En suite bathrooms have a bathtub and shower.

Guests can enjoy a game of mini golf or billiards, get a massage at the spa, or exercise at the modern gym. Day trips and car rentals can be arranged at the tour desk. A business centre, several majestic multifunctional meeting rooms and laundry services are also provided. Aside from breakfast, Greenery Café serves a selection of Mediterranean, Continental and Asian dishes in a delightful buffet spread. Wine and fragrant coffee can be enjoyed at the Lobby Lounge.