BREAKING NEWS: Visa-free travel to China available now for all New Zealanders! Click here to learn more!

China Panorama

Home » Tour » China Panorama

Tour Overview & Highlights

See China in full colour on this 27-day grand tour. From the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors to a Yangtze River cruise, pandas in Chengdu, and the scenic beauty of Guilin, Hangzhou, and Suzhou.

Travel Dates

Depature Date Return Date Duration
Fri 15th May 2026 Wed 10th Jun 2026 27 Days
Wed 14th Oct 2026 Mon 9th Nov 2026 27 Days

Itinerary

Day 01

Location Pin

Auckland - China

Take a flight to China.

Day 02

Location Pin

Beijing

Take a connected flight to Beijing, the capital of China. Upon arrival, depending on the flight schedule, enjoy some free time to start experiencing local culture.

Hotel Accommodation: Wanda Meihua Hotel Dongba or similar 4-star

Day 03 - 04

Location Pin

Beijing

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Fork & Knife

Dinner

Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City, Hutong Family Visit, Great Wall, Summer Palace

Visit the iconic Tiananmen Square and explore the magnificent palaces of the Forbidden City. Tour the traditional Hutongs and visit a local family to understand Beijing’s old lifestyle. On Day 4, explore Juyongguan Great Wall and stroll through the elegant gardens of the Summer Palace. Enjoy a traditional Peking duck dinner.

Note: The Forbidden City requires pre-booking. If tickets are unavailable, we will visit Jingshan Park for a panoramic view and the Prince Gong Mansion instead.

Hotel Accommodation: Wanda Meihua Hotel Dongba or similar 4-star

Day 05

Location Pin

Beijing - Xi'an

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Dinner

High-speed train: Beijing West – Xi’an G657 11:41-16:59 (5h18m) or similar, 2nd class

Temple of Heaven, Tai Chi experience, High-speed train to Xi’an

Morning visit to the Temple of Heaven to experience its serene atmosphere and witness or participate in Tai Chi activities.

Then board a high-speed train to Xi’an. Enjoy a dumpling banquet dinner.

Hotel Accommodation: Mercure Bell Tower Hotel Xi’an or similar 4-star

Day 06

Location Pin

Xi'an

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Small Wild Goose Pagoda, Muslim Quarter, Ancient City Wall

Visit the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, stroll through the vibrant Muslim Quarter, and walk along the 14th-century City Wall to admire views of the old town.

Hotel Accommodation: Mercure Bell Tower Hotel Xi’an or similar 4-star

Day 07

Location Pin

Xi'an

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Dinner

Terracotta Warriors Museum (including Bronze Chariots & shuttle)

Explore the Terracotta Warriors Museum, known as the 8th Wonder of the World. These thousands of life-sized soldiers were created over 2,000 years ago to guard the first emperor of China.

Note: For a smoother visit, please bring your own snacks for lunch.

Hotel Accommodation: Mercure Bell Tower Hotel Xi’an or similar 4-star

Day 08

Location Pin

Yichang - Yangtze River Cruise

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Fork & Knife

Dinner

Take a flight to Yichang and board a 5-star Yangtze River cruise to begin your Three Gorges journey.

Hotel Accommodation: 5-star Yangtze Cruise

Day 09 - 11

Location Pin

Yangtze River Cruise

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Fork & Knife

Dinner

Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Three Gorges and join shore excursions to Shennv Stream or Shennong Stream over the next three days.

Hotel Accommodation: 5-star Yangtze Cruise

Day 12

Location Pin

Chongqing - Chengdu

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Fork & Knife

Dinner

High-speed train: Shapingba/Chengdu East G8648 14:35-16:14 (1h39m) or similar, 2nd class

Ciqikou Ancient Town, Transfer to Chengdu

Disembark in Chongqing and explore the traditional buildings in Ciqikou Ancient Town. Later, transfer to Chengdu for a Sichuan-style dinner and an optional face-changing opera show.

Optional Sichuan Opera face-changing show – NZD 89

Hotel Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Gulou or similar 4-star

Day 13

Location Pin

Chengdu - Dali

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Flight: Chengdu/Dali 8L9635 22:30-23:55

Visit Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. Enjoy leisure time at People’s Park, Wide & Narrow Alleys, and Taikoo Li. After dinner, fly to Dali.

Hotel Accommodation: Dali Shuiyun Academy Hotel or similar 4-star

Day 14

Location Pin

Dali

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Xizhou Village, Erhai Cruise, Three Pagodas

Explore the local market and Yan’s Courtyard in Xizhou Village. Cruise on Erhai Lake and visit the iconic Three Pagodas. Then transfer to Kunming.

Hotel Accommodation: Ramada Encore Kunming or similar 4-star

Day 15

Location Pin

Dali - Kunming

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Further exploration of Dali Ancient Town and transfer to Kunming.

Hotel Accommodation: Ramada Encore Kunming or similar 4-star

Day 16

Location Pin

Kunming

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Stone Forest, Cross-bridge Rice Noodles Dinner

Visit the famous Stone Forest with its unique karst formations. Enjoy a local specialty dinner of crossing-the-bridge rice noodles.

Hotel Accommodation: Ramada Encore Kunming or similar 4-star

Day 17

Location Pin

Kunming - Guilin

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Flight to the picturesque city of Guilin.

Hotel Accommodation: Guilin Hotel or similar 4-star

Day 18

Location Pin

Li River Cruise - Yangshuo

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Fork & Knife

Dinner

Cruise along the Li River to Yangshuo, admiring the magnificent karst mountain scenery.

Hotel Accommodation: Rezen Hotel West Street Yangshuo or similar 4-star

Day 19

Location Pin

Yangshuo

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Morning Tai Chi session, countryside tour to see cormorant fishing. Afternoon free at leisure or join optional activities. (Dinner not included)

Recommended Optional: Impression Liu Sanjie Show (VIP Seat) – 300 RMB/person

Optional tour RMB 300 should be NZD 75.

Hotel Accommodation: Rezen Hotel West Street Yangshuo or similar 4-star

Day 20

Location Pin

Yangshuo - Guilin

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Return to Guilin to visit Elephant Trunk Hill, Reed Flute Cave, and Sun & Moon Pagodas.

Hotel Accommodation: Guilin Hotel or similar 4-star

Day 21

Location Pin

Guilin - Hangzhou

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Flight: SC4768 13:10-15:15

Fly to Hangzhou, cruise on West Lake and visit Hubin District.

Hotel Accommodation: Radisson Hangzhou Liangzhu or similar

Day 22

Location Pin

Hangzhou - Suzhou

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Visit Lingyin Temple, Meijiawu Tea Plantation, and Xinshi Ancient Town. Enjoy Hanfu dress-up photos and hotpot with ice cream afternoon tea (winter: tea around firepit). Then transfer to Suzhou.

Hotel Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Suzhou Bay or similar 4-star

Day 23

Location Pin

Suzhou

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Humble Administrator’s Garden, Grand Canal Boat Tour

Visit the exquisite Humble Administrator’s Garden and enjoy a boat ride on the Grand Canal.

Note: If Humble Administrator’s Garden is not available due to peak season, we will visit the Lingering Garden instead.

Hotel Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Suzhou Bay or similar 4-star

Day 24

Location Pin

Suzhou - Shanghai

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Transfer to Shanghai to visit People’s Square and Shanghai Museum. Enjoy a cruise on the Huangpu River.

Hotel Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Fangta or similar 4-star

Day 25

Location Pin

Shanghai

Cup of coffee

Breakfast

Fork & Knife

Lunch

Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, Silk Factory, ERA Acrobatic Show

Visit Yuyuan Garden, stroll along the Bund, and explore a silk factory. In the evening, enjoy the famous ERA Acrobatic Show.

Hotel Accommodation: Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Fangta or similar 4-star

Day 26

Location Pin

Shanghai - Auckland

Free time during the day. In the evening, transfer to the airport for your return flight to New Zealand.

Day 27

Location Pin

Auckland

The flight arrives back in Auckland.

Inclusions

  • International/domestic airfares
  • 4 star hotel accommodation
  • English speaking tour guide
  • Entrance fees and meals as specified in the itinerary

Exclusions

  • China visa fee (if required)
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation and guide services during free time
  • Meals not listed in the itinerary
  • Tips (suggested NZD 10 per day per person)
  • Any items not specifically mentioned as included in the itinerary

Cost

Twin Share Single
Per Person 7999 1855 (land hotel and Yangtze River cruise)

*Itinerary and costs subject to change. Airline, fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment

Terms & Conditions

Please note that special promotional fares are non-refundable and non-cancellable for personal reasons. NZD1000.00 per person is required at the time of booking and the balance to be paid 3 months prior to departure. Passport details must be provided immediately to secure your reservation.

Please view our full Terms & Conditions here.