Day 1 - Arrive Beijing

On arrival into Beijing and after completing all necessary Customs and Immigration formalities you will be met by your friendly China Holidays guide who will transfer you to The Regent Beijing or similar where you will spend three nights.

Day 2 - Beijing
A delightful day is spent visiting some of the sights of Beijing. The Forbidden City, home to two dynasties of Emperors spanning 500 years, Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing and the architectural wonders of the Temple of Heaven. (B/L)

Day 3 - Beijing
Today, the highlight for many a visitor to Beijing a visit to The Great Wall at Badaling, undoubtedly one of the greatest man-made wonders of the world. There will also be time for a visit to the Silk Market where negotiation skills are put to the test as you seek out bargains before returning to Beijing where there will be time to freshen up before departing for a 'Legends of Kung Fu' performance. (B/L)

Day 4 - Beijing / Xi'an

This morning you will depart to visit the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist Temple outside of Tibet - The Lama Temple, then a visit to the 'Hutongs' the local residential area by Pedi cab or rickshaw where you will get an interesting glimpse into the lives of the traditional Beijing citizens. This evening enjoy a traditional Peking Duck Dinner. After dinner you will be transferred to Beijing railway station for your onward night train to Xi'an. (B/L/D)

Day 5 - Xi'an
On arrival in the morning, your China Holidays guide will be waiting to transfer you to visit to the Big Goose Pagoda and the ancient City Wall, then go to Sofitel Xi'an on Renmin Square or similar where you will spend two nights. (B/L)

Day 6 - Xi'an
Today you will depart for the Terracotta Warriors Museum, one of China's top historical sites. Here you will see the magnificent Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang which has been painstakingly restored by archaeologists. Then you will get the opportunity to have a go at making some Chinese dumplings followed by lunch. On returning to your hotel there will be some free time. In the evening you will get the opportunity to sample a Chinese dumpling banquet and a performance of a Tang Dynasty Cultural Show. (B/L/D)

Day 7 - Xi'an / Chengdu

After breakfast at your hotel you will visit the Great Mosque and the Muslim snack street. After lunch you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Chengdu. On arrival, your friendly China Holidays guide will be waiting to transfer you to Sheraton Chengdu Lido Hotel or similar where you will spend two nights. (B/L)

Day 8 - Chengdu
This morning a visit to the Panda Breeding base. Here you will not only be able to observe these wonderful creatures but also learn about their habitat and the conservation efforts. This evening a visit to a Sichuan Opera to learn about this art, including make-up and dress, followed by a performance. (B/L/D)

Day 9 - Chengdu / Jiuzhaigou

Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Jiuzhaigou. On arrival a visit to Huanglong National Park and afterwards you will be transferred to Sheraton Jiuzhaigou Resort or similar for three nights. There will be some free time for the evening to allow you to acclimatise to the high altitude. (B/L)

Days 10 & 11 - Jiuzhaigou
Two full days visiting the Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992. This scenic spot actually consists of three major gullies, which were formerly the sites of nine stockaded villages of Tibetans from which derives the name Jiuzhaigou. Whilst visiting the Tibetan villages there will be the opportunity to shop in the markets for handicrafts of the local ethnic groups. On one evening enjoy a local Cultural show. (B/L/D)

Day 12 - Jiuzhaigou / Chengdu / Lhasa

We move on today with your flight to Lhasa via Chengdu. On arrival into Lhasa, you will be met by your friendly China Holidays guide who will transfer you to St. Regis Lhasa Resort or similar where you will spend three nights. The remainder of the day will be free to relax and let you familiarize yourself with the altitude. (D)

Day 13 - Lhasa
After breakfast at your hotel your guide will meet you and you will depart for a full day tour of Lhasa. You will visit the imposing Potala Palace; the Jokhang Monastery and Barkhor Street. (B/L/D)

Day 14 - Lhasa
This morning you will continue your tour with a visit to the Nobulingka, this was previously the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama and then a visit to the Deprang Monastery. (B/L/D)

Day 15 - Shigatse
You will depart this morning for Shigatse where you will visit Lake Yomdrok and the Palchoi Pagoda before arriving at Shigatse Hotel or similar for one night. (B/L/D)

Day 16 - Shigatse / Lhasa
There will be a visit to the Tashi Monastery this morning before you depart to return to Lhasa where you will stay overnight. (B/L/D)

Day 17 - Lhasa / Chongqing / Yangtze River

After breakfast at your hotel your guide will meet you and transfer you to the airport for your onward flight to Chongqing. After lunch, some free time to explore. In the evening, enjoy some dinner before being transferred to the pier to join your cruise along the mighty Yangtze River. (B/L/D)

Days 18 & 19 - Yangtze Cruise
Two days to relax, enjoy your cruise and take in the varying scenery. Dependent on the weather, there will be shore excursions to Fengdu or Shibaozhai and Shenong Stream or Daning River. (B/L/D)

Day 20 - Yangtze Cruise / Yichang / Shanghai

This morning you will visit the Three Gorges Dam site before continuing on to Yichang where your cruise ends. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai where your local China Holidays guide will be waiting to transfer you to The Westin Bund Centre Shanghai or similar for three nights. (B/L)

Day 21 - Shanghai
After breakfast at your hotel you will depart for a full day tour of Shanghai. Your day will include a visit to the Yu Gardens; the Old Chinatown and of course the Bund. Then over to Pudong to visit the Jin Mao Tower, one of the world's tallest buildings, from where you will get a remarkable view of the city of Shanghai. In the evening enjoy a visit to an acrobatic show. (B/L/D)

Day 22 - Shanghai
A day at leisure to explore this Cosmopolitan city at your own pace, or maybe partake of some shopping! (B)

Day 23 - Depart Shanghai
Today you farewell Shanghai and China. Your guide will accompany you to Longyang Road Station to board the high-speed Maglev train to Pudong International Airport, with this exhilarating ride taking just under 8 minutes. (B)