Imperial China (Accessible) with 1 Night Yangtze Cruise

You arrive in China's magnificent capital and transfer by private accessible vehicle to the Novotel Beijing Peace, chosen for its accessible rooms and level-entry lobby. Settle in and take a gentle first look at this extraordinary city.

Today you visit two of China's greatest landmarks, both thoughtfully arranged for easier access. The Great Wall at Badaling offers an accessible ramp section and a cable car with lift access, while the Forbidden City's flat central axis allows a comfortable stroll through the heart of imperial China.

A free day to rest and explore at your own pace in Beijing. The city rewards a gentle wander, and your hotel's accessible facilities make it easy to come and go comfortably. Wei is on hand with suggestions — a flat stroll by Houhai Lake, or simply a slow morning over tea.

You board a first-class G-class high-speed train — with wider aisles for comfort — and travel to Xi'an, one of China's oldest cities. On arrival, your spacious, step-free hotel awaits in the heart of this historic walled city.

A visit to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors, where flat viewing platforms and golf cart shuttles from the main gates make exploring the site comfortable for all. This remarkable underground army — 8,000 soldiers buried with China's first emperor — is one of the great wonders of the ancient world.

A first-class D-class high-speed train carries you south-west to Chengdu, the laid-back capital of Sichuan province. Your hotel offers direct lift access to street level, making arrival easy and relaxed.

This morning you visit the renowned Chengdu Panda Base, where paved paths and accessible electric golf carts allow you to watch these beloved creatures at close range in comfort. It is an unforgettable and gentle wildlife experience.

You travel to Leshan to see the magnificent Giant Buddha — at over 70 metres tall, the largest stone Buddha in the world — viewed from the comfort of an accessible sightseeing boat on the river below, avoiding the steep mountain stairway entirely. The full frontal view from the water is, in Wei's opinion, the finest view of the Buddha there is.

A first-class G-class high-speed train whisks you east to the dramatic hillside metropolis of Chongqing, where your five-star hotel provides modern accessible features in a central location. The city's famous stilt houses at Hongyadong are admired safely from the flat promenade level — no need to tackle the eleven storeys of stairs within.

This evening you board a step-free modern cruise vessel for a night sightseeing cruise on the Yangtze, taking in the sweeping lights and dramatic skyline of China's greatest river city from a comfortable, accessible deck before returning to your hotel. The day itself is free for rest or a gentle look at central Chongqing.

A short direct domestic flight of around 90 minutes brings you to Guilin, sparing you lengthy train platform transfers. Your fully step-free hotel faces the lake and puts you right at the heart of this famously beautiful landscape.

Today you visit Elephant Trunk Hill, Guilin's most beloved landmark, set in a flat paved park with scenic viewing platforms that make it easy to enjoy at a comfortable pace. The surrounding scenery of limestone peaks reflected in the river is simply breathtaking.

One of the great journeys in Asia: you board a premium four-star cruise boat — with step-free boarding — for the spectacular Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo, drifting past towering karst peaks and timeless rural scenery. Your luggage travels separately by private highway transfer so you need not worry about a thing.

This morning a private accessible vehicle takes you on a scenic driving tour through the Yulong River Valley, enjoying the countryside views without the need for low bamboo rafts. In the evening you attend the Impression Sanjie Liu light show, with VIP flat-access seating in one of the most dazzling open-air productions in China.

A private accessible van transfers you back to Guilin Airport, where you catch a direct domestic flight to Shanghai. On arrival you check in to the Central Hotel Shanghai, with its wide corridors, modern lifts and fully accessible facilities.

Today you explore two of Shanghai's most iconic sights. The Bund's flat pedestrian promenade, with ramp access throughout, offers sweeping views across the Huangpu River, while the paved outer zones of the Yu Garden Bazaar provide a colourful and comfortable wander through old Shanghai.

A day at leisure to enjoy Shanghai at your own pace. Your central, accessible hotel makes it easy to head out and soak up the energy of one of the world's great cities.

A last gentle day in Shanghai before you prepare for your journey home. The city's blend of old and new leaves a lasting impression as you bid farewell to China.

Your wonderful Chinese journey draws to a close as you check out and transfer by private accessible vehicle to Shanghai's international airport for your flight home. Safe travels and wonderful memories.