Into Nature China

Arrive in Shanghai and begin exploring the city with a walk along the Bund. Lined with art deco and neoclassical architecture, this historic waterfront offers a striking contrast between Shanghai's past and present, with views across the river to the city's modern skyline.

Start the day in Fuxing Park, a former private Ming Dynasty garden that has become a gathering place for local residents. Watch daily life unfold as people gather to sing, dance, exercise and socialise.

Continue through the Former French Concession, where tree-lined streets and historic residences reflect Shanghai's international past. Explore Xintiandi, a lively district where restored traditional buildings house cafés, boutiques and restaurants.

Later, visit Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden created during the Ming Dynasty. Wander among pavilions, ponds, bridges and rockeries before exploring the neighbouring Yuyuan Bazaar, known for its traditional architecture, local snacks and bustling market atmosphere.

Enjoy an expert-led visit to Shanghai Museum East. Across twenty galleries, discover collections spanning Ming and Qing dynasty furniture, traditional wear, textiles and artefacts that illuminate China's cultural diversity. The museum also explores the heritage of Shanghai and the wider Jiangnan region through interactive displays and expert interpretation.

Travel to Tunxi, where you'll visit a local artisan to learn about one of the region's most important traditional crafts, ink making. Discover how ink is created using wood and tree sap and learn about its role in Chinese art and calligraphy.

Later, explore Tunxi Old Street, one of China's best-preserved historic commercial streets, lined with architecture dating from the Ming and Qing dynasties. During the Shilin Gathering, experience traditional Chinese cultural activities including guqin music, tea tasting and landscape painting, accompanied by afternoon tea.

Visit Hongcun, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its waterways, traditional architecture and connections to the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Stroll through the village before continuing on a 30-minute walk to Mukeng, a village surrounded by bamboo forest that also featured in the film.

Continue to Xidi Village, another UNESCO-listed settlement known for its remarkably preserved Ming and Qing dynasty homes. Later, explore Bishan Village, where historic buildings sit alongside community-led restoration projects. Visit local sugar and tofu workshops before taking part in a traditional fish lantern painting workshop, creating your own lantern using techniques that date back more than 600 years. At sunset, light your lantern as part of this longstanding local tradition.

Day 6: Ancient Chengkan & Huangshan's Peaks

Explore the ancient village of Chengkan, whose architecture reflects longstanding Confucian values and traditions. Learn how symbolism has been incorporated into the design of homes and public spaces for generations. Later, ascend Huangshan Mountain by cable car. One of China's most celebrated landscapes, Huangshan is known for its granite peaks, unusual rock formations and centuries of cultural significance.

Day 7: Hiking the Xihai Grand Canyon

Set out on a downhill hike through Xihai Grand Canyon. Following paths along the western side of Huangshan, pass dramatic peaks, pine-covered slopes and deep valleys. This lesser-visited route offers a closer look at the mountain's distinctive rock formations and the cloud-filled scenery for which Huangshan is famous.

Day 8: West Lake, Tea Fields & Innovation

Spend the day in Hangzhou, one of China's most celebrated cultural centres. There is an option to enjoy a private boat ride across West Lake, taking in views of temple gardens, bridges, tea-covered hillsides and the city skyline.

Continue to the Longjing tea plantations, where tea has been cultivated for more than a thousand years. Walk through the tea fields, visit a local farmer and learn about the cultivation and production of Dragon Well tea before participating in a traditional tea ceremony.

Later, experience a different side of Hangzhou with a visit to the AIROBOX Robot Dream Factory, where interactive exhibits explore robotics and artificial intelligence.

In the evening, take your VIP seats for Enduring Memories of Hangzhou, a large-scale performance directed by Zhang Yimou that combines music, dance, opera and visual effects on the waters of West Lake.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight home.