HIDDEN GARDENS OF CHINA

Visit the beautiful Yu Garden before exploring the traditional streets and local flavours of Shanghai Old Town. This afternoon stroll through the leafy Former French Concession and discover fashionable Xintiandi, where historic Shikumen architecture meets modern Shanghai. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Explore the outstanding collections of the Shanghai Museum before visiting bustling Nanjing Road. Later, enjoy a walk along the iconic Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront promenade.

Travel by private coach to Suzhou, the famed “City of Gardens” and “Venice of the East”. Home to more than 180 classical gardens, Suzhou is renowned for its elegant landscapes and UNESCO World Heritage-listed masterpieces. After settling into your hotel, enjoy dinner this evening

Hotel: Suyuan Hotel for 3 nights

Discover some of Suzhou’s most celebrated gardens, including the UNESCO-listed Master-of-Nets Garden and historic Canglang Pavilion. Also visit Guanqian Street and the picturesque canalside precinct of Pingjiang Road. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.

Visit the ancient water town of Tongli, known for its canals, stone bridges and traditional architecture. Explore the UNESCO-listed Retreat and Reflection Garden (Tuisi Garden) before an evening cruise along historic Shantang Street. Following your cruise, enjoy dinner before returning to your hotel.

Travel to Hangzhou and enjoy a relaxing cruise on beautiful West Lake, one of China’s most celebrated landscapes and a source of inspiration for poets and artists for centuries.

Hotel: Deefly Lakeview Hotel for 2 nights

Visit the renowned Lingyin Temple before exploring Meijiawu Tea Village. Learn about China’s rich tea traditions, enjoy a tea ceremony and sample local teas.

Fly to Xi’an, one of China’s great ancient capitals. This evening enjoy a Tang Dynasty Dumpling Banquet accompanied by a colourful performance of traditional music and dance.

Hotel: Titan Times for 3 nights

Visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of modern times and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Golf buggies and Bluetooth commentary devices are included. Return to Xi’an with the remainder of the afternoon at leisure.

Visit the iconic Big Wild Goose Pagoda before exploring Drum and Bell Tower Square. Later, wander through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, renowned for its traditional architecture, local culture and tempting street food.

After breakfast, transfer to Xi’an Railway Station to take the high-speed train to Beijing taking approximately 4.5-5.5 hours. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your local guide and driver. This evening, enjoy dinner before settling into your hotel.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Beijing Sun Palace for 3 nights

Explore the magnificent Temple of Heaven before visiting a traditional courtyard home for a hands-on dumpling-making experience and lunch with a local family. This afternoon, discover the lakes, pavilions and imperial heritage of Beihai Park.

Visit the spectacular Summer Palace, Beijing’s largest and best-preserved imperial garden. Once the summer retreat of emperors, it remains one of China’s most impressive royal landmarks.

Travel to Chengde to visit the UNESCO-listed Imperial Summer Resort, the world’s largest surviving imperial garden. After lunch continue to Jinshanling for an overnight stay near the Great Wall.. After checking in, enjoy dinner this evening.

Hotel: The Great Wall Inn for 1 night

Visit the spectacular Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, famed for its dramatic mountain scenery and well-preserved watchtowers. En route, learn about traditional jade carving before a farewell dinner and return to Beijing.

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Beijing for 1 night

You have a leisurely start to the morning before we transfer you to the airport for your flight home to Perth. Upon arrival into Perth (Day 18) your driver will be waiting to take you safely home.