Yangtze River Panorama

This popular programme is the perfect combination of China’s must see attractions with the spectacular scenery afforded by its natural landscapes. From the palaces and Great Wall of Beijing to Xian’s Terracotta Warriors and the awe inspiring panorama of the mighty Yangtze River’s Three Gorges, we visit Chengdu’s endangered and cuddly Pandas in Sichuan Province and discover the enchanting colours of Yunnan Province’s many cultures, in a place called ‘Shangri–La’.

TOUR ITINERARY

Days 1-2: New Zealand to Beijing

Overnight flight to Beijing with Singapore Airlines, where upon arrival we will be welcomed by our National Escort and transferred to our hotel for 2 nights. Our welcoming banquet this evening includes a sample of the delicacy ‘Peking Duck’.

Day 3: Beijing

Beijing is a city full of wonders. Today our sightseeing includes an exciting walk on the Great Wall and a visit to the Temple of Heaven. We will be entertained by a fascinating Chinese Acrobatic Show in the evening.

Days 4-5: Beijing to Chengde to Beijing

This morning we drive to Chengde. Famous for its beautiful gardens and lakes, Chengde was a renowned holiday resort for the imperial court during the Qing Dynasty. Our visit includes the Imperial Mountain Villas and the exceptional temples built for Tibetan and Mongolian warlords. Stay overnight in Chengde and return to Beijing tomorrow afternoon.

Day 6: Beijing to Xian

Visit the treasure filled Forbidden City, stroll along famous Tiananmen Square, past Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum and then explore the exquisite Summer Palace before boarding our overnight sleeper train to Xian.

Day 7: Xian

Arrive in the historic city of Xian and stay for 2 nights. Visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda and enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao banquet this evening.

Day 8: Xian

Today we visit one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th Century, the life-size Terracotta Warriors, followed by a visit to the Ancient City Wall, one of the few remaining in all of China. Enjoy an evening performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

Day 9: Xian to Wuhan

Visit the renowned Shaanxi Museum, where thousands of priceless relics are housed and walk through the lively Muslim Quarter, where we will visit the Great Mosque and explore the Islamic food markets. Afterwards we board our overnight sleeper train to Wuhan.

Day 10: Wuhan to Yangtze Cruise

Arrive in Wuhan this morning. Visit the Yellow Crane Tower and East Lake before transferring by coach (approx 6 hours) to board our Yangtze River Cruise vessel for the next 4 nights.

Days 11-13: 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 14: Chongqing to Chengdu

Arrive in Chongqing this morning and transfer by coach to Chengdu to stay for the next 2 nights. Chengdu is the capital of Sichuan Province, renowned for its natural beauty as well as its popular and distinct cuisine. Today we visit Mt Qincheng, the dramatic and lush mountain forests of Sichuan, and the city’s colourful local markets before feasting on a sumptuous Sichuan Banquet.

Day 15: Chengdu

Today we visit the famous Panda Reserve to see these endearing animals being reared in wooden surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat.

Day 16: Chengdu to Kunming

Board our overnight scenic sleeper train to Kunming, the renowned ‘City of Eternal Spring’.

Day 17: Kunming

Arrive in Kunming this morning, and visit the Bird and Flower Market before sampling ‘Across the Bridge Noodles’ this evening, a specialty of the area.

Day 18: Kunming – Stone Forest

Today we will take a full day tour to the picturesque Stone Forest, where massive limestone columns form a vast forest of surreal shapes and images.

Day 19: Kunming to Lijiang

This morning we will fly to the ‘Living Museum’ city of Lijiang for a 2 night stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the quaint, cobbled streets of the Old Quarter.

Day 20: Lijiang

Today we visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which soars to 5,500 metres, where we will enjoy the spectacular scenery followed by a tour of the Baisha Frescoes. In the evening attend the acclaimed Naxi Ancient Music Show.

Day 21: Lijiang to Zhongdian

Today we drive to Zhongdian. Visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the most dramatic and deepest gorges in the world. Zhongdian is often called ‘Little Tibet’ because of the Tibetan culture thriving here. We stay here for 3 nights.

Day 22: Zhongdian

Today we visit the Baishui Terrace, where spring water cascades down over layers of white, limestone pools.

Day 23: Zhongdian

Enjoy a visit to the Napa Hai Lake and the Songshanlin Monastery, built by the 5th Dalai Lama over 300 years ago.

Day 24: Zhongdian to Dali

Drive to Dali and check into our hotel for 2 nights. Later explore the Ancient Quarter and visit Xizhou Village, explore the bustling local market, an ancient courtyard home and see Bai women demonstrate their traditional tie-dying technique in Zhoucheng Village.

Day 25: Dali

Today we visit the picturesque Three Pagodas and enjoy a cruise on stunning Erhai Lake. In the evening stroll down Foreigner’s Street absorbing the local atmosphere of the market stalls.

Day 26: Dali to Kunming

Fly back to Kunming and transfer to our hotel for our final night in China.

Day 27: Depart Kunming

Enjoy the morning at our leisure before boarding our flight to New Zealand.

Day 28: Arrive New Zealand

Arrive home this morning.

Price Guide

Travel Info

Country Info

Inclusions

Exclusions

Images from Yangtze River Panorama