China in Your Hand

DAY 1

Arrival into Beijing (11:40 if from Heathrow) and meet your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel. Free time and dinner at the hotel.

DAY 2

First, we visit the Forbidden City and explore the 600-year-old palace complex, once home to Ming and Qing emperors. Lunch of Crispy Peking Duck-Beijing's iconic culinary symbol. We now visit the Summer Palace and Wonder through royal gardens and Kunming Lake a UNESCO site. Next, we have a Tea Ceremony and immerse yourself in two of China's most elegant traditions. Enjoy a guided tasting of select fine teas, then receive a gentle introduction to the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy, where you'll learn to write characters with an ink brush.

DAY 3

Today, we will visit one of the best-preserved sections of the Great Wall of China with a chance to hike along this section with stunning views.

DAY 4

This morning, we visit The Eastern Suburbs Exhibition Hall of the China Railway Museum. Discover the evolution of China's railways through a remarkable collection of historic locomotives and carriages, showcasing engineering achievements from the steam era to modern highspeed rail. Opened in 2003, the hall displays more than 140 historic locomotives and carriages-from the earliest surviving 'No. 0' steam engine of 1881 to flagship diesels, electrics, and the personal carriages of Chairman Mao and other national leaders of China. Eight parallel tracks run through the 16,500m2 indoor hall, allowing visitors to walk alongside giants of Chinese, British, American, Japanese, German and French origin. Bilingual panels recount how these machines witnessed China's rail journey from foreign built steam to world-leading high-speed networks. Outdoors, additional trains rest on original track beds. This afternoon, we witness locals practicing Tai Chi in this Ming-era spiritual park.

DAY 5

Transfer to the railway Station for an approximately 5.5-hour bullet train ride to Xi'an. Check in at the hotel and enjoy a leisurely evening stroll around the vibrant city centre, admiring the illuminated Bell and Drum Towers - the iconic heart of the old capital.

DAY 6

First, we visit one of the most amazing sights on Earth - The Terracotta Warriors. Marvel at the life-sized clay army guarding China's first emperor followed by lunch. Savour authentic Shaanxi specialties like Biangbiang noodles and Roujiamo and enjoy an interactive demonstration to learn the art of hand-pulled and Biangbiang noodle making. Late afternoon we enjoy a walk along the world's best-preserved medieval fortification. Visit this Tang Dynasty Buddhist treasure OR Big Wild Goose Pagoda Square to stroll around the iconic landmark.

DAY 7

After breakfast we take a bullet train to Chengdu (approximately 3.5 hours). Arrive in Chengdu. After lunch we visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Here we meet China's national treasure - watch fluffy cubs tumble in nurseries and learn about conservation efforts. Electric cart rides included to minimize walking. Next, we visit Kuanzhai Alley (Wide & Narrow Alleys) and wander through the historic lanes, exploring traditional courtyard houses transformed into charming shops and teahouses.

DAY 8

Drive approximately 2.5 hours to Jianwei County, Leshan City to visit the Jiayang Steam Train and we experience a nostalgic journey aboard a vintage coal-fired steam locomotive, through the lush, picturesque landscapes of Sichuan's countryside on one of the China's last narrow-gauge railways. Later on, we visit the Great Buddha of Leshan. Behold the world's largest stone-carved seated Buddha, a monumental 71m tall Tang Dynasty masterpiece nestled at the confluence of three rivers, inspiring awe for over a millennium.

DAY 9

After breakfast we drive back to Chengdu (approximately 2 hours) and fly* to Shanghai Pudong Airport (approximately 3 hours). Upon arrival, your luggage will be transferred directly to the hotel via coach. Your guide will lead you on a specially curated urban rail experience. Feel the speed of the Maglev train as you travel to Longyang Road Station, then immerse yourself in the pulse of the city by transferring onto the Shanghai Metro to reach your hotel.

*There may be the option of an overnight train instead of flying (TBC).

DAY 10

This morning, we admire classical Ming Dynasty landscaping at Chenghuang Miao and the adjacent to Yu Garden, famed for traditional architecture and bustling street food. Lunch where we taste Shanghai-style soup dumplings. Then we visit the Jade Buddha Temple and see rare jade Buddha statues. In the evening Enjoy a 45-minute night cruise on the Huangpu River. Admire the dazzling contrast between the historic Bund and Pudong's modern skyline, brilliantly lit against the night sky. Enjoy panoramic views of the Huangpu River skyline.

DAY 11

Today, we visit Zhujiajiao to experience 'Venice of the East' with its ancient bridges and canals and take a private wooden boat ride.

DAY 12

Check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight.

B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner