DAY 1: Depart UK.
Overnight flight to Shanghai.

DAY 2: Shanghai.
On arrival in Shanghai, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel for a two night stay. The rest of the day is yours to explore this exciting city. (D)

DAY 3: Shanghai. Included sightseeing.
Today enjoy a full day tour of Shanghai, which sits at the mouth of the Yangtze River. Known as the 'Pearl of the Orient', Shanghai is an intoxicating mix of old and new. Our sightseeing features colourful old Shanghai with its enchanting Yu Yuan Gardens, Shanghai Museum and Jade Buddha Temple, home to two stunning Buddha statues carved in white jade. After dinner, enjoy a breathtaking Chinese acrobatic show. (B, L, D)

DAY 4: Shanghai - Huangshan (Tunxi).
The day begins with a visit to the soaring Oriental Pearl TV Tower and History Museum of Shanghai, reflecting the city's past. After lunch, enjoy some free time along the vast shopping avenue of Nanjing Road and the Bund, the city's famous waterfront boulevard. This evening, we fly to Huangshan. Your overnight stay is in Tunxi District, which falls under the jurisdiction of Huangshan City. (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Huangshan (Tunxi) - Hongcun - Yellow Mountain.
A day of scenic wonders awaits as we drive to Hongcun, the unique buffalo shaped village that was featured in the Oscar-winning movie, 'Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon'. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the architecture and carvings of Hongcun's residences date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties and are said to be among the best of their kind in China. Our next stop is the Yellow Mountain, another UNESCO World Heritage site. This mountain range and area is famous for its scenic beauty, the peculiar shape of its granite peaks and the weather shaped Huangshan pine trees. The area is dotted with hot springs and natural pools, and the mountain tops offer views of the clouds from above, creating an interesting light effect called The Sea of Clouds. Ride the Yungu cable car up the mountain, before soaking up epic vistas from Lion Peak, the Begin-to-Believe Peak and the glorious Flower Scattering Valley. A memorable evening is in store tonight, as we overnight at the top of the mountain.
Note: For your overnight stay, your main luggage will be stored at the hotel in Huangshan (Tunxi). Plan to pack an overnight case with necessities, including medication, glasses and any other important items. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Yellow Mountain - Huangshan (Tunxi).
This morning, watch an ethereal mountain sunrise before enjoying more stunning views over nearby Cloud Dispelling Pavilion and Xi-Hai Grand Canyon. Afterwards, we descend the mountain before returning to Tunxi for a stroll along the town's charming Ancient Street, which is framed by faithfully preserved Ming and Qing buildings. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Huangshan - Hangzhou. Included sightseeing.
Another treat today as we drive to Shexian County, the home of Huizhou culture - one of three regional cultures in China. During our time in this enchanting city, we visit the imposing Tangyue Archways built during the Ming and Qing dynasties, and Bao's Clan Garden - China's largest Huizhou style bonsai garden. Another highlight awaits as we visit Chengkan, the mysterious village of Eight Diagrams, laid out according to Feng Shui principles. This afternoon, we head up to Hangzhou (approx. three hours drive). (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Hangzhou - Tianhuangping Eclipse viewing - Hangzhou.
A once in a lifetime experience awaits as we travel this morning to the Tianhuangping Reservoir in Anji County to witness the eclipse. As the eclipse begins, the sky will turn radiant orange and purple before the sun blackens over completely for around six minutes - promising a thrilling visual experience. After the eclipse, we return to Hangzhou and visit the city's Museum of Chinese Herbal Medicine where you can observe senior pharmacists at work. Next, enjoy a visit to the former residence of Hu Xueyuan, Qing businessman and founder of traditional Chinese pharmacy in Hangzhou, his residence is a fine example of Qing Dynasty architecture. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Hangzhou. Included sightseeing.
Marco Polo described Hangzhou as the 'most beautiful city in the world'. Set amid verdant greenery on the vast West Lake, this 2,000 year-old city was the seat of China's Song emperors and overflows with historic relics and natural beauty. We start our unforgettable tour with a short cruise on the West Lake which is surrounded by mountains and known for its picturesque landscapes. The ancient buildings and stone caves which line its shores are among the most cherished national treasures of China. Our next highlight is a visit to the serene Buddhist Lingyin Temple and the mystical Fei Laifeng Grottoes. Afterwards, we visit a tea plantation in the Meijiawu Valley, which has been famous for growing Dragon-Well green tea for the last 1,300 years. Here, have a taste of this renowned tea and learn about the process which goes into making it. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Hangzhou - Xian.
The day begins with a flight to Xian, the former imperial capital of China. Over 3,100 years old and surrounded by monumental city walls, Xian features seven styles of traditional Chinese architecture. This afternoon marvel at the towering Wild Goose Pagoda which was built in the Tang dynasty style, and houses priceless Buddhist scriptures. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: Xian. Included Terracotta Warriors.
Today sees another great highlight of our trip as we visit Xian's legendary Terracotta Warriors. Nothing will prepare you for the awe-inspiring spectacle of over 8,000 individually crafted clay warriors, horses and chariots which were created to guard the Emperor Qin in the afterlife. Afterwards, visit Xian's Big Mosque and imposing city walls before sitting down to a colourful Tang Palace dinner and show this evening. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: Xian - Beijing.
This morning we take a flight to Beijing, China's mesmerising capital. Our visit will begin with the Temple of Heaven, an exquisite example of Ming architecture, whose ceremonial halls were used by Chinese emperors to stage sacrificial rituals to ensure good harvests. (B, L, D)

DAY 13: Beijing. Included sightseeing.
Immerse yourself in captivating Beijing today as we explore its world-famous landmarks and antiquities. Wonder at the vast Tiananmen Square, the world's largest city centre square, before witnessing the mysterious Forbidden City, where China's emperors lived in luxury for over 500 years. From here, we continue to the wondrous Summer Palace which sits at the edge of Beijing's romantic Kunming Lake and features exquisite gardens and landscapes. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: Beijing. Included Great Wall of China.
Another day of architectural wonder awaits you as we visit the awe-inspiring Great Wall of China. An iconic sight, the Great Wall is least 2,600 years old and stretches approximately 4,000 miles across the deserts and mountains of Northern China. We will take a cable car to the impressively preserved Mutianyu section where you will have time to photograph its extraordinary scale and stunning views. This evening, we will round off our holiday with a glittering Peking Duck dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 15: Beijing - UK.
Transfer to Beijing Airport for your flight to the UK.
(B)