Discover China’s many contrasts, from its ancient imperial history and world-famous landmarks to the towering peaks of Zhangjiajie and the breathtaking landscapes and rich ethnic cultures of Guizhou. Enjoy a cruise along the mighty Yangtze River and venture off the beaten track to discover traditional village life, fascinating local customs and the diverse cultures of rural China, before finishing in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai.
Our Charms of China tour will see you exploring the most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine and thoroughly researched to bring you a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences, many of which are entirely exclusive to us.
Walk the legendary Great Wall of China
Discover Zhaoxing, one of China’s largest Dong villages
Cruise four-nights on the incredible Yangtze River
Wander Xijiang's illuminated streets
Feel your pulse race as you rise above Zhangjiajie's towering sandstone pillars on the Bailong Elevator, the world's tallest outdoor lift, standing at a height of 326 meters.
Experience the living traditions of Guizhou’s Miao communities, from the music and dance of Langde Village to the centuries-old craft of handmade paper in Shiqiao and the intricate embroidery techniques passed down through generations in Qingman.
Delight in Miao hospitality at Xijiang Miao Village, enjoying a traditional local lunch accompanied by the “Mountain & River” rice wine-pouring ceremony, a welcoming ritual rooted in Miao culture.
Fly overnight to Beijing, China's historical capital. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
This morning, visit Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, before exploring the magnificent Forbidden City, home to centuries of imperial history and treasures. Continue to the Temple of Heaven, a stunning example of traditional Chinese architecture. This evening, enjoy a delicious traditional Peking duck dinner.
This morning is dedicated to China's most iconic sight – the Great Wall. Taking a walk on this incredible structure is the best way to appreciate both the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that it crosses. You will then have an opportunity to visit a jade factory, where you have the opportunity to buy a small handcrafted piece. Enjoy the afternoon strolling through the idyllic gardens of the Summer Palace and admire the traditional Chinese landscapes and exquisite architecture.
Board the bullet train to Xian, the ancient former capital. Take a walking tour of the narrow and winding streets of the lively Muslim Quarter and gain an insight into the city's fascinating culture and significance as the start of the Silk Road. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling dinner and Tang Dynasty dancing show.
After their fortuitous discovery in the 1970s, the Terracotta Army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, has intrigued visitors ever since. Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of life-sized warriors and visit the workshop to see where they are intricately recreated. Return to Xian and round off the day with a refreshing beer tasting at a local brewery.
Fly to Zhangjiajie, where breathtaking landscapes of towering sandstone pillars and lush forests await. On arrival, visit Huanglong Cave, an impressive underground wonderland of vast caverns, dramatic stalactites and underground rivers.
Begin the day with a ride in the remarkable Bailong glass elevator. Embedded into the mountain, the elevator soars up the mountain side to a towering height of 326 metres in as little as two minutes! Soak up the amazing views of the 'First Bridge under the Sun' and Hallelujah Mountain. Continue to Emperor Mountain and Helong Park before taking a cable car down.
Soar up the heights of Tianmen Mountain in the world's longest cable car, a 7-kilometre journey taking approximately 40-minutes. Atop the Mountain, marvel at Tianmen Cave, nicknamed 'Heaven's Door', standing proudly at the top of 999 steep steps and take a thrilling walk along a glass skywalk, aptly named the 'Walk of Faith'.
Drive 4-hours to Yichang where you will board your Yangtze River cruise vessel for the next four-nights.
A man-made marvel, the Three Gorges Dam showcases this massive feat of engineering. But as you cruise upstream nature takes over, revealing some of the world's most dramatic scenery. Over the next three days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another, take a side trip to the attractive Shennong or Goddess Stream and enjoy various shore excursions.
Disembark from your cruise vessel in Chongqing and board a bullet train to Congjiang, in Guizhou Province. Continue to Zhaoxing Dong Village, one of China’s largest Dong settlements. This large and well-preserved Dong village, considered one of the most beautiful villages in China, gives a fascinating glimpse into the life and culture of this ethnic minority people.
Explore the beautiful Tangan Rice Terraces, taking in the sweeping views of layered rice fields and surrounding mountains. Then drive to Xijiang Miao Village, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Miao lunch accompanied by the famous “Mountain & River” rice wine-pouring ceremony.
Discover Guizhou’s ethnic heritage with visits to Langde Miao Village, where you’ll enjoy a traditional music and dance performance, Shiqiao Papermaking Village to see handmade paper being produced, and Qingman Embroidery Village to admire intricate Miao embroidery, before continuing to Guiyang.
Today, visit two of Guizhou’s most notable attractions. Drive to Huajiang Canyon Bridge, the world’s highest bridge, standing 625 metres above the Huajiang Grand Canyon before continuing on to Huangguoshu Waterfall, one of China’s most famous waterfalls.
Transfer to Guiyang Airport and fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’. On arrival, transfer to the city and enjoy a cruise along the Huangpu River, offering views of Shanghai's iconic waterfront.
Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Today’s explorations include the Yu Garden, a silk mill, and the quaint old town before admiring the colonial architecture along the Bund. This evening, scale the heights of Jin Mao Tower for incredible views of the city.
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to New Zealand, arriving home the same or following day.
Celebrity is different. As in “you'll never want to vacation any other way” kind of different. Every detail is elevated beyond what you ever thought a vacation could be. You’ll enjoy the intimate feel and thoughtful service of a smaller ship, the variety and excitement of a bigger one, and experiences you won’t find anywhere else. So, if you want to explore the world or get away from it for a little while, Nothing Comes Close to Celebrity Cruises.
The best times to visit China are in spring (April to May) and autumn, (September to October) when temperatures are warm and humidity low.
All of our tour departures include international flights and taxes in the price unless a land only option is selected
We have a selection of dedicated departures for solo travellers. These departures feature a maximum group size of 18 and exclusive benefits including a single room throughout your tour, complimentary return airport transfers (within 50km radius of major Australian airports) and a cocktail on arrival at your destination. Travellers from Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne also receive a complimentary Australian airport lounge pass for use prior to departure.
I am optimistic, easy going and dedicated. I know China and I am excited to share my knowledge with you; you are part of my family when you come to China. To know more about the fast-developing country, China and its super long history and tradition, come and join us Wendy Wu Tours. I promise you will reach home culturally fully loaded and ready to go again.
George was exceptional in his care of us all, nothing was too much trouble, he genuinely cared that we were having a great holiday. His knowledge and that of the local guides at each province gave us great insight into the history of the location and various sightseeing spectacles we were there to see.Mr and Mrs Brown
"Happiness can be infectious". As a friendly, caring and easy-going guide I can ensure you will have a worry-free and most rewarding trip, with a knowledgeable, professional and light-hearted guide.
Our National Guide, Alice, was excellent and very caring and thoughtful for all the group. Our local guides were also very good and provided lots of information and were flexible to allow us enough time to see everything and even arrange extra trips.Mr Andrew Charles
From my passion and knowledge of my country, you will experience a cross-cultural charm, full of stories and laughter on tour with me. You will be left with great memories and knowledge of China.
The success of this tour was due largely to our wonderful National Escort, Amanda, who guided our small “family” throughout and made this trip a "holiday of a lifetime". If you have the opportunity, try to arrange for Amanda to be your Tour Manager!Mr Edward Ayling
This is an experience of a lifetime. If I am your guide, you will have my knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to make this an unforgettable journey.
Our tour guide Jason was brilliant & a credit to your company. He was funny, intelligent, informative, always available and would go the extra mile when neededMrs Carrick
Relax, enjoy and leave the rest to me. See the different, touch the culture and explore the beautiful, wonderful and real China with me. "Do what you love, and love what you do!" This is my slogan, and I am Tony Li, come and join the Wendy Wu Tours with me!
Our National Escort Tony we couldn't speak highly enough. He was very well conversant with the English language and very knowledgeable in the history of the great country of China. Tony catered to our every need which made our holiday stress free.Mrs Diane Foley
Read our latest articles or travel inspiration, exciting news about our destinations and all things Wendy Wu Tours
All of our tours offer a single room supplement, which means you’ll have a room to yourself throughout your chosen tour. Continue the check-out process for the applicable supplement.
On most tours, you can choose our 'Happy to Share' option, which may enable you to share a twin room with other solo customers of the same gender who also request Happy to Share. If a share partner is found, the Single Supplement will be removed from your booking. If a share partner is not found, the Single Supplement will remain and is payable with your final balance.
If you are booking on a Dedicated Solo departure, a single room is already included in the price and there are no additional single supplements to pay.
With our flight inclusive option, we'll do the planning for you and meet you on arrival.
We include airport pickup upon arrival at your destination and drop off at the end of your tour (on the scheduled tour arrival and departure days) and when booking pre or post tour accommodation with us.
We partner with established and reputable airlines for your international flights.
We can assist with upgrading your seat to premium or business class for an additional cost.
Our team will work with you to choose your ideal routing and if we make changes to your tour itinerary that impact flights, we’ll rebook them for you.
Our On-Tour Support Team is available to provide advice about how to handle flight changes.
