CHINA CRIMSON TRAILS Ex-Bangalore

Land in China’s storied capital, where your representative greets you and eases you through immigration. Transfer to your hotel and take a moment to settle in before your grand journey begins. As evening falls, enjoy a comforting dinner at a local Indian restaurant.

Step into the vastness of Tiananmen Square before wandering the resplendent halls of the Forbidden City, tracing six centuries of imperial legacy. Discover the graceful symmetry of the Temple of Heaven, then be dazzled by an evening Acrobatic Show. Round out the day with dinner at a local Indian restaurant.

Wander the tranquil waters of Summer Palace, China’s largest imperial garden, before browsing exquisite jade craftsmanship. Ascend the legendary Badaling Great Wall, its ramparts tracing the mountain ridgelines for miles. Pause for photos at the iconic Bird’s Nest and Water Cube, then shop at Xiushui Street before dinner.

Glide south aboard a high-speed bullet train into Xi’an, one of China’s great ancient capitals. Explore the heritage charm of Ming & Qing Street, then climb the historic Drum & Bell Towers for sweeping views of the old town. Dinner awaits at a local Indian restaurant.

Stand before the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army, a UNESCO treasure guarding an emperor’s tomb for over two millennia. Browse traditional pottery craft at a Crockery Factory, then pause at the serene Big Wild Goose Pagoda. As night falls, be swept up in the spectacle of the Tang Dynasty Show.

Board another sleek bullet train into Chongqing, China’s dramatic “Mountain City” famed for its spicy cuisine and vertiginous skyline. Settle into your hotel before an evening tour of Hongya Cave, a glittering riverside complex of stilted architecture. Dinner follows at a local Indian restaurant.

Meet giant pandas at Chongqing Zoo, then marvel at the quirky Liziba Station, where trains pass directly through a residential tower. Wander the 1,000-year-old Ciqikou Ancient Town, take in views from Kuixing Tower, and cruise the Yangtze River as the city’s night skyline glitters to life.

Arrive in the otherworldly landscapes of Zhangjiajie, the
sandstone-pillar terrain that inspired the floating mountains of Avatar. Ride the world’s
longest cable car up Tianmen Mountain, journeying through the clouds to reach Tianmen
Cave, or “Heaven’s Gate.” Dinner is served at a local restaurant to close the day.

Cross the world’s longest and highest Glass Bridge, suspended dramatically above a plunging canyon below. Explore Zhangjiajie National Forest Park via the towering Bailong Elevator, hiking mist-veiled trails among the pillars that inspired Pandora. Dinner rounds out an unforgettable day of natural wonder.

Bid a scenic farewell to Zhangjiajie at Baofeng Lake, its emerald waters framed by dramatic karst peaks. After lunch, fly onward to Shanghai, China’s gleaming metropolis of glass and light. Arrive and settle into your hotel, with a packed dinner provided.

Wander the classical 16th-century Yu Garden and its bustling bazaar, then discover the artistry of Chinese silk at a local factory. Explore the Shanghai Museum’s ancient treasures, stroll famous Nanjing Road, and end the day atop the Oriental Pearl Tower before a sunset walk along The Bund.

Take a day trip to the enchanting Zhujiajiao Water Town, a 1,700-year-old “Venice of the East” crossed by 36 stone bridges. Return to Shanghai for shopping at the popular AP Market, followed by dinner at a local Indian restaurant.

Savour a final breakfast in China before transferring to Shanghai Pudong Airport, carrying home unforgettable memories of imperial history, natural wonder and modern marvel.