Guardian Holiday Offers

Day One
Fly overnight to Shanghai.

Day Two
Upon arrival, you'll meet your guide and transfer by coach to your overnight hotel, before enjoying a guided introduction to this amazing city. The colonial grandeur of the buildings that line the famous Bund hint at past glories despite the towering skyscrapers that surround them, and the rocket-shaped Pearl TV Tower (a visit to which is included in the tour, and from which the views are simply breathtaking) soars above them all from the opposite bank

Day Three
This morning you'll tour the bustling bazaars of Shanghai's historic Old City, at the heart of which is the 16th-century, classical Chinese Yuyuan Garden, with its pools, walkways and bridges. After a fascinating morning, you'll return to the airport to board the internal flight to Beijing for a three-night stay

Day Four
Enjoy a fascinating tour of China's astonishing capital. First stop is massive Tiananmen Square, site of Chairman Mao's Mausoleum and the Great Hall of the People, and which faces the best-known image of Imperial China, the huge complex of imperial palaces known as the Forbidden City. Inside this immense palace you'll see the ceremonial spaces, working areas and private quarters once used by it's privileged occupants before heading outside the city-centre to discover the tranquil pavilions of the Summer Palace.This evening, an optional excursion is offered to the world-famous Peking Opera.

Day Five
See for yourself part of what is famously (though not entirely accurately) the only man-made structure visible from space, the Great Wall. At Badaling, amid steep, forested hills, part of the wall has been lovingly restored, and it's easy to appreciate the immensity of this marvellous feat of engineering. Your day will also include a visit to Beijing Zoo, whose most celebrated inhabitants are the Giant Pandas. Later you'll celebrate with a 'Peking Duck' dinner.

Day Six
This morning, visit the beautiful Temple of Heaven in Tiantan Park, the great Ming Dynasty shrine that was the heart of ceremonial life for five centuries. You'll also be able to take a trip back in time on our optional rickshaw tour of the ancient hutongs, the labyrinth of narrow alleyways and courtyard houses that epitomises 'Old Peking'.In the afternoon we'll transfer to the airport for our internal flight to Xi'an.

Day Seven
Today you'll visit the now legendary Terracotta Army of the first Chinese Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. An estimated 8,000 lifelike foot-soldiers, horsemen and charioteers were discovered in their vaults in 1974, and now are one of the world's greatest tourist attractions. Returning to Xi'an, you'll explore the ancient city, centred on its enormous bell-tower, visiting the Muslim Quarter with its Great Mosque, and marvelling at the Tang dynasty monuments.

Day Eight
Transfer to the airport and fly south to Guangxi province and the historic city of Guilin, picturesquely set on the Li River. Take a guided tour of this medieval city, and see the ancient South Gate, the Farmers' Market and the peak of Fubo Shan, with its caves and carved grottoes

Day Nine
This morning you'll board a river cruiser for the unforgettable journey through the stunning scenery of peaks, paddy fields and green-tinged waters of the Li. You'll stay overnight in Yangshuo, a thriving, resort set amid some spectacular scenery. This evening, there's a stunning, optional Light Show to experience.

Day 10
After breakfast, you'll transfer to the airport and fly back to Shanghai for the last night of your tour. Once back in the city you'll have the chance to enjoy an optional night-time cruise on the Huangpu River - a fitting way to end your visit to this great country.

Day 11
Transfer back to the airport for your flight home.