A China Odyssey

This absorbing journey combines the fascinating historical legacy of China’s imperial past, the pandas of Chengdu, the natural beauty and ethnical diversity of Yunnan Province in the south, and the burgeoning city of Shanghai.

You begin in the capital, Beijing, with the Forbidden City and other distinguished imperial monuments, and a walk on the celebrated Great Wall, before flying south Xi’an, the ancient political and cultural centre where the imperial legacy is no less impressive in its many monuments and archaeological sites, most notably the magnificent Terracotta Army. The second week of your journey is spent in the south starting with the pretty town of Chengdu, close to the fascinating Panda Breeding Research Base. From here you fly to Yunnan Province where highlights include the enchanting town of Lijiang, whose cobbled streets, arched bridges and canals date back to the Ming Dynasty, before ending your journey in the vibrant city of Shanghai.

Sample itinerary

Day 1: Depart London.  Days 2/4: Arrive Beijing. City & Great Wall sightseeing. Overnights Raffles Beijing Hotel.  Days 5/6: Fly to Xi’an. City & Terracotta Warriors sightseeing. Overnights Sofitel Hotel.  Day 7: Fly to Chengdu. Overnight Shangri La Hotel.  Days 8/11: Visit to Giant Panda Breeding Institute. Fly to Lijiang. City sightseeing and excursions to Dayan, Yu Hu Village, Yongfeng Monastry & Wenhai Lake. Overnights Banyan Tree Lijiang.  Days 12/14: Fly to Shanghai. City & Suzhou sightseeing. Overnights The Peninsula.  Day 15: Fly to London.