Depart London on your scheduled overnight flight to Beijing, via Shanghai.

Upon arrival into Beijing you will be met by a local guide and transferred to your hotel.

Delve into Beijing's rich history, starting at the world's largest plaza, and China's Tiananmen Square, and enter the vast Forbidden City, brimming with age-old relics and a staggering 9,999 rooms and chambers.

Walk on a section of the emblematic Great Wall of China. Later, stroll around the world's best persevered imperial gardens at the exquisite Summer Palace before navigating Silk Street's bustling market stalls, and feasting on a succulent Peking Duck dinner.

This morning, admire the 14th Century Temple of Heaven, an architectural masterpiece which is now also a popular meeting place for locals to perform their weekly exercise routines or partake in tai chi. Transfer to the airport for an afternoon flight to Xi'an, arriving in time for dinner.

Behold the vast underground vaults which boast the extraordinary 8,000-strong Terracotta warriors, known by many as the 'Eighth Wonder of the World'. Later, witness the intricate process of producing smaller Terracotta replicas at the Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Centre, before enjoying a colourful evening of culture at a captivating Tang Dynasty Show.

A morning tour of Xi'an incorporates the chance to saunter along a fragment of the megalithic 14th century City Walls, followed by a visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda. Before boarding this afternoon's bullet train to Chengdu, try your hand at the ancient art of calligraphy, learning to script iconic Chinese symbols.

Meet Chengdu's most famous residents and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter at the Chengdu Panda Breeding Centre; take in the delights of endearing pandas snoozing on treetops or snacking on bamboo, before exploring People's Park. Following a tasty dinner, stroll amidst the elegant architecture lining Jinli's Ancient Street.

Experience Chengdu's largest and bestpreserved Buddhist monastery with a visit to Wenshu Temple; greeted by the aromatic scents of burning incense, observe an assembly of local worshippers before boarding your bullet train to Yichang to embark on a four-night Yangtze River cruise.

Affording breath-taking panoramas, cruise upstream to reach your first excursion at the monumental Three Gorges Dam.

Take a side-trip to Shennong Stream, a zigzagging watercourse where local inhabitants line the shore. Sail to Wu Gorge, the prettiest of the Three Gorges followed by Qu Tang Gorge, the shortest, and in the afternoon, an optional tour of the White Emperor City explores this ancient temple, perched at the top of an island in the middle of the river.

Following an excursion at the Shibaozhai Temple, sail past the Fengdu Ghost City - the place where souls go to pass three tests before entering the afterlife, according to legend. Conclude this spellbinding cruise by sailing to the Fengdu Jade Emperor.

Disembarking at Chongqing, board this morning's bullet train to China's most picturesque region, Guilin, and witness a striking natural phenomenon at Elephant Hill, whose distinctive appearance illustrates the trunk of an elephant drinking from the Taohua River. Please note, today's lunch will be in the form of a lunch box.

Relax in tranquillity on the Lijiang River's rippling waters. Following lunch on board, disembark in Yangshuo to explore its oldest avenue; West Street's bustling shopping district attracts visitors from all over the globe for its mesmerising combination of Eastern and international elements. Discover local heritage during an optional theatrical performance of The Impression of Liu Sanje this evening.

After breakfast, explore the sights of Yangshuo, stopping at a traditional farming house, before an afternoon at leisure.

With a dramatic backdrop dominated by stunning karst formations and at the foot of Yao Mountain, visit Guilin Tea Science institute and Tea Gardens, delighting in the chance to sample traditional tea in incredible surroundings. Later, catch a flight to Xiamen and arrive in time to uncover the delicate architecture of Nanputuo Temple, an ancient Buddhist shrine, idyllically nestled in the foothills of Wulaofeng Mountains.

Journey to the historic town of Nan Jing in Fujian Province where you can delve into ancient Chinese history whilst exploring the unique 'earth buildings' of the Nan Jing Tulou clusters. Visit the characteristic Tianluokeng Cluster, the 'leaning building' of Yauchanlou, and ancient village of Taxia. Set amongst a backdrop of natural wonders, delight in China's historical legacy with visits to the Great Wall of China, the Terracotta Warriors and the astonishing earthern communal homes of Fujian.

Dating back to the Ming Dynasty, visit the Chuxi Tulou cluster. Catch a glimpse of the Jiqing Building, the oldest of the cluster, as well as the Gengqing and Shanqing builings. Return to Xiamen after lunch for your overnight stay.

Transfer to the airport for today's midday flight to Shanghai. Upon arrival, travel to your hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

Commencing today's full-day tour in the heart of cosmopolitan Shanghai, discover two rare Buddhist relics, carved out of genuine white jade and housed within the generously embellished Jade Buddha Temple. Heading towards the Garden City of Suzhou, absorb the tranquil scenery of Pan Men Gardens, wander around Guangian Street, and learn about China's long-standing silk history at the Silk Museum and Factory. After dinner, return to Shanghai.