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Highlights
A taste of your adventure…
The Great Wall of China
Shanghai
Giant Pandas in Chengdu
Yangzte River cruisingX
Zhujiajiao
Beijing
Evenings in Shanghai
Rickshaw tour Beijing
Terracotta WarriorsX
About Your Journey
Walk the Wall. Meet the Pandas. Cruise the Yangtze.
Discover the extraordinary contrasts of China, from ancient imperial treasures to dazzling modern cities. Walk the Great Wall, come face to face with Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors and Chengdu’s giant pandas, travel by first class high speed rail and cruise the Yangtze through its dramatic Three Gorges. Finish in Shanghai, where historic neighbourhoods, water towns and a glittering skyline bring this remarkable journey full circle.
Itinerary
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Depart Auckland at 9.00pm on your overnight flight to Shanghai.
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Arrive Shanghai and connect with your onward flight to Beijing, arriving 10.25am. Transfer to your hotel with time to settle in and relax.
Stay Beijing New World Centre Tongpai Hotel or similar, 3 nights.
Included: L, D
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Discover Beijing’s traditional hutongs with a rickshaw ride through the historic lanes and courtyard neighbourhoods. Continue to the magnificent Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, where a cable car takes you up to enjoy the remarkable mountain setting and views.
Included: B, D
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Visit vast Tiananmen Square and the extraordinary Forbidden City, once home to China’s emperors. The afternoon is at leisure before an early dinner and entertaining Chinese acrobatic show.
Please note: Forbidden City tickets are released only seven days in advance. If tickets cannot be secured, alternative sightseeing will be arranged.
Included: B, D
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Travel first class by high speed train to Xi’an, with a boxed lunch provided for the journey. On arrival, visit Xi’an’s impressive ancient City Wall. Tonight enjoy a special dumpling banquet accompanied by a colourful Tang Dynasty style dance performance. Stay Mercure Xi’an Downtown or similar, 2 nights.
Included: B, L, D
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Visit the historic Big Wild Goose Pagoda and explore the lively Muslim Quarter before one of the tour’s great highlights, the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors Museum. See the thousands of life sized warriors created more than 2,000 years ago, along with the Bronze Chariot Hall.
Included: B, D
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Board a high speed train and travel first class to Chengdu, with a boxed lunch provided. On arrival, explore atmospheric Jinli Old Street, known for its traditional architecture, local crafts, teahouses and Sichuan snacks. Stay Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Gulou, 2 nights.
Included: B, L, D
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Meet some of China’s most famous residents at the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding. After lunch, enjoy tea at People’s Park before exploring Kuanzhai Alley and its restored traditional streets and courtyards. An optional Sichuan Opera face changing show is available this evening.
Included: B, L, D
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Visit the Sichuan Cuisine Museum, where you’ll have the opportunity to prepare and enjoy your own meal. Travel first class by high speed train to Chongqing and stop for a photo at the remarkable Liziba Light Rail before boarding the Victoria Isabella for your Three Gorges cruise.
Included: B, L, D
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Enjoy your first full day on the Yangtze River with an included excursion to Fengdu’s Shuanggui Mountain. Return to the ship for lunch, onboard activities and the ever changing river scenery. Tonight join the Captain’s Welcome Reception followed by dinner.
Included: B, L, D
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Cruise through the dramatic Qutang Gorge and magnificent Wu Gorge, surrounded by towering cliffs and mountains. This afternoon, enjoy an included excursion along Goddess Stream before returning to the ship for the Captain’s Farewell Dinner and crew cabaret.
Included: B, L, D
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Disembark after breakfast and visit the remarkable Three Gorges Dam, one of the world’s largest hydroelectric engineering projects. Continue to Yichang and explore Yiling Old Street and Riverside Park. Stay Holiday Inn Express Yichang Yangtze Riverside, 1 night.
Included: B, L, D
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Fly to Shanghai and begin exploring this dynamic city with visits to Yu Garden and the historic Chenghuang Temple area. Later, stroll along bustling Nanjing Road before an evening cruise on the Huangpu River, with spectacular views of the illuminated Bund and Shanghai skyline. Stay Central Hotel Shanghai or similar, 2 nights.
Included: B, D
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Travel to historic Zhujiajiao, an atmospheric ancient water town known for its peaceful canals, traditional houses and old stone bridges. Return to Shanghai with the afternoon free to relax, shop or explore independently.
Included: B, L
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Enjoy a leisurely morning before exploring more of Shanghai this afternoon. Visit Xintiandi and Tianzifang, where distinctive Shikumen architecture offers a glimpse into the city’s past, followed by the Shanghai Museum East. Enjoy a final dinner together before transferring to Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
Included: B, D
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Depart Shanghai at 12.05am on China Eastern and fly overnight to Auckland. Arrive Auckland 3.45pm. Transfer to your home (if applicable).
Some encounters are worth waiting for.
Reserve your place on this unforgettable tour. Numbers are limited, so don’t delay.
Why you’ll love this trip
This journey brings together China’s great icons with experiences that take you deeper into its culture, landscapes and everyday life. Travelwise takes care of flights, quality accommodation, transfers and sightseeing, while first class high speed rail makes travelling between cities comfortable and easy. From the Great Wall and Terracotta Warriors to giant pandas and the Three Gorges of the Yangtze, there’s an extraordinary amount packed into 16 days.
Inclusions & Activities
Airfares: Return Economy class airfares Auckland to Shanghai return, plus domestic flights as stated in China
Cruise: 3 night Yangtze River cruise onboard the Victoria Isabella
Accommodation: 10 nights quality accommodation throughout
Sightseeing: All sightseeing and attractions as shown, including the Great Wall of China, Terracotta Warriors and a visit to the Giant Pandas
Meals: Daily breakfasts plus lunches and dinners as specified
Transfers: Home pick up and drop off in Auckland Metro area
Tour Leader: Travelwise Tour Leader throughout, plus local guides
Tony Smith, Tour Leader
Your Tour Leader
Tony Smith
Tony is a calm, personable Tour Leader at Travelwise whose naval background and lifelong love of travel ensure smooth, enjoyable journeys. Tony’s steady presence and storytelling make every tour feel welcoming and special.
Before you book, you should know
Activity Level 3: A more active touring style with longer days and greater physical activity. Suitable for travellers confident walking longer distances, managing steps and varied terrain, keeping pace with busier sightseeing days, and managing variable temperatures, especially in much warmer, humid climates. A good choice if you prefer: A fuller, more immersive experience, high levels of daily activity.
Departure: 15 May 2027
Other Notes:
Deposit: $1,000 pp
Balance Payment Date: 11 March 2027
Bookings may still be available after this date. Please contact us for availability.
Insurance:
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for this tour and must be in place by the final payment date. We recommend arranging cover when you pay your deposit, so you are protected from the time of booking. Please ask us if you need assistance arranging insurance.
