Highlight of today: Simply arriving in China!

➤ Arrival Beijing - Transfer to your hotel and meet your guide:

➤ Itinerary: We will be greeting your family at the airport from where you will be transferred by private car or minibus and your English speaking guide to the hotel. The approximately 1 hour journey to your hotel is a perfect opportunity to ask the guide any initial questions you might have. The guide will provide assisstance with checking in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax from the long flight or start to explore the city with the help of your personalised Trip Guidebook we send you before the trip. The area around your hotel is perfect for an introductory walk to soak up the local atmosphere or you can just relax in the hotels safe and secure grounds. We tend to find that by the end of the day any concerns you may have had about China not being child friendly have been dispelled!

➤ Overnight at the Bamboo Garden Hotel 4*. Built in the Chinese traditional style this long time favourite is located in lovely grounds in a quiet Hutong area near the popular Ho Hai Lake.

➤ Meals included: None.

 Highlight of today: Forbidden City & Lao She Theatre

➤ Beijing - Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Jingshan Park and Lao She Theatre:

➤ Itinerary: After breakfast at your hotel we head to one of our favourite places in Beijing - the Temple of Heaven.  The temple itself is small by Chinese standards but proves that size doesn’t matter as this building is considered by many (including us) to be the most beautiful building in China. Perfectly symmetrical it was constructed at the same time as the Forbidden City and its primary purpose was as a prayer hall the Emperors visited to ask for good harvests. What makes the Temple of Heaven really special is that it is set inside a vast park which is a centre for a wide range of cultural activities. Here you will see - and be able to participate in if you wish - kite flying, Tai Chi, various styles of dancing, all manner of martial arts, water calligraphy and a range of sports peculiar to China. In short, there is something for everyone.

Later in the morning we move on to Tiananmen Square, the largest city square in the world. The square is home to the Mao Mausoleum and monument to the People’s Heroes and is flanked by the Great Hall of the People (China’s parliament building) and the National Museum of China both built in the early 1960’s with help from the Soviet Union which shows in the architecture. For the morbid it is sometimes possible to go inside the Mao Mausoleum to see the Chairman himself.

To the north of the square is the equally vast palace complex of the Forbidden City reached by passing under the Gate of Heavenly Peace (Tiananmen in Chinese). Built from 1406 to 1420 by up to 1 million workers it contains 980 buildings with 8,707 rooms (you can keep the kids busy by asking them to check this figure!) and was the former home of the Emperors and their court. We’ll walk up the middle axis from South to North taking in the splendour of the most important central buildings before finishing in the relatively small garden by the north gate.

We round off the day in Jingshan park just north of the Forbidden City. This lovely park has a large artificial hill which has fantastic views over Beijing and particularly the Forbidden City on a good day. A fun evening of entertainment awaits you at the Lao She Teahouse where you will enjoy an atmospheric  performance that includes a fast mixture of Peking Opera, Acrobatics, Martial Arts, Cross Talk, Music and Shadow Puppetry - there is something for everyone here and in a classic relaxed and informal tea house environment. After the show you will be transferred back to your hotel.

➤ Overnight at the Bamboo Garden Hotel 4*.

➤ Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.

 Highlight of today: The Great Wall of China

➤ Beijing - Great Wall at Mutianyu (optional Tobogganing) and the Ming Tombs:

➤ Itinerary: Today we will be showing you one of China’s most famous sights - the Great Wall. At over 4,000 miles long there is a lot of Wall to see but we will be taking you to one of the better and less touristed sections at Mutianyu 70km from Beijing. The drive to the wall averages 2 hours and will take you from your hotel in the centre of Beijing through the rapidly expanding suburbs and on into the beautiful mountainous countryside to the north east of the city. The Mutianyu section dates back to the 6th century but was largely rebuilt in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty. It is one of the best preserved sections of the wall largely due to the high standard of construction. The views from on top of the wall are spectacular and helped by Mutianyu having a high density of watchtowers which give a good idea of the scale of this section as it passes over the mountain ridges.

There is the option to walk up to the Wall or take a cable car (you can decide locally). They say you are not a man until you have walked on the wall but perhaps the true test for the brave comes with the option to slide down from the wall on a year round Toboggan (again, something you can decide locally).

On the way back to Beijing we will stop at the Ming Tombs, the burial place of 13 Ming Dynasty Emperors between 1368 to 1644AD some of whom oversaw the construction the Great Wall section you saw earlier today. The tombs are approached along the Sacred Way lined with giant marble figures and animals who guard the tomb area. Budding Indiana Jones’s will enjoy entering one of the tombs although they have long since been raided! After the tour a transfer to the station for an overnight train onto your next destination of Xian.

➤ Overnight on board a sleeper train to Xian.

➤ Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.

 Highlight of today: The Amazing Terra Cotta Army

➤ Arrival Xian - Transfer to your hotel - The Terra Cotta Army, Calligraphy lesson & Xian’s City Walls:

➤ Itinerary: You arrive early in the morning on the overnight train from Beijing. Your guide will take you to your hotel where you will have time to have breakfast, freshen up and, if a room is available, you can also check-in.

Today you will see one of the highlights of China - the extraordinary ranks of the Terra Cotta Army. Created by China’s first Emperor Qin Shi Huang - the fabled “Yellow Emperor” - to provide an imperial court and, of course, an army for the afterlife. Work began in 246 BC and at its height it is said that 700,000 people worked on the project. At some point however this vast undertaking became lost to time and was only rediscovered in 1974 by a farmer digging a well. Excavations have continued since and the three pits unearthed are thought to contain 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses. Several thousand of the soldiers have been pieced back together and make for a uniquely impressive sight today even without their original paint. The Emperor specifically stated that no two soldiers should look alike and all are life sized.

After lunch it is time for a calligraphy lesson. There is more the the Chinese script than just writing as characters often have stories and deeper meaning attached to them. You will have an opportunity to learn the brush technique and keep the results of your efforts. After this we finish on Xian’s largest construction, the 13.7 km City Walls which are up to 18 meters thick at the base and 12 meters in height. The walls were constructed during the Ming Dynasty from 1370 AD and replaced an even larger wall. It is possible to hire bicycles and ride some sections of the wall (a decision that can be made and paid for locally) and the top of the Wall is perhaps the safest place in China to ride a bicycle!

In the evening a trip to the lavish Tang Dynasty show set in a beautiful theatre. The show itself highlights Chinese culture from this dynasty, considered a golden age in China’s long history. Music,  singing and dance with a traditional orchestra and colourful costumes makes this a visual feast for all ages.

➤ Overnight at the Grand Noble Hotel 5*. A comfortable hotel located close to Xian’s famous City Walls and considered one of the best places to stay in this city.

➤ Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.

 Highlight of today: Underground Museum & Opera

➤ Xian - The Hanyangling Mausoleum and departure by plane:

➤ Itinerary: On the way to the airport for your flight to Chengdu we will stop at the Hanyangling Mausoleum, the burial place of the Emperor Jing of Han who ruled from 188 BC to 141 BC. The Emperor was responsible for many reforms during his rule and credited with the prosperity that followed. The Mausoleum opened to the public in 2005 and is China’s first underground museum where you can actually walk over the burial pits along glass walkways. Excavations continue and you can often see archaeologists working in the pits. Much less crowded than the Terra Cotta Army, the experience allows you to get up closer to the ancient artifacts. Continue onto the airport for your flight to Chengdu with a transfer on arrival to your hotel.

In the evening a trip to the colourful, loud and exciting Sichuan Opera. Not sure if opera is for you. Well Sichuan opera is like no other including it’s cousin - Peking opera. Down here the show combines stunts such as face-changing, Tihuiyan, sword-hiding, fire-spitting and beard-changing with the plot making this a show for all ages.

➤ Overnight at the BuddhaZen hotel 3*. One of our favourite in China this beautiful hotel is built in the Chinese traditional style and has a great location and comfortable rooms.

➤ Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.

 Highlight of today: The Giant Pandas

➤ Chengdu - Half day trip to Chengdu’s Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding:

➤ Itinerary: This morning we will be visiting the Research Base for Giant Panda Breeding while the pandas are active (which is usually only in the morning). Opened in 1987 the base now has over 60 pandas and is considered the best place in the world to see these endangered icons of China. As well as learning about the pandas themselves and watching such activities as feeding there is also an opportunity to hold a panda cub although note that this is not guaranteed and requires a local payment of approximately RMB 1,000.

NOTE: We can also arrange a full day volunteering at the Centre. This involves helping with the daily duties from preparing the pandas food and cleaning out their quarters! Full clothing is provided as well as a certificate on completion for the day. Ask us for more details.

Return to Chengdu in the afternoon with free time.

➤ Overnight at the BuddhaZen hotel 3*.

➤ Meals included: Breakfast.

 Highlight of today: Fascinating Lijiang Old Town

➤ Chengdu to Lijiang - A free morning in Chengdu before a flight onto Lijiang:

➤ Itinerary: After breakfast a transfer on to the airport for a flight to Lijiang, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage recognised city of cobbled streets and tiled roofs set against the magnificent backdrop of the 5,596m thirteen peaked Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Yunnan province’s top destination. Your guide and driver will be meeting you at the airport in Lijiang and transferring you to your hotel set in the heart of the old town.

Time to settle in before a half day orientation tour of the Old City including the fabulous palace of the Mu Clan who ruled over this area for 400 years during the Ming and Qing Dynasties. This large complex is a superb example of local Naxi architecture. You will also visit the Black Dragon Pool, a beautiful park containing some traditional buildings and one of the most famous views in China of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - stunning if the weather cooperates! Your guide will return you to your hotel after which you have free time for the rest of the day to further explore the narrow streets of the Old City or relax in the many cafes and restaurants.

➤ Overnight at the Sanhe Hotel 3*. Located in the wonderful old town of Lijiang this traditionally designed hotel will help immerse you in this fascinating city, a highlight of South West China.

➤ Meals included: Breakfast.

 Highlight of today: Beautiful Jade Dragon Mountain

➤ Lijiang - Day trip to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain:

➤ Itinerary: Today you will be heading out of the Old City 15km to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong in Chinese), a 5,596m thirteen peaked massif clearly visible from Lijiang but even more impressive up close. As with almost all rock formations in China there is a good story behind how the mountain came about and needless to say there are dragons, twin mountains and evil spirits involved - your guide will elaborate! You will take a cable car up to a high grassland plateau on the mountain (outside of summer it is possible to rent warm jackets at the cable car station) from where the 13 snow covered peaks tower above you. Descend by cable car from where we continue to Baisha Village, the earliest known settlement of Naxi village and a treasure trove of local architecture. The village is also famous for the 44 Baisha Frescoes drawn during the Ming Dynasty and which embody the artistic styles of the Naxi, Tibetan and Bai minorities. Return to Lijiang late afternoon with free time in the evening.

➤ Overnight at the Sanhe Hotel 3*.

➤ Meals included: Breakfast and Lunch.

 Highlight of today: The picturesque drive to Dali

➤ Lijiang to Dali - A four hour scenic drive to Dali with a half day orientation tour on arrival:

➤ Itinerary: After breakfast depart Lijiang by car or minibus for the picturesque four hour journey to Dali with opportunities to stop for photos along the route. Dali is the ancient capital of both the Bai kingdom during the 8th and 9th centuries, and the Kingdom of Dali, which reigned from 937-1253. This relaxed town has a backdrop of the beautiful Cangshan Mountains (ranging up to 4,200 meters in height) and is situated close to the shores of lovely Erhai Lake.

After check-in at the hotel in Dali time to freshen up and have some lunch before a half day orientation tour including Dali Old City and the Three Pagodas. The Old City is preserved and known for its architecture and being the centre of the local Bai culture. Most of the new development is thankfully in the separate new city called Xiaguan some distance from the Old City. The Tang Dynasty Three Pagodas are some of the best preserved Buddhist structures in China and are set in a spectacular location. The Central Pagoda is almost 1,200 years old and was constructed during the time Dali was a Buddhist Kingdom. Free time in the evening to relax at your hotel or in the restaurants or cafes of the Old City.

➤ Overnight at the Landscape Hotel 3*. Great location and, as the name suggests, in it’s own beautifully landscaped grounds make this a popular choice in laid back Dali.

➤ Meals included: Breakfast.

 Highlight of today: Relaxed lakeside Dali

➤ Dali - Free day to explore the Old city or take a trip out into the surrounding countryside and villages:

➤ Itinerary: A free day to further explore the Old City and the countryside and lake side villages that surround Dali. There are two main choices for a free day. Firstly to head up into the Cangshan mountains, an area of stunning beauty. The most common way to visit the mountains is to take the chairlift up and then walk the 3 to 5 hours to another chairlift to return to Dali. The walk between lifts is easy to follow on a good path wonderfully named the “Cloud Traveller’s Path.”

The second way to spend the day is to head for Erhai Lake which has several islands you can take a ferry to as well as Guanyin Temple. There are also 17 villages along the western shore of the lake. The best way to visit some of these is by hiring a bicycle in town and cycling along the lake shore road. This is one of the best areas to see village life and architecture in China.

Early evening a transfer to the station for an overnight sleeper train onto your next destination of Kunming.

➤ Overnight on board a sleeper train to Kunming.

➤ Meals included: Breakfast.

 Highlight of today: Kunming's unique Stone Forest

➤ Arrival Kunming - Transfer to your hotel - Full day Tour to the Stone Forest:

➤ Itinerary: You arrive early in the morning on the overnight train from Dali. Your guide will take you to your hotel where you will have time to have breakfast, freshen up and, if a room is available, you can also check-in.

After breakfast start a full day tour driving 85km out of the city to the extraordinary Stone Forest. This area of unusual Karst formations covers 2,670 square km and is believed to be 270 million years old. You will see some of the Greater Stone Forest, Lesser Stone forest, Outer Stone Forest, Underground Stone Forest, Stone Forest Lake, and Da Dieshui Falls. The whole place is like a giant adventure playground! Return back to Kunming with a free evening to relax after today’s exertions.

➤ Overnight at the New Era Hotel 4*. A modern hotel well located in the heart of Kunming making it an ideal option in this pleasant city and a good base from which to explore Yunnan province.

➤ Meals included: Breakfast and lunch.

 Highlight of today: buzz of downtown Kowloon

➤ Kunming to Hong Kong - Free time until a flight onto Hong Kong:

➤ Itinerary: A free morning to explore the city itself. At 1,890m, Kunming is one of those rare Chinese cities that is good to visit all year round. Renown for its greenery there are many parks to visit as well as several historic buildings including Yuantong and Tanhua temples, the famous flower and bird market and several museums.

Afternoon transfer to the airport for a flight onto Hong Kong with a transfer on arrival to your hotel. After check in free time to start to explore this city state which is still very distinct from Mainland China despite returning from British to Chinese control in 1997. Aside from having one of the worlds most impressive skylines Hong Kong also offers fine food, world class shopping, vibrant nightlife contrasting with tranquil islands dotted with timeless temples and fishing harbours.

➤ Overnight at the Salisbury YMCA 3*. A long time favourite and for good reason as the location is hard to beat for the class of hotel (right next door to the world famous Peninsula Hotel).

➤ Meals included: Breakfast.

 Highlight of today: The Peak, harbour or Islands

➤ A full free day in Hong Kong to explore this amazing city:

➤ Itinerary: Your first full day in Hong Kong to explore this fabulous city, its famous harbour, the Peak, outlying islands such as Lamma and Lantau, vibrant markets and fantastic entertainment scene. Shopping and food are world class and for the children there are beaches, Ocean Park, the aviary at Victoria Park and, of course Hong Kong Disney Land!

➤ Overnight at the Salisbury YMCA 3*.

➤ Meals included: Breakfast.

 Highlight of today: Memories of the last two weeks

➤ Free time your departure from Hong Kong:

➤ Itinerary: Free time until making your own way from your hotel to the airport for your flight out of the city (most flights depart late in the evening making this a full free day in Hong Kong). The easiest way to get to the airport is by taxi which your hotel can arrange. There is also an efficient airport bus service or you can use the Airport Express trains. See our Trip guidebook or ask your hotel for full details.  

➤ Meals included: Breakfast.