We begin at Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world, then step into the Forbidden City, the seat of imperial power through the Ming and Qing dynasties. We continue to Jingshan Park, where the view from the hilltop pavilion takes in the full geometric grandeur of the palace laid out below. In the afternoon we visit the Summer Palace, known for its calm lakeside setting, landscaped gardens, and elegant design, once a retreat for the emperors. We end the day with Beijing's signature dish, a Peking duck dinner.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Peking Duck). Accommodation: Beijing Longcheng Wyndham Grand Hotel or equivalent

We travel to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known for its dramatic mountain setting, restored watchtowers, and gentler walking routes. We explore the old ramparts and take in wide views of the surrounding hills, followed by a sparkling wine toast with the Wall as the backdrop. Later we join a glazed tile craftsmanship workshop, an introduction to a decorative tradition that has shaped Chinese imperial architecture for centuries. We spend the night at a boutique hotel near the Wall, a quiet contrast to the city.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner. Accommodation: Boutique hotel near the Great Wall or equivalent

We fly to Chongqing, one of China's most distinctive inland cities, built on steep hills where the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers meet. We start with the Yangtze River Cableway, which crosses the river above the rooftops, and Liziba, where a light rail train famously runs right through a residential building. We walk through Shancheng Lane and Shibati, two atmospheric old quarters that capture the steep, layered feel of the city, then continue to Longmenhao Old Street or Xiahaoli. We end with the night views along Nanbin Road and Hongya Cave, a multilevel cluster of stilted buildings glowing above the river.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Accommodation: Ascott Raffles City Chongqing or equivalent

After breakfast we drive to Wulong Karst National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site with some of the most extraordinary karst scenery in southwest China. We visit the Three Natural Bridges and ride a 108-meter cliffside elevator down to walk among vast sinkholes, towering limestone cliffs, and the natural stone arches that give the park its name. The site may look familiar as a filming location for Transformers: Age of Extinction. We return to Chongqing in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Accommodation: Ascott Raffles City Chongqing or equivalent

This morning we take a high-speed train to Chengdu, the laid-back cultural center of western China. On arrival we visit the Sanxingdui Museum, where remarkable Bronze Age finds reveal a very distinctive civilization that flourished in Sichuan more than three thousand years ago. The huge bronze masks, towering figures, and sacred trees on display have reshaped how scholars understand early Chinese history. We transfer to our hotel for an easy evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Accommodation: Tibet Hotel Chengdu or equivalent

We begin the day at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, one of the world's leading institutions for panda conservation, where the early morning is the best time to see the animals active and feeding. We continue to Du Fu Cottage, a peaceful memorial to one of China's greatest poets, who lived here during the Tang dynasty. Next we stop at Renmin Park, where we can settle into a traditional teahouse with a cup of jasmine tea and watch the unhurried daily life that defines Chengdu. In the afternoon we stroll through Kuanzhai Alley, where restored historic courtyards meet modern city life. An optional Sichuan Opera performance is available in the evening, with its face-changing, fire-spitting, and centuries-old folk traditions.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Accommodation: Tibet Hotel Chengdu or equivalent

We fly to Shanghai, China's most cosmopolitan city, and continue to Zhujiajiao Water Town, an old canal-side settlement where stone bridges arch over narrow waterways and well-preserved Jiangnan architecture lines the lanes. We visit Kezhi Garden, the Qing dynasty Post Office, and Fangsheng Bridge, then take a hand-rowed boat ride along the canals. Afterward we transfer to our hotel in Shanghai to check in, with the rest of the evening free.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Accommodation: Sunrise on the Bund Hotel or equivalent

Today we see both the historic and modern faces of Shanghai. We begin at Yu Garden, a classical Ming dynasty masterpiece tucked into the Old Town, then continue to the Shanghai Museum for a closer look at Chinese art and material culture. In the afternoon we walk along Nanjing Road, one of the world's busiest shopping streets, to the Bund, where grand early twentieth-century buildings face the futuristic skyline of Pudong across the Huangpu River. An optional evening cruise on the Huangpu offers a different view of the city after dark.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Shanghai cuisine). Accommodation: Sunrise on the Bund Hotel or equivalent

After breakfast we transfer to Shanghai Pudong (PVG) or Shanghai Hongqiao (SHA) airport, depending on our flight, carrying with us the imperial palaces, the mountain city of Chongqing, the pandas of Chengdu, and the long view from the Bund.

Meals: Breakfast. Accommodation: Not included