China

China’s Great Wall winds thousands of kilometres from the timeworn ruins of the former Manchurian frontier to the windswept Gobi Desert and the vast dunes of Gansu. An awe-inspiring icon, escape to the well-preserved, less-frequented Mutianyu section, taking in the battlements’ commanding views of the magnificent countryside; a glass of chilled Champagne in hand.

The capital of Sichuan Province, Chengdu is renowned for its Panda Breeding and Research Centre which affords a rare opportunity to encounter China’s iconic national treasure at play amongst the bamboo groves of their enclosures. Hear from experts about the plight and preservation of this endearing, and endangered, species.

Nestled among southern China’s rivers, lakes and snow-capped Himalayan peaks, the melting pot of Yunnan Province is home to more than half of the country’s minority groups. Here, the Khampa, Han, Naxi, Lisu, Yi and Pumi peoples mingle against a backdrop of Tibetan monasteries and the pebbled paths of Lijiang’s Old Town. Evocative of James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon, the mythical romance of this Shangri-La remains as potent as ever.

From 1750-year-old Xingping, board your own private bamboo raft for an unforgettable trip along a tranquil tributary of the Li River. Breathe in the dreamlike landscape and realise the truth in the old Chinese saying: “The scenery of Guilin is the finest under heaven, the scenery of Yangshuo surpasses that of Guilin”.

Standing 8,000 strong, the Terra Cotta Warriors of Xian bore silent watch over Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s burial grounds for more than 2,000 years. This life-size statuary army of men and horses was accidentally unearthed in 1974, setting off an archaeological sensation. Gain insider access to the dig site, admiring the latest artefacts as they are revealed.

Serving as the nation’s capital for seven centuries, Beijing’s traditionally casual pace has yielded to modernity and expansion. Historic sites such as the Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall are juxtaposed with an ever-growing number of skyscrapers. This city on the move beckons visitors to experience its enduring air of tradition as it hangs on in an era of rapid development.

The mighty Yangtze River snakes for a total of 6,380 kilometres, from its source in the mountains of Tibet to its mouth at Shanghai. The best way to explore this giant, winding torrent is on a river cruise which will place you in the midst of the panoramic scenery, travelling through the very heart of the nation.

A global trade hub, Shanghai finds its culinary inspiration from cultures far-flung and familiar. Dive into a culinary melting pot as your local guide reveals the iconic street food of Shouning Lu, a local market and social hub of Old Town Shanghai. Then, head to a local dim sum restaurant for shengjian bao, Shanghai’s legendary pan-fried pork dumpling.