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

Following breakfast, join your tour leader Jeremy Clarke for a welcome briefing and talk. Then, begin your exploration of Shanghai with a visit to the extraordinary Shanghai Museum. Located on People’s Square, the political and cultural centre of Shanghai, this extraordinary building is shaped like a giant bronze tripod and houses one of the world’s top collections of ancient and modern Chinese art and artefacts.

After lunch at a local restaurant, the afternoon is at leisure.

At dusk, embark on a cruise along the Huangpu River and admire the futuristic skyline of Pudong, where modern giants such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower dominate.

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Enjoy a full-day tour of Shanghai. Started in the 11th century as a humble fishing village before becoming a thriving trading centre in the late 19th century, it is now China’s largest city. Visit the 400-year-old Yuyuan Garden, originally constructed in 1559, and badly damaged during the Opium Wars of the 19th century. This meticulously reconstructed garden preserves its classical beauty, and features traditional Chinese architecture, miniature lakes, bridges and rock formations.

Explore the French Concession, known for its tree-lined avenues and charming European-style architecture.

Tonight, take in an acrobatic display, a show of remarkable virtuosity and skill.

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After breakfast, transfer to Shanghai Pudong Airport for a flight to Xi’an (flight included in tour price).

Arrive in Xi’an in the afternoon. Historically known as Chang’an, the city is the oldest of China’s Four Ancient Capitals, and served as capital city for 13 dynasties including the Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui and Tang Dynasties, from the 11th century BC to the mid-10th century AD. Its long history has left many fascinating historical sites and precious cultural relics. It was the birthplace of a united China and was known as the starting point (or terminus) of the Old Silk Road, linking China in the East with Europe in the West.

This evening, discover Xi’an’s diverse food culture. Wander through millenia-old alleyways, hidden sections of the Muslim quarter and ancient city gates for a true taste of the Silk Road.

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Today, see the UNESCO-listed terracotta warriors, one of the most extraordinary archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Unearthed in 1974, this vast army of life-sized clay soldiers was commissioned by Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of a unified China, to protect him in the afterlife. The main vault contains over 6,000 life-size figures of armoured warriors and horses arrayed in battle formation.

Back in Xi’an, enjoy an early evening walk on the ancient city wall, the largest and best-preserved in China. Built during the Ming Dynasty, the wall is surrounded by a moat and features corner towers and city entrance gates.

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In the morning, transfer to Xi’an Airport for a flight to Harbin (flight included in tour price).

Arrive in Harbin in the late-afternoon. Also known as the ‘Ice City’, Harbin transforms into a mesmerising frozen fairyland each winter.

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Embark on a walking tour of Harbin, starting along Zhongyang Street to Saint Sophia Cathedral, a stunning example of Russian Orthodox architecture. See the Daoli vegetable market and end with a visit to the Harbin Museum of Jewish History and Culture.

After lunch, depart for Sun Island, home to the Harbin Ice & Snow Sculpture Festival. This annual event is the largest ice and snow festival in the world and features a wide array of intricate ice sculptures, including replicas of famous landmarks. More than 300,000 cubic metres of ice and snow are used to create stunning displays, often illuminated with colourful lights.

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This morning, transfer to Harbin railway station to board a high-speed train to Beijing (train journey included in tour price).

Arrive in Beijing in the afternoon, before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.

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Today, visit the recreated section of the Great Wall of China at Badaling. The Great Wall is a series of fortifications – walls, beacon towers and watchtowers – erected and maintained between the 5th century BC and the 17th century AD across shifting borders. They stretch over some 7,000 km. In one ten-year period alone, three million labourers and 300,000 soldiers worked on the walls. They are a poignant reminder of the power, territorial aspirations and follies of China’s ancient rulers.

Upon returning to Beijing, enjoy a walking tour through Nanluoguxiang artisanal district, before a hot pot dinner at a local restaurant near the Drum and Bell Towers.

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After a talk by Jeremy, explore Tiananmen Square, Beijing’s geographical heart and largest city square in the world. Dominated by the Monument to the People’s Heroes and the Chairman Mao Zedong Memorial Hall, and surrounded by the Forbidden City, the Gate of Heavenly Peace, the National Museum of China and the Great Hall of the People, Tiananmen Square has huge historical, cultural and political importance.

Continue with a visit to the Forbidden City, originally built in the 15th century for the emperor Yongle. The former imperial palace is an architectural masterpiece with a breathtaking symmetry of palatial pavilions, courtyards, gates, ceremonial halls and gardens.

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Enjoy a full day at leisure to further explore the Chinese capital at your own pace. You might wish to visit the National Museum of China, Liulichang antique district or the Silk Street Market.

In the evening, join Jeremy and fellow travellers for a special farewell dinner.

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Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast.

For those returning home today, make your way to the 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 either before or after the tour and travel insurance (a condition of travel).

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