Adventure through China

After breakfast at your hotel, spend the morning exploring the Forbidden City. The former royal palace was the seat of Chinese political power for almost five-hundred years and the home to China’s last ruling dynasties. Wander through its vast courtyards and magnificent halls before taking a stroll through the adjacent Coal Hill Park, offering a spectacular view of the palace and Beijing’s towering skyline. Following in the footsteps of  China’s former emperors, travel to the Summer Palace, boasting a stunning collection of temples, lakes and gardens. This architectural masterpiece provided a welcome escape for the imperial families during Beijing’s  stifling summer months. Stroll through the serene grounds before delighting in a leisurely boat ride on Kunming Lake, embracing the marvellous views of  this UNESCO World Heritage site.

After breakfast, get ready for an unforgettable hike at one of the world’s most spectacular landmarks – the Great Wall of China. Start with a scenic drive to the village of Xizhazi, nestled in the lush mountains on the foot of the Jiankou section of the wall. From here, hike up a small mountain trail towards the emerging wall and climb up a deserted watchtower. Be rewarded with breath taking views over the entire valley, glimpsing at the small village situated below and gaze at the remainder of the wall as it snakes its way through the lush mountainous landscape and disappears out of sight.

Trek along the wall for approximately four hours, following the undulating path and carefully navigating past areas of decay. Along the way, notice the enemy observation tower, known as Ying Fei Dao Yang, standing tall on the highest peak of the area, its name referring to the eagles that had to rise vertically in order to fly over the monumental structure. Whilst the Jiankou part is one of the wilder sections of the Great Wall, slowly being conquered by nature and overgrowing trees, it boasts majestic views of the surrounding landscapes. Continue walking east, until the wall slowly transforms from its authentic and decaying state into the restored Mutianyu section of the Wall. Take one last glance at this incredible landmark and ending the unique hike with a drive back to Beijing.

Enjoy an early breakfast before visiting the extraordinary Temple of Heaven. Surrounded by an extensive park, watch the locals as they start their day with a dancing or Tai Chi session. Then, hear about the historical significance of this imperial temple during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Leaving China’s giant capital, hop aboard a high-speed bullet train bound for Xi’an, known as the eternal city. Upon arrival, wander through its bustling Muslim Quarter and explore the myriads of food stalls brimming mouth-watering dishes and colourful souvenirs.

Spend the evening either relaxing at the hotel or soak up the lively atmosphere on Defu Lane, a narrow street lined with unique and quirky bars.

After breakfast at the hotel, get ready to witness one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century – the famous Terracotta Warrior Museum. One of Xi’an’s most famous attractions, the collection of sculptures was discovered in 1974 by local farmers digging a well. Comprising over 6,000 life-sized terracotta warriors, each individually sculpted from real-life models and arranged in battle formation. The subterranean army has been protecting the mausoleum of the first Chinese emperor, Qin Shi Huangdi, for over two millennia.

Next, visit the Xi’an City Wall and enjoy cycling on the massive, 15-metre-wide structure. Built in the 14th century, the ancient wall is China’s best preserved urban fortification and encircles the old city centre.  Transfer back to your hotel in the afternoon.

Delight in a laid-back breakfast at the hotel before heading to the airport to catch a flight to Guilin (E-class). Once off the plane, continue the journey to Longsheng county, before changing transport and travelling into the mountains by local shuttle bus. Finish the last stretch uphill on foot and arrive in the 600-year old village of Ping’an, home to the local Zhuang ethnic minority. Nestled into the verdant hills, kick back and enjoy the rest of the day amidst the picturesque surroundings of this charming village.

Start the day with a wonderful morning hike along the famous Longji, or Dragon’s Backbone, Rice Terraces. Climb to the top of the centuries-old fields and be awed by the breath taking panorama of endless layers of rice terraces cascading down the mountainside. After this magnificent sight, refuel with a packed lunch and enjoy a scenic drive to Yangshuo. Famous for its dramatic karst formations and peaceful winding rivers, admire the incredible natural scenery or explore the town’s ancient West Street and accompanying vibrant shops.

Wake up in the fairy-tale landscape of Yangshuo and start the day with a traditional Tai Chi class, learning the basics of this ancient and spiritual form of exercise. After this excursion into Chinese martial arts, hop on a bicycle and ride along the banks of Yulong River. Pedal past towering karst mountains, verdant rice fields and ancient buildings before swapping the bike for a bamboo raft. Sit back and soak up the idyllic scenery whilst floating down the quiet river through the picturesque countryside.

After breakfast at the hotel, spend the morning visiting two of the area’s most impressive landmarks. First visit the magnificent Moon Hill, a mountain featuring a semi-circle hole at the top, before travelling to the Silver Cave, a stunning multi-storied mystical karst cave.  After the morning of excursions, continue to Guilin airport and take to the skies heading to Shanghai. Land in China’s biggest city, Shanghai (or Hu) is a vast vibrant and bustling metropolis and one of largest global financial hubs.

Start the morning with a laid-back walk around Shanghai’s old town and take respite from the busy city life at the charming Yuyuan Garden. Wander through the picturesque park, complete with pavilions, ponds and dragon-lined walls, before sitting down for lunch at a local restaurant. Continue the city exploration in the afternoon with a walk along Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s main shopping street as well as one of the world’s busiest retail areas. Gaze up at the soaring skyscrapers lining the streets of the financial district of Pudong before travelling along the famous Bund Sightseeing Tunnel underneath the Huangpu River. End this exciting day with a journey to the Oriental Pearl Tower. This 468-metre-high tower is the world’s sixth tallest TV and radio tower and is famed for its iconic and unique architectural design. The panoramic sights from within are unmatched.

End this cultural and active adventure of China with breakfast at the hotel before transferring to Shanghai airport to embark on your journey home or ahead to a new destination.