£2999PP * FROM ONLY HOLIDAY HIGHLIGHTS Mix the bustle of China’s metropolises with the tranquillity of rural life on a 12-day land adventure. Explore hidden corners of Beijing’s Forbidden City. Cycle along ancient city walls and learn about Xi’an’s famed terracotta soldiers. Enjoy a paddle on the gorgeous Li River. Along the way, discover how China’s many contrasts make it one of the world’s most intriguing places. After your land adventure spend 3 nights in Shanghai and then board a 5 night full board cruise exploring the very best of Japan. YOUR ITINERARY DAY 1 - BEIJING Fly into Beijing and jump on a private vehicle for your included transfer. Enjoy a first taste of Chinese cuisine with a Peking Duck welcome dinner. DAY 2 - BEIJING Take a walk along the 500-year-old Mutianyu section of the Great Wall of China. Spend time exploring the towers, views, and the magnificent structure of this unique wonder. One of the greatest structures ever built, the Great Wall was constructed in stages over 2,000 years. This massive struc- ture stretches 6,000km (3,728 mi) westwards from the sea to western China. The section we visit is called Mutianyu and is one of the best preserved Ming Dynasty sections reachable from Beijing. DAY 3 - BEIJING Delve into the history of Beijing, visiting the dramatic Forbidden City and the immense Tiananmen Square. Hear tales of emperors and their concubines, a long crafted culture and rich tradition. Witness how ancient Chinese customs are still valued today, while also blended with modern technology and western influences. Visit the Temple of Heaven and its surrounding grounds, full of locals whiling the hours away practicing water calligraphy and Tai Chi, all with the colourful Temple of Heaven in the background. Take a walking tour featur- ing some of Beijing's traditional alleyways and backstreets known as hutongs. DAY 4 - BEIJING / XI'AN Continue to explore Beijing with our local CEO and enjoy some free time on your own overnight train to Suzhou. In the FREE STAYS YOUR FULL BOARD CRUISE YOUR FLIGHTS BEST OF CHINA BEST OF CHINA LAND TOUR Chinese Shadow Puppetry Tai Chi Class Jia Community Restaurant Central Chinese Cooking Class Arrival transfer Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the Temple of Heaven Visit Beijing's traditional hutongs Excursion to the Great Wall Xi'an Muslim quarter orientation walk Cycle along the Xi'an city walls Terracotta warriors tour Lunch in a local village Li River boat ride Walk through the countryside with village visits Shanghai orientation walk All transport between destinations and to/from included activities 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 3 dinners Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout, local guides. DEPARTING: AUG ‘19 - SEP ‘20 LOOK WHAT’S INCLUDED BEST OF CHINA 9 FIND OUT MORE >