Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Today’s explorations include a wander through the Shanghai Museum and traditional Yu Garden, a stop in the bustling old town, and an opportunity to learn about the age-old silk production process at a silk factory. Later, admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund and Xintiandi precinct. View the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise – the skyscrapers and glimmering lights are a sight to behold and make Shanghai unlike any other city in the world.

Visit Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai’s sleepy water towns, built on an old canal system once used to transport goods all over imperial China. The town’s narrow alleyways exude old-world charm, whilst the waterways are lined with ancient buildings and crossed by stone bridges.

Fly to Xian, the ancient former capital. Tonight, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings, a specialty of the region, before a captivating performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China’s first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and horses who stand in their original formations at the exact location they were excavated. Also visit the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate terracotta warriors in the style of their ancient counterparts. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century ancient city walls that enclose Xian’s old town.

This morning, visit the fascinating Little Wild Goose Pagoda and spend time walking through the atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter, which are lined with Islamic food stalls. Here you will gain an insight into the city’s fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. Later, board the bullet train to Beijing, China’s historic capital city.

Head to Beijing’s symbolic heart and stroll across Tiananmen Square into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Later soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape, where you can watch, or participate in, a dance class.

Head to Beijing’s symbolic heart and stroll across Tiananmen Square into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. The sacred centre of the Chinese empire for 500 years and home to the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Forbidden City is a vast complex of over 900 buildings and covers an area of 180 acres. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through Beijing’s hutongs, some dating back 700 years. These narrow alleys are known for their labyrinthine layout, traditional courtyard homes, and sense of community that has been preserved for centuries. Meet a local family to get a glimpse of old Beijing’s rich culture and experience first-hand the unique hutong way of life. End the day watching an exciting Chinese acrobatic show.

Fly to the UK, arriving home the same or following day.