Fly 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 the traditional Yu Garden, the Silk Museum and a stop in the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund. This evening view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise. Dinner is traditional Shanghainese cuisine.

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. Return to Shanghai to enjoy the fine arts and antiquities of the Shanghai Museum, and explore People's Square.

Fly to Xian, the ancient former capital with a history spanning 3,100 years. This afternoon 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.

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. Tonight, feast on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings before a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Board the bullet train to Beijing, China's historic capital city. End the day watching a thrilling Chinese acrobatic show.

Head to Beijing's symbolic heart and stroll across Tiananmen Square into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Passing through the Gate of Supreme Harmony enter a vast complex of over 900 buildings, covering 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 the traditional hutongs, where the narrow alleys offer an authentic glimpse of old Beijing's rich culture and experience first hand the unique hutong way of life.

This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. Stop by a jade factory then spend the afternoon strolling through the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace and the traditional Chinese gardens. Today's sightseeing is the perfect way to build up your appetite for Beijing's most famous delicacy – Peking duck.

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