Mysteries of China (4-5 Star) - 12 days

Arrive in Beijing, where you’ll be met by your guide and driver and transferred to the hotel for check-in.

After settling in, enjoy leisure time exploring the city at your own pace. You can stroll through bustling Wangfujing Street for shopping and street food, visit a local tea house, or relax in a nearby park. Alternatively, unwind at the hotel to prepare for your exciting adventure ahead.

After breakfast today, meet your tour guide in the lobby of the hotel. Begin your day at Tiananmen Square, one of the world’s largest public squares, rich in historical and cultural significance. Admire the iconic portrait of Mao Zedong displayed above the Tiananmen Gate, and consider visiting Mao's mausoleum at the square's far end.

Next, stroll to the Forbidden City (closed on Mondays), the imperial palace of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Explore some of its 800 buildings and 9,000 chambers, where emperors ruled, empresses wandered in lush gardens, and imperial life flourished for over five centuries behind towering red walls.

Later, you will visit the Temple of Heaven, a stunning royal complex where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties once worshipped and prayed for prosperous harvests. Admire the architectural masterpiece of the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests, an iconic symbol of Beijing and a testament to China's imperial heritage. You will be returned to the hotel after your tour, and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Beijing - Great Wall - Beijing. Today, you will drive to the Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall, one of the most scenic stretches of this iconic landmark. It offers a fantastic spot for a moderate hike. The Great Wall here offers stunning views, especially from its elevated position overlooking two lakes created by dams built in the 1970s and ‘90s. Later, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a pearl store, where you can explore exquisite local craftsmanship. You are spending a final night in Beijing.

Beijing - Xi'án. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Beijing West Railway Station for your high-speed train journey to Xi’an (unescorted). Known as “Chang’an” before the Ming Dynasty, Xi’an boasts a deep historical legacy, reflecting its pivotal role in past Chinese dynasties.

Upon arrival, your guide and driver will meet you, then take you to the Muslim Quarter of Xi'an. Here, you can enjoy the fragrant smells from numerous food stalls, where you can try local specialties such as Halal skewers, roast mutton, and persimmon cakes (at your own cost). Xi'an is home to one of the oldest Muslim communities in the world, founded over 1,300 years ago by Persian and Arab traders who settled during the Tang Dynasty after travelling the Silk Road.

Today, you will head to the UNESCO-listed Terracotta Warriors site, where a professional guide will help you uncover the secrets of this ancient army. Marvel at the life-sized warriors, horses, and chariots, all built to guard Emperor Qin Shihuang’s tomb. The site, discovered in the suburbs of Xi’an, houses over 8,000 soldiers and is one of the most important archaeological finds in history.

Next, visit a jade carving factory, where skilled artisans will demonstrate the delicate craftsmanship that goes into shaping jade into intricate works of art. You’ll have the opportunity to see raw jade transformed into beautiful sculptures and jewellery, a tradition that dates back thousands of years in Chinese culture.

Following this, you’ll drive to the Ancient City Wall. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely walk along this well-preserved structure, one of the largest military defensive systems in the world. You can also opt to rent a bike or electric bike to cycle along the top of the wall, exploring as much of it as you like.

Xi'án - Yinchuan. Today, you’ll board a high-speed train to Yinchuan in a second-class seat (unescorted). Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will meet you, and you’ll have some free time for lunch.

Afterward, head to the Shuidonggou site, a historic military base along the Great Wall, where remnants of structures built to protect against nomadic tribes can still be seen. This site is also the birthplace of prehistoric archaeology in China, with discoveries dating back to the Old Stone Age. After your visit, check into your hotel and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Yinchuan - Zhongwei. After breakfast, you will visit the Helan Mountain rock paintings, where ancient peoples carved depictions of their nomadic lifestyle, animals, and religious rituals, including myths and symbolic imagery. The paintings date to between 10,000 and 3,000 years old. After taking in this historic site, you will have some free time for lunch.

You will then transfer to the Western Xia Imperial Tombs, the most impressive remnants of the Tangut civilization. Afterward, you will continue with a 3-hour drive to our accommodation just outside Zhongwei, where you will spend the night.

After breakfast, you will head to Shapotou, situated on the southeastern edge of the desert, known as the "Capital of Sand". From the top of the dunes, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the vast desert to the north and a peaceful oasis to the south. This unique location combines the raw beauty of China’s landscapes with the calm elegance of the south, creating a striking contrast in the scenery.

While at Shapotou, you have the option to enhance your experience with a range of exciting optional activities. You can embark on a thrilling 4x4 jeep excursion across the sand dunes, try sand skiing for an adrenaline rush, or ride desert motorcycles for an unforgettable adventure. These activities are available for an additional cost and can be paid for locally.

Later, you will be transferred to the Tonghu Grassland. This scenic area, known for its interconnected lakes, is steeped in legend. As you explore, you’ll experience the stunning blend of Tengger Desert, grassy plains, tranquil lakes, and camel-shaped sand dunes. Later you will be transferred to our hotel in Zhongwei city centre where you will check into your hotel for the night.

Zhongwei - Yinchuan. After breakfast, you will visit the Zhongwei Gao Miao, located 170km southwest of Yinchuan. This temple, once a place of worship for Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, and even Christianity, is rich in history.

You’ll then drive to the 108 Buddhist Pagodas, where the remaining structures form 12 rows of pagodas, creating an isosceles triangle. If time permits, you will visit the Ningxia Provincial Museum, which provides insights into the region's history and culture. You will then head back to Yinchuan for the night.

Please Note: The Ningxia Provincial Museum is closed on Mondays.

Yinchuan - Shanghai. Today, you will transfer to the airport for your included flight to Shanghai. On arrival, you have free time to visit the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Museum, a hidden gem showcasing over 5,000 Mao-era propaganda posters. These artworks offer a fascinating insight into China’s post-war history, many rescued from recycling bins. Afterward, take a stroll along the Bund, where you can admire Shanghai's iconic riverfront and the Neo-classical architecture that reflects the city’s early interactions with the West.

After breakfast at your hotel, you'll head to the Yu Garden, one of Shanghai’s most iconic attractions. Wander through its maze of pavilions, arched bridges, and beautiful rockeries, a fine example of Ming Dynasty garden design. The adjacent bazaar, once a temple, now hosts a lively market selling antiques, silk fans, bamboo crafts, and the famous Shanghai Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).

Next, visit the Jade Buddha Temple, home to revered Buddha statues brought from Burma in the 1800s. Finally, take a stroll through the French Concession, an area renowned for its European-style architecture and vibrant shopping streets. The rest of your final evening in China is at leisure.

This morning, you’ll have free time to explore Shanghai at your own pace before hotel check out and an included transfer to the airport for your departure flight.