Classic China

Fly to Beijing for a three-night stay.

Heading to Beijing’s symbolic heart, stroll across Tiananmen Square and into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape, and wander in the park where you can watch, or participate in, a dance class. Eat traditional Peking Duck for dinner and enjoy a Chinese acrobatic show.

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. Visit a jade factory then savour an afternoon in the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace as you wander through traditional Chinese gardens and see the exquisite architecture. This evening, there is an option to see some Kung Fu masters in action (at your own expense).

This morning you will be transferred to the train station and take a 5 and a half hour bullet train to Xian. Visit the lovely Little Wild Goose Pagoda, and in the evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.

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 where the warriors are intricately recreated. Stroll along the beautifully preserved 14thcentury city walls that enclose Xian’s old town.

Fly to the attractive city of Guilin. Visit the Reed Flute Cave where you can admire colourful stalactites and stalagmites.

Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to charming Yangshuo. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged karst peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalo and local fishermen. Spend some time browsing Yangshuo’s vibrant markets.

Yangshuo sits amongst paddy fields and dramatic karsts – spend the morning exploring the countryside around it and stop for a photo opportunity on the banks of the Li River to meet a cormorant fisherman. This afternoon is at leisure. There are many optional activities available including cycling and rafting (at your own expense), or take a relaxing walk through the town.

Drive back to Guilin and visit the Pearl Museum before before taking a bullet train to Kunming, capital of Yunnan province. This evening, dine on a local dish, Across the Bridge noodles.

Meander through the formations of the UNESCO-listed Stone Forest, where towering limestone pillars stand tree-like in a fascinating illusion of woodland.

Fly to Lijiang. Discover the old quarter; the quintessential Chinese ‘old town’, wander the jumble of cobbled streets, precarious wooden buildings and rustic stone bridges. Continue on to the Black Dragon Pool, where there are wonderful views of the mountains.

Over 3,000 metres deep, Tiger Leaping Gorge, with its backdrop of snow-capped mountains, is one of China’s most extraordinary sights. The whole area is spectacular – prepare for breathtaking views.

A magnificent mountain massif, the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain incorporates several peaks, the tallest of which soars 5,500 metres. Taking a chairlift, explore one of the gorgeous high meadows and enjoy the amazing vistas. On the way back to Lijiang, admire the fascinating Ming Dynasty frescoes at Baisha and visit Baisha village, a settlement of the Naxi minority people.

Fly to Chengdu, the home of the Giant Panda. Dine on some fantastic local cuisine before an option to take in a traditional Sichuan Opera (at your own expense).

A visit to Chengdu’s famous Panda Research Base allows you to see and learn about China’s celebrated bears up close in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. Take a stroll through People's Park to see Matchmaker’s Corner, where parents search for suitable partners for their children. Later transfer to Chongqing and board your Yangtze cruise vessel.

Cruise down the Yangtze through some of China’s most dramatic scenery, particularly the Three Gorges. Over the next two days prepare for one breathtaking panorama after another. Take a side trip to the Goddess or Shennong Stream and enjoy shore excursions to the Ghost City of Fengdu or Shibaozhai. You will also see Three Gorges Dam which showcases a massive feat of engineering. Disembark, transfer to Wuhan and fly to Shanghai.

Shanghai is China’s great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Visit the delightful Yu Garden and the Old Town before admiring the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund. Follow the age-old silk production process at the Silk Museum and take an optional trip on the superfast Maglev train or up Jin Mao Tower (at your own expense). This evening view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise and enjoy a meal of traditional Shanghai cuisine.

This morning is at your leisure before you are transferred to Shanghai airport to board your flight to New Zealand, arriving home the same or following day.