New Horizons of China

Fly 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 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.

This morning, head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. Entering through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, you will find a complex full of imperial riches. Take a leisurely stroll through the narrow alleys of the warren-like hutongs and learn more about living in this traditional area. This evening, sit down to a traditional dinner of Peking duck.

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, a street food and knick-knack heaven, 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. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that encircle Xian's old town, before rounding off the day with a refreshing beer tasting at a local brewery.

Fly to Zhangjiajie, a scenic area of over 3,000 sandstone pillars, rising from misty folds of subtropical forest and cloaked in vibrant green vegetation.

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. End the day at Jinbian Stream.

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 the cruise vessel in Chongqing, a futuristic city where tradition meets innovation. Visit one of China's most beloved icons, the Giant Panda. Later, head to one of the city's top hot spring resorts to relax in the naturally heated pools, or enjoy some free time to explore the bustling Jiefangbei Pedestrian Street, home to department stores, designer boutiques, street food stalls, and entertainment.

Travel to Dazu, home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dazu Rock Carvings. Here, you'll find thousands of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucianist idols and symbols carved into rock faces over 70 sites. Made between the 9th and 13th centuries, they are some of the best preserved in China. In the evening, watch the dazzling Glamorous Drone Show, where over 5,000 drones illuminate the city and night sky in a dazzling display of colour and precision.

Start the day exploring the charming old quarter of Ciqikou, where narrow alleyways are lined with traditional teahouses, craft shops and tempting local snacks. Continue to Liziba Intersection, where metro trains famously glide straight through a residential high-rise – a striking example of the city's creative blend of innovation and urban design. In the evening, enjoy a final farewell dinner before stepping aboard a scenic river cruise along the Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. Watch as Chongqing comes alive after dark, with its glittering skyline and the beautifully illuminated Hongya Cave.

Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the following day.