China: Winter Wonderland

Fly overnight to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the ‘Paris of the East’. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.

Your Christmas Day explorations begin with a visit to the peaceful Yu Garden and a walk through the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Next, take a stroll along the Bund to admire the magnificent colonial architecture, followed by a visit to a silk mill. Enjoy lunch at the renowned Lost Heaven, one of Shanghai’s must-try restaurants, and then wander through one of the city’s festive Christmas markets. Later, cruise on the mighty Huangpu River for spectacular views of the Shanghai skyline. This evening, enjoy a German-style feast.

This morning, explore the Xintiandi area, a lively district known for its 1920s-style shikumen architecture, trendy boutiques, and stylish cafes. Then transfer to the airport for your flight to Chengdu, home of the beloved giant panda.

Start your day with a visit to Chengdu’s renowned Panda Conservation Base, where you can see and learn about China’s celebrated bear. Then, savour the joy of people watching in People’s Park, visiting a teahouse and the famous Matchmaker’s Corner where parents look for suitable suitors for their children. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Sichuanese hot pot meal.

Board the bullet train to ancient Xian, China’s ancient capital. In the evening, enjoy a dumpling feast 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 these life-size warriors and visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Workshop. Later, take a stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town.

Take the speedy bullet train to Beijing, China’s eminent capital city. Venture into Beijing’s atmospheric old neighbourhoods, the hutongs, and visit a local family.

This morning, explore the Summer Palace, the lavish retreat of the Qing emperors before travelling to the charming Gubei Watertown, a beautifully recreated ancient town nestled against the backdrop of the Simatai section of the Great Wall. The afternoon is at leisure - you may wish to wander the town’s canals, relax at a hot spring resort, or get cozy at a local teahouse. As the sun goes down, soar up to the heights of the Great Wall by cable car and watch a series of illuminations light up this ancient wonder. Stroll along the top before returning to the town to bid farewell to the past year with a delicious dinner.

Enjoy a leisurely morning before heading to the Jinshanling section of the Great Wall, a much less frequented but spectacular part of the structure. Here you’ll take a walk, passing stark but magnificent landscapes, potentially frosted with snow, pausing at a particularly scenic spot for a glass of champagne. Return back to Beijing by road and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Head to Beijing’s symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Enter through the Gate of Supreme Harmony to discover a complex filled with imperial treasures. Journey by bullet train to Harbin, home to the annual Harbin Ice and Snow Festival.

Today you will visit the Song Hua River, where you can observe ice water swimming, ice windsurfing and other amazing winter activities. Head across to Sun Island, located in the middle of the river. This is a popular outdoor retreat for locals to simply relax, picnic and enjoy the outdoors. This evening, mingle with people from all over the world at the joyous Ice Lantern Festival and admire thousands of spectacular ice-carved animals, plants, and buildings set in the beautifully illuminated festival grounds.

This morning enjoy the festivities at Ice and Snow World, viewing the many sculptures on display, usually depicting traditional Chinese fairy tales or world famous monuments. Decide to take part in a range of optional activities like an ice maze, ice bars and skating (at your own expense). Later tour the city centre, filled with grand Europeanstyle buildings, including Central Avenue and Sophia Cathedral.

Transfer to the train station for your return bullet train journey to Beijing. This evening, tuck into a farewell meal of delicious local delicacy, Peking duck.

Transfer to the airport and fly back to New Zealand arriving home the following day.