On arrival are met by our experienced World Expeditions Schools guide for a full trip and safety briefing. The guide runs us through a quick language lesson including key phrases we can utilise over the coming days. We practice with each other during an orientation walk - taking in the new sights and sounds around us. After dinner we explore Wangfujing, also known as “Snack Street”, where we amble along the mall and narrow market lane trying delicacies such as deep-fried scorpion and star fish. Accommodation: Beijing Hotel

Meals:  D

Today is a real treat as set foot on one of the Seven Wonders of the World - the renowned Great Wall of China. Our destination is The Mutianyu section of the wall - approximately a 1.5 hours drive from Beijing, nearby but away from popular and very busy Badaling Gate section. The Mutianyu section is renowned for its Ming Dynasty Guard Towers and stirring views. As we walk on the wall we learn about its construction which commenced over 2000 years ago around 221 B.C and its original purpose as a defence line to keep out invaders. We walk, hearing many stories from our guides, admiring the many watchtowers, while surrounded by all the rolling hills around us. Accommodation: Beijing Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning is about experiencing some iconic Beijing activities. We head to Drum Tower where we join workshops for language, Beijing Opera facial makeup, and Chinese calligraphy. It's a fun and hands on morning and a great way to experience the more artistic aspect of Chinese culture. After our workshops we head to the Hutong region - hutong's being alleys formed by lines of traditional courtyard residences. Many neighbourhoods were formed by joining one courtyard to another to form a hutong, and then joining one hutong to another - such neighbourhoods taking on the name of a hutong. We enjoy explore such a neighbourhood via a rickshaw ride - a tow or three wheeled pedal-powered traditional cart. Lunch is at a local restaurant before we head to the iconic Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City. Our tour of this area finished with an amazing bird’s eye view of the whole Forbidden City from the top of Jingshan Park. Tonight we get to indulge in a special roast Peking Duck dinner. Accommodation: Beijing Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we board a fast train to transfer over to Xian. Xian is an old walled city and the traditional starting point of the Silk Road. Serving as the capital of Shaanxi Province, Xian is a vivid example of old and new China. The modernised new city bustles around the quaint, winding lanes of the Old Quarter, where old men can be seen smoking pipes watching the world go by, as butchers pull their carcass-laden carts and hawkers sell their wares. We all try our hand at a Tai Chi class at the foot of the wall before having a stroll on this significant and best-preserved city wall extant in China. In the afternoon we sit down for another dedicated Chinese language lesson before ending the day with a visit to the markets in the trendy Muslim Quarter and visiting the Wild Goose Pagoda. Accommodation: Xian Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we visit the famous Terracotta Warriors. These warriors stand in their thousands outside the tomb of Qin Shihuang where they were uncovered in 1974 by peasants digging a well. Each warrior stands over 6 feet tall and has different features and characteristics. Some stand in a vanguard with crossbow and longbow bearers; others hold spears, daggers and axes at the ready. They are accompanied by dozens of horse-drawn carriages and enormous terracotta horses. The sight of the warriors arising from their muddy grave, some intact, others still submerged in the ground, is an extraordinary one. We take our time to read and learn about this historical site. In the afternoon we continue with another Chinese language lesson and enjoy seeing how quickly we're progressing with all the practice we're getting! Accommodation: Xian Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning get ready to move on again. We take a 5 hour fast train to Chengdu - the capitol of the Sichuan province. It's a city famous for its spicy, pepper based foods and healing medicine markets. It is also a green city and one of the more calm and relaxed cities in China. We enjoy some down time at our hotel after our long train ride - and then head out to explore Kuan Zhai Alley with its backstreets, ancient buildings, shops and markets. Tonight after dinner we spruce ourselves up to experience an evening show of the Sichuan Opera with changing mask. We arrive early so we can witness the fascinating application of face make up behind the scenes. Accommodation: Chengdu Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning is an exciting day as we head to the Panda Research Centre where we have the chance to see 40 or so of these gentle giants wandering around the grounds. We will meet with the Sanctuary staff and hear about the work being done at the sanctuary. After our day at the sanctuary we head to People's Park, an urban public park in central Chengdu that was built in 1911 as Shaocheng Park. Here we can join a number of activities including a language lesson, Chinese martial arts or calligraphy class. This is a great place to relax and debrief on our program so far. Overnight in Buddha Zen boutique hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we pack our bags and head to the airport to catch our flight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai. Upon arrival in Shanghai we transfer to our well-located hotel. Shanghai is known as the “Paris of the Orient” and it is easy to see why. Long the place of quick fortune and teahouses Shanghai has a vibrant feel that enthrals all travellers that pass through her gates. The vibrant Bund is an awesome place to congregate and has been the setting for countless classic paintings over the years. It is wonderful to walk along the ocean side and observe life here. We join a boat ride on the Huangpu River before heading out to view the famous Shanghai acrobat show. The performance will amaze you as these world class athletes contort their bodies in a stunning show that travels around the world. Accommodation: Hotel in Shanghai

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we have the opportunity for a full day exploration of the cultural and iconic highlights of Shanghai. It's a great chance to choose activities and sites that suit the group's interest including some last language lessons and practice, food, art, history and of course shopping! Being our last night we enjoy a farewell dinner with our team before finishing the night watching a stunning lightshow. Accommodation: Accommodation: Hotel in Shanghai

Meals:  B,L,D

We wake to our last day. Depending on our flight time we use it for a sleep in, a last wonder around the streets, and opportunity to get any last souvenirs. By lunch time we are transferring to the airport for our flight home.

Meals:  B,L