China & Tibet Discovery

From the capital city of Beijing to the hidden glories of Lhasa on the ‘Roof of the World’, this tour will take you to some of China and Tibet’s most amazing sites.

A highlight for many will be a visit to the awe-inspiring Great Wall in Beijing, which stretches over 5,000km. Fly to Xian where you will see one of the greatest discoveries of the 20th Century, the life-size Terracotta Warriors. Travelling to the spiritual city of Lhasa in Tibet will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience as you explore the ‘Crown Jewel of Tibet’, the Potala Palace. This colourful city is sure to take your breath away.

When you return to China you will be delighted to see the adorable Giant Pandas being reared in surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat in Chengdu. Discover the dramatic gorges and breathtaking scenery as you cruise along the mighty Yangtze River before ending your journey in the metropolis of Shanghai.

TOUR ITINERARY

DAYS 1-2: NEW ZEALAND TO BEIJING

Fly overnight with Singapore Airlines to Beijing for a three-night stay.

DAY 3: BEIJING

Stroll through the famous Tiananmen Square, passing Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, followed by a visit to the treasure-filled Forbidden City and the 15th-century Temple of Heaven. This evening witness a fascinating acrobatic show. Your dinner includes a sample of the local delicacy, ‘Peking Duck’.

DAY 4: 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 all the way 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 of the material and labour required for its construction. This afternoon wander through the Summer Palace, admiring the landscaped beauty.

DAY 5: BEIJING TO XIAN

Fly to Xian this morning. Upon arrival visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum. This evening feast on a traditional Shui Jiao Dumpling banquet whilst enjoying a performance of music and dance from the Tang Dynasty.

DAY 6: XIAN

Today you will see one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century, the life-size Terracotta Warriors. You will also visit the ancient City Wall, one of the best preserved in all of China. Later this afternoon wander through the lively Muslim Quarter and explore the Islamic food markets.

DAY 7: XIAN TO LHASA

Fly to Lhasa, the capital and spiritual home of Tibet. This afternoon is free at your leisure to acclimatise to the altitude.

DAY 8: LHASA

Sightseeing today includes a stroll around Barkhor Square. You will also visit the 7th-century Jokhang Temple, the most sacred temple in Tibet, and the Sera Monastery, which has approximately 600 monks in
residence.

DAY 9: LHASA

Explore the ‘Crown Jewel of Tibet’, the Potala Palace. The Palace is an architectural wonder that towers over the city and thousands of rooms are filled with treasures such as intricate shrines and beautiful frescoes. You will also visit Norbulingka, the former summer palace of the Dalai Lama, containing several palaces
and chapels. Enjoy a traditional Tibetan dinner and dance performance this evening.

DAY 10: LHASA TO CHENGDU

This morning you will fly to Chengdu. This afternoon enjoy a tour of the city visiting Jinli Old Street. Feast on a sumptuous Sichuan banquet this evening.

DAY 11: CHENGDU TO YANGTZE RIVER

Visit the famous Panda Research Centre this morning to see these adorable animals being reared in surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. Transfer to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River cruise for the next three nights.

DAYS 12-13: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Over the next two days you will cruise through some of the most beautiful scenery in China. Take shore excursions to explore the fascinating history and landscape of the tributary streams of the Yangtze River.

DAY 14: YICHANG TO SHANGHAI

After visiting the site of the Three Gorges Dam you will disembark your cruise in Yichang and fly to Shanghai. Enjoy traditional Shanghai cuisine for dinner this evening.

DAY 15: SHANGHAI

Sightseeing today includes a walk through the beautiful Yu Gardens and the Old Town. Visit the Shanghai Museum and walk along the famous Bund, admiring the colonial architecture. Explore the restored Xintiandi
area with its unique 1920s-style ‘shikumen’ buildings. This evening enjoy a cruise along the stunning Huangpu River.

DAY 16: DEPART SHANGHAI

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

DAY 17: ARRIVE NEW ZEALAND

Arrive home this morning.

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Images from China & Tibet Discovery