Saturday. Huan ying, welcome to China! Airport arrival transfer and hotel check in. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Overnight - Beijing

Tiananmen Square is essentially the heart of Beijing. A patriotic vision of grandeur, Tiananmen Square is a square for the public and also home of the mausoleum of Chairman Mao and the striking Monument to the People’s Heroes. Perhaps one of Beijing’s most famous sights is the Gate of Heavenly Peace. Up above the gate and looking out across to all his people, is Chairman Mao.

After we take rickshaw ride through the Hutongs of Beijing. As our trusty rickshaw driver peddles us through the network of alleys and old back lanes, we gain a fascinating snapshot of the city’s traditional way of life. After a break for lunch travel to the Temple of Heaven to enjoy a few hours of kite flying. Overnight - Beijing (B, D)

Today, we drive beyond Beijing to Badaling, to walk a section of the famous Great Wall. A symbol of total Chinese genius, the Great Wall is a cultural icon. At least 20 dynasties were involved in its construction. Stretching some 6700 kilometres, we walk along just a small chunk of this massive masterpiece of human endeavour.

Afterwards we enjoy lunch and visit cloisonne workshop, viewing the step-by-step process of this curious, yet quite beautiful art form. Tonight, we attend a Chinese acrobatic performance. Overnight - Beijing (B, L)

A big day out with the day trip to the Beijing Zoo! Home to some 450 species and 5,000 animals, some of the most popular attractions among visitors are the wild and rare animals of China itself, such as the giant panda, golden monkey, milu deer and tigers from the northeast. However, the collection is far from restricted to those species found only in the People's Republic of China; the zoo is also home to polar bears, American bison, zebras, giraffes and elephant.

Spend the day independently exploring any or many of the 16 different exhibition areas and halls. One of the most popular is the Panda House. Beijing Zoo was the first to present the Giant Panda to the world in 1955. The purpose built Panda House features three large outdoor areas and a number of climate controlled indoor, day rooms. The number of pandas at the zoo varies. Once at maturity pandas take part in an exchange programme, travelling by air, to the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding located in China's Sichuan Province. A vital part of the exchange program is to help maintain genetic diversity.

A lovely day out for all the family, visit Pet Paradise, the Science Museum, see the orangutans or go below sea level with the porpoises at the aquarium. Overnight - Beijing (B)

Beijing - Xi’an. A free morning to relax or explore the city your own way. This afternoon we tour the Summer Palace, set on Kunming Lake, to view the lavishly decorated temples, halls and courts, reconstructed in 1902. It is said that the Dowager Empress Cixi liked to travel with a retinue of at least 1,000. Her arrival at the rebuilt Summer Palace in 1905 was met with the choice of two main meals consisting of some 100 dishes. We view from a distance the 2008 Olympic stadium commonly referred to as the ‘birdsnest’ and aquatic centre en route to the train station. Overnight - Sleeper Train (4 berth cabin) to Xi'an (B)

Arrive Xi’an, hotel check in and free morning. Perhaps the find of the 20th century the Terracotta Warriors comprise more than 7,000 life-sized soldiers which stand in military formation in excavated pits under the cover of a modern protective hanger. Made of local clay, no two faces are alike. Later today we visit the Terracotta Warrior archaeological site and a workshop where warrior figurines are made. Overnight - Xi'an (B, L)

Xi’an - Shanghai. Encircling Xi’an’s old city is the 15km in length and 6 metres wide medieval wall. This morning we’ll take a leisurely bicycle ride along the wall (solo or tandem). Looking down offers delightful views of the city hubbub and daily life. Afterwards we spend some time in the down town area, giving an opportunity to enjoy a western meal if you choose, before boarding our overnight sleeper train to Shanghai. Overnight - Sleeper Train (4 berth cabin) to Shanghai (B)

Good morning Shanghai! Perhaps China’s most modern city, its amazing Pudong skyline is stunning. Spend the morning at leisure and later this afternoon we take a coach tour of along the Bund and old Shanghai and a sunset cruise along the Huangpu River. Overnight - Shanghai (B)

Today offers free time to independently explore. Perhaps visit the Oriental Pearl TV tower, the Jade Buddha Temple, French Quarter or take a more interactive approach and discover Shanghai’s Science and Technology Museum with IMAX 3D, IWERKS 4D and space theatres, it’s a top spot for kids! Overnight - Shanghai (B)

Monday. Our tour concludes after breakfast and onward departure transfer to the airport. (B)