Today depart from Auckland for Beijing via Guangzhou, Shanghai or Sydney. Fly with Qantas Airways, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air China or Hainan Airlines (subject to availability). Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and then transfer you to check-in to the hotel. 

Please note: some customers may be required to stay overnight in Guangzhou or Shanghai and the airline will provide overnight accommodation and transfers. Also due to flight times and scheduling some customers may be required to be at the airport the day before (Depart day 0).

After breakfast, your exploration of Beijing begins with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and then takes in the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City, also known officially as the Imperial Palace Museum, was originally constructed by the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Yong Le, where 24 emperors once lived successionally. The palace was built between 1406 and 1420, but was burnt down, rebuilt, sacked and renovated countless times, so most of the architecture you can see today dates from the 1700s and onwards. Afterwards, visit a Pearl Factory to gain a little knowledge of fresh pearls. 

Tonight, take the opportunity to attend an optional large scale dramatic musical, “The Golden Mask Dynasty” (not included).

After breakfast, on the way to the Great Wall, stop at a Jade Museum to learn the history of jade. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as “Yu” and it has a history in China of at least four thousand years. Observe the skilled artisans at work as they create their intricate designs. Afterwards take a scenic drive through the countryside and mountains to reach China’s most renowned monument—the Great Wall. You will visit the less-touristy and more original Juyong Pass, avoiding other sections which are the most accessible and consequently most crowded. The Great Wall meanders through China’s northern mountain ranges from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert - a distance of more than 3500 miles. 

In the afternoon, take the opportunity to join an optional tour (not included) to see Beijing’s 700 year old Hutong’s (narrow lanes) area by old fashioned pedicab. You will also visit a local family living in a courtyard style home to experience the local customs including a delicious home-cooked dinner. The optional tour also includes a visit to Shichahai, a historic scenic area consisting of three lakes (Qianhai, meaning Front Sea; Houhai, meaning Back Sea and Xihai, meaning West Sea), surrounding places of historic interest and scenic beauty and remnants of old-style local residences, Hutong and Courtyard.

After breakfast visit Beijing Zoo to see the giant pandas. Then make a stop at “Tongrentang” to learn more about traditional Chinese medicine. Afterwards, transfer to Beijing Railway Station for a high-speed train experience to Zhengzhou (approx. 3 hours). Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel.

This morning visit the Henan or Zhengzhou Museum (dependent on day of the week and closure periods), which are both major museums in China and were created for the collection, protection, study and display of cultural relics in the hinterland of the Central Plain. Then visit Erqi Memorial Tower. Erqi Memorial Tower is the memorial of the Erqi Strike, which occurred on February 7, 1923. The Erqi Memorial Tower has altogether 14 storeys, totalling 63m in height. A winding staircase inside the tower brings you to the top floor, where you can get a bird’s-eye view of the whole city of Zhengzhou.

Today enjoy the day at leisure or take the opportunity to join an optional full-day Shaolin Kung Fu experience with lunch (not included). Visit the Shaolin Temple, nestled in the forested mountains of Henan, its the birthplace of Kung Fu and Zen Buddhism. The Shaolin Temple embraces many exciting attractions, such as the Hall of Heavenly Kings (Tianwangdian), the Mahavira Hall (Daxiongbaodian), the Pagoda Forest, the Dharma Cave and the Shaolin Temple Martial Art Training Centre. 

Then continue your visit to the Pagoda Forest, where hundreds of stone pagodas, memorials to past monks, are tightly grouped together in the forest. You may also have the chance to watch an exciting Shaolin Kung Fu performance at the Martial Arts Hall and may follow the masters there to learn your Kung Fu here (subject to availability).

This morning enjoy some free time at leisure before transferring to Zhengzhou Railway Station for a high-speed train experience to Suzhou (approx. 4.5 hours). Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel.

Suzhou, which dates back to 514 BC, is sometimes called the ‘Venice of the East’. Today you will visit the famous Lingering Garden, recognised with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. China is renowned for its exquisite silk, so naturally a visit to the Silk Spinning Factory is in order. Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal (not included) to view life along China’s ancient waterway. Afterwards drive to Hangzhou (approx. 2 hours).

Hangzhou is considered the tea capital of China, so a visit to the city just isn’t complete without a trip to a local tea house. Make a special visit to the Tea House at Meijiawu Tea Village located at the hinterland of West Lake Park which is considered one of the most important Longjing Tea productions in China. Enjoy the natural environment and beautiful village scenery while learning more about their special tea culture. At the Tea House, learn how to make the Longjing Tea including picking, frying and tasting the tea leaves. Then enjoy a small boat ride on the West Lake another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which reveals the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou's willow draped islands. 

Next, drive to Shanghai (approx. 2 hours) to visit the famous Bund. Shanghai is divided by the Huang Pu River into eastern and western sections. Modern mega high rises are seen on the eastern side while traditional European style architecture may be seen on the western side. The Bund is a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai's banks and trading houses. Tonight there is an optional activity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time” (not included).

This morning, step back in time at the Shanghai Museum - home to more than 120,000 objects and artworks. Enjoy some free time at leisure this afternoon or join an optional half-day tour of Shanghai (not included) including Yu Garden, believed to have been built in the Ming Dynasty, more than 400 years ago. The exquisite layout, beautiful scenery, and the artistic style of the garden architecture have made the garden one of the highlights of Shanghai. Other attractions include Xintiandi, Old Town and Nanjing Road. In the evening, take the opportunity to join the optional “Night Cruise on the Huangpu River” (not included).

After breakfast enjoy some free time to explore the cosmopolitan Shanghai on your own and then bid farewell to China and transfer to the airport for your return flight back to New Zealand. The standard check-out time is 12 noon. Complimentary luggage storage is available at the front desk. Please note: some customers may be required to stay overnight in Guangzhou or Shanghai and the airline will provide overnight accommodation and transfers.

Today depart from Auckland for Beijing via Guangzhou, Shanghai or Sydney. Fly with Qantas Airways, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air China or Hainan Airlines (subject to availability). Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and then transfer you to check-in to the hotel.

Please note: some customers may be required to stay overnight in Guangzhou or Shanghai and the airline will provide overnight accommodation and transfers. Also due to flight times and scheduling some customers may be required to be at the airport the day before (Depart day 0).

After breakfast, your exploration of Beijing begins with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and then takes in the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City, also known officially as the Imperial Palace Museum, was originally constructed by the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Yong Le, where 24 emperors once lived successionally. The palace was built between 1406 and 1420, but was burnt down, rebuilt, sacked and renovated countless times, so most of the architecture you can see today dates from the 1700’s and onwards. Afterwards, visit a Pearl Factory to gain a little knowledge of fresh pearls. 

Tonight, take the opportunity to attend an optional large scale dramatic musical, “The Golden Mask Dynasty” (not included).

After breakfast, on the way to the Great Wall, stop at a Jade Museum to learn the history of jade. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as “Yu” and it has a history in China of at least four thousand years. Observe the skilled artisans at work as they create their intricate designs. Afterwards take a scenic drive through the countryside and mountains to reach China’s most renowned monument—the Great Wall. You will visit the less-touristy and more original Juyong Pass, avoiding other sections which are the most accessible and consequently most crowded. The Great Wall meanders through China’s northern mountain ranges from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert - a distance of more than 3500 miles. 

In the afternoon, take the opportunity to join an optional tour (not included) to see Beijing’s 700 year old Hutong’s (narrow lanes) area by old fashioned pedicab. You will also visit a local family living in a courtyard style home to experience the local customs including a delicious home-cooked dinner. The optional tour also includes a visit to Shichahai, a historic scenic area consisting of three lakes (Qianhai, meaning Front Sea; Houhai, meaning Back Sea and Xihai, meaning West Sea), surrounding places of historic interest and scenic beauty and remnants of old-style local residences, Hutong and Courtyard.

After breakfast visit Beijing Zoo to see the giant pandas. Then make a stop at “Tongrentang” to learn more about traditional Chinese medicine. Afterwards, transfer to Beijing Railway Station for a high-speed train experience to Xian (approx. 5.5 hours). Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.

The highlight today is a visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Unearthed near Xi’an, the thousands of life size sculptures of soldiers, chariots and horses are considered a world wonder. With different facial expressions and weaponry adorning each soldier, the Terracotta Warriors were believed to have been created to accompany the Qin Emperor into the afterlife. This site is among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th century. You will definitely be amazed by the scale of the Terracotta Warriors Army. 

Afterwards visit the Terracotta Warriors Reproduction Factory and then transfer to Xian Railway Station for a high speed train experience to Zhengzhou (approx. 2.5 hours).

Today enjoy the day at leisure or take the opportunity to join an optional full-day Shaolin Kung Fu experience with lunch (not included). Visit the Shaolin Temple, nestled in the forested mountains of Henan, its the birthplace of Kung Fu and Zen Buddhism. The Shaolin Temple embraces many exciting attractions, such as the Hall of Heavenly Kings (Tianwangdian), the Mahavira Hall (Daxiongbaodian), the Pagoda Forest, the Dharma Cave and the Shaolin Temple Martial Art Training Centre. 

Then continue your visit to the Pagoda Forest, where hundreds of stone pagodas, memorials to past monks, are tightly grouped together in the forest. You may also have the chance to watch an amazing exciting Shaolin Kung Fu performance at the Martial Arts Hall and may follow the masters there to learn your Kung Fu here (subject to availability).

This morning visit the Henan or Zhengzhou Museum (dependent on day of the week and closure periods), which are both major museums in China and were created for the collection, protection, study and display of cultural relics in the hinterland of the Central Plain. Then visit Erqi Memorial Tower. Erqi Memorial Tower is the memorial of the Erqi Strike, which occurred on February 7, 1923. The Erqi Memorial Tower has altogether 14 storeys, totalling 63m in height. A winding staircase inside the tower brings you to the top floor, where you can get a bird’s-eye view of the whole city of Zhengzhou.

Afterwards transfer to Zhengzhou Railway Station for a high-speed train experience to Suzhou (approx. 4.5 hours). Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.

Suzhou, which dates back to 514 BC, is sometimes called the ‘Venice of the East’. Today you will visit the famous Lingering Garden, recognised with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. China is renowned for its exquisite silk, so naturally a visit to the Silk Spinning Factory is in order. Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal (not included) to view life along China’s ancient waterway. Afterwards drive to Hangzhou (approx. 2 hours).

Hangzhou is considered the tea capital of China, so a visit to the city just isn’t complete without a trip to a local tea house. Make a special visit to the Tea House at Meijiawu Tea Village located at the hinterland of West Lake Park which is considered one of the most important Longjing Tea productions in China. Enjoy the natural environment and beautiful village scenery while learning more about their special tea culture. At the Tea House, learn how to make the Longjing Tea including picking, frying and tasting the tea leaves. Then enjoy a small boat ride on the West Lake another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which reveals the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou's willow draped islands.

Next, drive to Shanghai (approx. 2 hours) to visit the famous Bund. Shanghai is divided by the Huang Pu River into eastern and western sections. Modern mega high rises are seen on the eastern side while traditional European style architecture may be seen on the western side. The Bund is a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai's banks and trading houses. Tonight there is an optional activity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time” (not included).

This morning, step back in time at the Shanghai Museum - home to more than 120,000 objects and artworks. Enjoy some free time at leisure this afternoon or join an optional half-day tour of Shanghai (not included) including Yu Garden, believed to have been built in the Ming Dynasty, more than 400 years ago. The exquisite layout, beautiful scenery, and the artistic style of the garden architecture have made the garden one of the highlights of Shanghai. Other attractions include Xintiandi, Old Town and Nanjing Road. In the evening, take the opportunity to join the optional “Night Cruise on the Huangpu River” (not included).

After breakfast enjoy some free time to explore the cosmopolitan Shanghai on your own and then bid farewell to China and transfer to the airport for your return flight back to New Zealand. The standard check-out time is 12 noon. Complimentary luggage storage is available at the front desk. Please note: some customers may be required to stay overnight in Guangzhou or Shanghai and the airline will provide overnight accommodation and transfers.

Today depart from Auckland for Beijing via Guangzhou, Shanghai or Sydney. Fly with Qantas Airways, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air China or Hainan Airlines (subject to availability). Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and then transfer you to check-in to the hotel. 



 Please note: some customers may be required to stay overnight in Guangzhou or Shanghai and the airline will provide overnight accommodation and transfers. Also due to flight times and scheduling some customers may be required to be at the airport the day before (Depart day 0).

After breakfast, your exploration of Beijing begins with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and then takes in the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City, also known officially as the Imperial Palace Museum, was originally constructed by the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Yong Le, where 24 emperors once lived successionally. The palace was built between 1406 and 1420, but was burnt down, rebuilt, sacked and renovated countless times, so most of the architecture you can see today dates from the 1700s and onwards. Afterwards, visit a Pearl Factory to gain a little knowledge of fresh pearls. 



 Tonight, take the opportunity to attend an optional large scale dramatic musical, “The Golden Mask Dynasty” (not included).

After breakfast, on the way to the Great Wall, stop at a Jade Museum to learn the history of jade. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as “Yu” and it has a history in China of at least four thousand years. Observe the skilled artisans at work as they create their intricate designs. Afterwards take a scenic drive through the countryside and mountains to reach China’s most renowned monument—the Great Wall. You will visit the less-touristy and more original Juyong Pass, avoiding other sections which are the most accessible and consequently most crowded. The Great Wall meanders through China’s northern mountain ranges from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert - a distance of more than 3500 miles. 



 In the afternoon, take the opportunity to join an optional tour (not included) to see Beijing’s 700 year old Hutong’s (narrow lanes) area by old fashioned pedicab. You will also visit a local family living in a courtyard style home to experience the local customs including a delicious home-cooked dinner. The optional tour also includes a visit to Shichahai, a historic scenic area consisting of three lakes (Qianhai, meaning Front Sea; Houhai, meaning Back Sea and Xihai, meaning West Sea), surrounding places of historic interest and scenic beauty and remnants of old-style local residences, Hutong and Courtyard.

After breakfast visit Beijing Zoo to see the giant pandas. Then make a stop at “Tongrentang” to learn more about traditional Chinese medicine. Afterwards, transfer to Beijing Railway Station for a high-speed train experience to Zhengzhou (approx. 3 hours). Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel.

This morning visit the Henan or Zhengzhou Museum (dependent on day of the week and closure periods), which are both major museums in China and were created for the collection, protection, study and display of cultural relics in the hinterland of the Central Plain. Then visit Erqi Memorial Tower. Erqi Memorial Tower is the memorial of the Erqi Strike, which occurred on February 7, 1923. The Erqi Memorial Tower has altogether 14 storeys, totalling 63m in height. A winding staircase inside the tower brings you to the top floor, where you can get a bird’s-eye view of the whole city of Zhengzhou.

Today enjoy the day at leisure or take the opportunity to join an optional full-day Shaolin Kung Fu experience with lunch (not included). Visit the Shaolin Temple, nestled in the forested mountains of Henan, its the birthplace of Kung Fu and Zen Buddhism. The Shaolin Temple embraces many exciting attractions, such as the Hall of Heavenly Kings (Tianwangdian), the Mahavira Hall (Daxiongbaodian), the Pagoda Forest, the Dharma Cave and the Shaolin Temple Martial Art Training Centre. 



Then continue your visit to the Pagoda Forest, where hundreds of stone pagodas, memorials to past monks, are tightly grouped together in the forest. You may also have the chance to watch an exciting Shaolin Kung Fu performance at the Martial Arts Hall and may follow the masters there to learn your Kung Fu here (subject to availability).

This morning enjoy some free time at leisure before transferring to Zhengzhou Railway Station for a high-speed train experience to Suzhou (approx. 4.5 hours). Upon arrival you will be transferred to the hotel.

Suzhou, which dates back to 514 BC, is sometimes called the ‘Venice of the East’. Today you will visit the famous Lingering Garden, recognised with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. China is renowned for its exquisite silk, so naturally a visit to the Silk Spinning Factory is in order. Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal (not included) to view life along China’s ancient waterway. Afterwards drive to Hangzhou (approx. 2 hours).

Hangzhou is considered the tea capital of China, so a visit to the city just isn’t complete without a trip to a local tea house. Make a special visit to the Tea House at Meijiawu Tea Village located at the hinterland of West Lake Park which is considered one of the most important Longjing Tea productions in China. Enjoy the natural environment and beautiful village scenery while learning more about their special tea culture. At the Tea House, learn how to make the Longjing Tea including picking, frying and tasting the tea leaves. Then enjoy a small boat ride on the West Lake another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which reveals the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou's willow draped islands. 



Next, drive to Shanghai (approx. 2 hours) to visit the famous Bund. Shanghai is divided by the Huang Pu River into eastern and western sections. Modern mega high rises are seen on the eastern side while traditional European style architecture may be seen on the western side. The Bund is a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai's banks and trading houses. Tonight there is an optional activity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time” (not included).

This morning, step back in time at the Shanghai Museum - home to more than 120,000 objects and artworks. Enjoy some free time at leisure this afternoon or join an optional half-day tour of Shanghai (not included) including Yu Garden, believed to have been built in the Ming Dynasty, more than 400 years ago. The exquisite layout, beautiful scenery, and the artistic style of the garden architecture have made the garden one of the highlights of Shanghai. Other attractions include Xintiandi, Old Town and Nanjing Road. In the evening, take the opportunity to join the optional “Night Cruise on the Huangpu River” (not included).

After breakfast transfer to Shanghai Railway Station for a high speed train experience to Yichang (approx. 6 hours). You will be met at Yichang Railway Station by your tour guide and transferred to the China Goddess or Victoria Cruise Ship, where you will begin your memorable four night cruise down the Yangtze River. Yichang, renowned as “Gateway to the Three Gorges” and “Throat between Sichuan and Hubei”, is an important trading port and a transportation hub along the Yangtze River.

Today will begin with a full buffet breakfast, before you embark on your first shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site. The Three Gorges Dam Site is one of the largest construction projects undertaken by mankind and is the biggest hydropower project in the world. This evening you will return to the ship and attend the Captain’s Welcome Banquet. 



Optional shore excursion: Tribe of the Three Gorges (not included) The only large scenic spot that has not been influenced by the Three Gorges Dam project, which showcases the abundant Ba and Shu Cultures.

Today you will disembark the cruise ship and travel to the smaller and narrower Lesser Three Gorges for the day. Here you will appreciate the dramatic and unique beauty of the Yangtze River and the Qutang and Wu Gorges. On this excursion you will also visit the Ancient Plank Road, Mengliang Stairway and the Hanging Coffins. You will then return to the ship and continue sailing into the western section of Xiling Gorge. 



Optional shore excursion: White Emperor City (not included) White Emperor City, an ancient temple that is located atop Baidi Mountain on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Fengjie County.

Today you will enjoy your final shore excursion, the legendary Shibaozhai, which has a history of more than 400 years. The literal translation of Shibaozhai is ‘Precious Stone Fortress’, as the red stone pavilion was built against the side of a 200 metre cliff. The 12 storey red pavilion was constructed in 1819 to allow people to reach the Buddhist temple at the very top. Prior to its construction, people reached its peak using a system of chains. In the evening you will enjoy a Farewell Dinner. 



Optional shore excursion: Fengdu Ghost City (not included) Fengdu Ghost City is regarded as the ‘City of Ghosts’. The temples built on Ming Mountain depict punishment instruments and demon paintings, demonstrating the Chinese people’s imagination of hell.

After breakfast, this morning you will disembark the cruise ship in the magnificent city of Chongqing and enjoy an introductory tour of Chongqing. Afterwards transfer to Chongqing Airport for your afternoon flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival you will need to make your own way to the hotel.

Today is free at leisure for you to either relax or explore.

After breakfast, you will need to make your own way to Hong Kong International Airport for your return flight back to New Zealand. Please note: some customers may be required to stay overnight in Guangzhou or Shanghai and the airline will provide overnight accommodation and transfers.

Today depart from Auckland for Beijing via Guangzhou, Shanghai or Sydney. Fly with Qantas Airways, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Air China or Hainan Airlines (subject to availability). Upon arrival, a tour representative will meet you at the airport and then transfer you to check-in to the hotel. 



Please note: some customers may be required to stay overnight in Guangzhou or Shanghai and the airline will provide overnight accommodation and transfers. Also due to flight times and scheduling some customers may be required to be at the airport the day before (Depart day 0).

After breakfast, your exploration of Beijing begins with a visit to Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world and then takes in the Imperial Palace in the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City, also known officially as the Imperial Palace Museum, was originally constructed by the third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Yong Le, where 24 emperors once lived successionally. The palace was built between 1406 and 1420, but was burnt down, rebuilt, sacked and renovated countless times, so most of the architecture you can see today dates from the 1700’s and onwards. Afterwards, visit a Pearl Factory to gain a little knowledge of fresh pearls. 



Tonight, take the opportunity to attend an optional large scale dramatic musical, “The Golden Mask Dynasty” (not included).

After breakfast, on the way to the Great Wall, stop at a Jade Museum to learn the history of jade. In Chinese, jade is pronounced as “Yu” and it has a history in China of at least four thousand years. Observe the skilled artisans at work as they create their intricate designs. Afterwards take a scenic drive through the countryside and mountains to reach China’s most renowned monument—the Great Wall. You will visit the less-touristy and more original Juyong Pass, avoiding other sections which are the most accessible and consequently most crowded. The Great Wall meanders through China’s northern mountain ranges from the Yellow Sea to the Gobi Desert - a distance of more than 3500 miles. 



In the afternoon, take the opportunity to join an optional tour (not included) to see Beijing’s 700 year old Hutong’s (narrow lanes) area by old fashioned pedicab. You will also visit a local family living in a courtyard style home to experience the local customs including a delicious home-cooked dinner. The optional tour also includes a visit to Shichahai, a historic scenic area consisting of three lakes (Qianhai, meaning Front Sea; Houhai, meaning Back Sea and Xihai, meaning West Sea), surrounding places of historic interest and scenic beauty and remnants of old-style local residences, Hutong and Courtyard.

After breakfast visit Beijing Zoo to see the giant pandas. Then make a stop at “Tongrentang” to learn more about traditional Chinese medicine. Afterwards, transfer to Beijing Railway Station for a high-speed train experience to Xian (approx. 5.5 hours). Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.

The highlight today is a visit to the Terracotta Warriors and Horses Museum. Unearthed near Xi’an, the thousands of life size sculptures of soldiers, chariots and horses are considered a world wonder. With different facial expressions and weaponry adorning each soldier, the Terracotta Warriors were believed to have been created to accompany the Qin Emperor into the afterlife. This site is among the top archaeological excavations of the 20th century. You will definitely be amazed by the scale of the Terracotta Warriors Army. 



Afterwards visit the Terracotta Warriors Reproduction Factory and then transfer to Xian Railway Station for a high speed train experience to Zhengzhou (approx. 2.5 hours).

Today enjoy the day at leisure or take the opportunity to join an optional full-day Shaolin Kung Fu experience with lunch (not included). Visit the Shaolin Temple, nestled in the forested mountains of Henan, its the birthplace of Kung Fu and Zen Buddhism. The Shaolin Temple embraces many exciting attractions, such as the Hall of Heavenly Kings (Tianwangdian), the Mahavira Hall (Daxiongbaodian), the Pagoda Forest, the Dharma Cave and the Shaolin Temple Martial Art Training Centre. 



Then continue your visit to the Pagoda Forest, where hundreds of stone pagodas, memorials to past monks, are tightly grouped together in the forest. You may also have the chance to watch an amazing exciting Shaolin Kung Fu performance at the Martial Arts Hall and may follow the masters there to learn your Kung Fu here (subject to availability).

This morning visit the Henan or Zhengzhou Museum (dependent on day of the week and closure periods), which are both major museums in China and were created for the collection, protection, study and display of cultural relics in the hinterland of the Central Plain. Then visit Erqi Memorial Tower. Erqi Memorial Tower is the memorial of the Erqi Strike, which occurred on February 7, 1923. The Erqi Memorial Tower has altogether 14 storeys, totalling 63m in height. A winding staircase inside the tower brings you to the top floor, where you can get a bird’s-eye view of the whole city of Zhengzhou.

Afterwards transfer to Zhengzhou Railway Station for a high-speed train experience to Suzhou (approx. 4.5 hours). Upon arrival transfer to the hotel.

Suzhou, which dates back to 514 BC, is sometimes called the ‘Venice of the East’. Today you will visit the famous Lingering Garden, recognised with other classical Suzhou gardens as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. China is renowned for its exquisite silk, so naturally a visit to the Silk Spinning Factory is in order. Take the opportunity to cruise along the Grand Canal (not included) to view life along China’s ancient waterway. Afterwards drive to Hangzhou (approx. 2 hours).

Hangzhou is considered the tea capital of China, so a visit to the city just isn’t complete without a trip to a local tea house. Make a special visit to the Tea House at Meijiawu Tea Village located at the hinterland of West Lake Park which is considered one of the most important Longjing Tea productions in China. Enjoy the natural environment and beautiful village scenery while learning more about their special tea culture. At the Tea House, learn how to make the Longjing Tea including picking, frying and tasting the tea leaves. Then enjoy a small boat ride on the West Lake another UNESCO World Heritage Site, which reveals the ethereal beauty of Hangzhou's willow draped islands. 



Next, drive to Shanghai (approx. 2 hours) to visit the famous Bund. Shanghai is divided by the Huang Pu River into eastern and western sections. Modern mega high rises are seen on the eastern side while traditional European style architecture may be seen on the western side. The Bund is a five-block riverfront promenade with many of Shanghai's banks and trading houses. Tonight there is an optional activity to watch a superb and thrilling Chinese Acrobatic Show “ERA: The Intersection of Time” (not included).

This morning, step back in time at the Shanghai Museum - home to more than 120,000 objects and artworks. Enjoy some free time at leisure this afternoon or join an optional half-day tour of Shanghai (not included) including Yu Garden, believed to have been built in the Ming Dynasty, more than 400 years ago. The exquisite layout, beautiful scenery, and the artistic style of the garden architecture have made the garden one of the highlights of Shanghai. Other attractions include Xintiandi, Old Town and Nanjing Road. In the evening, take the opportunity to join the optional “Night Cruise on the Huangpu River” (not included).

After breakfast transfer to Shanghai Railway Station for a high speed train experience to Yichang (approx. 6 hours). You will be met at Yichang Railway Station by your tour guide and transferred to the China Goddess or Victoria Cruise Ship, where you will begin your memorable four night cruise down the Yangtze River. Yichang, renowned as “Gateway to the Three Gorges” and “Throat between Sichuan and Hubei”, is an important trading port and a transportation hub along the Yangtze River.

Today will begin with a full buffet breakfast, before you embark on your first shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam Site. The Three Gorges Dam Site is one of the largest construction projects undertaken by mankind and is the biggest hydropower project in the world. This evening you will return to the ship and attend the Captain’s Welcome Banquet. 



Optional shore excursion: Tribe of the Three Gorges (not included) The only large scenic spot that has not been influenced by the Three Gorges Dam project, which showcases the abundant Ba and Shu Cultures.

Today you will disembark the cruise ship and travel to the smaller and narrower Lesser Three Gorges for the day. Here you will appreciate the dramatic and unique beauty of the Yangtze River and the Qutang and Wu Gorges. On this excursion you will also visit the Ancient Plank Road, Mengliang Stairway and the Hanging Coffins. You will then return to the ship and continue sailing into the western section of Xiling Gorge. 



Optional shore excursion: White Emperor City (not included) White Emperor City, an ancient temple that is located atop Baidi Mountain on the northern bank of the Yangtze River in Fengjie County.

Today you will enjoy your final shore excursion, the legendary Shibaozhai, which has a history of more than 400 years. The literal translation of Shibaozhai is ‘Precious Stone Fortress’, as the red stone pavilion was built against the side of a 200 metre cliff. The 12 storey red pavilion was constructed in 1819 to allow people to reach the Buddhist temple at the very top. Prior to its construction, people reached its peak using a system of chains. In the evening you will enjoy a Farewell Dinner. 



Optional shore excursion: Fengdu Ghost City (not included) Fengdu Ghost City is regarded as the ‘City of Ghosts’. The temples built on Ming Mountain depict punishment instruments and demon paintings, demonstrating the Chinese people’s imagination of hell.

After breakfast, this morning you will disembark the cruise ship in the magnificent city of Chongqing and enjoy an introductory tour of Chongqing. Afterwards transfer to Chongqing Airport for your afternoon flight to Hong Kong. Upon arrival you will need to make your own way to the hotel.

Today is free at leisure for you to either relax or explore.

After breakfast, you will need to make your own way to Hong Kong International Airport for your return flight back to New Zealand. Please note: some customers may be required to stay overnight in Guangzhou or Shanghai and the airline will provide overnight accommodation and transfers.