China Highlights (Intrepid)

Day 1 Shanghai        
Ni Hao! Welcome to China. Blending 21st Century architecture with old-world character, Shanghai pulses with the beat of new China. Your adventure begins with a meeting at 4pm. The evening is free for your first exploration of the city – perhaps get a taste of Shanghai’s eclectic food scene.      

Day 2 Shanghai        
Get ready for your first bullet train experience this morning. A half-hour train ride will take you to Wuxi – once a prominent water town and now a booming city. Follow your leader on a walking tour through the Huishan Ancient Town Scenic Area and explore the cultural relics, historic sites and Xihui scenic area full of gorgeous gardens. Take some epic snaps, learn about the traditional life here and then visit the Jichang Garden. Head back to Shanghai in the afternoon. The evening is yours to enjoy at your own pace – why not grab a drink in one of the rooftop bars in Shanghai and look out over the bund.  

Day 3  Shanghai to Xian    
Hop on the bullet train to Xi’an this morning. Once the imperial centre and start of the Silk Road, Xi'an is now a vibrant, modern city dotted with many historical sites and a great place to explore. When you arrive, join your leader on a walking tour, passing the iconic Bell and Drum Towers. See the Muslim Quarter and wander past the shops, markets, and the Great Mosque. Sample some street snacks from local carts and see why this area is known for its food! For dinner tonight, maybe try some tantalising local specialties such as pao mo (lamb broth with flat bread), hand-pulled noodles and meat skewers.

Day 4  Xian    
Today visit one of the man-made wonders of the world – the Terracotta Warriors. These clay statues depicting soldiers, horses and chariots were commissioned by the emperor Qin Shi Huangdi as part of his mausoleum after he ascended to the throne in 264 BC. See over 1000 warriors, each individually sculpted from clay and with a different costume, height and facial expression.    

Day 5  Xian to The Great Wall      
Today is a big day of travelling so grab some snacks for the journey. Board the high-speed train to Beijing and watch the landscape change from farmland and villages to industrialised cities and urban sprawl. On arrival in Beijing, board a private vehicle and drive into the countryside, where you’ll spend the night in a family-run guesthouse, right inside the scenic area near the Great Wall of China!

Day 6  The Great Wall to Beijing    
This morning you’ll visit the Great Wall and spend some time learning the history of this mighty site. An incredible piece of engineering, the wall stretches 6,000 kilometres and was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from invaders. Afterwards journey back to Beijing.    

Day 7  Beijing            
Make your way to Tiananmen Square. Framed by the Gate of Heavenly Peace, Mao's Mausoleum and the Great Hall of the People, many consider it to be the heart of the nation. Next enter the enormous Forbidden City to explore the halls and courtyards and you'll appreciate the grandeur of the Imperial Chinese court during the Ming and Qing dynasties. In the afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore on your own before celebrating the end of your journey with a meal of Beijing duck.  

Day 8  Beijing    
As there are no activities planned today, your China adventure comes to an end. There's so much to see and do in Beijing, so if you’d like to stay an extra few days, just speak to your booking agent.