The mere mention of the Yangtze River evokes timeless images of Old World China, which is hardly surprising given that the Yangtze has served as inspiration to Chinese painters and storytellers for thousands of years. Of course these days one cannot think about the Yangtze without being reminded of the massive Three Gorges Dam project. The Three Gorges project is in some ways a distillation of China’s major dilemma; how to uphold ancient traditions whilst forging into the future. While glimpses of the old China certainly remain, and the natural beauty of the Three Gorges is as impressive as ever, the dam itself is a spectacle to behold. As the name suggests, this journey goes way beyond the Yangtze, taking you from the crowded streets and history of Beijing to the cross-cultural wonder of Xian, from the stunning rural scenery of the Li River to the excitement of Shanghai. Staying in luxurious accommodation and exploring this mighty river region, as well as metropolitan centres, this journey is bound to conjure up images of what China once was, and will be, one day.

Highlights of China is the ideal journey for those who want to experience the diversity of this great nation within a limited time frame – and do so in style at a relaxed pace. Experience the contrast of old and new in Beijing as it seeks to reinvent itself ahead of the 2008 Olympics. Glimpse the splendour of Imperial China at the Forbidden City and be humbled by the magnificence of the Great Wall. Be amazed by the skilled Chinese acrobats and return to the haven of the luxurious Raffles rooms each night. In Xian you will be inspired by the mystery of the Terracotta Warriors and rub shoulders with the locals on a morning stroll through a neighbourhood park. Finally, absorb the vibrant energy of Shanghai, one of the world’s great cities where we walk the famous riverfront, explore nearby water canal towns, and indulge in the luxury of the Westin Shanghai. We fly between major centres, allowing more time to savour experiences in each place, and we stay in some of the country’s best hotels. There will also be plenty of opportunities to sample local cuisine along the way.

Quite simply, China is immense. With a country of this scale it can be difficult to know where to start, and once you’ve started, a challenge to make sense of the thousands of years of history, complex culture and rapid rate of change. You could spend years in China and still only scrape the surface. But at the same time, many travellers want more than just a snapshot – which is why we created the China Panorama.