Enjoy a trip to Xitang, one of Shanghai's nearby water towns by private transport (approx 2 hrs). Xitang is a welcome escape from the bustle of Shanghai, especially in the evening when the day trippers have left. Wander or boat along the canals criss-crossing the town, chill out by the waterside and sip tea at a teahouse or visit one of the local history museums.

Take a gondola ride along the canals. Board an overnight hard sleeper train bound for Xi'an (approx 15 hrs). Train travel in China may not be entirely luxurious but it's certainly one of the best ways to come face to face with the country and its people as it's the main form of transport for locals. We use hard sleeper class trains for most of our overnight train journeys. These are not as rough as they sound - compartments are open-plan, clean, with padded three-tiered berths (6 to a compartment). Sheets, pillows and a blanket are provided. We recommend bringing your own sleeping sheet as the quality/cleanliness of sheets may not be what you are used to. Safe hot drinking water is always available for making coffee, tea or instant meals. It is a good idea to bring a mug, spoon, knife and fork if you will be preparing your own hot drinks or food on the train (as these are not provided in cabins) Basic bathroom facilities are situated at the end of each carriage with toilets and washbasins As toilet paper isn't always available it's advised to carry some of your own, keep in mind general train cleanliness may not be to the same standards you are accustomed to. Most trains have a dining carriage where meals are available three times a day, and there are often snacks available on the train along the way. You may wish to purchase extra snacks of your choice before the journey to supplement food available on the train.

An optional upgrade from a hard sleeper to a soft sleeper berth (4 travellers per compartment with a lockable door) may be available for some overnight train journeys on this trip. Please contact us for booking and more details.

Water town day trip

Gondola ride, Xitang - CNY120.00

Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)

The capital of the most populous country on earth, Beijing is quickly shedding its historical face in favour of modernity. However, there are still plenty of places to go that will give you a great insight into the nation's ancient past as well as sights that showcase China's contemporary culture.

Explore Tiananmen Square - the largest downtown square in the world. It covers an area of 44 hectares, big enough to hold one million people. From the Gate of Heavenly Peace in the north to the southern Front Gate, it measures 880 metres, and from the Museum of Chinese History in the east to the Great Hall of the People in the west, it's about 500 metres.

The Forbidden City is the former home to China's imperial rulers. Take a guided tour of the palaces, buildings and seemingly never-ending grand courtyards. Take a walking tour through Old Beijing along the ancient network of alleyways and lanes known as hutongs. These are a world away from the imperial splendours, but lend great atmosphere to this energetic city.

Take an early morning trip to the Mutianyu Great Wall (approx 2 hrs drive from Beijing). An incredible piece of engineering, it stretches 6,000 km westwards from the mountain ridges north of Beijing. It was originally constructed to protect Chinese empires from the 'barbarians' of the north and even though it failed in this purpose, it is still without a doubt one of the country's most remarkable achievements, and an iconic destination. It's a 30 minute climb up some steep steps to the wall itself but well worth the effort! There is also the option of taking a chair lift or cable car to the top and back if you are after a more leisurely experience and great views. We'll have a few hours to explore the winding wall before heading back to the city for the afternoon. Please note that the wall is quite steep in places so make sure you have some appropriate footwear for this activity.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Forbidden City

Great Wall - Mutianyu section

Hutong walking tour

Tiananmen Square

Beijing Art and Architecture full day tour, Beijing - CNY590.00

Beijing by Bike full day tour, Beijing - CNY480.00

Beijing Opera, Beijing - CNY200.00

Beijing Zoo (including Aquarium), Beijing - CNY130.00

Bike hire, Beijing - CNY50.00

Kung fu show, Beijing - CNY180.00

Lama Temple, Beijing - CNY30.00

Peking duck dinner, Beijing - CNY80.00

Temple of Heaven, Beijing - CNY40.00

Hotel (2 nts)