Ancient Empires of China & Japan

This immersive journey through China and Japan showcases the very best of East Asia’s history, culture and landscapes. Begin in Beijing, exploring iconic sights including the Great Wall, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven, before travelling by bullet train to Xi’an to marvel at the legendary Terracotta Warriors. Discover China’s natural beauty in Guilin and Yangshuo with a scenic Li River cruise, then experience the modern energy of Shanghai.

Continue to Japan, starting in vibrant Osaka, before travelling by high-speed rail through Okayama, Hiroshima and Kyoto. Highlights include Osaka Castle, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Miyajima Island, Kyoto’s Golden Pavilion and Fushimi Inari Shrine, and a traditional tea ceremony. The journey concludes in Tokyo, with views from Tokyo Skytree, historic Asakusa, and a memorable farewell dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay.

Combining world-famous landmarks, cultural encounters, scenic cruising and high-speed rail travel, this tour offers a comprehensive introduction to two fascinating countries.

Highlights

• Walk on the Great Wall of China
• Face the spectacular Terracotta Warriors
• Take a cruise down the tranquil Li River
• Reflect in Hiroshima
• Explore Japan’s history in Kyoto
• Admire breath-taking Mount Fuji 

Pricing

21 Days

from

$14,980*

per person, twin share

Pricing is based on 4 May, 7 & 14 Sep 26 departures 

Inclusions

• Return international economy flights, taxes and current fuel surcharges 
• All accommodation
• 18 breakfasts, 17 lunches, 18 dinners
• Tour guides and entrance fees
• All transportation and transfers
• Safe and secure with IATA

The only thing you may have to pay for are 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.  An informal welcome dinner will be held in the evening. Late arrivals will receive a box dinner and tour briefing the following day.  

Day Three - Beijing

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 strolling through the exquisite Summer Palace. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Peking Duck dinner.  

Day Four - Beijing

Soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven for about one hour.  Next, enjoy a leisurely stroll in the warren-like hutongs where you will meet a local family before walking through Tiananmen Square and into the magnificent Forbidden City.  

Day Five - Beijing - Xian

Transfer to the train station and take the bullet train for around 5-hours to the ancient city of Xian.  Upon arrival, enjoy some time at leisure at Xian’s Muslim Quarter, where you will find an array of food stalls selling a wealth of flavours. Here, you will also have an opportunity to shop for some souvenirs at the various stalls selling a variety of trinkets and mementos.  In the evening, enjoy a delicious feast of traditional Shui Jiao dumplings and a lively performance of Tang Dynasty dancing 

Day Six - Xian

Spend the morning viewing the enigmatic ranks of the life-sized 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 2.5 hours to explore.  Later, 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. Enjoy an evening at leisure or join an optional evening Tang Ever-Bright City night tour 

Day Seven - Xian - Guilin

Today, transfer to the airport and flying approximately 2 hours to Guilin, best known for its incredible natural landscapes  Upon arrival, stroll around Zhengyang Pedestrian Street and the picturesque Ronghu Lake and admire the Sun and Moon Pagodas – two towering examples of traditional Chinese - Buddhist architecture.  

Day Eight - Guilin to Yangshou

Take a relaxed 4-hour cruise along the Li River to the charming town of Yangshuo, where you will stay overnight. 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 that usually hold 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 one-hour drive from your hotel.  

Day Nine -Yangshou to Guilin

Today, enjoy a countryside tour before driving back to Gulin, a journey of approximately 1 hour.  Upon arrival, go on to visit the Reed Flute Caves to admire the stunning colours of the stalagmites and stalactites. You will walk through the caves, involving around 500 stairs and sometimes along damp paths. It usually takes about 1.5-hours to complete the route, and it is quite cool inside.  

Day Ten - Guilin - Shanghai

Fly just over 2 hours to the exuberant city of Shanghai for a 2night stay. Upon arrival, check-in to your hotel, where the remainder of your day will be at leisure.  

Day Eleven - 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 and Nanjing Road, where you will also be able to enjoy some time at leisure before visiting a silk factory  

Day Twelve - Goodbye China, Hello Japan

Transfer to the airport and fly just over two hours to the vibrant city of Osaka. On arrival you will be met by your English-speaking Japanese guide and transferred to your hotel. 

Day Thirteen - Osaka

This morning, visit the famous Osaka Castle before taking a 20minute cruise along the Yodogawa River. Next, stroll around the Dotonbori district, a restaurant mecca, where you can sample delicious local delicacies for lunch.  Spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure before dinner in the evening. 

Day Fourteen - Osaka - Okayama - Kurashiki - Hiroshima

Transfer to Osaka Station and take the speedy bullet train for 45 minutes to Okayama.  Visit Korakuen Garden, one of the ‘Three Great Gardens of Japan’ before continuing around 1 hour to Kurashiki to explore the beautifully preserved Bikan Historical Quarter.  Later, transfer around two hours to Hiroshima.  

Day Fifteen - Hiroshima & Miyajima

Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, where sightseeing will be at a leisurely pace on foot.  Visit Itsukushima Shrine and admire its Torii gate, which appears to float above the water at high tide. Take some time to explore the island's main thoroughfare with its variety of souvenir and snack shops.  Return to Hiroshima for lunch.  This afternoon, visit the famous Peace Memorial Park and Museum. Please be aware that the museum may be confronting and upsetting for some group members, and it is at your discretion whether you wish to visit or enjoy time at leisure exploring the Peace Memorial Park.  Later, visit the observation deck of Orizuru Tower and enjoy views of the city.  

Day Sixteen - Hiroshima - Kyoto

This morning, transfer to Hiroshima Station and catch a bullet train to Kyoto, a journey of 1 hour 40 minutes.  This enchanting city was the capital of Japan for some thousand years and remains the epitome of traditional Japan.  Visit Ryoan-ji, the Zen ‘temple of the peaceful dragon’, and the famous Golden Pavilion of Kinkaku-ji.  

Day Seventeen - Explore Kyoto

This morning, visit the mesmerising Fushimi Inari Shrine, which stretches from the bottom to the top of Mount Inari (233 metres high). The mountain path is framed by thousands of vermillion torii gates.  You will walk up part of the mountain. Due to the limited parking space at Fushimi Inari Shrine coach parking, you may need to walk for 15 minutes to reach the start point of the mountain path.  Next, head to Nishiki Market, also known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’, with its lively open-air market specialising in all things food! Later, experience the ritual of a tea ceremony before trying your hand at the traditional art of origami.  

Day Eighteen - Kyoto - Hakone - Tokyo

This s morning, visit the mesmerising Fushimi Inari Shrine, which stretches from the bottom to the top of Mount Inari (233 metres high). The mountain path is framed by thousands of vermillion torii gates.  You will walk up part of the mountain. Due to the limited parking space at Fushimi Inari Shrine coach parking, you may need to walk for 15 minutes to reach the start point of the mountain path.  Next, head to Nishiki Market, also known as ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’, with its lively open-air market specialising in all things food! Later, experience the ritual of a tea ceremony before trying your hand at the traditional art of origami.  

Day Nineteen - Tokyo

Tokyo is the ultimate 24-hour city, but look behind its busy, high-tech façade and you will find plenty of tranquil backstreets and old temples to explore.  Begin your day at the 634-metre Tokyo Skytree and ascend to the observation deck for magnificent views. Later, head to the vibrant Asakusa district and soak up the ambiance of Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest Buddhist temple.  Later, enjoy a farewell dinner cruise on Tokyo Bay, admiring the city lights as you cruise across the bay's waters.  

Days Twenty & Twenty One - Depart Tokyo

This morning is free at leisure before transferring to the airport for your overnight flight home. 

 

Terms and Conditions

Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes and are subject to change. Correct as of 1 June 2025

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. 

Land Only (Beijing - Tokyo) 19 Days from $13,780 Single Supplement from $2,600

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

Please note: cherry blossoms are weather dependent and it is not guaranteed that they will be in bloom at the time of your arrival.

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