Capture the essence of China in one comprehensive journey that seamlessly connects the country's most iconic cities and natural wonders. Start in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai, then travel to the ancient capitals of Xi’an and Beijing to explore China’s rich history and heritage. Sail down the majestic Yangtze River, witnessing the stunning beauty of the Three Gorges, and conclude in Chengdu, where you’ll encounter the beloved giant pandas. This tour offers an all-encompassing experience, allowing you to discover the best of China's cultural and natural treasures in one unforgettable trip.
Auckland Departure (meal onboard)
Arrive in Auckland International airport and take flight to China.
Shanghai
Dinner
Upon arrival in Shanghai, meet your CTS guide and transfer to your hotel for a rest (early check-in is guaranteed). Late in the afternoon we will depart to visit the Jade Buddha Temple and Shanghai Xintiandi, which is a unique tourist attraction in downtown Shanghai, featuring the city’s unique “Shikumen” houses and a maze of narrow alleys, which have been converted into cafes, restaurants, bars, art retail shops. Then a welcome dinner tonight.
Hotel Accommodation: Shanghai Metropark Jichen Hotel 4 star Hotel or similar
Shanghai
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Today’s tour features Shanghai Old Alley to experience local life. Steeped in history and beaming in the face of the imposing ultra modernity all around them, the lilongs are Shanghai's big, happy heart.
Visit the iconic Bund, Shanghai's most famous mile. A symbol of colonial Shanghai not dissimilar to London or Paris. Stroll down Nanjing Road, a pedestrian street and Shanghai's world famous shopping area. Visit Shanghai Museum, a museum of ancient Chinese art with a collection of 120,000 precious works of art including Its rich and high quality collection of ancient Chinese bronze, ceramics, paintings and calligraphy is celebrated around the world. Witness 5000 thousand years of history.
Hotel Accommodation: Shanghai Metropark Jichen Hotel 4 star Hotel or similar
Shanghai – Xi'an
Breakfast
Dinner
Morning free until transfer to the airport to take a flight to Xi’an, 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, Central Asia, and the Middle East, and thus a hub of diverse ethnic identities and religious beliefs.
Visit the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. We will stay there until nightfall when the lights are on, allowing you to appreciate the splendid glory of the Tang Dynasty juxtaposed with modern fashion, creating an unforgettable experience.
Hotel Accommodation: Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel 4 star Hotel
Xi'an
Breakfast
Dinner
Morning tour to the greatest archaeological discovery of the century, more than 2,000 year-old Terracotta Warriors interred with the Emperor Qin Shi Huang. Included are the Circle Vision Movie and Bronze Chariot. Then be back to the hotel for a rest. After dinner, you will enjoy a traditional Tang Dynasty show.
Hotel Accommodation: Grand Dynasty Culture Hotel 4 star Hotel
Xi'an – Beijing
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Visit Xian Museum before wing to Beijing, the dynamic capital of the People’s Republic of China. Once the imperial city of Mongol, Ming and Manchu emperors, Beijing today is still extraordinarily rich in historical sites and cultural relics, Tonight you will experience the famous Beijing Duck banquet for your dinner.
Hotel Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven 4 star Hotel
Beijing
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
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 mesmerizing 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-organized 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.)
Hotel Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven 4 star Hotel
Beijing
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Morning tour to the Great Wall at Juyongguan section, stretching almost 4,000 miles from the Pacific Ocean to the sands of Central Asia and befittingly crowned one of the ten wonders of the world. Along the way, you will stopover at a jade carving factory where you can watch artisans at work.
Later, we enjoy a Pedi-cab tour of Hutong – the ‘old city’ neighborhoods of narrow alleyways and courtyard gardens, experience local life on a family visit.
Hotel Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Temple of Heaven 4 star Hotel
Beijing – Yichang: Yangtze River Cruise
Breakfast
Free at leisure till transferred to the airport for a flight to Yichang. Upon arrival, CTS guide will meet you and transfer to Maoping and embark the Yangtze River Cruise.
Hotel Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise
Yangtze River Cruise
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Daily morning coffee and evening entertainments
Excursion to Lesser Three Gorges (included)
Shore excursion to Fengdu Snow Jade Cave (included)
Shore excursion to Three Gorges Dam (included, Optional electric cart CNY 10 per person)
Optional excursion to Three Gorges Tribe (CNY 290 per person)
Optional tour to Three Gorges Dam Ship-lift (CNY 320 per person)
Optional extended tour to Little Lesser Three Gorges (CNY 180 per person)
Optional excursion to White Emperor City (CNY 290 per person)
Optional excursion to Wuling Mountain Great Rift Valley (CNY 290 per person; Excluding optional downward cable car CNY 30) (lunch onshore & return to ship at Fuling Port)
Hotel Accommodation: Yangtze River Cruise
Yangtze River Cruise – Chongqing – Chengdu
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Morning, disembark in Chongqing. If time permits, take a city tour and then transferred to the railway station to take the bullet train to Chengdu. Upon arrival, transfer to hotel.
(According to water level, the ship disembarkation location might change to Fengdu Port instead of Chaotianmen Port for safety concern.
Under this circumstance, the cruise line would arrange a coach transfer from Fengdu Port to Chongqing downtown.)
Hotel Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Gulou Chengdu 4 star hotel or similar
Chengdu
Breakfast
Lunch
Highlight today is the renowned Panda Breeding and Research Centre in Chengdu. The giant pandas are not only a Chinese national treasure but are also beloved by people the world over. Therefore, when visitors from home and abroad come to Chengdu, one of their main objectives will be to see the giant pandas for themselves. 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 you will visit one of the hottest tourist destinations in Chengdu---Broad and Narrow Alley. Being in the list of Chengdu Historical and Cultural Protection Project, it is composed of broad alley, narrow alley and across alleys, among which, there are a lot of traditional courtyards. In the evening you can choose to appreciate the face-changing show for an optional activity (on your own expense).
Hotel Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Gulou Chengdu 4 star hotel or similar
Chengdu – Shanghai – Auckland
Breakfast
Lunch
Morning free until be back to Shanghai. Have some free time before drive to Airport. Then transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
| Twin Share | Single | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost per person* AKL - AKL | $6,988 | $1,500 |
*Itinerary and costs subject to change. Airline, fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment
