Arrival to the capital Beijing in the morning, welcomed by traditional noodle lunch then hotel check in; browsing through hutongs for a unique city walk experience with your option of on foot or by pedicab; enjoy authentic peking duck for dinner.

Full day trip to the great wall where you can have plenty of time walking on and admiring the magnificence of this ancient marvel. Upon return in the late afternoon, browse around by the Liang Ma river, sip a cup of coffee or cocktail, enjoy a piece of pleasantness.

To many westerns, this is the most well-known place in China. Here we come to the mysterious Forbidden City. Also known as the Palace Museum, this 72 hectare imperial land houses over 1.9 million pieces of collections covering calligraphic artworks, utensils, vases, books and vast more. Get ready to see, hear and experience a world of treasures. We shall take an afternoon flight to Dunhuang. Hotel check in upon arrival. (Flight to be confirmed)

Located in China’s west desert region, Dunhuang is home to series of wall paintings and rock carvings believed to be some 2,000 years old. As a world heritage site, the caves contain some of the finest examples of Buddhist art which amazes us for its making and preservation. In the afternoon, we are also heading into the desert, a total different landscape to most of Aotearoa. Wild fun, or simply for picturesque views, you will love here.

Morning flight to Xi’an, the city once the capital of 13 dynasties along history. After lunch, our tour takes you to the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, a UNESCO listed Buddhist architecture, and part of the well-known silk road as well. We also invite you to a stunning cultural performance in the evening. (Flight to be confirmed)

Visit the army base of the Qin dynasty, known as the Terra Cotta Warriors. Having continuously excavated over half a century, archaeologists are still discovering more warriors every day. On a macro scale, the armies of soldiers are simply magnificent; looking close, the expression of each figure is so vivid as if a live performer standing there. Afternoon activity includes a visit to Ban Po Museum, a typical village of neolithic matriarchal community of the Yangshao culture around 6000 years ago. Light show in the evening to wrap up the day.

Get up early for a walk up the ancient city wall and immerse yourself in the thousands year old ambience. See locals commuting for life and feel the vibe from a unique perspective. Hop on the high speed bullet train to Chongqing in the afternoon. (Train service to be confirmed)

A centuries-old riverside town where tradition meets vibrant culture. This is Ci Qi Kou, once a bustling porcelain production hub turned into today’s living museum. Get lost in this ancient neighbourhood and try out various local eats and shops. The city night view is even more fascinating than daytime. As you browse around the allies, take plenty of photos of this charming city as it is lit by the light show.

The Middle Kingdom is not all about antiques and ancient civilisations. Massive infrastructure development is a new business card for the country. Today we will showcase to you some of the most interesting roads and viaducts where even GPS gets lost. In the afternoon, take a flight to Shanghai. (Flight to be confirmed)

South of the Yangtze River is always seen as a totally different world to the north. Food, lifestyle and even people’s temper are quite not the same as northern Chinese. Today we shall have a day tour in the southern water town. Take a river cruise on a little dinghy, feel the tranquil of southern China and meet the locals. Upon return to the city, we welcome you to take a super fast lift atop the Shanghai Tower. This 632 metre Shanghai tower is the country’s tallest building and ranked 3rd in the world. Enjoy fascinating night view of the city as well as modern China.

Today you will have some freedom browsing around Shanghai city, perhaps the most westernised region in the country. See the high techs, feel a unique culture, and experience the future China. Flight return home late afternoon.

Arrive in Auckland. End of journey!