Fun and games set to continue after the Olympics

For the moment, Beijing’s dogs are in luck, as canine dishes are off the menu, at least for the duration of the Olympics. Cars too, are temporarily banned (only on alternate days though) and heavily polluting factories such as steel plants, have also ground to a halt. Despite the still persistent grey haze and possibility of ‘Pekingnese Duck’ returning to the menu sometime soon, Trips Worldwide invites travellers on a cultural exploration of Beijing and beyond, during a 14-night tailor-made holiday with post-Olympic departures from London available year-round – best time to visit, August to September.

Arrive in Beijing’s sprawling metropolis, with its wide boulevards, high rise buildings and new ‘Bird’s Nest’ Olympic Stadium. Spend 3-days visiting the capital’s many famous landmarks, including a tour of the Forbidden City (World Heritage), home to the Ming and Qing Emperors for 500 years and roam around the network of palaces, pavilions and courtyards. Continue to the legendary Great Wall of China for a private tour.

Fly to Lijiang in Yunnan province, visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest canyons, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, before heading to Zhongdian, at 3,300 metres above sea level, the gateway to Shangri-la and a treasure house of bio-diversity. Zhongdian is also the site of the Ganden Songzanglin Monastery built by the 5th Dalai Lama in the 17th century, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan. Continue to Dali, situated near the foothills of the Himalayas, on the southern end of the legendary Silk Road, and the Yunnan capital of Kumning, before completing the holiday in Shanghai. Not to be missed in Shanghai is the shopping on Nanjing Road, an evening amble along the Bund, Shanghai Museum and the Jade Buddha Temple, housing an exquisite 2m high white jade Buddha.

Throughout the tour, guests are accommodated in a selection of properties ranging from a stunning Banyan Tree boutique resort to an ancient guest house built in the Qing Dynasty, offering a taste of old Beijing.

The holiday costs from £2,395 p/p including flights, UK departure tax and other ticket taxes, transfers, accommodation on a twin share basis, sightseeing as per itinerary plus the services of an English speaking guide.

For more information and bookings, visit Tripsworldwide.co.uk .