CHINA AUTUMN ESCAPES Ex-Mumbai

Touch down in China’s imperial capital, where your personal representative awaits to guide you smoothly through immigration. Transfer to your hotel and take a moment to settle in, letting the anticipation of the journey ahead sink in. As evening falls, unwind over a comforting dinner at a local Indian restaurant, a warm welcome to your grand China adventure.

Begin your morning at the vast Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, before stepping into the majestic Forbidden City to trace six centuries of Ming and Qing dynasty splendour. Later, discover the spiritual elegance of the Temple of Heaven, its circular architecture symbolising the harmony between heaven and earth. As evening arrives, be dazzled by the gravity-defying feats of Beijing’s famed Acrobatic Show. The day closes with dinner at a local Indian restaurant.

Wander the resplendent Summer Palace, China’s largest imperial garden, crossing the iconic Seventeen-Arch Bridge along tranquil Kunming Lake. Browse the artistry of a local Jade Factory before standing atop the legendary Badaling Great Wall, its ancient battlements tracing the mountain ridgelines for miles in every direction. Capture the architectural brilliance of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, Olympic icons of modern China, then shop for silk and antiques along historic Xiushui Street. Dinner awaits at a local Indian restaurant.

Bid farewell to Beijing and glide south aboard a comfortable high-speed bullet train, watching the countryside unfold across a scenic four-and-a-half-hour journey. Arrive in Xi’an, one of China’s most storied ancient capitals, and step into the heritage charm of Ming & Qing Street, lined with traditional architecture and artisan stalls. Ascend the historic Drum & Bell Towers for sweeping views over the old town below. The day concludes with dinner at a local Indian restaurant.

Stand face to face with history at the extraordinary Terracotta Army, a UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece of thousands of life-sized warriors guarding an emperor’s tomb for over two millennia. Explore the artistry of traditional pottery at a local Crockery Factory, then pause for photographs at the serene Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a 7th-century Buddhist landmark. As night descends, be enchanted by the spectacular Tang Dynasty Show, a mesmerising blend of dance, music and storytelling accompanied by a live orchestra.

Board another sleek bullet train into the heart of Sichuan Province, arriving in Chengdu to meet China’s most beloved icons at the Chengdu Panda Base. Watch giant pandas thrive in their near-natural habitat, one of the tour’s most heart-warming highlights. In the afternoon, lose yourself in the old-world charm of Jinli Ancient Street, alive with lantern-lit lanes, teahouses and artisan crafts. Dinner is served at a local Indian restaurant.

Journey by bullet train to the alpine wonderland of Huanglong Valley, a UNESCO-listed sanctuary of turquoise travertine pools, snow-capped peaks and colourful alpine forests. Wander wooden pathways framed by shimmering pools of turquoise, gold and emerald, an experience of pure natural theatre, especially vivid in the autumn light. Return to Chengdu by evening, memories of this fairytale landscape still vivid. Dinner is served at a local restaurant.

Speed onward by high-speed train to Chongqing, China’s dramatic “Mountain City,” renowned for its vertiginous skyline, hilly terrain and fiery cuisine. After settling into your hotel, ascend Kuixing Tower for panoramic views over the city’s mountainous silhouette. As dusk falls, explore Hongya Cave, a dazzling riverside complex of stilted architecture that glows against the night sky. Dinner follows at a local Indian restaurant.

Immerse yourself in the golden hues of the Colorful Forest in Banan District, one of Chongqing’s most spectacular autumn foliage destinations, its maple and ginkgo trees ablaze in red and gold. Marvel at the architectural curiosity of Liziba Station, where trains glide directly through the 19th floor of a residential tower. As evening descends, cruise the Yangtze River, its banks ablaze with Chongqing’s glittering night skyline. Dinner rounds out the day at a local Indian restaurant.

Arrive in the otherworldly realm of Zhangjiajie, the sandstone-pillar landscape that inspired the floating mountains of Avatar. Ride the world’s longest cable car up Tianmen Mountain, ascending through swirling clouds to reach Tianmen Cave, or “Heaven’s Gate.” Continue to the striking 72 Wonder Tower, where ancient Tujia stilt-house architecture meets bold contemporary design. The day closes with dinner at a local restaurant.

Cross the world’s longest and highest Glass Bridge, suspended a breathtaking 280 metres above a plunging canyon below. Journey deeper into Zhangjiajie National Forest Park aboard the towering Bailong Elevator, then hike mist-veiled trails along the “Avatar Hallelujah Mountain” path, past the very sandstone pillars that inspired Pandora. An afternoon of exploration is capped with a scenic cable car descent and dinner at a local restaurant.

Bid a scenic farewell to Zhangjiajie at the picturesque Baofeng Lake, its emerald waters cradled by dramatic karst peaks. After a relaxed lunch, fly onward to Shanghai, China’s dazzling metropolis of glass, light and modern ambition. Arrive and settle into your hotel, with a packed dinner provided for your first evening in the city.

Venture to picturesque Hangzhou for a leisurely boat ride on the iconic West Lake, framed by willow-lined banks, pagodas and distant hills, especially captivating in the autumn light. Return to Shanghai for an indulgent shopping spree at the bustling AP Market, perfect for bargains and bespoke tailoring. Dinner is served at a local restaurant to close the day.

Discover the artistry of Chinese silk at a local Silk Factory before ascending the Oriental Pearl Tower for glittering views over the Bund and Pudong skyline. Stroll the historic Bund promenade, lined with colonial-era architecture along the Huangpu River. Enjoy a final dinner at a local Indian restaurant before transferring to Shanghai Pudong Airport, taking home unforgettable memories of imperial history, natural wonder and modern charm.