Meet & greet: Upon arrival at Beijing Airport, you will be welcomed to China by your private English-speaking guide, and then transferred to your hotel.

Guided tour of Beihai Park and the Hutongs: Start your sightseeing with a visit to Beihai Park, which at one time was the site of Kubali Khan’s royal palace. Nowadays, the park has a couple of interesting temples and is dominated by a large lake, making it a scenic retreat away from the hustle and bustle of central Beijing. Later take a ‘cyclo’ tour of the fascinating Hutongs, the narrow network of lanes created by closely built quadrangular homes in the centre of Beijing. Mostly built during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, the hutongs are a fast disappearing sight as Beijing's city developers move in to modernise these areas.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Shichahai Shadow Art Performance Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Guided tour of Beijing, including Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the 798 Art District: The morning will start on Tiananmen Square, where you will be able to take in the panorama of the largest public square in the world. It is through here that you will enter the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City is the largest and most complete group of ancient buildings in China. Built in the 15th century, the Imperial Palace was a forbidden area for 500 years before the revolution of 1911. It was home to two royal dynasties, the Ming and Qing emperors, and it is from this palace that the emperors governed China, stepping out of its confines extremely rarely.

Continue to the Temple of Heaven, located in the centre of Tiantan Gongyuan Park. This spectacular Ming temple has become regarded, and is widely used, as the symbol of Beijing. Dating from 1420, its wooden pillars support a curved ceiling without cement or nails to a height of 38 metres. The temple's intricate carvings and bright colours illustrate the opulent Ming style. Also in the Temple complex is the Echo Wall - a circular structure composed of polished bricks on the inside. The temple and its surrounding altars, gates and park are a meeting place for the people of Beijing and it is possible to see the locals enjoying a game of chess or practicing the ancient art of Tai-Chi.

After visiting the Temple of Heaven you will travel away from central Beijing and out to the 798 Art District. Built inside a complex of de-commissioned military factory buildings, the 798 Art District has been converted into a network of galleries, shops, and exhibition spaces. Here, you will get a chance to see Chinese culture at its most modern.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Shichahai Shadow Art Performance Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Full day tour to see the Great Wall at Mutianyu: Stretching from the Gobi Desert to the Yellow Sea, this is the largest man made structure on earth and is an amazing feat of engineering, labour and sacrifice. The original wall was begun 2,000 years ago when China was unified under Emperor Qin Shi Huang to keep out marauding nomads. The construction used hundreds of thousands of political prisoners and an estimated 180 million cubic metres of packed earth. Two hours’ drive from Beijing, Mutianyu is further out than some of the more developed and more crowded parts of the Wall. Visitors here can see the collection of watchtowers and ramparts that rest on the mountain ridges, offering views of the Great Wall as it snakes across the skyline far into the distance. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. Access to the Wall by cable car, and the return by toboggan, is included. You will return to Beijing late afternoon.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Shichahai Shadow Art Performance Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Morning tour of the Summer Palace & Lama Temple: This morning travel to the outskirts of Beijing to the Imperial Summer Palace. The original Summer Palace was laid out in the 12th Century and over the centuries was used by the emperors as their summer escape from the humidity of Beijing and the Forbidden City. The Palace is set in huge gardens on the large Kunming Lake. You will be taken around the palaces of the complex, including Empress Dowager's retreat, and the gardens. Later, return to downtown Beijing to visit the Lama Temple, a temple and monastery of the Geluk School of Tibetan Buddhism which is located in the northeastern part of the city. It is one of the largest and most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in the world.

Private transfer: This evening, your guide and driver will take you to the train station for your overnight journey to Xi’an.

Overnight train: Z19 will depart Beijing at 20.41 and arrive in Xi’an the following morning at 08.15. A private 2 berth deluxe cabin (with ensuite bathroom) will be reserved for your exclusive use.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Private transfer: On arrival at Xi’an Railway Station, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to check in.

Guided tour of the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, the Grand Mosque & the Muslim Quarter: This morning, you will start with a visit to the Small Wild Goose Pagoda which was built in the Tang Dynasty. After looking around the pagoda, visit the nearby museum which houses many important artefacts from the Tang Dynasty and has a model of how 7th Century Xian might have looked. Afterwards drive see to the Bell & Drum towers from where you will walk to the historic Muslim Quarter of the city. In the centre of the walled city, the bell in the Bell Tower was sounded at dawn when the city gates were opened, and the drum in the nearby Drum Tower at dusk when the gates closed. The renovated Bell Tower dating from 1384 was moved to its present site in 1582 where it is now encircled by downtown's shopping and commercial centre and stands 118 foot high. Afterwards visit the beautiful mosque near the Drum Tower in Huajue Xiang. It is surrounded by the old houses and narrow lanes of Xian's Muslim, or Hui, community. Islam has been the most enduring of all faiths in Xian. It was first introduced by Arab merchants during the Tang Dynasty, and flourished during the Yuan (1279-1368). The Great Mosque survived the Cultural Revolution virtually unscathed and remains an outstanding Chinese re-interpretation of an Islamic place of worship. It was founded in 742 A.D, according to a stone tablet in the mosque, but nothing from this Tang period survives. The present layout dates from the 14th century.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Grand Noble Hotel (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Guided tour to see the Terracotta Warriors: With your guide leave Xi'an and drive to the outskirts of the city to the site of the Terracotta Warriors & Horses. In 1974 a peasant digging a well came upon what now stands as one of the main tourist attractions in China and one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th century. An army of thousands of life-sized warriors and their horses in battle formation, which were buried for 2,000 years, stand guard over the tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The figures were buried with artefacts and weapons of the day and every figure differs in facial features and expressions. The dig is still in progress, as it is believed that the site is part of an even larger army still buried. After the sightseeing, return to Xi’an.

Private transfer: This evening, your guide and driver will take you to the train station for your overnight journey to Tai’an.

Overnight train: Board the Z106 train from Xi'an to Tai'an. The train departs at 19.33, and arrives at 07.33 the following morning. A shared 4-berth soft-sleeper compartment is included (with shared bathroom facilities for the whole carriage).

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Private transfer: On arrival at Tai'an Railway Station, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to check in.

Day trip to Qufu: After checking into your hotel, you will take a day trip to nearby Qufu. Qufu is famous for being the birthplace of Confucius, one of the most influential figures in Chinese culture and history. Today you will get an insight into the life and legacy of the great man, through visiting the town he lived, studied and was buried in. The most famous attractions are the Temple of Confucius, located in the centre of the city and the second largest ancient building complex in China (second only to the Forbidden City in Beijing); the Cemetery of Confucius and the Kong Family Mansion. These three attractions are known together as "san kong", the Three Kongs, and have been listed as UNESCO Cultural Heritage sites since 1994. Kong is the Chinese word for Confucius, and many residents of Qufu are proud to still bear this family name.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Ramada Plaza (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Visit Mount Tai: Take a trip to the most important of China's Five Sacred Taoist Mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage site has been an important part of Chinese culture and history for many years, and the pilgrimage to the top is undertaken by huge numbers of people each year. The path to the summit is dotted with temples and shrines, and consists of over 7000 steps. As a result of its height, this hike is not to be taken lightly, but there are no shortage of rest stops along the way, and plenty of stalls selling water and refreshments. The hike is frequently completed by people of all ages and fitness levels, so while its a tough walk, its more than achievable for most people. However, if you would prefer not to walk the whole way, then buses are available to carry you to the halfway point, and a cable car can take you the rest of the way. So you can do as little or as much walking as you want!

Private transfer: At the appropriate time today, your guide and driver will take you to the train station for your onward train.

High-speed train journey from Tai’an to Qingdao: Board the high-speed G282 train from Tai'an to Qingdao. The train departs at 18.33 and arrives at 21.40.

Private transfer: On arrival at Qingdao Railway Station, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to check in.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Crowne Plaza Qingdao (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Morning trip to Mount Lao: This morning, you will visit Lao Shan. Mount Lao is a very important place in the Taoist religion, and there are many temples and shrines to be seen all over the mountain, as well as the natural beauty of the area, with many waterfalls and spectacular views over the East China Sea. This trip will include a visit to the Temple of Supreme Purity (Taiqing Palace), a Taoist Temple near the foot of the mountain, with a history of more than 2,000 years.

Afternoon tour of Qingdao: You will be taken on a tour of some of Qingdao's major sights and sounds. This could include the Pier, the most famous image of Qingdao; any of Qingdao's many picturesque parks, or to see some of the colonial architecture that still dominates the town. There are also a number of museums, such as the entertaining Tsingtao Beer Museum for example.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Crowne Plaza Qingdao (Superior Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Time at leisure in Qingdao: You have some time at leisure in Qingdao, to relax at your hotel or to explore this charming seaside town by yourself.

Private transfer: At the appropriate time today, your guide and driver will take you to the train station for your onward train.

High-speed train journey from Qingdao to Suzhou: Board the high-speed G236 train from Qingdao to Suzhou North. The train departs at 16.22 and arrives at 22.46.

Private transfer: On arrival at Suzhou Railway Station, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to check in.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Garden Hotel (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Guided tour of Suzhou and Tongli Water Town: Today you will be taken to visit some of the sights of Suzhou, including the Humble Administrator's Garden, one of Suzhou's most celebrated gardens. Later you will be taken to visit Tongli Water Town, where you can enjoy a boat ride on some of the canals that run though this picturesque town.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Garden Hotel (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Private transfer: At the appropriate time today, your guide and driver will take you to the train station for your onward train.

High-speed train journey from Suzhou to Ningbo: Board the high-speed train G7587 from Suzhou to Ningbo. The train departs at 09.19 and arrives at 11.59.

Private transfer: On arrival at Ningbo Railway Station, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to check in.

Afternoon at leisure in Ningbo: This afternoon is yours to relax at your hotel or explore the modern city of Ningbo independently.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Citic Ningbo International Hotel (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast

Day trip to Putuoshan: Today, you will transfer by road and boat (a journey of around 2 hours) to spend a day exploring the beautiful island of Putuoshan. Putuoshan is covered in temples and shrines of varying sizes, and is still home to many Buddhist monks and nuns, who you will likely see walking around. There are also several pretty beaches, and the 33m high statue of Guanyin looking out over the sea is a spectacular sight.

Some of the bigger temples require a small entrance fee. The entrance fees for Fayu, Huiji and Puji Monasteries (as well as the entrance fee for the island itself) are covered in your tour cost, but any other temples may need a small fee payable locally.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Citic Ningbo International Hotel (Standard Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Private transfer: At the appropriate time today, your guide and driver will take you to the train station for your onward train.

High-speed train journey from Ningbo to Hangzhou: Board the high-speed G7674 train from Ningbo to Hangzhou. The train departs at 09.13 and arrives at 10.13.

Guided tour of Hangzhou: On arrival in Hangzhou, take a short cruise on Hangzhou's West Lake. Originally a shallow sea inlet, due to the laying down of silt this six square kilometres (1,483 acres) of water became the famous West Lake. With hilly peaks on three sides it has been an attraction for centuries and it is small wonder that it was a favourite imperial retreat. Lunch will be taken in a local restaurant. After lunch you will discover that Hangzhou is famous for the quality of its green tea, which is noted for its flavour and health giving properties, and that tea culture is an intrinsic part of Chinese life. Visit the Green Well Estate where you will be able to see the fertile hills where this tea is grown and be given demonstrations on brewing as well as having opportunities for tasting. Later visit the Linyin Temple (Temple of the Soul's Retreat). Built in AD326, it is set in the hills above the town and affords good views of the region.

Private transfer: At the appropriate time today, your guide and driver will take you to the train station for your onward train.

High-speed train journey from Hangzhou to Shanghai: Board the high-speed G1372 train from Hangzhou to Shanghai. The train departs at 18.54 and arrives at 19.40.

Private transfer: On arrival at Shanghai Railway Station, you will be met and transferred to your hotel to check in.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Anting Villa Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Full day tour of Shanghai by walking & public transport: After breakfast, your guide will meet you at your hotel and you will set out together for a guided tour of Shanghai. Firstly, take the short walk from your hotel to the Bund, lined with fine colonial buildings from its 1930's heyday when the city was occupied by European, American, and Japanese banks, trading houses, clubs, consulates, and hotels. These buildings have been restored as a showcase of the city and are spectacularly lit up at night. Continue on foot to the old city and the Yu Gardens. Within the past turbulent century much of Shanghai's old quarters were destroyed; however what remains gives an interesting insight into Shanghai's past. The Yu Gardens date from the 16th century, and are a wonderful mixture of pavilions and corridors, small hills, lotus ponds teeming with goldfish, bridges, winding paths, trees and shrubs. After looking around the gardens you will have time to visit the adjoining market or sip tea in the tea pavilion.

Enjoy a dim sum lunch in a local restaurant, and then hop on the metro to visit the former French Concession. This area was established for the French population of Shanghai, resident from 1849 to 1946, and the leafy streets still retain a European air. Spend some time walking along the pleasant streets before jumping back on the metro to Renmin Square where you can visit the Shanghai Museum. Set in a newly designed building in the 'People's Park', the Shanghai Museum is China's foremost collection of exhibits dating from Neolithic times. The bronze collection is considered the best in the world, with other first-rate exhibits of sculpture, jade, calligraphy, painting, and Ming and Qing dynasty furniture and minority art. Afterwards, you can walk along Nanjing Road back to your hotel.

Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Anting Villa Hotel (Deluxe Room)

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch