Embark on a remarkable journey through China’s rich history and vibrant culture! Begin in Beijing with visits to Tian’anmen Square, the Forbidden City, and the iconic Great Wall. Travel by bullet train to Xi’an to marvel at the Terracotta Warriors. Discover Chengdu's charming streets and meet pandas at the renowned research centre. Cruise the stunning Yangtze River, explore the Three Gorges, and end in Shanghai with its dazzling skyline and historic landmarks. Experience China like never before!
Incredible Sightseeing throughout China including Shanghai - The Bund, Shanghai Museum; Beijing - The Great Wall, The Forbidden City, Tian’anmen Square, The Temple of Heaven; Xi’an, Terracotta Warriors; Chengdu Pandas & Yangtze Cruising.
SAT 10 MAY - AUCKLAND/SHANGHAI/BEIJING
Depart Auckland on China Eastern Airlines at 9.00pm.
SUN 11 MAY - BEIJING D
Arrive in Beijing at 11.30am. The dynamic capital of the People’s Republic of China. Once the imperial city of Mongol, Ming and Manchu emperors. Transfer to the hotel for a good rest. Late in the afternoon head to Qianmen Street, dating back to the Ming Dynasty. The street's traditional buildings are adorned with grey bricks, red pillars, and ornate roofs, offering a glimpse into Beijing's past. Later view the stunning architecture of the Olympic Park (Bird's Nest) and the Water Cube. Tonight experience a famous Beijing Duck banquet welcome dinner. Stay Holiday Inn Express or similar (3 nights).
MON 12 MAY - BEIJING SIGHTSEEING B,L,D
Embark on a tour of Tian’anmen Square, the expansive Forbidden City, and the iconic Summer Palace, with its ornate 'Long Corridor' and captivating Lake Kunming boat ride (weather permitting). The Forbidden City is the largest palace complex in the world and 24 Chinese emperors resided there. In the evening, witness the mesmerising Beijing Acrobatic Show. (Due to the daily visitor limit at the Forbidden City, we cannot guarantee entry for a visit. If entry to the Forbidden City is not possible, we will visit Jingshan Park and the Prince Gong's Mansion instead. Jingshan Park served as the imperial garden behind the Forbidden City during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties, offering panoramic views of the Forbidden City from its highest point. Prince Gong's Mansion is one of the best-preserved Qing Dynasty princely mansions in Beijing, featuring well-organised layouts, exquisite craftsmanship, and a harmonious blend of buildings that exemplify both the grandeur of the imperial family and the elegant charm of Qing architecture.)
TUE 13 MAY - BEIJING, THE GREAT WALL B,L,D
Experience the awe-inspiring Great Wall. An architectural marvel that was built over centuries by China’s emperors to protect their territory. Today, it stretches for thousands of miles along China’s historic northern border. One of the most impressive structures ever built. Later a visit to a jade carving factory. Enjoy a Pedi-cab tour through Hutong, exploring the enchanting old city neighbourhoods and visit a local family.
WED 14 MAY - BEIJING/XI’AN B,D
Take a bullet train to Xian, an ancient imperial capital and the eastern departure point of the Silk Road. It has long been an important crossroads for people from throughout China.Visit Xian’s City Wall, one of the oldest, largest and best preserved city walls in China. Built as a military defence, it encloses an area of about 14 square kilometres. Stay Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel or similar (2 nights).
THU 15 MAY - XI’AN B,D
Embark on a morning exploration of the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors, an archaeological marvel dating back over 2,000 years to Emperor Qin Shi Huang's reign. Experience the Circle Vision Movie and Bronze Chariot. Later visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, a monument to Buddhist culture and architecture. Conclude the day with a traditional Tang Dynasty show following a delightful Dumpling Feast.
FRI 16 MAY – XI’AN/CHENGDU B,D
Take a high-speed train to Chengdu. Visit ancient Jinli Street, with its preserved Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. Its history can be traced back more than 1800 years. Often describes as "one of the world's most beautiful streets". Now a lovely shopping, dining and entertainment, district. Stay Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Gulou or similar (2 nights).
SAT 17 MAY - CHENGDU PANDAS B,L,D
The highlight today is the renowned Panda Breeding and Research Centre in Chengdu. The giant pandas are a Chinese national treasure. Next, to the tea house in People’s park, to fully enjoy the leisure and cozy life style there, with people sitting together for drinking tea, playing cards or mah-jong. Then visit Broad and Narrow Alley, an ancient block from the Qing Dynasty to experience the local culture and customs of Chengdu. This evening try an optional excursion (own cost) to a face-changing show. Performers wear vivid masks, typically depicting well known characters from the opera, which they change from one face to another almost instantaneously.
SUN 18 MAY- CHENGDU/YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE B,L
After breakfast take a bullet train to Chongqing. Enjoy lunch on arrival and then visit Hongya Cave - a re-creation of the old stilt houses that once lined Chongqing's riverfronts and now popular shopping, dining and entertainment complex. Early evening board your cruise on China’s longest river. Embark on Goddess Cruise No.2 ship for the next 3 nights. Admire the spectacular scenery of the Three Gorges. (Itinerary is subject to change due to river conditions).
MON 19 MAY - YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE B,L,D
Enjoy a shore excursion to the Fengdu Snow Jade Cave - 80% of it’s stalactites are “ as white as snow, pure like jade”, hence the name of the Cave. It is one of the most beautiful caves in China. Enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Party tonight.
TUE 20 MAY - YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE B,L,D
Enter the 25 mile long Wu Gorge, known for its quiet beauty, forest covered mountains, and cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates the precipices. Take an included to the Lesser Three Gorges - you will change to a small sightseeing boat to sail up the Daning River. You will see Dragon Gate Gorge with it‘s ancient plank road in the cliffs and the towering Daning River Bridge. Misty Gorge with it‘s mystic hanging coffins in the cliffs. Emerald Gorge where you may see monkeys on the green slopes.
WED 21 MAY - YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE/YICHANG B
Disembark your cruise at Maoping Port and head to the monumental Three Gorges Dam, which spans the Yangtze River at Sandouping in Xiling Gorge. It is the world’s largest power station. Later tour Yichang city, located in the middle of China, a transportation centre which connects the eastern and the western. Stay Yichang Hotel (1 night).
THU 22 MAY – YICHANG/SHANGHAI B
Fly to Shanghai this morning. A fabulous, vibrant city and one of the world's largest seaports. Arrive Shanghai at 11.50am. Stay Metropark Jichen Hotel or similar (2 nights).
FRI 23 MAY – SHANGHAI B,L,D
Visit the elegant and tranquil Yu Garden - believed to be more than 400 years old. The exquisite garden architecture has made this picturesque location one of the highlights of Shanghai. In the afternoon we will visit Shanghai Museum, with an ancient Chinese art collection of 120,000 precious works including bronzes, ceramics, paintings and calligraphy. It is celebrated around the world. Witness 5000 years of history. See the People’s Square and stroll down Nanjing Road, a pedestrian street and Shanghai's world famous shopping area
SAT 24 MAY – SHANGHAI SIGHTSEEING/AUCKLAND B,L,D
Free morning, then after an included lunch, visit the famous Bund - Shanghai's most famous mile. A symbol of colonial Shanghai not dis-similar to London or Paris. Later visit Tianzifang, a fashionable landmark that is an arts and crafts enclave developed from a renovated traditional residential area in the French Concession area of Shanghai. Enjoy a farewell dinner cruise to see the incredible Shanghai city lights. An absolute must do in Shanghai. Later transfer to Shanghai airport for your journey home. Check-in late evening at 9.45pm for your China Eastern flight to Auckland.
SUN 25 MAY – ARRIVE AUCKLAND
Arrive Auckland at 3.45pm.
