Overview
INCLUDED in our Tour Cost:
- Fully Escorted from New Zealand by a Maher Tour Leader
- International Economy Flights (upgrade available)
- Superior-grade Hotel Accommodation
- Air-conditioned Transport
- Exceptional Meals
- Entrance Fees & Gratuity Tips
We are delighted to again offer this comprehensive tour to China as part of our 2026 tour programme. China, as one of the largest and most populous nations on earth, has so much to offer the traveller. A journey through China is a journey through 5000 years of history with the ancient and the modern standing side-by-side, and of course the history and culture is very different from our own. As was evidenced during the very successful Olympic Games in Beijing and the 2010 World Expo in Shanghai, China is changing. The last 20 years has seen this vast country rapidly progress to become a major player in the industrial and commercial world, but let’s not forget the history and mystery of ancient China spanning 5000 years – it is never far away…
Yangtze River Cruise
Spend 4 nights on board a first-class river cruise ship, MV Century Paragon, cruising on China’s longest river. The three great gorges in Sichuan and Hubei provinces are regarded as one of the greatest scenic attractions in China. Sit back in comfort and enjoy the passing dramatic scenery and rushing waters.
The cruise ship has an indoor heated swimming pool. There is also a water bar, a gym, and a shower room beside the swimming pool. During the voyage, the cruise ship has a variety of entertainment activities, such as Three Gorges knowledge lectures, Chinese martial arts, Tai Chi exercise, calligraphy and sculpture, Karaoke.
Experienced Chinese and Western chefs from five-star hotels to cook exquisite dishes for you. There are dozens of types of buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner, and a round table dinner with local flavor. Let you enjoy authentic western food while enjoying Chinese cuisine.
Tour highlights include:
- Beijing – the nation’s capital and heart and soul of Chinese politics and society for over 5000 years
- Xi’an – home to the incredible “Terracotta Warriors” – they must be seen to be believed
- Shanghai – the most prosperous city in China where the old and the new sit side by side
- Yangtze River Cruise – The tour will spend 4 nights on board a first-class river cruise ship, (MV Century Paragon), cruising on China’s longest river. The three great gorges in Sichuan and Hubei provinces are regarded as one of the greatest scenic attractions in China. Sit back in comfort and enjoy the passing dramatic scenery and rushing waters.
Itinerary
Tuesday 12 May Auckland – Shanghai
Late this evening, we report to the airport and join the overnight flight to Shanghai.
Wednesday 13 May Shanghai (B/D)
We arrive in Shanghai early this morning and after clearing Customs and Immigration formalities, we are met and transferred to our hotel for a two-night stay. There is time to rest up after the flight until mid-afternoon when we enjoy a tour of the Pudong area. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Thursday 14 May Shanghai (B/L/D)
Stroll the Bund promenade along the Huangpu River, where the old meets the modern in Shanghai; then to the Old Town with its winding alleyways lined with shops, tea houses, restaurants and to the elegant and tranquil Yu Garden. Xintiandi is a new attraction in downtown Shanghai, featuring the city’s unique “Shikumen” houses and a maze of narrow alleys which have been converted into cafes, restaurants, bars, art and retail shops. In the evening, enjoy the breathtaking Shanghai Acrobats whose circus-like acts originated during the Han Dynasty more than 2,000 years ago
Friday 15 May Shanghai – Yichang – Yangtze Cruise (B/L/D)
We have some free time available this morning before our transfer to Shanghai Airport in time to join the flight to Yichang. There is time for a city tour before we transfer to our first-class river ship for the start of our 4 nights on the Yangtze River.
Saturday 16 May Three Gorges Dam (B/L/D)
The Three Gorges Dam is the largest water conservancy project ever undertaken by man. The Dam is 2,335 metres long, 185 metres high, 18 metres wide on the top and 130 metres wide at the bottom. The Dam has raised the river to a level of 175 metres above sea level. The construction of the dam formally began in 1994. The body of the dam was completed in 2003, and power generation began in 2005. We enjoy a shore excursion to the Three Gorges Dam. Alternatively, you have the opportunity to pass through the Ship Lift (optional) and then visit the Three Gorges Dam.
Sunday 17 May Qutang & Wu – Lesser Three Gorges (B/L/D)
Before breakfast, the ship approaches the entrance of the second of the Three Gorges – Wu Gorge. Below Wushan is the 25-mile-long Wu Gorge, with cliffs so sheer that the sun barely penetrates the precipices. This middle gorge is best known for twelve unique peaks. Often hidden in swirls of mist, six peaks line the north side of the river, and six staggered peaks stand to the south. After breakfast, on arrival in Wushan we will disembark for a shore excursion to Shennv Stream. Return to the ship, and lunch is served. Continue sailing upstream to the Qutang Gorge – the last, shortest and most dramatic of the Three Gorges. This afternoon you have the opportunity to take part in an optional shore excursion to White Emperor City.
Monday 18 May Fengdu (B/L/D)
After breakfast, we disembark for our shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City with 2000 years’ history. According to the Chinese legend, two officials named Yin and Wang from the Han Dynasty became immortals through practicing Taoist teachings and were then worshipped as the “Ghost King” and “Ghost Queen” after their deaths. Over time, Fengdu became associated with the afterlife and was believed to be where the dead passed through to reach the netherworld. We return to the ship for lunch and spend the remainder of the day cruising on the scenic Yangtze River.
Tuesday 19 May Fuling – Chongqing – Xian (B/L/D)
We disembark from our river cruise ship in Chongqing after breakfast and then onto Chongqing Zoo to see the Pandas before joining the high-speed train to Xian, arriving late evening.
Wednesday 20 May Xian (B/L/D)
Today we visit the most significant archaeological excavations of the 20th century, the life-sized Terra Cotta Warriors and Horses as they guard the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China. The life-sized terracotta soldiers and their horses were discovered in 1974 having been preserved in an underground vault of earth and timber for 2000 years. At the completion of our visit, we return to the city and see the ancient City Wall and Grand Mosque. This evening, we enjoy a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show featuring music, dance, and traditional costumes.
Thursday 21 May Xian – Beijing (B/L/D)
After a leisurely breakfast we join our high-speed train through to Beijing. Arriving late afternoon, the remainder of the day is at leisure until we meet for dinner this evening.
Friday 22 May Beijing (B/L/D)
Our full day tour takes us 40 miles north of the city to the Great Wall. The original construction of the Great Wall started in the 7th century B.C. to keep out the warring invaders. Additional sections were added for nearly 4,000 miles. A walk along this Great Wall is truly inspiring. The afternoon is equally as memorable and of a different era as we visit the icons of the Beijing Olympics – Bird Nest and Water Cube.
Saturday 23 May Beijing (B/L/D)
Beijing has been the heart and soul of Chinese culture, politics and society for over 5000 years. We commence our sightseeing program of this fascinating city with a walk through the landmark Tiananmen Square, followed by a visit to the Forbidden City – the largest and most complete ancient imperial palace in the world. Thereafter, we spend time at the Summer Palace – once a summer retreat for the emperors and their families and now one of China’s best-preserved imperial gardens. Enjoy this masterpiece of Chinese landscape garden design. Tonight, enjoy a western dinner.
Sunday 24 May Beijing (B/L/D)
This morning, we visit the Temple of Heaven where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties worshipped. The surrounding grounds of the Temple will give us an insight into the locals’ daily activities. In the afternoon we visit Beijing’s famed Hutongs near Houhai Lake. This evening, we get together to enjoy the traditional Peking duck dinner at a local restaurant.
Monday 25 May Beijing – Suzhou (B/L/D)
Today we take the high speed train to Suzhou. Upon arrival, we are met and transferred to the hotel. A city, often called the “Oriental Venice”, and famous for its classic gardens. We spend two nights in Suzhou.
Tuesday 26 May Suzhou (B/L/D)
On our tour today, we visit the Master of the Nets Garden and the Humble Administrator’s Garden, two of the finest and most recognised gardens in China. Later, we board a traditional boat in Suzhou and cruise the canals that date back 1,000 years.
Wednesday 27 May Suzhou – Wuzhen – Hangzhou (B/L/D)
This morning, we depart Suzhou and drive to Hangzhou, En route, we visit Wuzhen – a river village known for its ancient bridges. This is the China of picture books, complete with narrow streets, simple homes, tea houses and intriguing shops. We arrive in Hangzhou in the afternoon, where we spend two nights.
Thursday 28 May Hangzhou (B/L/D)
A full day tour visiting the Hua Gang Park and West Lake. You will appreciate the fabled scenery, such as ‘Broken Bridge’, ‘Autumn Moon over the Calm Lake’ and ‘Three Pools Mirroring the Moon’. We take a short cruise tour on the West Lake then visit the Traditional Chinese Medicine Museum. The museum presents visitors with a style of antique architecture, alongside a treasury of traditional Chinese medical science and technology. With Hangzhou being famous for Longjing Green Tea, we visit a tea plantation to taste its famous tea and learn about the ancient tea making process.
Friday 29 May Hangzhou – Shanghai (B/L/D)
Enjoy some free time this morning until we depart by coach for Shanghai.
We arrive into Shanghai late afternoon for an overnight stay. We enjoy one final dinner together this evening.
Saturday 30 May Shanghai – Auckland (B)
A leisurely morning before we make our way to the airport to join our direct flight back to Auckland.
Sunday 31 May Arrive Auckland (B)
We arrive in Auckland early morning.
