Discover China's most futuristic metropolis from the time-honored Bund to contrast the colonial trading buildings on the west bank of the Huangpu River and the futuristic skyscrapers on the east. Then, browse the myriad's historical gems and marvel at the millenarian Chinese civilization in Shanghai Museum. Visit the 400-years old Yu Garden to understand the aesthetic perspective of traditional Chinese architects. Stroll through the adjacent Shanghai Old Street and then move on to the Jade Buddha Temple to glimpse into local people's religious life. Before returning to the hotel, you can visit a silk workshop to see how plain cocoons become brilliant silk.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Shanghai

Meet adorable pandas this morning at the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base. This cute creature is usually more active from 8 am to 10 am, so an early starting is needed to provide you more chances to watch them enjoying their breakfast and gamboling around. In the afternoon, wander around the Wenshu Temple, a peaceful monastery with picturesque surroundings, and have a cup of tea, like the locals usually do in their spare time. Then, explore the bustling Jinli Old Street in search of exotic souvenirs or sample local flavors.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Chengdu

Meet the Terracotta Warriors today to marvel at the mighty army of Qing Shi Huang, the first emperor who unified ancient China in 221BC. These life-sized clay soldiers guarded the tomb of Qing Shi Huang for over 2,000 years before being discovered in 1974. Then, drive about one hour back to the city, and have a short stop at a jade store before visiting the 600 years old City Wall downtown.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Xi'an

Get acquainted with the capital city from Tiananmen Square, the political center and symbolic of China. Nearby, the Forbidden City is an architectural wonder full of traditional Chinese halls, courtyards, gardens, and temples. Walk out from the Gate of Divine Prowess, get across a street, and climb up to the top of Jingshan Park to capture spectacular panoramas of the ancient royal complex. Finally, roam through local hutongs to see the old houses and learn about the daily lives of old Beijingers.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Beijing

Focus the day on the legendary Great Wall, the Mutianyu section two hours away from the urban center. There, a cable car will take you up and save you a lot of energy for more hikes on it to enjoy the majestic views of the rolling mountains stretching away with the winding walls. Afterward, return to the city to visit the Temple of Heaven, where the feudal emperors annually worshiped Heaven and prayed for a good harvest. Today, it is a public place for the locals enjoying their retired life.

Guide: Included for the day

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation:

• Mid-Range: Beijing