Classic China

Fly to Beijing, China's historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Head to Beijing's symbolic heart and stroll across Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world. Enter into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through the Gate of Supreme Harmony to a vast complex of over 900 buildings covering an area of 180 acres. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. In the evening, dine on the region's local delicacy, Peking duck, followed by an enthralling Chinese acrobatic show.

This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. Stop by a jade factory to learn about this sacred stone then spend the afternoon in the idyllic garden of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional Chinese landscapes and see the exquisite architecture. In the evening, take your seat for a spectacular Chinese acrobatic show.

Board the bullet train to the ancient city of Xian and walk the atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter. In the evening, enjoy traditional Shui Jiao dumplings followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and visit a workshop where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town then quench your thirst with beer tasting at a local brewery.

Fly to the beautiful city of Guilin. Explore the Reed Flute Cave to admire its colourful stalagmites and stalactites.

Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. This afternoon you can spend some time browsing Yangshuo's vibrant markets.

Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of emerald-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Begin your day with an invigorating Tai Chi class led by a local master, followed by a soothing Chinese reflexology massage. Spend the rest of the morning exploring the countryside and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Drive back to Guilin and board the scenic bullet train to Kunming, capital of Yunnan province.

Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand tree-like in a fascinating illusion of woodland. This evening, dine on a local dish, Across the Bridge noodles.

Board the bullet train to Lijiang, set in the foothills of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Discover the old quarter; the quintessential Chinese 'old town' and wander the jumble of cobbled streets, traditional wooden buildings and rustic stone bridges. Continue to the Black Dragon Pool Park, where there are wonderful views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain itself.

Journey to the 3,000-metre-deep Tiger Leaping Gorge. With its backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it is one of China's most extraordinary sights. Later, return to Lijiang.

A magnificent mountain massif, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain incorporates several peaks, the tallest of which soars 5,500 metres. Taking a chairlift, explore one of the gorgeous high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. On the way back to Lijiang, admire the fascinating Ming Dynasty frescoes at Baisha and visit Baisha village, a settlement of the Naxi minority people.

Fly to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan province. Tonight, dine on some fantastic local Sichuanese cuisine.

A visit to Chengdu's famous Panda Conservation Centre allows you to see and learn about China's celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Transfer to Chongqing and board your Yangtze cruise vessel for the next three nights.

As you cruise downstream, nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next three days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Enjoy various side trips and shore excursions as well as the Three Gorges Dam which showcases a simply massive feat of engineering. Disembark and travel to Yichang for your bullet train to Shanghai.

Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Explore the classical Yu Garden, stroll through the charming old town, visit a silk mill, take in sweeping views of Shanghai's stunning skyline from the iconic Jin Mao Tower and stroll along the Bund. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and enjoy a delicious meal of traditional Shanghainese cuisine.

This morning is at your leisure before you are transferred to Shanghai airport to board your flight to New Zealand, arriving home the same or following day.