 
China Highlights
Beijing
The capital and northern gateway into China offers for many their first glimpse of the Chinese way of life. The city is full of sights such as Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden Palace and the Temple of Heaven. To the north of Beijing are the Great Wall and the Ming Tombs. You may wish to continue your journey through stunning mountain scenery to Chengde, summer retreat of the Manchu Emperors. The ancient walled city of Ping yao can also be visited en route between Beijing and Xian by train.
Xian
Situated to the southwest of Beijing, Xian is steeped in the history of the Silk Road, with famous landmarks like the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the famous Bell & Drum Tower. Outside the city are the Tomb of Emperor Qin Shi Huang where the Terracota Warriors were discovered and the newly revealed Han Yang Tombs. En-route to see the warriors is the Neolithic Ban Po Village and Hua Qing Hot Springs.
Shanghai
Today Shanghai is a bustling city and is once again becoming the commercial capital of mainland China.A visit to The Bund, the former Wall Street of 19th century foreign powers is a must. The colonial buildings are restored to their former grandeur and there is much industrial development. In the city are the Jade Buddha Temple and many beautiful gardens. The Yu Yuan Gardens are ranked as one of China's splendid examples of traditional garden design.
Suzhou and Hangzhou
From Shanghai, day tours to the garden city of Suzhou and the romantic lakeside city of Hangzhou are highly recommended. Suzhou is a historic old town with charming canals and some of China's finest gardens. Hangzhou with its traditional teahouses and its setting on the West Lake will appeal to the romantic traveller.
 
Guilin, home to the Reed Flute Cave and Elephant Trunk Hill is the city associated with a day trip on the Li River. This is one of China's most scenic river trip if you do not have the time for a cruise on the Yangtze. Biking tours around the Yangshuo countryside, bamboo rafting and Tai Chi lessons can be added to your Classic China holiday.
Yunnan is China's most diverse region with 25 minority tribes, each with their own distinct history, culture and language. From the snow capped mountains on the edges of the Tibetan Plateau to the tropical forests on the Burmese border, a visit to Yunnan is a visit to paradise. Immerse yourselves in the World Heritage site of Lijiang, with its centuries old homes, Naxi architectural designs and quaint alleyways. Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world's most spectacular canyons and Zhongdian (Shangri La) can be be visited in our Yunnan Explorer itinerary.
Hainan, a tropical island the South China Sea offers a relaxing beach extension. On the 7 kilometre Yalong Bay, are several world class luxury resorts.
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