CHINA IN DETAIL EX-Bangalore

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 south to Chongqing, China’s dramatic “Mountain City,” renowned for its vertiginous skyline and fiery cuisine. After settling into your hotel, spend the evening exploring Hongya Cave, a dazzling riverside complex of stilted architecture that comes alive with light after dusk. Dinner follows at a local Indian restaurant, capping a day of striking contrasts.

Meet China’s beloved giant pandas at Chongqing Zoo, before marvelling at the architectural curiosity of Liziba Station, where trains glide directly through the 19th floor of a residential tower. Wander the wooden lanes and tea houses of the 1,000-year-old Ciqikou Ancient Town, then take in panoramic views from Kuixing Tower. As evening falls, cruise the Yangtze River, watching Chongqing’s mountain skyline blaze to life in a spectacle of lights.

Arrive in the otherworldly landscapes of Zhangjiajie, the sandstone-pillar terrain famed for inspiring the floating mountains of Avatar. Ride the world’s longest cable car up Tianmen Mountain, ascending through swirling clouds to reach the natural archway of Tianmen Cave, known as “Heaven’s Gate.” A day of dramatic scenery 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 past the very sandstone pillars that inspired Pandora’s floating mountains. An afternoon of pure natural wonder ends with 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 gleaming 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.

Wander the classical 16th-century Yu Garden, admiring its lotus ponds and intricate wood carvings, before browsing the bustling bazaar just outside. Discover the artistry of Chinese silk production at a local factory, then explore 5,000 years of ancient art at the Shanghai Museum. Stroll the famous Nanjing Road before ascending the Oriental Pearl Tower for glittering night views, closing the evening with a walk along the historic Bund promenade.

Take a day trip to the enchanting Zhujiajiao Water Town, a 1,700-year-old “Venice of the East” laced with 36 stone bridges and narrow canals. Return to Shanghai for an afternoon of shopping at the popular AP Market, known for its fashion, accessories and gadgets. Dinner at a local Indian restaurant rounds out your penultimate day in China.

Savour a final breakfast in China at your hotel before transferring to Shanghai Pudong Airport for your journey home. Depart with unforgettable memories of imperial history, natural wonder, and the modern charm that defines this extraordinary country.