Destinations span capital Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Huangshan, Xi’an and Chengdu. Highlights include visiting a panda breeding and research centre, the street markets of ancient Zhujiajiao, and Xi’an’s famous Terracotta Warriors.

All of Railbookers’ independent rail holidays in China can also be tailor-made.

Peter Traynor, managing director, said: “We are delighted to introduce China to our range of independent rail holiday itineraries as we continue to expand the destinations offered by Railbookers.

“These new tailor-made holidays take customers right to the heart of the most popular destinations in the country with countless highlights throughout.”

Railbookers’ 11-day China: History and Panda Trail leads in from £2,419 and takes in the Great Wall, the Summer Palace and Forbidden City in Beijing, and Chengdu’s panda breeding and research centre, where travellers can observe the animals at play.

The operator’s 10-day China: Beijing to Shanghai itinerary, meanwhile, leads in from £2,519. Highlights include Hangzhou’s Hefang Street, its ancient pagodas, temples and traditional cuisine; Unesco World Heritage Site Mount Huangshan, complete with scenic cable car ride to the summit; and the sleepy villages of Hongcun and Xidi.

Both itineraries include rail travel, accommodation, tours, internal flights and airport transfers, plus some meals. Prices are subject to availability and are based on two people sharing a standard twin or double room.

Departures are available through to April 2020.