As the name suggests, this 20 Day tour offers you a smorgasbord of China’s world famous attractions: Great Wall of China, Terracotta Warriors, Yangtze River, Giant Pandas and shopping in Shanghai!
You also get off the beaten track in the Sichuan Province and visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Jiuzhaigou & Huanglong National Parks. Jiuzhaigou literally translates as “Nine Village Valley” because of the Nine Tibetan Villages that are scattered throughout the valley.
It is a stunning national park, known for its waterfalls, crystal clear lakes and mountain vistas.
If you’re only able to visit China once, this is the tour to do!
Tour Inclusions
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National Escort (10 pax minimum)
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Registered English speaking Guides in each City
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4 Star plus accommodation as specified
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Meals as specified (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
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Sightseeing and Entrance Fees to specified attractions
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Evening entertainment
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All domestic flight and taxes as specified
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24 hour English speaking hotline
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International Airfares, Airport Taxes and fuel surcharges.
Day by Day Itinerary:
Day 1 - New Zealand / Beijing
Check in at the airport on your Cathay Pacific flight bound for Beijing. On arrival into Beijing and after completing all necessary Customs and Immigration formalities you will be met by your friendly China Holidays guide who will transfer you to Novotel Beijing Sanyuan Hotel or similar where you will spend three nights.
Day 2 - Beijing
A delightful day is spent visiting some of the sights of Beijing. The Forbidden City, home to two dynasties of Emperors spanning 500 years, Tiananmen Square, the heart of Beijing and the architectural wonders of the Temple of Heaven. (B/L)
Day 3 - Beijing
Today, the highlight for many a visitor to Beijing is a visit to The Great Wall at Badaling, undoubtedly one of the greatest man-made wonders of the world.
There will also be time for a visit to the Silk Market where negotiation skills are put to the test as you seek out bargains before returning to Beijing where there will be time to freshen up before departing for a 'Legends of Kung Fu' performance. (B/L)
Day 4 - Beijing / Xi'an
This morning you will depart to visit the most renowned Tibetan Buddhist Temple outside of Tibet, The Lama Temple, then a visit to the 'Hutongs', the local residential area by Pedi cab or rickshaw where you will get an interesting glimpse into the lives of the traditional Beijing citizens.
This evening enjoy a traditional Peking Duck Dinner. After dinner you will be transferred to Beijing railway station for your onward night train to Xi'an. (B/L/D)
Day 5 - Xi'an
On arrival in the morning, your China Holidays guide will be waiting to transfer you to visit the Big Goose Pagoda and the ancient City Wall, then go to Aurum International Hotel or similar where you will spend two nights. (B/L)
Day 6 - Xi'an
Today you will depart for the Terracotta Warriors Museum, one of China's top historical sites. Here you will see the magnificent Terracotta Army of Emperor Qin Shi Huang which has been painstakingly restored by archaeologists.
Then you will get the opportunity to have a go at making some Chinese dumplings followed by lunch. On returning to your hotel there will be some free time. In the evening you will get the opportunity to sample a Chinese dumpling banquet and a performance of a Tang Dynasty Cultural Show. (B/L/D)
Day 7 - Xi'an / Chengdu
After breakfast at your hotel you will visit the Great Mosque and the Muslim snack street. After lunch you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight to Chengdu. On arrival, your friendly China Holidays guide will be waiting to transfer you to Enjoyable Stars Hotel or similar where you will spend two nights. (B/L)
Day 8 - Chengdu
This morning a visit to the Panda Breeding base. Here you will not only be able to observe these wonderful creatures but also learn about their habitat and the conservation efforts. This evening a visit to a Sichuan Opera to learn about this art, including make-up and dress, followed by a performance. (B/L/D)
Day 9 - Chengdu / Jiuzhaigou
Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight to Jiuzhaigou. On arrival a visit to Huanglong National Park and afterwards you will be transferred to Junyue Hotel or similar for three nights. There will be some free time for the evening to allow you to acclimatise to the high altitude. (B/L)
Days 10 & 11 - Jiuzhaigou
Two full days visiting the Jiuzhaigou Valley National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1992. This scenic spot actually consists of three major gullies, which were formerly the sites of nine stockaded villages of Tibetans from which derives the name Jiuzhaigou.
Whilst visiting the Tibetan villages there will be the opportunity to shop in the markets for handicrafts of the local ethnic groups. On one evening enjoy a local Cultural show. (B/L/D)
Day 12 - Jiuzhaigou / Chongqing
We move on today with your flight to Chongqing. On arrival, transfer to the Wanyou Conifer Chongqing in Chongqing or similar. In the afternoon you will be free to explore at your own pace. (B/L)
Day 13 - Chongqing / Yangtze Cruise
A morning tour of the sights and sounds of this bustling city. After lunch, some free time to explore. In the evening, enjoy some dinner before being transferred to the pier to join your cruise along the mighty Yangtze River. (B/L/D)
Days 14 & 15 - Yangtze Cruise
Two days to relax, enjoy your cruise and take in the varying scenery. Dependent on the weather, there will be shore excursions to Fengdu or Shibaozhai and Shenong Stream or Daning River. (B/L/D)
Day 16 - Yangtze Cruise / Yichang / Shanghai
This morning you will visit the Three Gorges Dam site before continuing on to Yichang where your cruise ends. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai where your local China Holidays guide will be waiting to transfer you to Holiday Inn Vista Shanghai or similar for three nights. (B/L)
Day 17 - Shanghai
After breakfast at your hotel you will depart for a full day tour of Shanghai. Your day will include a visit to the Yu Gardens; the Old Chinatown and of course the Bund. Then over to Pudong to visit the Jin Mao Tower, one of the world's tallest buildings, from where you will get a remarkable view of the city of Shanghai. In the evening enjoy a visit to an acrobatic show. (B/L/D)
Day 18 - Shanghai
A day at leisure to explore this Cosmopolitan city at your own pace, or maybe partake of some shopping! (B)
Day 19 - Depart Shanghai
Today you farewell Shanghai and China. Your guide will accompany you to Longyang Road Station to board the high-speed Maglev train to Pudong International Airport, with this exhilarating ride taking just under 8 minutes. Check in aboard your Cathay Pacific flight bound for home. (B)
Day 20 - New Zealand
Welcome home after a fantastic 20 day trip to one of the most fascinating countries on the planet.
A Grand Tour of 20 days with a Yangtze cruise that includes return flights from Auckland is well priced from $5757pp share twin.
Weekly Saturday departures until 28 March 2012
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