China Encounters

Formerly known as Yangtze River Panorama, this journey showcases some of China’s most wonderful attractions. Discover the ancient sites of Beijing, Chengde and Xian. A visit to see Chengdu’s endangered Giant Pandas in Sichuan Province will delight everyone.

Cruise along the mighty Yangtze River; discover for yourself the dramatic gorges, majestic peaks, mountain villages, ancient temples and breathtaking scenery that illustrate a life unchanged for centuries.

The highlight for many will be the time spent in the amazing province of Yunnan, which features stunning natural scenery.

China Encounters is a visual treat, full of unexpected surprises and many treasures waiting to be discovered.

TOUR ITINERARY

DAYS 1-2: NEW ZEALAND TO BEIJING

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

DAY 3: BEIJING

Take an exciting walk along the Great Wall and visit the 15th-century Temple of Heaven. This evening you will be entertained by a fascinating acrobatic show.

DAY 4: BEIJING TO CHENGDE

Travel by train to Chengde today. Your touring here includes a visit to the Imperial Mountain Villas and the exceptional temples built for Tibetan and Mongolian warlords.

DAY 5: CHENGDE TO BEIJING

Spend the morning visiting the temples of Puning and Puyou before returning to Beijing by train.

DAY 6: BEIJING TO XIAN

Today you will visit the famous Forbidden City, stroll through Tiananmen Square, passing Chairman Mao’s Mausoleum. Explore the Summer Palace before boarding your overnight sleeper train to Xian.

DAY 7: XIAN

Arrive in Xian this morning and visit the Little Wild Goose Pagoda. This evening you will feast on a traditional Shui Jiao Dumpling banquet, a specialty of the region, whilst watching a performance of music and dance from the Tang Dynasty.

DAY 8: XIAN

Today you will visit the life-size Terracotta Warriors and the ancient City Wall.

DAY 9: XIAN TO WUHAN

Visit the Shaanxi Provincial Museum, walk through the lively Muslim Quarter and explore the Islamic food markets. This evening you will board your overnight sleeper train to Wuhan.

DAY 10: WUHAN TO YANGTZE RIVER

Arrive in Wuhan this morning where you will visit the Yellow Crane Tower and East Lake. From here, drive (approximately 4-5 hours) to Yichang, the boarding point of your Yangtze River cruise for the next four nights.

DAYS 11-13: YANGTZE RIVER CRUISE

Tour the Three Gorges Dam before commencing your cruise along the Yangtze River. You will cruise through some of the most beautiful scenery in China and take shore excursions to explore the history and tranquil landscapes.

DAY 14: CHONGQING TO CHENGDU

Disembark in Chongqing this morning and drive to Chengdu where you will stroll around the local markets.

DAY 15: CHENGDU

Visit the Panda Research Centre to see these endearing animals being reared in surroundings reminiscent of their natural habitat. Later you will visit Mt. Qincheng, found in the dramatic and lush mountain forests of Sichuan Province, before feasting on a sumptuous Sichuan banquet.

DAY 16: CHENGDU TO KUNMING

Today you will board your overnight sleeper train to Kunming.

DAY 17: KUNMING

Arrive in Kunming this morning and visit the Flower Market. Sample ‘Across the Bridge Noodles’, a specialty of the region, for dinner this evening.

DAY 18: KUNMING

Visit the picturesque Stone Forest today where vast limestone columns rise to form surreal shapes and images.

DAY 19: KUNMING TO LIJIANG

This morning you will fly to the city of Lijiang. Upon arrival you will visit the Black Dragon Pool and spend the afternoon exploring the cobblestone streets of the Old Quarter.

DAY 20: LIJIANG

Catch a chairlift to explore one of the meadows of the impressive Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and enjoy the amazing scenery. Later you will visit the Baisha Frescoes.

DAY 21: LIJIANG TO ZHONGDIAN

Travel to Zhongdian today, visiting Tiger Leaping Gorge en route.

DAY 22: ZHONGDIAN

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

DAY 23: ZHONGDIAN

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

DAY 24: ZHONGDIAN TO DALI

Continue driving to Dali today. Visit the Ancient Quarter, Xizhou Village, the local market and an ancient courtyard home. See Baiwomen demonstrate their traditional tiedyeing technique in Zhoucheng Village.

DAY 25: DALI

Today you will visit the picturesque Three Pagodas and cruise on Erhai Lake. In the evening stroll down Foreigner’s Street and absorb the atmosphere at the local market stalls.

DAY 26: DALI TO KUNMING

Fly back to Kunming today for your final night in China.

DAY 27: DEPART KUNMING

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

DAY 28: ARRIVE NEW ZEALAND

 Arrive home this morning.

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Images from China Encounters