Inclusions:
- Return economy class airfares departing Auckland on China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines or similar
- Taxes
- Nine nights in 3-4 star (local rating) hotel accommodation
- Daily breakfast
- High-speed bullet train
- All transfers
- Air-conditioned coach transportation
- All sightseeing & entrance fees
- English-speaking tour guide(s)
- Tipping: NZD110
Exclusions:
- China visa
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Optional programs
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Beijing
Fly to Beijing via connecting cities and transfer to the hotel. Note: Some flights may depart the night before. Beijing, China’s massive capital, has a history stretching back three millennia. Yet since the 2008 Olympic Games, it’s known for its modern architecture as well as ancient sites such as the grand Forbidden City complex, the imperial palace during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Day 2: Beijing (B)
After breakfast, visit Tiananmen Square, the second-largest public square in the world! Tiananmen Square is named after the Tiananmen (Gate of Heavenly Peace) located to the north of the square, separating it from the Forbidden City. The square contains the Monument to the People’s Heroes and has great cultural significance, as it was the site of several important events in Chinese history.
Next, continue on to the incredible
Optional Program: Forbidden City, which was the imperial palace from the Ming to the Qing dynasty (1420 to 1912). The complex consists of 980 buildings and covers 72 ha (over 180 acres). The Forbidden City was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987 and is listed by UNESCO as the largest collection of preserved ancient wooden structures in the world! (at your own expense)
Optional Program: Peking Duck Dinner – Tonight, head out for one of the most famous Chinese dishes and a Beijing speciality, Peking Duck. (at your own expense)
Day 3: Beijing (B)
Today’s highlight is an excursion to the majestic Great Wall at Juyong Pass. This is one of the three most famous passes along the Great Wall of China, together with Jiayuguan and Shanhaiguan. 60 km from downtown Beijing, Juyong Pass was the northern route to Beijing in ancient times. Once here, there is plenty of time to learn about the wall’s construction and you’ll have the chance to climb a portion of this 6,000 km marvel.
On the way back to Beijing, we stop at one of the largest jade exhibitions in Asia. Then, after lunch, see skilled artisans at work at a Cloisonne Factory. Cloisonne is a famous traditional enamel ware, known as the ‘Blue of Jingtai’ in China, with a history of over 500 years. It was so called because blue was the colour typically used for enamelling, and Jingtai was the reign title of the 7th Ming Emperor.
Optional Program: The Golden Mask Dynasty – This show incorporates dancing, acrobatics, magnificent costumes and lot of surprises. Seen by an estimated of 1.1 million people, it is one of Beijing’s must see shows. (at your own expense)
Day 4: Beijing (B)
Enjoy a tour to the Summer Palace, the largest preserved ancient garden in China and a former summer resort for Emperors followed by a visit to the Chinese Herbal Institute to learn about traditional Chinese medicine as you enjoy a rejuvenating foot massage which has existed for thousands of years.
Optional Program: Hutong Life & Panda House Tour w/Lunch – A rickshaw will take you around the intricate winding hutongs to admire the old courtyards. They are maze-like and deep and exactly as they were a long time ago. Even today, there are many residents reluctant to move from their beloved hutongs. You are invited to visit a local family’s house to experience authentic Beijing life. Next, visit the Panda House in Beijing Zoo to see China’s adorable national treasure – the Giant Panda. (at your own expense)
Optional Program: Chinese Kung Fu Show – This show is an energetic mix of traditional Chinese martial arts, dance and high-flying acrobatics set in a modern theatre. Combined with an excellent storyline, exceptional stage design and professional actors this show is not to be missed for kung-fu enthusiasts or those seeking a thrilling performance. (at your own expense)
Day 5: Beijing – Wuxi (B)
Take a high-speed train to Wuxi, an ancient city richly endowed with natural attractions due to its pleasantly warm and moist climate. Wuxi boasts a reputation of being the ‘Land of Fish and Rice’. Enjoy the scenery as we pass by Lake Tai, the third-largest freshwater lake in China.
This evening, we will stroll along the trendy yet traditional Nanchang Street composed of both ancient and modern architecture juxtaposed with the peacefulness of the waterside town and fashionable life of Wuxi.
Optional Program: Jiangnan Dumpling Lunch – Enjoy a traditional lunch that includes the famous Xiao Long Bao, a Chinese steamed bun filled with minced pork and tasty soup, prepared in a small bamboo steaming basket. (at your own expense)
Day 6: Wuxi – Suzhou (B)
This morning visit one of the largest freshwater pearl exhibitions in the country. After lunch, travel by coach to Suzhou, an extraordinarily elegant city with its canals, stone bridges, and meticulously designed gardens. Suzhou has been referred to as ‘Paradise on Earth’ by Chinese poets and writers since ancient times. As a large area of the city is covered by water, including a vast number of ponds and streams, Suzhou is also known as ‘Venice of the East’. It is also known as the ‘Garden City’ due to its many classical gardens, renowned for their charming natural beauty and harmonious construction. Visit the Lingering Garden, which is among the finest in China.
Optional Program: Grand Canal Cruise – Take a cruise along the UNESCO World Heritage listed Grand Canal of over a thousand years to view life along what was known as ‘China’s golden waterway’ in its heyday. (at your own expense)
Optional Program: Western Buffet Dinner – Enjoy a sumptuous western style buffet dinner with at your hotel, a relaxing way to wind down the day. (at your own expense)
Day 7: Suzhou – Hangzhou (B)
This morning visit a silk spinning mill, and learn how silk is created from mulberry-munching silkworms to produce the finest thread and cloth. After lunch, travel by coach to Hangzhou, described by Marco Polo as “the most beautiful and magnificent city in the world”. Upon arrival, take a boat ride on the serene West Lake, the most renowned feature of Hangzhou, and noted for its scenic beauty which blends naturally with many famous historical and cultural sites.
Optional Program: Impression West Lake or similar – This evening, enjoy an open-air performance, a masterpiece created by Zhang Yimou, the director of the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics Games Opening Ceremony. (at your own expense)
Day 8: Hangzhou – Shanghai (B)
Experience tea-tasting at the Dragon Well Tea Plantation. Then travel by coach to Shanghai, a vibrant metropolis and the commercial centre of China. Upon arrival, walk along the famous Bund, a mile-long stretch along the Huangpu River. Lined with colonial architecture of European design, it is the best place to capture the Western influences of the old days. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure strolling along the bustling shopping district, Nanjing Road.
Optional Program: Huangpu River Cruise – As you cruise along the Huangpu River, you will get a glimpse of the history and spectacular view of cosmopolitan Shanghai. On one side of the river, there is The Bund, a landmark of Shanghai. Lining the boulevard of the waterfront are grandiose solid buildings of Western style dating back to the early 19th century. On the other side is the charming image of modern Shanghai (at your own expense)
Day 9: Shanghai (B)
This morning, visit the Shanghai Museum to see ancient Chinese art, furniture and jade. The rest of the afternoon is at your own leisure, or you may join our optional programs.
Optional Program A: Jin Mao Tower, Xintiandi & Maglev Train Tour – Visit the Jin Mao Tower Observation Deck (88th floor) for a panoramic view of the Huangpu River and the Bund. Then explore the affluent Xintiandi (New Heaven and Earth) area which holds the historical and cultural legacies of the city. Xintiandi was the site of the first congress of the Communist party of China, and is now the most expensive place to live in China. Next, experience the world’s fastest commercially operating train, running between the city and Shanghai airport with a top speed of 431km/h. Note: This program cannot be combined with Shanghai Disneyland Package. (at your own expense)
Optional Program: ERA: The Intersection of Time, or SPIRAL – Tonight you can watch a stunning Chinese acrobatic show combining Chinese performing arts and modern technology, comparable to the tradition of the Broadway Musical. Note: This program cannot be combined with Shanghai Disneyland Package. (at your own expense)
OR
Optional Program B: Shanghai Disneyland Package – Newly opened in June 2016. Shanghai Disneyland showcases a never-before-seen world of wonder where you can ignite the magical dream within your heart and experience fun, adventure and thrills for guests of all ages! Includes standard Shanghai Disneyland admission and one transfer in each direction. Note: Departure transfer is at a set time. If you prefer to stay behind at the resort, you must make your own way back to the hotel. This package cannot be combined with other optional programs on this day. (at your own expense)
Day 10: Depart Shanghai
Your tour concludes with a transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Day 11: Arrive home.
2019 Departure Dates:
- 26 Feb*
- 05 Mar
- 12 Mar
- 19 Mar
- 16 Apr*
- 23 Apr*
- 21 May
- 28 May
- 04 Jun
- 11 Jun
- 18 Jun
- 02 Jul*
- 16 Jul*
- 30 Jul
- 06 Aug
- 13 Aug
- 20 Aug
- 27 Aug
- 03 Sep
- 10 Sep
- 17 Sep*
- 24 Sep*
- 08 Oct*
- 15 Oct
- 22 Oct
- 29 Oct
- 05 Nov
- 12 Nov
- 19 Nov
* = Peak season surcharge NZD$330 per person
Accommodation:
- Beijing: Chunhuiyuan Hot Springs Hotel
- Wuxi: Swiss-Belhotel Liyuan
- Suzhou: Holiday Inn Suzhou Taihu Lake
- Hangzhou: Hangzhou Merchant Marco Edgelake Hotel
- Shanghai: Wassim Hotel Zhoupu
- Please note: if above hotels aren't available a similar hotel will be substituted
Optional Programs: (at your own expense)
- Peking Duck Dinner: NZD45 (per-person)
- The Golden Mask Dynasty: NZD85 (per-person)
- Hutong Life & Panda House Tour w/Lunch: NZD90 (per-person)
- Grand Canal Cruise: NZD$40 (per-person)
- Jiangnan Dumpling Lunch: NZD$30 (per-person)
- Western Buffet Dinner: NZD$45 (per-person)
- Impression West Lake: NZD$90 (per-person)
- Huangpu River Cruise: NZD$45 (per-person)
- Jin Mao Tower, Xintiandi & Maglev Train Tour: NZD$80 (per-person)
- ERA: The Intersection of Time / SPIRAL: NZD$85 (per-person)
- Chinese Kung Fu Show NZD$80 (per-person)
- Forbidden City Tour NZD$90 (per-person)
- The Shanghai Disneyland Package (cannot be combined with ERA and Jin Mao Tour) NZ$220 (per-person)
Book and prepay for ALL optional programs for a $50 discount.
Please note: All prices are per person twin-share unless otherwise stated and subject to revision without notice. Itineraries, airlines, hotels are subject to availability and change. Nexus Holidays reserves the right to provide substitutes of similar quality and adjust the itinerary as we see fit to ensure smooth operations. Passengers must remain with the group at all times. Fees may apply for deviations from the set itinerary. The total length of the trip includes time spent in flight and is subject to the flight schedule. Flights are not available until approximately two weeks before departure and may involve up to two transits per leg. Please check all information carefully before booking.
