Ultimate China

Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historic capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

This morning, head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, where you can mingle with the locals and watch or participate as they practise Tai Chi, dance or play cards. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner.

This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. Visit a jade factory then spend the afternoon in the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace.

Take the bullet train to Xian and in the evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings followed by a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses. Also visit the workshop to see where the warriors are intricately recreated in the style of their ancient counterparts. After lunch, stroll along the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town.

Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. Next, board the bullet train to Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province. Take a stroll through People's Park to see Matchmaker's Corner, where parents search for suitable partners for their children. Tonight, dine on local Sichuan cuisine.

Begin the day with a visit to Chengdu's famous Panda conservation centre. Later, fly to the city of Lhasa, the heart and soul of Tibet. The rest of day is at leisure to help acclimatise to the altitude.

Lhasa is a modern, fast-growing city, but among the narrow, old, atmospheric streets you will feel a million miles from the modern world. Wander around the Barkhor Circuit with traditionally-dressed locals and explore the Jokhang Temple, the sacred centre of Tibetan Buddhism. There will also be a visit to Sera Monastery, a renowned seat of Buddhist learning, and a local Tibetan arts and crafts shop.

The Potala Palace is an architectural wonder towering over the city from its seat on Marpo Ri (Red Mountain). The Potala, the former winter palace of the Dalai Lama, houses thousands of rooms filled with old treasures from intricate shrines to beautiful frescoes. This afternoon, explore Norbulingka, the former summer residence of the Dalai Lama.

Fly to the monastery town of Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La.

Begin the day with a visit to a Tibetan-style village where you will learn about the villagers' way of life. Also visit Dafo Temple, explore the spectacular Songzanlin Monastery and end the day with a tour of the old town.

Journey to Lijiang, en route visiting the 3,000-metre-deep Tiger Leaping Gorge. With its backdrop of snow-capped mountains, it is one of China's most extraordinary sights.

A magnificent mountain, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain comprises several peaks, the tallest of which soars 5,500 metres. Taking a cable car, explore one of the gorgeous high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. On the way back to Lijiang, visit Baisha old town to view its spectacular Ming Dynasty frescoes and Baisha village, a settlement of the Naxi minority people.

Explore the temples and cobblestones streets of Shaxi village before driving to Dali, a charming town that offers a peek at bygone China.

Today, explore the village of Xizhou to browse its local market, visit the Yan family home and watch a tie-dying demonstration and wander through Dali’s ancient quarter. Also enjoy a relaxing cruise on Erhai Lake.

Discover the magnificent Three Pagodas then board the bullet train to Kunming, capital of Yunnan Province.

Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand tree-like in a fascinating illusion of woodland. This evening, dine on the local dish, Across the Bridge Noodles.

Board the bullet train to Guilin. Rest of the day is at leisure.

Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. This afternoon you can spend some time browsing Yangshuo's vibrant markets.

Begin with a relaxing and invigorating session of Tai Chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Explore the countryside and stop on the banks of the Li River for a photo opportunity with a cormorant fisherman. Enjoy time at leisure or choose one of the many optional activities available including cycling or bamboo rafting.

Drive back to Guilin, stopping at a pearl factory and the Reed Flute Cave to see the colourful stalagmites and stalactites. Later, take the bullet train to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River cruise vessel.

Over the next three days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Enjoy various side trips and shore excursions including the Three Gorges Dam. Disembark and transfer to Yichang for your flight to Shanghai.

Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Visit Yu Gardens, the old town, a silk factory and stroll along the Bund. This evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise andenjoy a meal of traditional Shanghainese cuisine.

Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the same or following day.