China holidays

Witness unbelievable and astonishing feats of balance, flexibility and athleticism at the best acrobatic show in Beijing. The Chaoyang Theatre hosts a mesmerizing show that surely defies the laws of physics. Perfomers fly, float and balance in seemingly impossible arrangements, all in the name of entertainment.

Explore the Forbidden City, once off limits to all but the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, on this fascinating tour. You’ll visit the renowned Tiananmen Square and World Heritage Sites – including the Temple of Heaven with its traditional Chinese architecture and the Summer Palace, whose gardens are rated among the best in the world.

Tuck into a traditional duck feast at this delicious dinner. You’ll feast on Beijing roast duck, sweet and sour pork, roast beef, vegetables and fresh fruit during this leisurely meal at Bianyifang, a restaurant that specialises in the delicacy. Beijing roast duck has been prepared since imperial times and is eaten in pancakes with spring onion and hoi sin sauce.

Visit the Chengdu Giant Panda Breeding & Research Centre. A national treasure of China, this charming yet endangered animal lives in a simulated natural environment so the centre can encourage a breeding and rearing programme. You'll continue to the thatched cottage of famous Tana dynasty poet Du Fu and the Temple of Marquis Wu.

Explore the Forbidden City, once off limits to all but the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, on this fascinating tour. You’ll visit the renowned Tiananmen Square and World Heritage Sites – including the Temple of Heaven with its traditional Chinese architecture and the Summer Palace, whose gardens are rated among the best in the world.

Your tour starts with a two-hour visit of the Forbidden City, an exquisitely preserved imperial palace and the world’s largest ancient palatial structure. Located in the heart of Beijing, this stunning piece of architecture dates back to the mighty Ming dynasty. Next transfer to the Great Wall of China’s Badaling section, approx. 70km north of Beijing. The best preserved part of this world-famous landmark, it was once a military stronghold and you can admire the view as it meanders along the mountains. After lunch in a nearby local restaurant spend 1½ hours exploring Badaling before returning to your hotel.

Stand next to a grand guard tower, gazing out over the meandering Great Wall of China as it miraculously weaves through the lush, undulating mountains. This tour explores some of the best preserved sections of this manmade wonder which, in its entirety, stretches over 4,000 miles in length.

First stop on this tour is the Old Town, where tiny traditional buildings stand firm against the sweeping tide of progress. At its heart is the classical Yuyuan Garden, an oasis of peace in the city and a stunning example of a Ming and Qing garden with breathtaking scenery and traditional architecture. Next visit the Jade Buddha Temple before browsing Shanghai Museum, a great place to learn about Chinese art and culture with its Neolithic pottery and intricate calligraphy. Finally, stroll along the ornate Bund admiring grand riverside colonial buildings.

Watch a thrilling show, ‘The Legend of Kung Fu’, at the Beijing Red Theatre. The performance tells the story of a young boy who wants to become a kung fu master and chronicles the temptations and obstacles he faces on the road to enlightenment. Marvel at high octane moves and acrobatics as this incredible fusion of modern dance and Chinese traditional arts unfolds.

Meet one of the world’s most beloved endangered species on this half day tour and discover the work carried out by the research and breeding centre to bring the Giant Panda population back from the brink of extinction.

Visit Reed Flute Cave, a natural limestone cave nearly 800ft deep and scattered with beautifully coloured stalactites and stalagmites. Next head to Fubo Hill on the River Li’s west bank and climb its stone steps for stunning views of Guilin and karst hills. Half on water and half on land, the hill blocks the river and is dubbed ‘Wave Subduing Hill’. Finally, arrive at Elephant Trunk Hill, which looks like an elephant’s trunk drinking from the river.

Cruise down the River Li from Guilin to Yangshuo, passing dramatic limestone karsts rising from the glistening water. Watch fishermen float by in bamboo rafts and admire life on the river banks as locals work the rice paddies and water buffalos graze. Stop off to explore scenic Yangshuo – perhaps by bicycle – discovering the surrounding villages, stunning countryside and narrow streets dotted with local craft shops, before returning to Guilin in the late afternoon.

Cruise down the River Li from Guilin to Yangshuo, passing dramatic limestone karsts rising from the glistening water. Watch fishermen float by in bamboo rafts and admire life on the river banks as locals work the rice paddies and water buffalos graze. Stop off to explore scenic Yangshuo – perhaps by bicycle – discovering the surrounding villages, stunning countryside and narrow streets dotted with local craft shops, before returning to Guilin in the late afternoon.

Enjoy a full day tour of Shanghai beginning at the modern Jade Buddha Temple, before continuing to the Old Town of Shanghai, where tiny traditional buildings stand firm against the sweeping tide of progress. Experience an oasis of peace at the ancient Yu Yuan Garden before exploring the Shanghai Museum, a treasure trove of ancient art and culture. Finally visit the ornate Bund, Shanghai's historic waterfront promenade.

Discover Xi’an on this private full day tour. Your first stop is the world famous Terracotta Warriors – 8,000 life-sized soldiers standing in battle formation. Each unique warrior was crafted and painted by hand and peasant farmers unearthed the collection in 1974. After lunch, visit the 200ft high Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

Discover Xi’an on this private full day tour. Your first stop is the world famous Terracotta Warriors – 8,000 life-sized soldiers standing in battle formation. Each unique warrior was crafted and painted by hand and peasant farmers unearthed the collection in 1974. After lunch, visit the 200ft high Big Wild Goose Pagoda and the Great Mosque before walking along the perfectly-preserved historic city walls.

Explore the Forbidden City, once off limits to all but the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties, on this fascinating tour. You’ll visit the renowned Tiananmen Square and World Heritage Sites – including the Temple of Heaven with its traditional Chinese architecture and the Summer Palace, whose gardens are rated among the best in the world.

Journey to the railway station and board a train from Shanghai to Suzou, a small Chinese city scattered with canals, pagodas and bridges and famous for its landscape gardens and silk production. On arrival visit Master of Nets, a tranquil and harmonious residential garden that dates back to the Song Dynasty. Bautifully restored, it features ponds, pavilions and walkways. Next take a one-hour rickshaw ride in Pingjiang before visiting the Silk Museum, which chronicles the history of silk production with exhibits and demonstrations. Finally, take a 45-minute canal cruise before returning by train to Shanghai.