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This is one of the classic trips in China since last century. The journey will go through the top four places in China, namely the historical Beijing and Xi’an, the cosmopolitan Shanghai and the beautiful countryside in Yangshuo. In Beijing we will explore the Forbidden City and Tian’anmen Square as well as the Great Wall in Simatai. The awesome Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an will bring you back to the Qin Dynasty 2000 years ago. The skyscrapers in Shanghai indicate the ambition of China in future. We will have a cycling tour through the beautiful countryside field in Yangshuo and feel the farmers’ atmosphere. Our trip will end in Hong Kong.

Days 1-4 Beijing
Your trip starts today with your arrival in Beijing. No activities are planned, so arrive early if you can, as there is plenty to see. There will be a pre-tour briefing with your tour leader late in the afternoon. Beijing is abundant in cultural and historical sites. The vast Forbidden City, built nearly 600 years ago and off limits to citizens for almost all that time, is a truly amazing place. The size might surprise you (it is huge!), but what makes it fascinating is that every square metre is interesting, ranging from intricately carved walkways to colourful, painted ceilings. A visit to China is not complete without walking along the Great Wall. We will travel to Simatai Great Wall, a largely unrestored and, as such, more authentic section of the famous wall, not crowded with hordes of other tourists. Climbing up this incredible man-made engineer and surveying the spectacular surrounding countryside is an unforgettable experience. There is also ample free time in the itinerary, allowing you to make your own discoveries and explorations. Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace are two other fine examples of extraordinary workmanship and architecture. In the evening, you have the chance to enjoy a performance of the unique Beijing Opera or Kongfu Show (optional).

We leave Beijing on the overnight train in Day 4, travelling in the sleeper train to Xi’an. You can either purchase dinner on the train or buy some food prior to boarding. We stay in six-berth air-conditioned cabins that have an open and relaxed feel about them. A blanket, sheets and a pillow are provided, although some people may wish to bring their own inner sheet. The 12-hour trip is a great opportunity for our group to get to know each other and is a great way to mix with the locals and practise your Chinese-language skills.

Days 5-6 Xi'an
We arrive in Xi'an early in the morning. Xian topped the other ancient capital cities in China. Many wonderful places are on your exploration list. Food options are excellent here as well, ranging from delicious Muslim fare to great little dumplings in local restaurants. Widely known as the first capital of a united China in 221 BC, the city is the deep root of Chinese history. A half-day tour to the renowned Terracotta Warriors shows us to these unearthed pottery statues, considered one of the most important archaeological finds of the 20th Century. Over 6,000 of them were individually sculpted from clay, each having a different costume, height, even facial expression. They are standing in battle formation, facing east in order to protect the tomb of China's first Emperor, the great Qin Shi Huang Di. These soldiers were accidentally discovered by local farmers in 1974.

A free day can easily be spent wandering the narrow streets among the Muslim quarter where we find quaint shops, lively markets, groups of white-bearded men in skull caps sipping tea in dingy cafes. For those who are interested in history, please do not miss Shaanxi History Museum, which introduces you the total history of Chinese civilization. Other places you may visit include Bell Tower, Drum Tower, City Wall and Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a famous Buddhist temple. On day 6 we leave Xi'an in the afternoon to board the overnight train bound for Shanghai (approx16 hours).

Days 7-9 Shanghai
Shanghai is a vibrant, fast-moving city with a fantastic variety of markets and restaurants for eating out. The shopping area on Nanjing Road is situated nearby. We will enjoy free time in Shanghai, and your tour leader can show you how to find the way to the famous Yuyuan Gardens and Bazaar, a representative of private garden in south China and highlight of the city. We might have opportunities to try some wonderful food stalls as well. Acrobat here is recommended for your entertainment at night.

There is a full free day for further exploration of Shanghai. Keen photographers are rewarded by an early start to the day, as scores of locals practise Taichi along the waterfront at dawn. The old French Quarter is also a great place to wander around, and the Jade Buddha Temple and the impressive Shanghai Museum are both well worth a visit. The gleaming towers on the Pudong side reflect China’s march towards modernisation and the rapid rate of changes that are taking place. In the afternoon of Day 9, we board the overnight train to Guilin. The journey can take up to 22 hours, so bring a good book.

Days 10-12 Yangshuo
We arrive in Guilin at noon and transfer by public bus to the small countryside town of Yangshuo (1.5 hrs). Yangshuo, a place nestled amongst the imposing limestone karst formations that have inspired poets and painters for centuries. This small town is a haven for back-packers and here we stay in a delightful local style hotel. Day 11 we take a half-day bike ride through the surrounding countryside to gain an insight into rural life in South China and have a scrumptious lunch in a local restaurant at the foot of Moon Hill. It is also a wonderful area for exploring individually, as every turn in the road brings you to another picture-postcard location- this is why Yangshuo is the favorite with LPC travellers. A boat trip on the Li River to the surrounding town is an option to consider in your free time.

Day 12 we bus to Guilin to the overnight train to Guangzhou.

Days 13-14 Hong Kong
Arriving in Guangzhou in the morning, we head to the ferry terminal and catch the hydrofoil to Hong Kong. There is just so much to see and do in Hong Kong. You can take a funicular ride up to Victoria Peak and enjoy magnificent views over the city, wander through the Stanley Market or just shop until you drop! On our last night we can get together for a group dinner or go out and enjoy some of the many bars and nightclubs around town. Every evening there is a spectacular Sound and Light Show on the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island - 8:00 to 8:20pm. Check with your hotel reception for details. Be warned - after Mainland China, you will not find Hong Kong a cheap city!

Our trip ends in Hong Kong on Day 14. Checkout time is usually around 12 Noon; however you are free to leave at any time in the morning. If you are a first-time visitor to Hong Kong, it is recommended that you extend your stay to further explore this exciting city. A journey up to the top of Victoria Peak on the famous Peak Tram is a good introduction to Hong Kong. Additional accommodation can be arranged on request. The hotel staff will be on hand to advise you how to get to the airport.