Day 1 - Australia / Shanghai

Check in at the airport on your Cathay Pacific/Malaysia Airlines/Thai Airways flight bound for Shanghai. On arrival into Shanghai and after completing any necessary Customs and Immigration formalities you will be met by your friendly China Holidays guide who will transfer you to Ramada Plaza Gateway Shanghai or similar where you will spend four nights.

Day 2 - Shanghai
After breakfast 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. There will also be a visit to the impressive Shanghai Museum. In the evening enjoy a visit to an acrobatic show. (B/L)

Day 3 - Shanghai
Today we start in Pudong with a visit to the Jin Mao Tower where from the observation deck on level 88, an exceptional view of Shanghai can be had. We then make a visit to Xintiandi where unique 'Shikumen' houses dating back from as early as the 1860's have been carefully restored. After lunch there will be some free time before an evening cruise on the Huangpu River where after dark you will experience the neon contrast of the 'old' and the 'new' Shanghai. (B/L/D)

Day 4 - Zhouzhuang
We head out of Shanghai today to the town of Zhouzhuang, one of the more famous water townships in China. It is noted for its profound cultural background, the well preserved ancient residential houses, the elegant watery views and the strong local coloured traditions and customs. (B/L)

Day 5 - Shanghai / Suzhou

This morning you will be transferred to Suzhou. On arrival you will check into Bamboo Grove Hotel or similar where you will stay the night. Today you will visit the Humble Administrator's Garden and the Master of the Nets Garden, two fine examples of classical Chinese oriental gardens. (B/L/D)

Day 6 - Suzhou / Hangzhou

We continue today with a visit to a local Silk Factory and a cruise along the canals before departing for Hangzhou by road. On arrival, check into St. Rich Hotel or similar for two nights. (B/L)

Day 7 - Hangzhou
In Hangzhou you will visit the Lingyin Temple and the Pagoda of Six Harmonies before a relaxing cruise on the West Lake. If time permits there will be a visit to a local tea plantation. (B/L/D)

Day 8 - Hangzhou / Guilin

This morning there will be some free time before you depart to the airport for your onward flight to Guilin. On arrival your local China Holidays guide will be waiting to transfer you to Guilin Bravo Hotel or similar where you will spend two nights. This evening, a visit to a cultural show. (B/L)

Day 9 - Guilin
This morning you depart for a leisurely cruise along the Li River. There will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the views of the local people working on the river as well as the spectacular rock formations and picturesque landscapes. On arrival in Yangshuo there will be time to wander amongst the many street stalls and shops before you are transferred back to your hotel by coach. (B/L/D)

Day 10 - Guilin / Xi'an

This morning there will be a visit to the Reed Flute Caves before departing for the airport for your flight to Xi'an. On arrival your local China Holidays guide will be waiting for you and will transfer you to Days Hotel & Suites Xinxing Xi'an or similar where you will stay two nights. (B/L)

Day 11 - 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 12 - Xi'an / Beijing

After breakfast at your hotel you will visit the Big Goose Pagoda, the ancient City Wall, the Great Mosque and the Muslim snack street. After lunch you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Beijing. On arrival into Beijing your local China Holidays guide will be waiting for you and will transfer you to Ariva Beijing West Hotel or similar where you will spend four nights. (B/L)

Day 13 - 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 14 - 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 15 - Beijing
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 cycle rickshaw where you will get an interesting glimpse into the lives of the traditional Beijing citizens. After lunch you are free to explore at your own pace. This evening enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner. (B/L/D)

Day 16 - Depart Beijing
Today you farewell Beijing and China as your guide meets you and transfers you to the airport for your onward flight. Check in aboard your Cathay Pacific/Malaysia Airlines/Thai Airways flight bound for home. (B)

Day 17 - Arrive Australia
Welcome home after a fantastic 17 day trip to one of the most fascinating countries on the planet.

* Some departures may require you to depart Australia the day prior to the tour date with an overnight connection.

>> Sydney or Melbourne  departure with Air China/China Eastern/China Southern

>> Perth, Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne  departure with Singapore Airlines

>> Perth  departure with Cathay Pacific/Malaysia Airlines/Thai Airways

>> All fully inclusive tours