Itinerary

Day 1

London/Shanghai

Fly from London Heathrow non-stop to Shanghai with British Airways

Day 2

Shanghai

On arrival in Shanghai transfer to the 4*Lansheng Hotel for a 2-night stay. Located right on the famous Bund, this art deco landmark hotel was built in the 1930s by a British merchant and is a perfect base from which to explore this dynamic city. Enjoy a welcome dinner tonight.  D

Day 3

Shanghai       

Stroll around the delightful Yuyuan Garden, its ponds, pavilions, paths and plants creating an infinitely varied series of exquisite views. This garden was laid out over 400 years ago by an official for his aged parents, and it has changed little since. Admire the jewel-encrusted white jade statues in the Jade Buddha Temple, then visit the impressive Shanghai Museum that is home to an immense number of China's greatest ancient treasures - bronzes, ceramics, paintings, crafts, calligraphy, furniture and paintings. Tonight attend a spectacular Acrobatic Show and marvel at the skill and daring of the artists. BLD

Day 4

Guilin

Fly to Guilin this morning, a city named after its fragrant sweet osmanthus trees that flourish amidst the dreamy landscapes of karst mountains and rivers. On arrival visit the Tea Research Institute, once the exclusive tea garden for the Ming emperors, and nowadays a leading organic producer of fine quality teas. Continue to Daxu, a charming, story-book old village of traditional wood and stone houses where life proceeds pretty much as it has done since the Ming dynasty. Stay overnight at the 4*Park Hotel.  BL

Day 5

Yangshuo

Today enjoy the renowned Li River Cruise to Yangshuo. The vistas from the boat are endlessly fascinating and in the distance are numberless limestone peaks shrouded in mist and covered in pine trees. On arrival in Yangshuo, explore the busy handicraft stalls along West Street, perfect for last-minute presents, and check in at the 5*Yangshuo Resort for a six-night stay in a deluxe room. Tonight attend a spectacular show, Impressions of Liu San Jie, performed on water with the 600-strong cast on bamboo rafts.  BLD

Day 6

Yangshuo

This morning is the first cookery class, at the Yangshuo Cookery School situated right by the Li River. English-speaking teachers take you to the local market to select the freshest ingredients, then take you through the preparation of five dishes which you will have for lunch, sitting out by the river – you will have plenty of hands-on experience and recipes so that you can successfully recreate the dishes at home. In the afternoon climb Moon Hill for fantastic views, and see the 1,400-year-old and 55ft high Big Banyan Tree before your first tai chi class.  BL

Day 7

Yangshuo

Today explore Silver Cave inside one of the karst mountains, where a clear underground river wends its way past shimmering stalagmites and stalagtites that have created bizarre natural sculptures. Later visit Jiuxian Garden Village, a 1,400-year-old traditional village that is the subject of a unique conservation and regeneration project to preserve its culture and architecture with botanical gardens, a tea house, guest house and health centre also being created alongside the renovations of its Ming-era buildings. Take another tai chi class this evening.   BL

Day 8

Yangshuo

Prepare more local specialities at the cookery school this morning, and after lunch take a gentle stroll along the banks of the river, watching women in coolie hats washing their clothes, men fishing and buffalo bathing. Round off a relaxing day with your nightly tai chi.  BL

Day 9

Yangshuo

On the curve of a river, many miles from Yangshuo, is the ancient farming village of Huangyao. The flagstones have been polished to a sheen by centuries of footsteps, ancestral temples and shrines abound, graceful bridges span the rivers and creeks, and an air of timelessness pervades the tiny community, surrounded on all sides and thereby isolated from the world by the steep mountains that stand guard over it. Tai chi this evening will relax you after your excursion.  BL

Day 10

Yangshuo

Spend another morning at the cookery school, mastering new dishes and learning more about the region's cuisine. After lunch, take a short trip out to Fuli village where traditional hand-painted paper fans and scrolls are made in the old riverside workshops – and there is certainly plenty of inspiration for painting in the unique scenery around. Enjoy your final tai chi class.   BL

Day 11

Guilin / London Heathrow via Hong Kong

Drive back to Guilin and fly to Hong Kong to connect with an overnight flight to London Heathrow with British Airways. BL

Day 12

London

Arrive early at London Heathrow.