Nimen hao! Welcome to China! Your adventure begins in Beijing – the capital of the fastest developing countries on earth, this food-centric city is packed with ancient sites and modern architecture. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. After, settle into your hotel, then maybe head out for dinner with your new travel crew. Your local leader will have a couple of great recommendations, from hand-pulled noodles to something spicy. It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late, please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

This morning, set out and explore Beijing’s hutongs with your leader. Hutongs are the traditional neighbourhoods of old Beijing, dating back to the Mongolian empire of Yuan Dynasty. Now they are vibrant with local life, making this a great chance to learn a little about the Beijing of the past. Then, enjoy the rest of the day free. You may wish to visit Forbidden City and Tian’amen Square if you’ve prebooked. Or, maybe visit the Temple of Heaven, the Summer Palace or check out the Beijing Olympic venue. The Forbidden City only allows 30,000 visitors per day. Tickets are in demand year-round, but particularly during July and August. Tickets go on sale one week in advance, via the government website: Tian’anmen Square is free of charge but also requires prebooking. There’s a very strict security check to enter the Square and the queue can be very long, so patience is advised. You can reserve a free ticket via mini program on Wechat app. If you wish to visit both sites in Beijing we highly recommend you reserve tickets as soon as they are open. It's unlikely that you'll be able to buy or book tickets on the spot for either site. Tian'anmen Square is in front of the Forbidden City so both can be visited together if your reserved visit time slots are close.

Today, you’ll tick one of the Seven Wonders of the World off your bucket list– the Great Wall of China, of course. Take a public coach bus to the Mutianyu section of the Wall and spend some time exploring, taking photos and learning the history of this mighty site. An incredible piece of engineering, the wall stretches 6000 km (3728 mi) west from Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from invaders from the north and continues to be one of the country’s most remarkable achievements. The Mutianyu section is one of the best-preserved and has a high density of watch towers dotted along the wall. There’s also the option to ride a toboggan down the nearby hills if you’re after a bit of a thrill! Get back to Beijing in the afternoon and get ready for your overnight train this evening. Your travel time today is approximately 3 to 4 hours. Your travel time on the overnight train is approximately 13 hours. The hike up the mountain to the Great Wall is about half an hour and you'll then spend about 2 hours walking on the wall. Some steps are steep so it's important that you wear comfortable clothes and shoes.. Before taking the overnight train, you’ll have access to a day room to freshen up, shared with four to six other travellers in your group. We use hard sleeper-class trains for the overnight train journeys on this trip. Compartments are open-plan and clean, with padded three-tiered berths (six to a compartment). Wherever possible, travellers will be grouped together, but this will depend on the size of the group and availability. Sheets, pillows and a blanket are provided. Some travellers prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. Safe, hot drinking water is always available. It’s a good idea to bring a mug, spoon or fork if you’ll be preparing your own hot drinks or food on the train, otherwise there are snacks for sale. Basic shared bathroom facilities with squat toilets and washbasins are at the end of each carriage. As toilet paper isn’t always available, it’s best to bring an emergency supply. Keep in mind that general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you’re accustomed to.

Arrive in Xi’an – the capital of Shaanxi Province and the largest city in northwest China. Head to the hotel to leave your luggage, then head out on a leader-led walking tour to the Muslim Quarter, with its narrow streets of shops and lively food markets and is a window into the daily life of Chinese Muslims. After, enjoy the rest of the day free. You can choose to visit the Bell Tower, which according to legend, was built to restrain dragons causing earthquakes, or the Drum Tower, full of instruments once used to mark time and warn the population of emergencies. Xi’an’s Silk Road history has shaped its food scene, so tonight is a good chance to follow your leader’s advice and try a few local specialties.

This morning, make the journey by public transport to the acclaimed Terracotta Warriors. Spend a few hours at this incredible archaeological find, buried for 2000 years before being discovered in 1974 by farmers digging a well. These clay statues of soldiers, horses and chariots were commissioned by the Emperor Qin Shi Huang as part of his mausoleum after he ascended to the throne in 264 BC. Three main pits are open for viewing, where just under 2000 of the total 6000 warriors – each an individual with a different costume, height and even facial expression – are on display. Return to Xi’an in the afternoon. You may wish to explore the 13 km-long (8 mi) City Walls and attached Gates – you can rent a bike and cycle the whole circle of the City Wall. Or, take a walk outside the City Wall in the park where the locals go about their daily exercises. This evening, maybe head out to the Tang Paradise street that’s illuminated beautifully at twilight.

Enjoy a free morning in Xi’an before your mid-afternoon overnight train to Shanghai. Perhaps revisit the Muslim Quarter, pick up local snacks for the train or follow your leader’s tips for a final local lunch. Your overnight train is about 16 hours.

Arrive in Shanghai early this morning, then take the subway with the locals to your accommodation. Settle in, then venture out with your leader to get a taste of the city on a walking tour along the Bund – a strip of spectacular Art Deco buildings. Wander the nongtangs (narrow, winding lanes) of Old Shanghai, getting a peek at daily life. When night falls, why not get together with a few of your travel pals for a taste of Shanghai’s eclectic food scene.

Today, continue your free time in Shanghai, heading wherever the spirit moves you. Maybe check out Yuyuan Garden and the old bazaar, or head to the Pudong area and go up Shanghai Tower for a bird’s-eye view of the city. Perhaps you’ll get a fresh perspective on the city’s blend of 21st-century architecture and traditional character during a night cruise on the Huangpu River. If you wish, find a cafe in the French Concession, browse local shops or return to the Bund at sunset. Later, maybe head to one of the city’s rooftop bars to celebrate your journey.

With no activities planned for today, your trip comes to an end. If you’d like to extend your stay and explore Shanghai further, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.