Shanghai, China
China Mainland & Hongkong
12 Days
Beijing • Xi’an • Shanghai • Hong Kong
Journey through the defining chapters of Chinese history and contemporary life, from the imperial grandeur of Beijing to the ancient Silk Road heritage of Xi’an, the futuristic energy of Shanghai and the dazzling harbour city of Hong Kong. Explore the Forbidden City and Great Wall, encounter the remarkable Terracotta Army, trace Shanghai’s contrasting historic and modern quarters, and finish amid Hong Kong’s skyscrapers, temples, markets and harbour vistas. It is a carefully balanced introduction to China’s monumental heritage, evolving cities and enduring cultural traditions.
HIGHLIGHTS
Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
Historic ramparts of the Great Wall of China
Olympic-era architecture
High-speed rail from Beijing to Xi’an
Terracotta Army and Bronze Chariots
Jade Buddha Temple
Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour
DAY 1 — ARRIVE IN BEIJING
Arrive in Beijing, the historic capital of China. Meet your local representatives and transfer into the city. After settling in, the remainder of the day is at leisure, offering a gentle introduction to the capital and an opportunity to absorb its distinctive rhythm.
As evening approaches, Beijing begins to reveal another character, with illuminated avenues, traditional architecture and the silhouettes of its modern skyline creating a first impression of this vast and historic city.
Overnight: Beijing
DAY 2 — BEIJING | TIANANMEN SQUARE & THE FORBIDDEN CITY
Begin your exploration at Tiananmen Square, the vast ceremonial heart of Beijing. From here, continue into the Forbidden City, the extraordinary imperial complex that served as the centre of Chinese imperial power for centuries.
Pass through monumental gateways and expansive courtyards into a world of richly decorated halls, traditional architectural details and carefully ordered ceremonial spaces. The complex offers an exceptional insight into the scale and sophistication of imperial China.
Later, enjoy time to experience Beijing at your own pace, whether exploring its historic streets, browsing local shops or simply observing the everyday life of the capital.
Overnight: Beijing
DAY 3 — BEIJING | THE GREAT WALL & OLYMPIC BEIJING
Travel beyond central Beijing towards the Juyongguan section of the Great Wall, where the monumental fortifications follow the contours of the surrounding mountains. Walk along a section of the ancient ramparts and take in the changing landscape from the elevated watchtowers and defensive walls.
Return to Beijing and continue to the Olympic Green, where the distinctive forms of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube provide a striking contrast to the historical architecture encountered earlier in the journey.
The day brings together two very different expressions of China: the monumental legacy of its past and the architectural confidence of its contemporary era.
Overnight: Beijing
DAY 4 — BEIJING TO XI’AN | HIGH-SPEED RAIL JOURNEY
Transfer to the railway station for a high-speed train journey towards Xi’an, one of the great historic cities of China and an important point on the ancient Silk Road.
As the train travels westward, the landscape gradually changes from the dense urban environment of Beijing towards the historic heartland of central China.
On arrival in Xi’an, transfer to the city and settle in. The remainder of the day is free to relax or begin discovering the atmosphere of this ancient capital.
Overnight: Xi’an
DAY 5 — XI’AN | TERRACOTTA ARMY & THE LEGACY OF QIN
Today is devoted to one of China’s most remarkable archaeological discoveries: the Terracotta Army.
Explore the vast archaeological complex and encounter the life-sized warriors, horses and military formations created more than two millennia ago to accompany the mausoleum of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor.
Continue to the Bronze Chariots Exhibition, where finely crafted bronze vehicles provide another insight into the technological sophistication and artistic traditions of the Qin period.
The day concludes with an opportunity to observe the traditional craftsmanship behind the reproduction of terracotta figures, adding another dimension to the remarkable archaeological legacy of Xi’an.
Overnight: Xi’an
DAY 6 — XI’AN TO SHANGHAI | HIGH-SPEED RAIL
Depart Xi’an by high-speed train for Shanghai, crossing a broad stretch of China as the landscape gradually gives way to the country’s eastern urban centres.
Arrive in Shanghai, a city defined by its remarkable juxtaposition of historic neighbourhoods, grand waterfront architecture and an ever-changing modern skyline.
The remainder of the day is free to settle into the city or begin an independent exploration of its streets and waterfront.
DAY 7 — SHANGHAI | THE BUND, OLD QUARTERS & MODERN SHANGHAI
Begin with a walk along The Bund, Shanghai’s celebrated waterfront promenade, where historic buildings face the dramatic skyline of Pudong across the Huangpu River.
Continue to the Jade Buddha Temple, an important Buddhist site offering a quieter perspective on the city. From here, move towards Fuxing Park and the historic neighbourhoods of the former French Concession.
Explore the atmospheric lanes of Bugaoli and Sipailou, where traditional shikumen architecture, residential courtyards, boutiques and cafés reveal another side of Shanghai.
Later, discover the craftsmanship associated with Chinese silk before continuing your exploration of the city.
For those seeking a higher vantage point, the Pudong district and Shanghai Tower provide an opportunity to experience the extraordinary scale of Shanghai’s contemporary skyline.
Overnight: Shanghai
DAY 8 — SHANGHAI TO HONG KONG | FROM THE HUANGPU TO VICTORIA HARBOUR
Transfer to the airport for the flight south to Hong Kong.
On arrival, settle into the city before beginning an independent introduction to one of Asia’s most dynamic urban landscapes. Explore the waterfront around Victoria Harbour, where mountains, water and densely packed skyscrapers form Hong Kong’s distinctive cityscape.
Continue into Tsim Sha Tsui, experiencing the lively streets, shopping districts and urban energy of Kowloon.
As evening falls, the illuminated skyline transforms the harbour into one of the journey’s most memorable city scenes.
Overnight: Hong Kong
DAY 9 — HONG KONG | CENTRAL, MAN MO TEMPLE & OLD HONG KONG
Discover Hong Kong through its contrasting layers of history and contemporary life.
Begin in Central, travelling through the city via the Mid-Levels Escalator before continuing to Man Mo Temple, one of Hong Kong’s atmospheric historic temples.
Explore Tai Kwun, the restored former Central Police Station complex, followed by PMQ, where historic buildings have been reimagined as a creative and design-oriented district.
Continue through Sheung Wan, where traditional shops, dried-seafood merchants, historic streets and contemporary cafés coexist within a compact urban landscape.
Later, cross Victoria Harbour aboard the Star Ferry, experiencing the city’s skyline from the water as you travel between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.
The remainder of the day is free for independent exploration.
Overnight: Hong Kong
DAY 10 — HONG KONG | AT LEISURE
A leisurely final day provides time to experience Hong Kong according to your interests.
Explore the shopping districts and traditional markets of the city, discover Wong Tai Sin Temple, or simply return to Victoria Harbour and experience its constantly changing panorama.
Alternatively, venture beyond the central districts towards Lantau Island, where the Tian Tan Buddha and the landscape around Ngong Ping offer a very different perspective on Hong Kong. Another possibility is to explore the historic fishing community of Tai O, known for its distinctive waterside character.
For those who prefer to remain within the city, the day can be spent discovering neighbourhoods, galleries, markets and waterfront promenades at a relaxed pace.
Overnight: Hong Kong
DAY 11 — HONG KONG | DEPARTURE
Your journey through China and Hong Kong comes to an end. At the appropriate time, transfer to Hong Kong International Airport for your onward journey, carrying with you a remarkable sequence of experiences — from the imperial avenues and mountain walls of Beijing to the archaeological treasures of Xi’an, the futuristic skyline of Shanghai and the harbour lights of Hong Kong.
End of the Journey