Day 1 - Australia / Beijing

Check in at the airport on your Cathay Pacific/Malaysia Airlines/Thai Airways flight bound for Beijing. On arrival into Beijing and after completing any necessary Customs and Immigration formalities you will be met by your friendly China Holidays guide who will transfer you to Ariva Beijing West Hotel 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 your hotel 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 Days Hotel & Suites Xinxing Xi'an 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 / Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise

Your last morning in Xian will be spent travelling to see the Great Mosque and the Muslim Snack Street before transferring to the airport for your onward flight to Chongqing. On arrival you will be met by your friendly China Holidays guide and there will be a short city tour and dinner before you board your cruise ship and begin your cruise along the Mighty Yangtze River. (B/L/D)

Day 8 - 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 Shennong Stream or Daning River. (B/L/D)

Day 9 - Yangtze Cruise
Enjoy your time onboard cruise. (B/L/D)

Day 10 - 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 by your local China Holidays guide and transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. On arrival, your local China Holidays guide will be waiting to transfer you to Ramada Plaza Gateway Shanghai or similar for three nights. (B/L)

Day 11 - 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. There will also be time for a short cruise on the Huangpu River where you will see the contrasting 'traditional' and the 'new' Shanghai. In the evening enjoy a visit to an acrobatic show. (B/L/D)

Day 12 - Shanghai
A day at leisure to explore this Cosmopolitan city at your own pace, or maybe partake of some shopping! (B)

Day 13 - Shanghai / Australia
Today you farewell Shanghai 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. Welcome home after a fantastic 13 day trip to one of the most fascinating countries on the planet. (B)

* 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

>> Brisbane, Sydney or Melbourne  departure with Cathay Pacific/Malaysia Airlines/Thai Airways

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

>> All fully inclusive tours