Wonders of China

Discover China’s most iconic sights on this comprehensive journey from Beijing to Shanghai. Explore imperial landmarks including the Forbidden City, the Great Wall and the Temple of Heaven, before travelling by high-speed train to Xian to witness the extraordinary Terracotta Warriors and walk the ancient city walls.

Cruise the legendary Yangtze River for four nights, passing through the dramatic Three Gorges and visiting the vast Three Gorges Dam. Continue south to Guilin and Yangshuo, where a Li River cruise reveals classic karst landscapes, rural villages and tranquil countryside.

Conclude in dynamic Shanghai, combining traditional gardens and historic waterfront architecture with a modern skyline and river cruise. This tour blends China’s rich history, natural beauty and contemporary culture into one unforgettable experience.

Highlights

• Discover the imperial treasures of Beijing 
• Explore the Great Wall of China
• See the spectacular Terracotta Warriors
• Take a 4-night Yangtze River Cruise
• Relax with a scenic cruise on Li River
• Explore the Yangshuo countryside
• Enjoy vibrant Shanghai 

Pricing

17 Days 

from

$7,730*

per person, twin share

Pricing is based on 1 & Nov 26 departures 

Inclusions

• Return international economy flights, taxes and current fuel surcharges  (unless a land only option is selected
• All accommodation
• All meals
• All sightseeing and entrance fees
• All transportation and transfers
• English speaking National Escort (if your group is 10 or more passengers) and Local Guides
• Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants
• Comprehensive travel guides
• Safe and secure with IATA

The only thing you may have to pay for is personal expenditure e.g. drinks, optional excursions or shows, insurance of any kind, customary tipping, early check in or late check out and other items not specified on the itinerary. 

Itinerary Details

Days One  Two - Beijing

On arrival in Beijing Daxing or Beijing Capital Airport, you will be met in the arrival hall by your local guide and/or National Escort from Wendy Wu Tours. Together with all other group members who may be arriving at a similar time, you will transfer approximately 1 hour to your hotel.  Early check-in is not included. Additional nights before and after your tour can be arranged. Please contact our Reservations team to book. An informal Welcome Dinner will be held on Day 2. Late arrivals will receive a box dinner. 

Day Three - Beijing

Walk through Tiananmen Square and into the magnificent Forbidden City. Enjoy a leisurely stroll in the warren-like hutongs where you will meet a local family.  Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven. Sightseeing today will involve approximately 3-4 hours on foot.  Tonight, eat a traditional Peking duck dinner.  

Day Four - The Great Wall

Rise early this morning and drive around 2-hours northwest of the city to the Juyongguan Pass. Here you can take a walk on the Great Wall of China, appreciating the wall itself and the dramatic scenery. After walking from the coach to the first section, your group will receive an introduction to the Great Wall’s unique history and a briefing on the different walking routes available, depending on your level of fitness. You will then have approximately 2.5 hours free time to explore at your own pace.  Later, visit a jade factory before taking a stroll through the exquisite Summer Palace.  

Day Five - Beijing - Xian

This morning you will be transferred to Beijing train station for your 5-hour bullet train to Xian. Wander through the Muslim Quarter for around 1-hour on foot before enjoying a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing in the evening.  

Day Six - Xian

Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of the lifesized Terracotta Warriors. The Museum of the Terracotta Warriors and Horses is located approximately a 1-hour drive outside of Xian. From the bus park to the museum entrance is a 15-minute walk. There are electric carts offered by private vendors which can be organised at your own cost. There is no electric cart available for the return from the museum exit to the bus park. Within the museum area the warriors can be seen in three different ‘pits’, which are active archaeological digs. The site is large and will take about 2 ½ hours to explore.  After this, visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop to see smaller models of the warriors being made.  Later, stroll on the beautifully preserved 14th century city walls that enclose Xian’s old town. The local guide will give you time to explore the ancient city walls at your own pace. There are options here to hire a bicycle or an electric cart to drive along the length of the wall.  

Day Seven - Xian - Yangtze River Cruise

Transfer to the airport and take a 1-and-a-half-hour flight to Yichang. Upon arrival, transfer to Maoping docks and board your cruise ship which will take you on an amazing journey up China’s Yangtze River for the next 4-nights. flights Whilst we aim to ensure passengers are transferred direct to Yichang, in this region are subject to change/cancellation and we may need to adjust transportation at the last minute. It may be necessary to depart your hotel in the early morning or to fly to Wuhan and transfer 6 hours by road. 

Day Eight - Yangtze River Cruise

Visit the Three Gorges Dam, the largest hydroelectric dam in the world. Disembark the ship and drive around 20 minutes (the coach is not permitted to stop for photos) to the viewing area above the ship locks where you will be able to truly appreciate the scale of this hydroelectric project. There is also a small museum here and a lookout point. The sightseeing will involve around 1 hour on foot.  Return to the ship and sail through Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the three gorges. 

Day Nine -  Yangtze River Cruise

Transfer to smaller vessels for a relaxing excursion through the Shennong Stream gorges, which are narrower than the Three Gorges, but very impressive.  Later, as the cruise ship continues upstream, prepare for breathtaking vistas as you pass through Wu gorge and Qutang gorges. Wu gorge is known for its quiet beauty, forest-covered mountains, and sheer cliffs, while Qutang Gorge is the shortest, narrowest, and most dramatic gorge. 

Day Ten - Yangtze River Cruise

Continue cruising along the mighty Yangtze River. Relax onboard or disembark to explore the Xiaoguanshan Folk Culture Park, a reconstructed park featuring ancestral homes, the historic Tianfo Temple, and Huichuan Gate, all rescued from the submerged areas of the Three Gorges Dam. Sightseeing is leisurely on foot, taking approximately 1-2 hours.  

Day Eleven - Yangtze River Cruise – Guilin  

Check out of your cabin early this morning and disembark in Chongqing. There are around 200 steps from the coach car park to the cruise dock. Visit Chongqing Zoo’s Panda House before boarding the speedy bullet train 5-hours to Guilin.  

Day Twelve - Guilin – Yangshuo  

Take a relaxed 4-hour cruise along the Li River to the charming village of Yangshuo, where you will spend 1 night. Around every river bend is a view to take your breath away as jagged peaks loom over rural scenes of lush greenery, grazing buffalos and local fishermen. These are small cruise boats usually holding approximately 100 passengers: with an enclosed dining area on the lower deck and an open viewing area on the upper deck.  Usually, the boats depart at 9am from the dock located a 1-hour drive from your hotel. However, when the river level is low, they depart from further downstream which would mean a longer drive and an earlier check-out from your hotel.  Disembarking from the cruise, your Local Guide will walk with you to your hotel, approximately a 30minute walk from the river.

Day Thirteen - Yangshuo – Guilin  

Yangshuo sits in an exquisite rural location, surrounded by landscapes of jewel-green paddy fields and dramatic limestone karsts. In the morning, spend a leisurely 1.5-hours walking through the countryside, before driving around 1-hour back to Guilin.  En-route, visit the Reed Flute Caves to admire the stunning colours of the stalagmites and stalactites. You will take a short walk through the caves, sometimes along damp paths and stairs. It usually takes about 1.5 hours to complete the route and can be quite cool inside. Head to the banks of the Li River and see a cormorant fisherman. 

Day Fourteen - Guilin – Shanghai  

This morning, stroll around picturesque Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon Pagodas – two towering examples of traditional Chinese-Buddhist architecture, and visit the Ancient South Gate.  In the afternoon, fly just over 2 hours to the exuberant city of Shanghai for a 2-night stay. In the evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic cruise. 

Day Fifteen - Shanghai  

Today’s explorations include the peaceful Yu Garden and a quick visit to the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund, before visiting a silk factory. Sightseeing today involves a full day of touring around the centre of the city, including 3-4 hours on foot.  There is an option to ride the Maglev Train and visit Jin Mao Tower (time permitting, payable local  Dine on Shanghainese cuisine tonight.  

Days Sixteen & Seventeen -  Depart Shanghai  

After breakfast and check out any time before your flight is at leisure.  You will be transferred from your hotel to the airport, according to the departure time of your international flight arriving home the following day.  

Terms and Conditions

Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes and are subject to change. Correct as of  22 Jan 26

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 of approximately RMB810pp (2025 & 2026), RMB850pp (2027) is paid locally in China.

Land only from $6,980 (Beijing - Shanghai) Single supplement from $1,600

Based on departures from Auckland .Departures from other cities and flight upgrades available upon request

Price listed is based on new bookings only

for further T & C's please check the Wendy Wu website www.wendywutours.co.nz