Majestic Yangtze
15 days
There's nothing quite like this thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched tour through heartland China. Explore China's most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Priced From:
$7180 pp *
Sales Ends: 30/04/2024
Travel Date: May - Jun 2024 & Mar - Oct 2025
There's nothing quite like this thoughtfully designed and thoroughly researched tour through heartland China. Explore China's most iconic sites, delving into deep-rooted culture and dining on delicious cuisine.
Ideal for travellers with less time to spend and who want to see the very best of this incredibly diverse destination.
(price based on 3 Jun 2024 departure)
Your 15 day Majestic Yangtze tour includes:
Return international economy class flights to China, taxes and current fuel surcharges
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
Visa fees for New Zealand passport holders
Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants
Comprehensive travel guides
Cruise through the Majestic Three Gorges on the Yangtze River admiring the magnificent surroundings.
Visit the Ancient City of Xi'an and step back in time to relive the majesty of the Tang Dynasty.
Learn and see China’s most cherished Pandas at the Chengdu Conservation Centre.
Take a walk on the Iconic Great Wall of China and appreciate the dramatic scenery and impressive structure.
Explore the narrow cobbled lanes of Ciqikou's old town, a district known for its porcelain production and traditional architecture.
Day 1: Shanghai
Fly to Shanghai. On arrival you will be met at the airport 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 to check in. The rest of the day is at leisure. (D)
Day 2: Shanghai
Today’s explorations include the peaceful Yu Garden and the atmospheric alleys of the old town. Admire the magnificent colonial architecture with a stroll along the Bund and visit the fascinating Silk Factory. Sightseeing today involves a full day of touring around the centre of the city including 3-4 hours on foot. In the evening, view the city from the Huangpu River on a panoramic river cruise. Dine on a delicious Shanghainese meal in the evening. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Shanghai - Yangtze River Cruise
Visit the financial district of Pudong, before transferring to the airport for a 2-hour flight to Yichang. You will then transfer to the docks, located near the Three Gorges Dam. Board the ship and check in to your cabin for the next 4 nights. (B,L,D)
Day 4: 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. (B,L,D)
Day 5: 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. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Yangtze River Cruise
Today, visit the Jade Emperor Scenic Area, which has the largest image of the Jade Emperor in the world. Disembark from the ship to the dock and take a short bus transfer to the area. Sightseeing here involves climbing some steps. You will be off the ship for around 3 hours. (B,L,D)
Day 7: Yangtze River Cruise - Chengdu
Check out of your cabin this morning and disembark in Chongqing. Take a tour around Ciqikou, a centre of cobbled
streets and porcelain wares. Next, transfer around 5 hours to Chengdu. Enjoy a Sichuanese meal in the evening. (B,L,D)
Day 8: Chengdu - Xian
Today you will visit China’s most famous resident, the Giant Panda. Visit the Panda Conservation Centre where you can learn about China’s celebrated bear. See these lovable creatures in surroundings that mirror their natural habitat. It is not guaranteed that you will be able to see the feeding of the younger pandas, as this only happens at the start and end of each day. Later, board your bullet train to Xian, a journey of approximately 3 hours. This evening, dine on delicious Shui Jiao dumplings and watch a performance of Tang Dynasty dancing. (B,L,D)
Day 9: 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 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. These are offered by private vendors and can be organised at your own expense. (B,L,D)
Day 10: Xian - Beijing
This morning, visit the lovely Little Wild Goose Pagoda, which involves approximately 1½ hours on foot. Afterwards, browse through the exotic Muslim Quarter, before transferring to the airport for your 2-hour flight to Beijing. On arrival, drive 1 hour to your hotel to check in. (B,L,D)
Day 11: Beijing
Walk through Tiananmen Square and into the magnificent Forbidden City. Sightseeing here will involve approximately 3-4 hours on foot. Later, soak up the harmonious ambience of the Temple of Heaven for about 1 hour where you can watch, or take part in, an outdoor dance class. Tonight, watch a thrilling Chinese acrobatic show. (B,L,D)
Day 12: Beijing
You will rise early this morning to avoid the crowds and drive approximately 2 hours northwest of the city to the Juyongguan Pass to take a walk on the Great Wall of China, appreciating the wall itself and the dramatic scenery. Your visit involves walking from the bus to the first section. Once your group has been given an introduction to the Great Wall’s unique history you will have free time to explore at your own pace. Later, visit the Jade Factory, before strolling through the Summer Palace. This evening, dine on Peking duck, a favourite of the Chinese emperors. (B,L,D)
Day 13-14: Depart Beijing
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. Depending on flight schedules you will arrive back home the following day. (B)
Offer is valid from 01 March – 30 April 2024 on a selected range of departures to Japan, China, & Southeast Asia. Tours are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time. Applicable to new bookings only. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to release specials which are applicable to new bookings only. Bookings are non-transferable. Offer not combinable with any other offer. Related to Flight inclusive option only: Indicated rates are based on lead in economy airfares, airfare supplements may apply. Departures booked more than 11 months in advance may be subject to air supplements when airline fares are published. A non-refundable deposit of $400pp is to arrive at Wendy Wu Tours or your travel agent within three days of receiving confirmation that space has been held for you. And a $1600 flight payment may be required at time of booking to issue tickets depending on airline. Final Balance due day which is 75 days prior to departure (charges may apply if airline tickets already issued). For cancellations made within 75 days, please refer to our standard cancellation policy within our terms and conditions for further information. A valid passport copy must be provided at time of booking to ensure passenger names match with passports. Any spelling corrections made after a deposit is paid must be sent in writing and will incur additional fees, including any ticket reissue fees. Wendy Wu Tours reserves the right to correct any errors in rates quoted or calculated, or any omissions made at any time during your booking. Any verbal quote given is an indication only of the final price and is subject to confirmation in writing. Professional service fees may apply.