Wild China

Travel out of Beijing to explore the Great Wall at Mutianyu, an incredible piece of engineering stretching almost 3000km westwards from mountain ridges north of Beijing. Spend the day exploring the wall, taking photos, and chatting up souvenir hawkers.

Enjoy an included visit to Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. Use your free afternoon to shop in the various markets scattered throughout the city. Take tours of the ancient hutongs (alleyways) in Beijing's old city or the Summer Palace, or visit a Tibetan Monastery. In the evening, board an overnight train to Xi’an.

Take an orientation walk to get the lay of the land.

With some free time, opt to visit the Bell and Drum Towers and the vibrant Muslim Quarter with its lively market and Great Mosque. In the evening, opt for a feast at a local dumpling banquet.

Central Xi'an is still enclosed by Ming Dynasty walls, which are a great place to view the city. An excellent option is to rent a bicycle and ride around the city on the top of the walls. Visit one of the parks or squares and watch the locals ballroom dance or practice tai chi in the morning.

Visit the Terracotta Warriors, located a short drive out of town. The army of warriors was discovered in 1974, having been buried for more than 2000 years. Learn all about this once-buried treasure.

Spend the day exploring Xi'an before catching an overnight train to Emei Shan.

Continue on to Emei Shan and check into the monastery. This accommodation is very basic, but the experience and the views are breathtaking.

Lace up your hiking boots for treks around Emei Shan. Opt to take the cable car or public bus' to explore the area.

En route to Chengdu, stop for an optional visit to the world's largest outdoor sitting Buddha in Leshan.

Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province, is a city of almost 12 million people, which still manages to retain some of its older characteristics and traditions.

One of these traditions is the Sichuan Opera. The singing, comedy, puppetry, and incredible 'changing faces' act performed as part of the opera are a feast for the eyes.

Take a flight to Lijiang.

Spend time in Lijiang getting lost in the small pedestrian lanes that meander throughout the town. Every twist and turn reveals picturesque old buildings, local arts and crafts, fast flowing canals, and beautiful arched bridges.

Opt to spend an afternoon resting in a pavilion in the Black Dragon Pool Park, gazing at the reflection of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or listening to local Naxi music.

In the heart of Yunnan province, the fast-flowing Yangtze has cut a dramatic gorge so narrow that legend has it a tiger once escaped capture by jumping across it.

This area definitely rivals the well-known Three Gorges as the most spectacular scenery along the Yangtze River. Hiking the route is surely the best way to experience the landscape.

The town is small enough to explore on foot, but a bicycle or bus ride can take you to see smaller Bai villages, or to visit the colourful markets where women in traditional dress sell their handicrafts.

Often remembered as a highlight on a trip to China, Yangshuo has some of the country’s most spectacular scenery along with a vibrant countryside and relaxed atmosphere.

Hop on a bicycle and head off the beaten track for a ride into the countryside. It's like cycling through a traditional Chinese painting. Mountains, rivers, bamboo, rice paddies, water buffalo — there’s something new to see at every turn.

Enjoy an included river cruise on the Li River. Embark from Fuli town, taking in views of the mountainous landscape as you cruise down this scenic river.

Arrival to Shenzhen and cross the border by foot. Catch the metro into the heart of Hong Kong. Prepare for the extreme change of pace and enjoy a last night in the most dynamic city in Asia.

With extra time here, explore Stanley Park, shop and eat in one of the many night markets, visit Victoria Peak or take a harbour cruise for incredible views.