China Express

Shanghiiii! Your China adventure starts now. Drop your bags and meet your new friends tonight. Tonight's vibe is a cruise along Shanghai's famous Bund, where neon lights and history collide.

Your first high-speed train, let's go! This morning's journey flies by with snacks and card games. Stretch your legs with a climb up the Stairway to Heaven. Face the 999 steps and you'll be rewarded with that stunning crater. You've earned those bragging rights!

Today's scenery is insane and you don't need to have seen Avatar to appreciate it. You've got the entire day to explore Zhangjiajie National Park. Go hiking with your friends, or take it easy breezy. Nobody's allowed to leave without ticking off the Hallelujah Mountain viewpoint!

Hop on another high-speed train, this time for Chengdu. A personal fave of ours, this city gives you traditional streets and lantern lights. Tonight we've got tickets to the Sichuan Opera. Ooo and ahh as the performers' masks change before your eyes! Round it off with a hotpot dinner after.

Rise and shine! Giant and red pandas are most active in the morning, so let's keep our fingers crossed as we visit Chengdu's famous research centre. Enjoy the rest of today to chill in Chengdu, or discover the nightlife. Chengdu has a wild side (we don't just mean pandas!).

Who fancies some history? Coming up next is Xi'an, famed for its ancient walls against a backdrop of skyscrapers. You've got the best views in the city on our bike ride later this afternoon, cycling on top. Tonight we're going to the Muslim Quarter for tasty street food!

An epic ancient wonder, right before your eyes. So the legend goes, China's first emperor was buried below thousands of clay soldiers. But it only got discovered decades ago! Your local guide will spill all the details. Journey onto Luoyang later today for more culture.

See the monks practicing Kung Fu at lightning speed. Then practice a few moves yourself! All those martial arts movies have trained you for this moment. Later on, we're going to the Longmen Grottoes, famed for the giant Buddha statues carved into limestone cliffs.

Take one last high-speed train, making tracks for China's capital. Tonight in Beijing, it's time to roll up our sleeves and master our dumpling skills. Recipes are the best souvenirs! You'll also get to enjoy a few extra dishes, like duck pancakes, for a dinner made by pro chefs. Gānbēi (that's "Cheers" in Mandarin)!

Step behind the gates of the Forbidden City. Locked off to the outside world for centuries, you'll be trailing the footsteps of emperors. Hop from palace to palace this morning. You're welcome to stay on for longer, or head back to Beijing's city centre later.

It's the big day! Today we're ticking off a world wonder, the Great Wall of China! Ride a cable car over the mountains, then follow the winding paths, soaking in the legendary scenery. You'll be pinching yourself about 100 times. Tonight's our final evening together, so let's make it count!

And just like that, our China adventure is over. Hug your friends goodbye and head to the airport, or take up one of your group leader's activity suggestions if you're staying on. Until next time!