SHORTLIST

Glories of China

Combining the contrasting urban splendour of Shanghai, Beijing and Xian with the majestic sights of the Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors and extraordinary landscapes of the Li River, this tour showcases China’s most glorious highlights.
Price notes:
  • Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes and are subject to change. Correct as of 1 July 2024
  • Depending on airline schedules, you may depart and/or arrive on Day 2. Extra nights' accommodation (pre or post tour) or stopovers may be required at an additional cost.
  • Customary tipping amount is paid locally in China of approximately RMB 580 pp (2025 & 2026), RMB 610 pp (2027).
  • Based on departures from Auckland
  • Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available upon request
  • Land only (Shanghai - Beijing) 13 days from $5,980 per person, twin share
  • Single supplement from $1,000 (ds not apply to Solo Exclusive Departures)
Tour details
Tour Provider Wendy Wu
Price From
$6,580
Number of Days
15
Start Location
Shanghai, China
End Location
Beijing, China
Age Range
Avg. 60+
Group Size
10 to 28
Tour Style
Comfort
Tour Themes
No specific theme
Physical Rating
Easy
Includes Flights
Yes
Itinerary Open all
Day 1-2: Fly To Shanghai
Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the '˜Paris of the East'. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Huangpu River Cruise
Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Start with a visit to the classical Yu Garden, pass through the old town and visit a silk factory. View the city at night from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise. This evening, enjoy a meal of Shanghainese cuisine.
Day 4: Explore Shanghai
Travel to Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai's sleepy water towns and explore its many charms. Return to Shanghai to see the antiquities of the Shanghai Museum before admiring magnificent architecture with a stroll along the Bund.
Day 5: Seven Star Park
Fly to the scenic city of Guilin. Enjoy a stroll through the Seven Star Park and explore the spectacular formations of Seven Star Cave.
Day 6: Li River Cruise
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming town of 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. This evening there is an option to watch the spectacular Impression Liu Sanjie music and light show.
Day 7: Yangshuo
Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of emerald-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Start the day with a relaxing and invigorating session of tai chi, taking a class with a master to learn this ancient martial art. Spend the rest of the morning exploring the countryside and enjoy the afternoon at leisure. There are many optional activities available including cycling, rafting and walking.
Day 8: Cormorant Fishermen
Return to Guilin. Stroll around Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon pagodas '“ two towering examples of traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture. Visit the South China Pearl Factory which covers the fascinating 1,700-year-old history of pearling and see the many displays and demonstrations on offer. Later, stop on the banks of the Li River for a photo opportunity with a cormorant fisherman.
Day 9: Tang Dynasty Dancing
Fly to Xian and visit the Muslim Quarter before feasting on traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and watching a lively performance of Tang Dynasty dancing.
Day 10: Terracotta Warriors
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, followed by a visit to the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate terracotta warriors. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town.
Day 11: Bullet Train To Beijing
Board the bullet train to Beijing, the capital of China. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the warren-like hutongs, traditional neighborhoods, and visit a local family to gain a deeper insight into Chinese culture and local customs.
Day 12: Great Wall Of China
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 the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. In the afternoon, return to Beijing and enjoy the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace. End the day watching a thrilling Chinese acrobatic show.
Day 13: Forbidden City
Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. A monument to dynasties past, enter through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, into a complex of a thousand rooms and many imperial treasures. Today's sightseeing is the perfect way to build up your appetite for Beijing's most famous delicacy '“ Peking duck.
Days 14-15: Fly Beijing To New Zealand
Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the same or following day.
Day 1-2: Fly To Shanghai
Fly to the cosmopolitan city of Shanghai, also known as the '˜Paris of the East'. Depending on your time of arrival, the rest of the day is yours to start soaking up the local culture.
Day 3: Huangpu River Cruise
Shanghai is China's great metropolis, where east and west collide on streets lined with futuristic skyscrapers and 10th-century temples. Today explore the classical Yu Garden, stroll through the charming old town, visit a silk mill and take in sweeping views of Shanghai's stunning skyline from the iconic Jin Mao Tower. Later, enjoy a panoramic cruise along the Huangpu River before dining on authentic Shanghainese cuisine.
Day 4: Explore Shanghai
Travel to Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai's sleepy water towns and explore its many charms. Return to Shanghai for a stroll along the iconic Bund and bustling Nanjing Road.
Day 5: Gorgeous Guilin
Fly to the scenic city of Guilin. Visit a picturesque tea plantation and explore among the tea bushes, learn about China's rich tea heritage and enjoy a tasting. Then ride a scenic cable car up Yao Mountain for views of Guilin's dramatic karst landscape.
Day 6: Li River Cruise
Take a relaxed cruise along the Li River to the charming town of 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. This evening there is an option to watch the spectacular Impression Liu Sanjie music and light show.
Day 7: Yangshuo
Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of emerald-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. Begin your day with an invigorating Tai Chi class led by a local master, followed by a soothing Chinese reflexology massage. Spend the rest of the morning exploring the countryside and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.
Day 8: Explore Guilin
Return to Guilin, stopping to discover the colourful stalagmites and stalactites at Reed Flute Cave. Later, stroll around Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon pagodas '“ two towering examples of traditional Chinese Buddhist architecture.
Day 9: Tang Dynasty Dancing
Fly to Xian and explore the atmospheric alleys of the Muslim Quarter, where you'll gain insight into the city's historic role as the starting point of the Silk Road. In the evening, dine on Shui Jiao dumplings, followed by a vibrant Tang Dynasty dancing performance
Day 10: Terracotta Warriors
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, followed by a visit to the workshop of the craftsmen who recreate terracotta warriors. Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th-century city walls that enclose Xian's old town, then enjoy a refreshing beer tasting at a local brewery.
Day 11: Bullet Train To Beijing
Board the bullet train to Beijing. China's capital, cultural centre and a treasure trove of sights, beneath layers of modernity this fast-paced mega city hides three millennia worth of tumultuous but glorious history. Start exploring with a leisurely stroll through the warren-like hutongs, traditional neighbourhoods, and visit a local family to gain a deeper insight into Chinese culture and local customs.
Day 12: Great Wall Of China
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 the sheer magnificence of the wall itself and the dramatic scenery that surrounds it. Stop by a jade factory then spend the afternoon strolling through the idyllic landscapes of the Summer Palace. End the day watching a thrilling Chinese acrobatic show.
Day 13: Explore Beijing
Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven, an orderly oasis in a bustling urban landscape. Head to Beijing's symbolic heart, Tiananmen Square, and stroll into the sprawling magnificence of the Forbidden City. A monument to dynasties past, enter through the Gate of Supreme Harmony, into a complex of a thousand rooms and many imperial treasures. Today's sightseeing is the perfect way to build up your appetite for Beijing's most famous delicacy '“ Peking duck.
Days 14-15: Fly Beijing To New Zealand
Fly to New Zealand, arriving home the same or following day.
Inclusions
  • Domestic transportation
  • Accommodation
  • Entrance fees, guides and daily tour
  • All Meals
  • China Visa is not required for New Zealand and Australia passport holders for stays 30 days and under. For longer periods in China Visa assist fees will apply
Departure dates
All pp pricing is based on twin share occupancy. Single supplements will apply
Start End Availability Price NZD
09 Aug 2025 22 Aug 2025 28 $6,980
06 Sep 2025 19 Sep 2025 28 $6,980
13 Sep 2025 26 Sep 2025 28 $6,980
11 Oct 2025 24 Oct 2025 28 $6,980
18 Oct 2025 31 Oct 2025 28 $6,980
01 Mar 2026 14 Mar 2026 28 $6,580
15 Mar 2026 28 Mar 2026 28 $7,180
05 Apr 2026 18 Apr 2026 28 $7,180
12 Apr 2026 25 Apr 2026 28 $7,180
10 May 2026 23 May 2026 28 $7,180
17 May 2026 30 May 2026 28 $7,180
09 Aug 2026 22 Aug 2026 28 $7,180
31 Aug 2026 13 Sep 2026 28 $7,180
06 Sep 2026 19 Sep 2026 28 $7,180
05 Oct 2026 18 Oct 2026 28 $7,180
11 Oct 2026 24 Oct 2026 28 $7,180
25 Oct 2026 07 Nov 2026 28 $7,180
11 Nov 2026 24 Nov 2026 28 $7,180
14 Mar 2027 27 Mar 2027 28 $7,480
04 Apr 2027 17 Apr 2027 28 $7,480
11 Apr 2027 24 Apr 2027 28 $7,480
09 May 2027 22 May 2027 28 $7,480
16 May 2027 29 May 2027 28 $7,480
08 Aug 2027 21 Aug 2027 28 $7,480
29 Aug 2027 11 Sep 2027 28 $7,480
05 Sep 2027 18 Sep 2027 28 $7,480
12 Sep 2027 25 Sep 2027 28 $7,480
10 Oct 2027 23 Oct 2027 28 $7,480
17 Oct 2027 30 Oct 2027 28 $7,480
31 Oct 2027 13 Nov 2027 28 $7,480