Magnificent China

This slower paced three week tour, allows us to spend extra time in the fascinating cities of Beijing and Shanghai and the charming garden city of Suzhou. In addition, we travel to Chengdu to see the delightful pandas and gaze in awe at one of the world’s largest Buddha statues at Leshan. The tour also includes popular attractions such as the Great Wall and the Terracotta Warriors, the incredible landscapes of Guilin and Yangshuo, which you can enjoy from the Li River Cruise, and a four night cruise on the Yangtze River to marvel at the Three Gorges. From ancient cities, spectacular scenery and adorable pandas, this comprehensive itinerary has it all!

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: New Zealand to Beijing

Fly with Singapore Airlines to Beijing. Upon arrival we will transfer to our hotel for 4 nights.

Day 2: Beijing

Our first day of sightseeing involves a stroll through famous Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, followed by a visit to the treasure filled Forbidden City. Take a rickshaw ride through the traditional Hutong areas. In the evening enjoy our welcome banquet and sample the delicacy ‘Peking Duck’.

Day 3: Beijing

An oft quoted saying in Beijing goes that ‘you have not been to China until you have climbed the Great Wall’. Begun over two thousand years ago, it stretches all the way from Shanhaiguan Pass on the east coast to the Gobi Desert in the west, more than 5,000km away. Walk along the wall admiring the panoramic views and reflect on the enormity of the material and labour required for its construction. It is estimated that a million people were used at different stages during the construction. This afternoon we will also visit the unique Temple of Heaven, built in the 15th Century.

Day 4: Beijing

Indulge in a shopping spree at the Silk Markets, before visiting the exquisite Summer Palace. Our evening entertainment will be a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic Show.

Day 5: Beijing to Xian

Fly to the former imperial capital of Xian for a 2 night stay. Upon arrival visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum before indulging in a traditional Shui Jiao banquet this evening.

Day 6: Xian

We visit the most important archaeological discovery of the 20th Century, the life-size Terracotta Warriors, followed by the Ancient City Wall, one of the best preserved in all of China. We stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter to visit the Great Mosque and explore the interesting Islamic food markets. Tonight enjoy a performance of traditional Tang Dynasty Dancing.

Day 7: Xian to Wuhan (Yangtze Cruise)

Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda before flying to Wuhan. Transfer by coach (approx 6 hours) to board our Yangtze River Cruise vessel for the next 4 nights. The Yangtze River is undeniably one of the world’s greatest and legendary waterways. Originating from a trickling spring on the high Qinghai Plateau in Tibet and travelling over 6,300km to pour into the ocean at Shanghai.

Days 8-10: Yangtze River Cruise

Enjoy a tour to the Three Gorges Dam before cruising on the mighty Yangtze River. Along the way we will cruise through some of the most beautiful scenery in the world, the Three Gorges and take some shore excursions to explore the fascinating history and tranquil landscapes of the tributary streams (subject to change). Explore the Lesser Three Gorges, see the ‘trackers path’ carved out of the steep rock walls of the gorges, or alternatively we might cruise up the Shennong Stream. Visit the captivating temples and legendary statues of the ‘Ghost City’ in Fengdu.

Day 11: Chongqing to Chengdu

Arrive in Chongqing in the morning and transfer to Chengdu. This evening enjoy a sumptuous Sichuan Banquet.

Day 12: Chengdu – Pandas - Leshan

This morning visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these delightful animals being reared in wooded surroundings reminiscent of their native habitat. Afterwards we take an excursion to Leshan, to see the remarkable Giant Buddha. This enormous statue carved into the side of Lingyun Mountain is over 71 mts tall and wide enough for more than 100 people to sit between its feet. The massive carving begun in 713 AD during the Tang Dynasty, was completed in 803 AD. The Buddha overlooks the confluence of the Min, Qingyi and Dadu Rivers and is reputed to be the largest carved stone Buddha in the world.

Day 13: Chengdu to Guilin

Today we fly to Guilin where we will visit Mt Diecai and enjoy views of the karst landscape.

Day 14: Guilin to Yangshuo (Li River Cruise)

Relax on the spectacular Li River Cruise, as we travel to the town of Yangshuo for an overnight stay. Our boat journey takes us past tranquil farming and fishing scenes and picturesque villages. The main attraction however is the stunning limestone karsts that tower above the river creating a magical landscape of mountains and water. The unique and natural beauty of this region has for centuries been an inspiration to Chinese artists and poets. Upon arrival we transfer to tonight’s hotel. The small town of Yangshuo is set in the lush green rice paddies of Southern China, surrounded by meandering riverways and limestone peaks. Spend the evening walking the cobblestone streets or relax in a side street café and enjoy the colourful atmosphere of this enchanting town.

Day 15: Yangshuo to Guilin

Visit the colourful local markets before returning to Guilin to see the beautiful Reed Flute Caves.

Day 16: Guilin to Shanghai - Suzhou

Fly to Shanghai and transfer to the charming city of Suzhou, famous for its exquisite gardens and traditional silk production for an overnight stay.

Day 17: Suzhou to Shanghai

This morning we visit a Silk Mill still in operation today, cruise on a section of the ancient Grand Canal and see classical oriental gardens. After lunch we travel back to Shanghai where upon arrival we will be transferred to check in at our hotel. This evening enjoy a banquet of traditional Shanghai cuisine for our dinner tonight.

Day 18: Shanghai

Further explore the city with sightseeing tours to the Yu Gardens and the Old Town, the famous Bund, home to an impressive collection of 1920’s neo classical buildings.

Day 19: Shanghai

We visit the Pudong area and explore the Xintiandi precinct with its 1920’s style ‘shikumen’ buildings unique to Shanghai. This evening enjoy a panoramic cruise on the Huangpu River. This afternoon we visit the superb antiquities and fine arts of the Shanghai Museum and wander around the neighbouring People’s Square.

Day 20: Depart Shanghai

Transfer to the airport to board our flight to New Zealand.

Day 21: Arrive New Zealand

Arrive home this morning.

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Images from Magnificent China