China's Cultural Treasures, Natural Wonders & Yangtze Cruise

Enjoy complimentary UK airport lounge access before your overnight flight to Beijing, arriving on day two. 

On arrival in Beijing, you'll be transferred to your centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or begin exploring at leisure. The following morning, discover Beijing's highlights, starting at Tiananmen Square before exploring the vast Forbidden City, once home to China's emperors. Continue with a stroll through the city's traditional hutongs, then visit the magnificent Temple of Heaven, where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvests. This evening, enjoy a dinner featuring Beijing's most famous speciality, Peking duck.

The next day, visit China's most iconic landmark, the Great Wall. Stretching across rugged mountains north of Beijing, it offers a fascinating insight into the country's history as well as superb views of the surrounding countryside. Later, learn about the artistry of jade carving at a local workshop before continuing to the Summer Palace, the former retreat of China's imperial rulers. Here, explore elegant gardens, lakeside walkways and beautifully preserved pavilions showcasing traditional Chinese architecture.

Stay: Mercure Beijing Downtown or similar (Superior)

This morning, board a high-speed train to Xi'an, one of China's ancient capitals. On arrival, explore the lively Muslim Quarter, where bustling markets and narrow streets reflect the city's rich cultural heritage and historic role as the eastern gateway to the Silk Road. This evening, enjoy a traditional dumpling banquet followed by a colourful Tang Dynasty dance performance.

The following day, visit the remarkable Terracotta Army, where thousands of life-sized warriors stand guard over the tomb of China's first emperor. Continue to the Xi'an Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop to learn about traditional local craftsmanship before walking along the city's well-preserved ancient walls for panoramic views of old and new Xi'an. Later, enjoy a beer tasting at a local brewery before returning to your hotel.

Stay: Lanxi International Hotel or similar (Superior)

This morning, board a high-speed train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province and one of southwest China's most vibrant cities. Renowned for its rich culinary traditions, relaxed atmosphere and historic teahouse culture, Chengdu offers a fascinating contrast to the imperial grandeur of Xi'an.

Stay: Skytel Hotel Chengdu or similar (Superior)

This morning, visit Chengdu's renowned Panda Conservation Centre, where you'll have the opportunity to observe China's most iconic animals in a carefully managed environment designed to replicate their natural habitat. As well as seeing giant pandas up close, you'll learn about ongoing conservation efforts and the centre's successful breeding programme through its informative exhibits.

Later, continue to Chongqing, one of China's largest cities and a major gateway to the Yangtze River. Here, you'll board your cruise vessel and settle into your cabin ahead of an unforgettable journey through some of China's most spectacular river landscapes.

Stay: Victoria Yangtze River Cruise

Spend the next two days cruising through some of the most spectacular scenery in China. As your ship follows the course of the mighty Yangtze River, enjoy ever-changing views of dramatic cliffs, forested hillsides and traditional settlements lining the riverbanks. Along the way, several shore excursions provide a deeper insight into the region. Visit Mount Shuanggui, where scenic walking trails and tranquil surroundings showcase the natural beauty of a national forest park, and enjoy a boat trip along the picturesque Goddess Stream, a narrow tributary renowned for its striking landscapes. The highlight, however, is undoubtedly the passage through the Three Gorges, whose soaring cliffs and dramatic river scenery can be admired from the deck as your cruise continues through the heart of central China.

Stay: Victoria Yangtze River Cruise

This morning, visit the Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric project, before disembarking your Yangtze cruise and continuing to Zhangjiajie, a region renowned for its dramatic sandstone pillars and forested valleys.

The following day, explore the spectacular landscapes of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park. Ride the glass-fronted Bailong Elevator high above the valley floor for breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks before descending by cable car. Later, enjoy a relaxing sampan cruise on the turquoise waters of Lake Baofeng, surrounded by lush vegetation and striking karst scenery.

Continue your exploration the next day with a visit to Huanglong Cave, one of China's largest cave systems, home to vast chambers filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Later, experience the thrill of walking across Zhangjiajie's Glass Bridge, suspended high above the Grand Canyon and offering spectacular views of the surrounding cliffs, forests and waterways.

Stay: Zhangjiajie Expert Village Sunshine Courtyard Hotel or similar (Superior)

Today, ascend Tianmen Mountain aboard China's longest cable car, soaring above dramatic mountain scenery to enjoy spectacular views from the summit. Visit Tianmen Cave, the region's iconic natural arch known as the 'Heaven's Door', and experience the thrilling glass skywalk suspended high above the valley below. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Shanghai, China's largest and most cosmopolitan city.

The following day, discover the contrasts of Shanghai, where historic districts sit alongside a futuristic skyline. Visit the classical Yu Garden before exploring the narrow streets and markets of the old town. You'll also learn about China's silk-making heritage at a local silk mill. Later, stroll along the Bund and admire its grand colonial-era architecture before ascending the Jin Mao Tower for panoramic city views.

This evening, enjoy a cruise on the Huangpu River for a different perspective of Shanghai's illuminated skyline, followed by a dinner showcasing traditional Shanghainese cuisine.

Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Shanghai - Pudong or similar (Superior)

After one final breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK, arriving the same or following day.