Today begins with a stroll along the Bund, Shanghai’s renowned stretch of riverfront lined with colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers. Later, head to the new district across from the Bund called Pudong to experience the economic boom of China and then visit the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, a famous landmark of the city, where you get an amazing bird’s eye view of Shanghai. In the afternoon, explore the Yu Yuan Garden, a classical Ming Dynasty garden with pavilions, towers, and terraces followed by the Chenghuangmiao bazaar. Afterwards walk along Nanjing Road, one of the longest shopping streets in China. Tonight enjoy the Acrobatic show at Grand Circuit.

After breakfast, transfer to railway station for the bullet train to Beijing. The tour guide will meet you at Beijing Railway Station and transfer you to your hotel. Afternoon tour of the Summer Palace, which is the largest and best preserved of all the imperial palace gardens and boasts such delights as the "Marble Boat" and the ornately painted "Long Corridor".

Today’s visit includes Tiananmen Square, the world’s largest city square. From Tiananmen Square, visitors enter the gates of the Forbidden City, home to 24 Chinese emperors between 1420 and 1924 and the centre of the Ming and Qing dynasties. Next, take a trishaw ride around the Hutongs, which are ancient city alleyways. Lunch is at the home of a Chinese family to experience the life of the local people. After lunch continue to the Temple of Heaven, a Ming Temple where the Emperors performed annual rites essential for the wellbeing of their land.

The day starts with a visit to the Great Wall of China. This is the pride of China and one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is one of the world’s most amazing man-made structures. After climbing the Great Wall, head off to the 2008 Beijing Olympic venues of the Bird’s Nest and Water Cube for a photo stop. Dinner tonight is the famous succulent Beijing Duck Banquet.

This morning you will be transferred to the railway station for bullet train to Luoyang, with an afternoon visit to Longmen Caves. These ancient caves contain the largest and most impressive collection of Early Chinese Buddhist cave art represented by well-preserved pagodas, carvings and statues. Later transfer to Shaolin for a one night’s stay.

Visit the Shaolin Monastery. Built in 495AD, it is the cradle of Kung Fu (wushu) and Chinese Zen Buddhism. There are many attractions here including the Hall of Heavenly Kings (Tianwangdian), the Pagoda Forest, the Dharma Cave and the Shaolin Temple Martial Art Training Centre. After dinner drive to Luoyang station for the bullet train to Xian, met and transferred to the hotel for 2 nights.

This morning visit the legendary army of "Terracotta Warriors". They are found at an archaeological site which so far has yielded some 8000 ancient terra cotta soldiers and horses, each a unique, finely detailed sculpture. Enjoy an afternoon tour to Xian’s Ancient City Wall where you can ride bikes and view the city. Dinner is a delicious dumpling banquet followed by the spectacular Tang Dynasty Show.

Today you visit Shanxi Provincial museum in the morning, then to the airport for your flight back to Australia.

Arrive in Australia.