zChina By High-Speed Rail

From the airport, join your guide aboard the fastest passenger train in the world and travel into Shanghai at speeds up to 268 miles per hour. From the rail station, transfer to the Fairmont Peace Hotel.

Tour Yu Yuan Garden and the Shanghai Museum. The waterfront Bund and French Concession reveal more recent chapters of Shanghai’s history. This evening, enjoy a welcome dinner with wine and local beer. meals b+l+d

Get to know the city’s thriving culinary scene as you explore a busy market with a local chef. Sample world-famous Shanghai-style soup dumplings for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure. This evening, thrill to a performance of the Shanghai Acrobats. meals b+l

Board Train G7507 in Shanghai this morning and enjoy Executive Class on your rail journey to Hangzhou. Upon arrival, a home-cooked lunch with a tea farmer and his family offers a look into their life and farming traditions. Enjoy a cruise on West Lake and a 2-night stay at the 5-star JW Marriott Hotel. meals b+l

Spend time with a scholar from the Xiling Seal Engravers Society and learn to carve a stone seal with a Chinese character. We’ll have a personalized one for you as a special gift. Marvel at the octagonal tower of Lei Feng Pagoda and visit Lingyin Temple, founded 1,000 years ago. meals b+l

Fly to Xian and explore a colorful market as a local shopkeeper shares his insight into the centuries-old trading traditions of this ancient town, once the eastern gateway to the fabled Silk Road. Tonight’s festive dinner features traditional dumplings, a regional favorite. Overnight at the deluxe Hilton Hotel. meals b+d

See the vast Terra Cotta Army buried 2,000 years ago to guard the tomb of China’s first emperor. Then join museum curators to Touch Antiquity, a unique opportunity to handle priceless ancient relics. Enjoy the regional cuisine of Yong Xing Fang before a guided evening walk to see the ancient city walls, now dramatically lit. meals b+l+d

Sit back and enjoy Executive Class service on board Train G656. Arrive Beijing and transfer to the luxurious Fairmont Beijing Hotel. meals b

Journey into the mountains north of the city to explore the Great Wall at Juyong Pass. Today this is one of the most scenic sections of the Great Wall, but centuries ago it was the site of many fierce battles. Your tour of the Temple of Heaven includes a private Tai Chi lesson on the lovely temple grounds. meals b+l

Marvel at the vast expanse of Tiananmen Square and then follow in the footsteps of Ming Dynasty emperors as you tour the Forbidden City. Explore by rickshaw through the narrow lanes of a hutong and spend time with a family in the traditional courtyard home where they’ve lived for generations. Tonight’s festive Peking Duck banquet includes local beer and wine. meals b+l+d

We’ll take you to the airport today for your homeward flight. meals b