Grand Tour of China

You are invited to experience the many wonders of China on this grand tour that captures not only the historical and cultural aspects of China, but also allows you to discover its many other, lesser known treasures.

Commence your tour in the capital city of Beijing, where the highlight for many may be climbing the Great Wall. View the Terracotta Warriors in Xian, hidden underground until 1974 when discovered by a local farmer. Relax onboard a Yangtze River cruise and tour the amazing Stone
Forest in Kunming.

Visit Guilin, one of the most picturesque places in the world, and cruise along the Li River. Stroll through the streets of Yangshuo; observe locals going about their daily business and visit the local markets. Wander through the majestic Yu Gardens in Shanghai.

At the end of this tour you will feel amazed by what you have learned about China, its people and its incredible past and promising future.

TOUR ITINERARY

DAYS 1-2: NEW ZEALAND TO BEIJING

Fly overnight with Singapore Airlines to Beijing for a four-night stay. Your welcome dinner includes a sample of the local delicacy, ‘Peking Duck’.

DAY 3: BEIJING

Today you will take a stroll through Tiananmen Square, passing Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum, followed by a visit to the Forbidden City.

DAY 4: BEIJING

Enjoy an exciting walk along the Great Wall and tour the 15th-century Temple of Heaven.

DAY 5: BEIJING

This morning you will have some time for shopping at the copy markets before exploring the Summer Palace, admiring its landscaped beauty. Your  evening entertainment will be a fascinating acrobatic show.

DAY 6: BEIJING TO XIAN

Explore Liulichang’s ancient shopfronts and the calligraphy market before boarding your overnight sleeper train to Xian.

DAY 7: XIAN

Arrive in Xian this morning and visit the Little  Wild Goose Pagoda and the fascinating Shaanxi Provincial Museum. Later you will take a walk through the lively Muslim Quarter and explore the Islamic food markets. Feast on a traditional Shui Jiao Dumpling banquet this evening, a specialty of the region, whilst watching a performance of music and dance from the Tang Dynasty.

DAY 8: XIAN

Today you will see one of the most significant 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.

DAY 9: XIAN TO WUHAN - YANGTZE RIVER

Fly to Wuhan and transfer by coach (approximately 4-5 hours) to Yichang, the boarding point of your Yangtze River cruise for the next four nights.

DAYS 10-12: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Tour the Three Gorges Dam before cruising along the Yangtze River, passing beautiful scenery along the way. Enjoy shore excursions to explore the fascinating history and tranquil landscapes.

DAY 13: CHONGQING TO KUNMING

Disembark your cruise in Chongqing this morning and visit the Panda House at  Chongqing Zoo before flying to Kunming. This evening you will sample ‘Across the Bridge Noodles’.

DAY 14: KUNMING

Tour the Stone Forest today where massive limestone columns form a vast forest of surreal shapes and images.

DAY 15: KUNMING TO DALI

Today you will leave Kunming and drive to  Dali for a two-night stay.

DAY 16: DALI

Cruise on Erhai Lake this morning. Later, participate in a traditional tea-tasting and  visit the Three Pagodas and Dali’s Ancient Quarter.

DAY 17: DALI TO KUNMING

Visit Xizhou Village today; explore the local market and the Yen family home, an ancient courtyard house, before returning to Kunming.

DAY 18: KUNMING TO GUILIN

This morning you will visit the Flower Market before flying to Guilin.

DAY 19: GUILIN TO YANGSHUO

Relax on a stunning Li River cruise as you travel to the town of Yangshuo for an overnight stay.

DAY 20: YANGSHUO TO GUILIN

Wander through the local markets before returning to Guilin where you will visit Mt. Diecai. Watch a display of traditional cormorant fishing this evening.

DAY 21: GUILIN TO SHANGHAI

This morning you will visit the Reed Flute Caves before transferring to the airport to board your flight to Shanghai.

DAY 22: SHANGHAI

Walk through the Yu Gardens and the Old  Town, see the antiques and fine arts at Shanghai Museum and stroll along the famous Bund. Feast on  delicious Shanghai cuisine this evening.

DAY 23: SHANGHAI TO SUZHOU

Today you will travel to Suzhou. Visit a silk mill, which is still in operation today, cruise on a section of the ancient Grand Canal and stroll through the Humble Administrator’s and the Master of the Nets gardens.

DAY 24: SUZHOU TO HANGZHOU

Travel to Hangzhou where you will explore the local markets and experience an oriental tea-tasting.

DAY 25: HANGZHOU

Visit the Temple of Inspired Seclusion, the Six Harmonies Pagoda and relax as you cruise on tranquil West Lake this afternoon.

DAY 26: HANGZHOU TO SHANGHAI

Return to Shanghai and explore the unique ‘shikumen’ buildings in the Xintiandi area. Enjoy a cruise along the stunning Huangpu River as your farewell celebration this evening.

DAY 27: 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 28: ARRIVE NEW ZEALAND

Arrive home this morning.

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