In Beijing, there’s the vast Forbidden City where Vassa Holidays travellers enjoy it away from the crowds and where old-time neighbourhood hutongs are best seen from a pedicab. The Great Wall has few rivals and the formidable army of Terracotta Warriors should be seen up close. Further afield are the natural wonders of Yunnan province and glittering Shanghai. Learn the meditative art of Tai Chi and let our guides help you shop at the pearl market and experience quintessential China behind the scenes. Vassa Holidays has over 25 years’ experience throughout Asia, with offices in Beijing and Shanghai and the expertise of individuals like Gerald Hatherly, honoured as one of the World’s Top 50 Tour Guides by Conde Nast Traveller magazine. Itineraries are tailor-made – and the only limitations are for those cruising the Yangzi River where there are specific cruise departures and designated river guides who share their expertise with all onboard. Otherwise, guests travel at their own pace with their chosen companion and their own guide and driver. Vassa Holidays  guests travelling on the Yangzi visit an AKP supported school which is a unique chance to experience life in a rural village outside Fengdu. AKP also supports the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan Province.

Stroll around Tiananmen Square and discover the Forbidden City. Ride a pedicab through the maze of neighborhood hutongs. Climb the Great Wall of China. Be dazzled by the army of Terracotta Warriors in Xian. Cruise the breathtaking Three Gorges on Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer. Learn the meditative art of Tai Chi with a master in the tranquil surrounds of the Ming Temple of Heaven. Converse with a local family in Beijing and learn the secret to perfect dumpling making. In Xian there’s special access to the little known Yangling Museum, a treasure trove of funerary objects excavated at the burial place of the Emperor Liu Qi.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

Weatherwise: China has enormous variations in climate, but in general, spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are the best times to visit. Try to avoid national day holidays on May 1 and October 1 when the Chinese travel over the week long period.