Arrive in Macau and make your way to the hotel. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your travel arrangements, including travel insurance (a condition of travel), a private hotel transfer, accommodation before or after the tour and a room category upgrade.

In the morning, meet your tour leader Jeremy Clarke and fellow tour members for a welcome briefing and talk at the hotel. Afterwards, visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed historic centre of Macau, consisting of the Ruins of St. Paul’s and Mount Fortress, both remains of the Jesuits settlement in the early 17th century.

Enjoy a welcome lunch at a local restaurant before visiting the Macau Museum to learn about the rich history of Chinese and Portuguese cohabitation, resulting in the former colony’s characteristic architecture and culture.

Return to the hotel in the mid-afternoon and enjoy the evening at leisure.

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Depart Macau in the early morning and travel via high-speed train to Guilin, an autonomous region in the northeast of Guangxi, nestled on the west bank of the Li River. Arrive at the hotel around midday and enjoy lunch.

In the late afternoon, embark on a private, guided coach orientation tour passing by the city’s iconic sights, and discover the ancient history of the area, from the first settlements in the fourth century BC until its role during World War II.

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to the hotel.

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After a talk by Jeremy in the morning, stroll through the vibrant markets of Guilin and experience the aromas of fresh produce along with local artisan products. Visit Guilin Museum, built in 1997 and considered one of the biggest museums in southwest China. Its large collection includes rare paintings and calligraphy displays, in addition to vases and cultural relics from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

After lunch at a local restaurant, explore the city’s natural landmark, Elephant Trunk Hill, and marvel at the beauty of the city’s landscape from the Two Rivers and Four Lakes Scenic Area before returning to the hotel for an evening at leisure.

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This morning, depart on a scenic cruise to Yangshuo on the majestic Li River, a picturesque waterway that has inspired poets and painters throughout the centuries. Marvel at the natural beauty of the landscape and learn about its impact on the traditional Chinese painting style, shanshui (mountain and water), which transformed landscape art into a philosophical expression of nature, balance and the artist’s inner world. Enjoy a buffet lunch on board and spend some time exploring the city of Yangshuo on a guided walking tour.

Return to the hotel by coach in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.

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After breakfast, depart Guilin and travel via high-speed train to Chengdu, the vibrant capital of Sichuan province and the fourth most populous city in China. Chengdu is known for its rich history dating back 4,500 years, including its teahouse traditions and spicy cuisine.

Arrive in the late afternoon and enjoy dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

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Begin the day with a talk by Jeremy before transferring to the Panda Conservation Centre. On a private, guided walking tour of the grounds and research base, learn how this institution, founded in 1987, has contributed to rescuing the almost extinct giant pandas.

Enjoy lunch in the Kuan Zhai district, one of the largest surviving ancient streets of the Qing Dynasty. Afterwards, visit the historic Chengdu Wuhou Temple, set within tranquil gardens and reminiscent of the spirit of the Three Kingdoms period.

Return to the hotel in the late afternoon for an evening at leisure.

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After breakfast, transfer to Chengdu airport for a mid-morning flight to Shanghai (flight included in tour price).

Arrive in Shanghai in the early afternoon and enjoy some time at leisure before embarking on a dinner cruise on the Huangpu River, admiring the historic waterfront area and promenade of The Bund. Initially a British settlement after the First Opium War, the Bund developed into a major financial centre of East Asia around the turn of the 20th century.

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This morning, following a talk by Jeremy, explore Shanghai with a private, guided walking tour of the Old Town and gain insights into its origins while wandering through historic streets of the Ming dynasty. Continue to Yu Garden, a 16th century masterpiece of classical Chinese garden design set on a five-acre area. Built during the Ming dynasty, the garden showcases Suzhou-style landscaping, combining dramatic rockeries with delicate pavilions and bridges.

Enjoy some free time after lunch to relax or stroll along The Bund at your own pace. In the evening, visit Jing’an Temple, originally built in 247 AD during the Three Kingdoms period, and learn about its historical legacy and its role as a vibrant Buddhist centre. After the tour, enjoy dinner at a nearby restaurant before returning to the hotel.

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Today, join a private, guided tour of the Shanghai Museum East and marvel at ancient Chinese art, including jade collections, unique bronze artefacts and an extensive array of paintings.

After lunch at a nearby restaurant, explore the French Concession district. Once administered by France, its architecture spans from Art Deco to Neoclassical blended by Shikumen, a traditional Shanghainese architecture style. Return to the hotel in the mid-afternoon, with an optional stop at Tianzifang, known for its craft stores, coffee shops, trendy art studios and narrow alleys.

The evening is at leisure.

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This morning, enjoy a private, guided tour of the Pudong Art Museum, opened to the public in 2021. The museum showcases world-class exhibitions and Shanghai’s contemporary art scene across its massive six-storey structure, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel.

Return to the hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. This evening, celebrate the conclusion of the tour with a farewell dinner with Jeremy and fellow travellers at a local restaurant.

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Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.

For those returning home today, make your way to Shanghai Airport for suggested flights to Australia or New Zealand. Renaissance Tours or your travel agent can assist you with your flights and other travel arrangements, including any additional nights’ accommodation before or after the tour and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

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