21 days, Beijing/Xian/Chengdu/ Emei Shan Mountain/Chongqing Yangzi River - Three Gorges/ Yangshuo/ Hong Kong

Day 1-3 Beijing
Our journey commences in Beijing, one of the world's most impressive cities and China's capital. The Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square are simply breathtaking but there are many other attractions like the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, the Lama and Taoist temples and the Silk Market. We also take a day trip to a lesser known section of the Great Wall, one of the wonders of the world.

Day 4 Beijing - Xian
After a morning exploring Beijing at your leisure, we board an evening sleeper train to Xian. Train travel in China is a comfortable and fascinating experience, and will be our primary mode of transport.

Day 5-7 Xian
The many layers of Xian's history have left us some of China's most fascinating attractions, the most extraordinary being the world famous Terracotta Warriors. Discovered in an underground pit in 1974, thousands of ancient statues all face east in battle formation. Complete with horses and chariots, the 2,000 year old warriors are a spectacular sight. Explore the markets and absorb the tranquil atmosphere of the Great Mosque. At midday of day 7 we board an overnight sleeper train bound for Chengdu.

Day 8 Chengdu
We make an early morning visit to the Giant Panda Reserve where we are able to witness the conservation efforts being made to save this endangered species before exploring the city of Chengdu.

Day 9-11 Emei Shan Mountain
Leaving Chengdu in the early morning we travel by local bus to Leshan, where the Leshan Giant Buddha guards the confluence of the Dadu and Min rivers. After a morning in Leshan we travel on to Emei Shan, one of the most famous Buddhist mountains in China and surrounded by pristine scenery. The energetic can head for the 3,099 meter (10,165ft) peak while others may prefer to take a relaxing stroll through beautiful countryside to the many monasteries in the area.

Day 12 Chongqing
A long day's travel takes us to Chongqing, one of the chief industrial cities of southwest China and the starting point for our boat trip down the Yangzi River.

Day 13-15 Yangzi River - Three Gorges
Our journey down the mighty Yangtze and through the Three Gorges is considered one of the premier scenic attractions of China. Sleeping on board we pass stunning ancient rock formations with cliffs rising more than 800 meters (2,624ft) on either side. In the early evening of day 15, we take an overnight sleeper train to Liuzhou near Guilin.

Day 16-19 Yangshuo
Arriving in Liuzhou we take a bus to the small countryside town of Yangshuo. This is our base for exploring this spectacular area where the Li River winds its way through thousands of dramatic limestone karsts. We make a full day's excursion on a local boat up the river, followed by a leisurely cycle back through the surrounding countryside. There is plenty of time to enjoy the region's laid back atmosphere. In the evening of day 19, we board an overnight train bound for Guangzhou.

Day 20 Hong Kong via Guangzhou
We travel onwards to Hong Kong, proceeding through the still existing border formalities. Be prepared for the change of pace as Hong Kong's dynamic energy continues unabated. A suitable place to end a remarkable trip.

Day 21 Depart Hong Kong
You may depart at any time today.