A group tour combining the highlights of China, with some stunning scenery in western China, and the natural habitat of China's famous giant pandas. Travelling in autumn is also the best time to experience the forests of Jiuzhaigou when the leaves turn a rich colourful mix of gold, red and brown. Extension to Hong Kong possible.

A select group tour, using mainly 4-star hotels and a 5-star Yangtze River cruise, with most meals included.

Day 1 Depart UK.
Day 2 Arrive Beijing. Transfer to the 5-star Oriental Bay Hotel. Visit to Tiananmen Square before our welcome dinner in the evening (D)
Day 3 Excursion to the Great Wall at Mutianyu, one of the well- preserved and less busy sections where the wall winds its way down the hillside. Return to Beijing to visit the Temple of Heaven. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Visit to the Forbidden City - the centre of power for emperors since the 15th century - and a tour by cycle rickshaw of the 'hutongs', the traditional residential areas of old Beijing with their narrow alleyways and courtyard houses or 'siheyuan'. Finish the day in the picturesque Shishahai area by Lake Houhai. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Morning visit to the Summer Palace before travelling by air to the central city of Yichang. Transfer to pier to join your 5- star Yangtze River boat from American Victoria Cruises or similar for departure later that evening. (B, L, D)
Days 6 to 8 Take a leisurely cruise upstream on the Yangtze River, passing through the famous Three Gorges (Xiling, Qutang and Wu) where the river cuts its path through mountainous cliffs, once dangerous passages for shipping trying to navigate upstream into the heart of China. Shore excursions are included to the Three Gorges Dam and Shibaozhai, and a trip in small boats on the Daning River (Lesser Three Gorges). You will also pass through the massive shiplocks of the new dam. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Arrive at Chongqing, the 'mountain city', perched on a promontory between the Yangtze and Jialong rivers. City sightseeing tour before flying to Xi'an. Transfer to Xi'an Hotel (4 star). (B, L)
Day 10 Excursion to see the famous Terracotta Army: the life-size and life-like battalions of warriors created from terracotta to guard the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Huang Shi, in the 3rd century BC. Then return to Xi'an old walled city to visit the colourful and vibrant Muslim Quarter, with its small shops and restaurants, and Grand Mosque, one of the oldest and largest in China, plus the Big Wild Goose Pagoda (B, L)
Day 11 Transfer to airport for flight to Chengdu. Connect for onward flight to Nine Villages Valley (Jiuzhaigou), in the mountainous north of Sichuan province. A nature reserve encompassing a pristine wilderness landscape of dense forests, deep lakes and waterfalls backed by snow-capped mountains. Stay at Jiuzhaigou Gesang Hotel (4 star). (B, L, D)
Day 12 Day to experience some of the natural wonders of Nine Villages Valley. (B, L, D)
Day 13 Flight back to Chengdu and transfer to Yinhe Dynasty Hotel (4 star). Rest of the day free to explore Chengdu, perhaps visiting some of its temples or its lively teahouses. (B)
Day 14 Travel to the town of Leshan, to the south of Chengdu, to see the 'Dafo' or Giant Buddha, cut from the river cliff in the 8th century AD and one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Enjoy a traditional Sichuan opera performance, with its 'changing faces' routines, on your return to Chengdu. (B, L, D)
Day 15 Visit the Panda Research Base on the outskirts of Chengdu, which houses many pandas in naturalistic surroundings. Travel by air to Guilin, in the south of the country, famous for the beauty of its landscape. Visit the Reed Flute Cave and Diecai Hill. Stay at the Bravo Hotel (4 star). (B)
Day 16 Travel by road into the hills north-west of Guilin to Longsheng county. Visit villages of the local Zhuang and Yao ethnic minority hilltribes, and the spectacular terraced rice fields of Longji. (B, L)
Day 17 Cruise on the scenic Li River to the small riverside town of Yangshuo, past dramatic limestone hills and tranquil rice paddies. Stay at the New Century Hotel (4 star). (B, L)
Day 18 Experience Yangshuo's colourful riverside market and bustling West Street before transfer to airport for flight to Shanghai. Stay at Ramada Plaza Gateway Hotel (5 star). (B, L)
Day 19 See Shanghai's famous Bund, or waterfront, with its European-style former banks and trading houses. Then visit to the Yu Garden, a classic Chinese garden in the heart of the old city. Then explore some of the city's vibrant markets and shopping districts. (B, L)
Day 20 Day excursion to the picturesque 'water town' of Zhujiajiao, on the outskirts of modern Shanghai, with its well-preserved maze of canals fronted by old white-washed houses and crossed by elegant stone bridges. Farewell dinner in the evening. (B, L, D)
Day 21 Transfer to airport for flight back to the UK, either arriving later the same day, or early the following morning, depending on airline schedules. (B)

HONG KONG EXTENSION
Flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong on Day 21. Two nights + breakfast at 4- or 5-star hotel in Kowloon or Hong Kong island, and flight back to UK.