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Legacy Journey of China

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Tour Overview & Highlights

Experience the highlights of Beijing and Xi’an in this immersive 10-day China tour, from the Great Wall and Forbidden City to the Terracotta Warriors, ancient city streets and more.

Travel Dates

Depature Date Return Date Duration
Thu 21st May 2026 Sat 6th Jun 2026 17 Days
Thu 13th Aug 2026 Sat 29th Aug 2026 17 Days
Thu 15th Oct 2026 Sat 31st Oct 2026 17 Days

Itinerary

Day 01

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Auckland - Shanghai

Evening flight to Shanghai.

Day 02

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Shanghai - Beijing

Upon arrival in Shanghai, transfer to a China Eastern Airlines flight to Beijing, the capital of China. Depending on arrival time, enjoy some free time to begin immersing in the local culture.

Hotel Accommodation: Wanda Meihua Hotel or equivalent 4-star hotel

Day 03

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Beijing

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Fork & Knife

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Dinner

Visit Tiananmen Square and enter the Forbidden City to admire its grand imperial architecture. Continue to the Temple of Heaven to experience its harmonious design. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Peking duck banquet followed by a Chinese acrobatic show.

Note: The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. Due to limited daily entries, if a reservation is not available, it will be replaced with a visit to Jingshan Park (panoramic view of the Forbidden City) and Prince Gong’s Mansion.

Hotel Accommodation: Wanda Meihua Hotel or equivalent 4-star hotel

Day 04

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Beijing

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Lunch

In the morning, visit the Great Wall—China’s most iconic landmark—and take in its majestic scenery on foot. Then visit a jade factory to learn about the art of jade carving. In the afternoon, explore the Summer Palace, strolling through traditional Chinese gardens and elegant pavilions.

Hotel Accommodation: Wanda Meihua Hotel or equivalent 4-star hotel

Day 05

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Beijing - Xi'an

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High-speed train: Beijing West to Xi’an North G55 (09:55–14:05) or similar, 2nd class seat
Take the bullet train to Xi’an. Upon arrival, explore the Muslim Quarter to feel the cultural vibe of this ancient Silk Road city. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dumpling banquet with a Tang Dynasty dance performance.

Hotel Accommodation: Mercure on Bell Tower or equivalent 4-star hotel

Day 06

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Xi'an

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In the morning, visit the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and get an up-close look at these life-sized statues. Then, visit a ceramics and lacquerware workshop to learn about their production process. In the afternoon, walk along the well-preserved 14th-century city wall, enjoying panoramic views of Xi’an.

Note: To make the most of your visit to the Terracotta Warriors, please bring your lunch.

Hotel Accommodation: Mercure on Bell Tower or equivalent 4-star hotel

Day 07

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Xi’an – Lhasa

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Breakfast

Flight: Xi’an – Lhasa
Fly to Lhasa. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to adjust to the high altitude.

Hotel Accommodation: Lhasa Jomolungma Hotel or equivalent 4-star hotel

Day 08

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Lhasa

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Dinner

Visit the Jokhang Temple, a spiritual centre of Tibetan Buddhism. Then stroll along Barkhor Street, admiring traditional Tibetan buildings and markets. In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery and observe the famous debating monks.

Hotel Accommodation: Lhasa Jomolungma Hotel or equivalent 4-star hotel

Day 09

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Lhasa

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In the morning, visit the Potala Palace to admire its grandeur and collections. In the afternoon, explore Norbulingka, the Dalai Lama’s former summer residence, followed by a visit to a Tibetan arts workshop. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner with a folk music and dance performance.

Hotel Accommodation: Lhasa Jomolungma Hotel or equivalent 4-star hotel

Day 10

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Lhasa – Chengdu

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Three Gorges Dam – Yichang. Free explore the city.

Meals not included.

Hotel Accommodation: Local 4-star hotel

Day 11

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Chengdu – Chongqing (Yangtze Cruise)

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High-speed train: Afternoon train from Chengdu to Chongqing, 2nd-class seatIn the morning, visit the Chengdu Panda Breeding and Research Base to see giant pandas up close. Then travel to Chongqing to board the Yangtze River cruise ship and begin your Three Gorges journey.

Hotel Accommodation: Yangtze Cruise: MV Century Paragon or Goddess No.2/3 (foreign-operated 5-star cruise)

Day 12 - 13

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Yangtze River Cruise

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Sail through the breathtaking landscapes of the Three Gorges. Participate in shore excursions such as Shennü Stream or Shennong Stream.

Hotel Accommodation: Yangtze Cruise: MV Century Paragon or Goddess No.2/3 (foreign-operated 5-star cruise)

Day 14

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Three Gorges Dam – Yichang – Shanghai

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Flight: Yichang – Shanghai (evening flight)
Disembark and visit the impressive Three Gorges Dam. Transfer to Yichang and take a flight to Shanghai.

Hotel Accommodation: Shanghai Regal Jinfeng Hotel or equivalent 4-star hotel

Day 15

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Shanghai

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Dinner

Fly to Shanghai. Visit Yuyuan Garden to appreciate the beauty of classical Chinese landscaping. Then, explore a silk factory to see how silk is made. Walk along the Bund and admire its historic architecture. In the evening, take a Huangpu River night cruise and enjoy a traditional Shanghai-style dinner.

Hotel Accommodation: Shanghai Regal Jinfeng Hotel or equivalent 4-star hotel

Day 16 - 17

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New Zealand

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Enjoy some free time before transferring to the airport for your return flight to New Zealand. Arrival time will depend on the flight schedule.

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 6799 1285

*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.