Journey to the “Northern Capital” – a land of emperors, epic monuments and the cultural heart of China. On arrival in Beijing, you’ll be transferred to your hotel where you can relax before meeting your Travel Director for a welcome drink and appetizers at a local restaurant.

Delve into Beijing’s rich imperial heritage, beginning your encounter with the remnants of centuries-old dynasties in the world’s largest public space, Tiananmen Square. Tread in the footsteps of emperors, passing through the south gate to the UNESCO-listed Forbidden City, the imperial palace for emperors and their households for over five centuries. Immerse yourself in the ancient rituals, traditions and history of this palace complex before lunch. Continue to the tranquil temple
of heaven, another UNESCO heritage site, once visited by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties to pray for good harvests and divine guidance. This evening, the salty, sweet flavours of succulent Peking duck take centre stage during a regional dinner.

We leave the city behind, bound for the iconic Great Wall of China at Juyongguan. Standing on its ramparts, we look down on the Chinese countryside which its walls successfully defended against marauding nomadic invaders. Watch it snake thousands of miles into the distance as you imagine how these man-made fortifications were built and rebuilt from the 5th century B.C. to the 16th century. Then, walk the Sacred Way past the imposing stone statues that guard the Ming Tombs and remains of 13 emperors of the Ming Dynasty.

A leisurely start to our morning sees us embark on a rickshaw tour around the ancient narrow alleyways of the courtyard Hutong residences. Connect with the local culture as you join a family for a delicious meal of traditional Chinese cuisine at a Be My Guest lunch, followed by a visit to a tea house, where a Local Specialist prepares and serves tea, explaining the historic tea-making ritual. This afternoon, you’ll indulge in a relaxing foot massage at the Foot Reflexology Centre.

Included / Optional Experiences:
a. Meet a local Family for Lunch in Beijing
Visit and have lunch with a local family in their home in one of Beijing’s hutongs and gain a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into their lifestyle.

b. Foot Massage in Beijing
Indulge in a foot massage at the Foot Reflexology Centre.

c. Legend of Kung Fu Show-ADD: ¥350.00
If traditional martial arts, acrobatics, Kung Fu dance and modern theatre sounds like you, then you won’t want to miss the Kung Fu artists at The Legend of Kung Fun Show. It’s the story of a boy who dreams big about being a Kung Fu master. But it’s not just about kicks and flips – it’s about him facing his fears as he fights through it all in becoming a total champ. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi. Hop on a traditional rickshaw and weave through Beijing’s ancient alleyways.

We fly to Xi’an, which reveals its role as the ancient departure point of the Silk Road. Visit the Great Mosque, one of the oldest, largest and best-preserved mosques in China. According to historical records it was built in 742 during the Tang Dynasty and is a combination of Islamic art and traditional Chinese architecture.

Included Optional Experiences:
a. Tang Dynasty Show with Dinner-ADD: ¥400.00
Enjoy a sumptuous Tang dumpling banquet followed by a wonderful performance of ancient music and dance which has graced the region for centuries. The show consists of 8 parts filled with vibrant costumes, colourful dances and traditional music. Under the ruling of the Tang Emperors from 618 to 907, China became the most powerful and prosperous country in the world. During this time the economy, politics and military strength reached an unprecedented level which influenced the culture of its neighboring countries. It was during this flourishing and peaceful period that exquisite Tang imperial feasts with music and dance emerged and developed. Step back in time and enjoy the delightful hospitality and performances of the Tang Dynasty. The price shown is in Chinese Yuan Renminbi.

Start your day at the Tang Dynasty Gallery, where you’ll explore China’s artistic legacy. Dive into Culture at a traditional calligraphy class, where you’ll try your hand at Chinese writing using a brush and ink, an art form dating back to the Han Dynasty. Step inside ancient cave dwellings on a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience in the Loess Plateau, built from naturally insulating, earthquake-resistant earth, and see firsthand how local families are preserving their heritage while adapting to modern life. History comes to life as you stand before the UNESCO-listed Terracotta Warriors, a silent army guarding China’s first emperor for over two millennia. After a delicious bowl of traditional Chinese noodles, visit a local jade workshop to uncover the craftsmanship behind this treasured stone.

Included Optional Experiences:
a. Traditional Calligraphy Class
Give Chinese calligraphy a go in this hands-on class, learning an art form that’s been around since the Han Dynasty. With an expert to guide you, you’ll master brush techniques and create your own characters, discovering how every stroke tells a story in this timeless tradition.

b. Visit Yaodong Cave Dwelling
Step inside 2,000-year-old Yaodong cave dwellings, built from naturally insulating, earthquake-resistant Loess earth. As modern homes replace them, your visit helps families restore their homes, keeping their heritage alive while embracing the future. Your visit also directly supports United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities.

This morning, your choice of activities gives you an opportunity to mimic the graceful movements of a skilled T’ai Chi Local Specialist, or consider joining a cycle tour around part of the ancient City Wall of Xi’an. Later at a local restaurant, you will be watching a demonstration in the art of making dumplings, with an opportunity to sample these for lunch. Savour the juicy flavours of these boiled, steamed and fried treats, transporting you back to ancient China, before transferring to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Ascend to the 88-storey Jinmao Tower for panoramic views of the skyscrapers that loom over the most populous city on earth.

a. Overnight at The Kunlun Beijing, Shanghai’s first Chinese-designed five-star hotel
The year was 1988, The Kunlun Beijing opened as the first Chinese designed and built five-star hotel inShanghai City, welcoming state and foreign dignitaries, and international clientele. Relax at The Kunlun Jing An, a landmark city hotel exceptionally located in one of Shanghai’s most fashionable and commercial districts, only a short walk from the famous Jing An Temple and West Nanjing Road.

b. Make Dumplings in Xi’an
Discover the traditions and techniques of dumpling making, indulging in an opportunity to sample them.

Stroll down Shanghai’s famous ‘Bund’ with a Local Specialist, admiring the neoclassical colonial buildings that have lined this city’s renowned waterfront since the early 1900s. Learn how this marshland was transformed into one of the world’s most important trading hubs. Then, continue to the winding streets and vibrant markets of Old Shanghai to discover the how the customs and traditional lifestyle of this area have remained relatively unaltered. Enjoy some free time for lunch and shopping in the Old Town before we Dive into Culture during a visit to a silk museum. This evening, indulge in a performance by the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe

Spend a day exploring the Paris of the East on your terms – shop for delicate Chinese ceramics, or consider joining an Optional Experience to Zhujiajiao, an ancient water town founded more than 1,700 years ago. In its heyday, Zhujiajiao was a bustling market town. Today, old historical buildings such as rice shops, banks, spice stores and even a Qing Dynasty post office can still be found as you stroll down its ancient streets and wander across the many stone bridges that crisscross its canals. This afternoon, you’ll have some free time to explore the city or simply relax before joining your travel companions for dinner.

Included / Optional Experiences:
a. Half-Day Zhujiajiao Experience With Lunch-ADD: ¥450.00
Get set for a journey to Zhujiajiao, the crown jewel among Shanghai’s four ancient towns. Wander past its traditional houses with old fashioned courtyards, rice shops, spice stores and even a Qing dynasty post office that’s been around for over 1,700 years. Hop aboard a paddle boat and glide under its 36 distinct bridges. And don’t forget about the food! Zhujiajiao is known for its cuisine—treat yourself to green soy beans, lotus roots, homemade candy and braised pork leg over lunch. It’s a flavourful adventure you won’t want to miss!

Our mystical encounter with China at its end, take a transfer to Shanghai Airport for your onward flight.