On arrival in Shanghai Pudong or Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, you will be met in the arrival hall by your local guide and/or National Escort from Wendy Wu Tours. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer approximately 1 hour to your hotel. Early check-in is not included. Additional nights’ before and after your tour can be arranged. An informal Welcome Dinner will be held on Day 1. If you miss this due to your arrival time, all information will be provided to you at breakfast the following morning.

Today's explorations include the peaceful Yu Garden and the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture along the Huangpu River with a stroll along the Bund before visiting the Silk Factory. Sightseeing today involves a full day of touring around the centre of the city with 3-4 hours on foot. Later, cruise on the mighty Huangpu River for stunning views of the Shanghai skyline. Dine tonight on traditional Shanghainese cuisine.

Today, drive approximately 1 hour to Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai’s sleepy water towns. Sightseeing here is leisurely and involves a couple of hours exploring on foot. Later, return to Shanghai and enjoy the ancient treasures of the Shanghai Museum before wandering around People's Square. This evening, enjoy an exciting Chinese acrobatic show.

Fly 2 and a half hours to Xian for a 2-night stay. Visit the lovely Little Wild Goose Pagoda and take a stroll through the exotic Muslim Quarter. There is an optional night city tour of Xian this evening (payable locally).

Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of the lifesized Terracotta Warriors. The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is located approximately a 1-hour drive outside of Xian. From the bus park to the museum entrance there is a 15-minute walk. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost. There is no electric cart available for the return from the museum exit to the bus park. Within the museum area the warriors can be seen in three different ‘pits’, which are active archaeological digs. The site is large and will take about 2 and a half hours to explore. After this, visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop to see smaller models of the warriors being made. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. The local guide will give you time to explore the ancient city walls at your own pace. There are options here to hire a bicycle or an electric cart to drive along the length of the wall. These are offered by private vendors and can be organised at your own expense. This evening, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and enjoy a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. Please note: If you wish to undertake a bike ride on the Ancient City Wall, we strongly recommend wearing a helmet.

Transfer to the train station and take the speedy bullet train for 5 and a half hours to Beijing. Please note you will need to carry your own luggage on and off the train.

Walk across the lengths of Tiananmen Square and into the magnificent Forbidden City. Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. In the afternoon, enjoy a leisurely stroll in the Hutongs and have dinner with a local family. You will spend approximately 6 hours sightseeing today, predominately on foot. Please note: The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If this day of touring falls on a Monday, your touring in Beijing will be switched around so that the Forbidden City is visited on an alternative day.

Rise early this morning and drive approximately 2 hours northwest of the city to the Juyongguan Pass. Here you can take a walk on the Great Wall of China, appreciating the wall itself and the dramatic scenery. Your visit here involves walking from the bus to the first section. After your group has been given an introduction to the Great Wall’s unique history you will have free time to explore at your own pace. Later, visit the Jade Factory, and in the afternoon, drive approximately 1 and a half hours to wander around the Summer Palace. This evening, savour a delicious Peking duck dinner.

Any time before your flight is at leisure. You will be transferred from your hotel to Beijing Daxing or Beijing Capital Airport, according to the departure time of your international flight. Late check-out is not included. Additional night's before and after your tour can be arranged.