China Splendour

One of the incredible areas that this tour visits is the UNESCO World Heritage listed Nine Villages Valley (Jiuzhaigou) in Sichuan Province.Imagine a world where turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls compliment the skyline. Picture a stunning landscape of natural wonders with thick forests, springs and rivers.

In contrast you will have the opportunity to visit the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, see the Giant Pandas in Chengdu and view the amazing ancient Terracotta Warriors in Xian. One cannot travel to China without visiting the Great Wall to marvel at the enormity of this wonderful site, which stretches over 5,000km.

This tour provides ample opportunity to cover the diversity of this great country. The combination of these destinations is sure to fascinate all who visit.

TOUR ITINERARY

DAYS 1-2: NEW ZEALAND TO SHANGHAI

Fly overnight with Singapore Airlines to Shanghai for a two-night stay.

DAY 3: SHANGHAI

Experience this exciting city, visiting the beautiful Yu Gardens, the Old Town and see the superb antiques and fine arts at Shanghai Museum. This afternoon you will take a stroll
along the famous Bund before you enjoy a cruise along the stunning Huangpu River this evening. Your dinner will be a sumptuous banquet of traditional Shanghai cuisine.

DAY 4: SHANGHAI TO CHENGDU

This morning you will be transferred to the airport to board your flight to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province. Chengdu is renowned for its natural beauty as well as its popular and distinct cuisine.

DAYS 5-6: CHENGDU TO NINE VILLAGES VALLEY

Fly to the breathtaking Nine Villages Valley (Jiuzhaigou), a botanical gallery that is heavily forested and home to many protected species. Entering the valley is like being transported into a different world, where crystal clear lakes gather at the foot of every waterfall and rich coloured forests are dotted with flowers. You will stay in the valley for the next two nights to further explore its beauty.

DAY 7: NINE VILLAGES VALLEY TO CHENGDU

This morning travel to Huanglong Mountain where you can walk to the temple at the head of the valley. Huanglong is renowned for its hundreds of sparkling mineral pools where beautiful colours intertwine and the water cascades down the mountainside. This afternoon you will fly back to Chengdu.

DAY 8: CHENGDU - LESHAN

Travel to Leshan today where you can marvel at the Grand Buddha, an enormous statue carved into the side of the Lingyun Mountain. The Buddha is over 71m tall and is wide enough for more than 100 people to sit between its feet. Take a short boat trip to view the statue from the river. Later this afternoon visit Huanglongxi, an ancient town dating back to the Qing Dynasty.

DAY 9: CHENGDU TO XIAN

This morning you will visit the famous Panda Research Centre to see these endearing animals being reared in surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. Later you will fly to the former imperial capital, Xian. This evening you will feast on a traditional Shui Jiao Dumpling banquet, a specialty of the region, whilst enjoying a performance of music and dance from the Tang Dynasty.

DAY 10: XIAN

Visit one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century, the life-size Terracotta Warriors. Visit the ancient City Wall, one of the best preserved in all of China, stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter and explore the Islamic food markets.

DAY 11: XIAN

Enjoy a morning visit to the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and the renowned Shaanxi Provincial Museum before flying to Beijing.

DAY 12: BEIJING

Beijing is a city full of wonders. Begin your sightseeing today with a stroll through the famous Tiananmen Square, passing Chairman Mao's Mausoleum and visit the 15th-century Forbidden City. Your evening entertainment will be a fascinating acrobatic show.

DAY 13: BEIJING

An often quoted saying in Beijing goes ‘you have not been to China until you have climbed the Great Wall’. Built over 2,000 years ago, it stretches from the Shanhaiguan Pass
on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west, more than 5,000km away. Walk along the wall, admire the panoramic views and reflect on the enormity and labour required for its construction. This afternoon you will explore the landscaped beauty of the Summer Palace. Sample the delicious local delicacy, ‘Peking Duck’, as your farewell dinner this evening.

DAY 14: DEPART BEIJING

This morning is free at your leisure before you are transferred to Beijing airport to board your overnight flight to New Zealand.

DAY 15: ARRIVE NEW ZEALAND

Arrive home this morning.

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Images from China Splendour