Wonders of China
Yangtze River
China is a land of breathtaking contrasts, where ancient history meets cutting-edge modernity, and natural beauty blends seamlessly with architectural marvels. Our Wonders of China tour is the ultimate journey through this extraordinary country, offering an in-depth exploration of its most iconic sights.
From walking along the Great Wall to standing before the mysterious Terracotta Warriors, you'll uncover the grandeur of China’s imperial past. Cruise the mighty Yangtze River, winding through dramatic gorges, and soak in the tranquil beauty of Yangshuo’s countryside. In Beijing, Xian, and Shanghai, experience the rich traditions, vibrant culture, and exquisite cuisine that define China today.
With expert guides, immersive experiences, and seamless travel, this fully inclusive tour ensures you don’t just see China—you experience it. Whether it’s marveling at UNESCO-listed wonders, savoring authentic local dishes, or enjoying exclusive cultural encounters, every moment is designed to be unforgettable.
Embark on a journey that showcases the very best of China—a land of wonders waiting to be explored.
17 days Fully Inclusive Classic Group Tour from Beijing to Shanghai
Your Itinerary
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Your journey begins with an overnight flight to China’s capital city. Upon arrival at Beijing airport, you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. Take time to relax and settle in before joining the group for a welcome dinner.
Group transfer from Beijing Airport to your hotel
Relaxed evening at leisure
Welcome group dinner on Day 2. Late arrivals will receive a box dinner
Meals Included Dinner
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Discover the historic heart of Beijing today. Walk through Tiananmen Square and step inside the expansive Forbidden City. Enjoy a stroll through the narrow alleyways (hutongs) to visit a local family, soak up the atmosphere at the Temple of Heaven, and sit down to a classic Peking duck feast.
Guided tour of Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City
Stroll through Beijing’s traditional hutongs with a local family visit
Visit to the sacred Temple of Heaven
Traditional Peking duck dinner
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Please note The Forbidden City is closed on Mondays. If this day of touring falls on a Monday, your touring in Beijing will be switched round so that the Forbidden City is visited on an alternative day. In an effort to preserve the Forbidden City, the number of entry tickets has been significantly reduced. Whilst every effort will be made to get the tickets, should this not be possible, then you will instead visit the Forbidden City from the outside and visit the nearby Prince Kung’s Palace Museum.
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Travel northwest out of the city to Juyongguan Pass to walk along the iconic Great Wall of China. Take in the sweeping views from the ramparts, learn about jade craft at a local factory, and wander through the tranquil grounds of the Summer Palace.
Scenic walk on the Great Wall at Juyongguan Pass
Cultural demonstration at a local jade factory
Guided tour of the lakeside Summer Palace
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Board a high-speed bullet train for the smooth five-hour journey across the countryside to Xian. Upon arrival, take a stroll through the lively Muslim Quarter. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling feast followed by a colourful Tang Dynasty music and dance performance.
High-speed bullet train journey to Xian
Walking tour through the vibrant Muslim Quarter
Traditional Shui Jiao dumpling dinner
Tang Dynasty music and dance performance
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Please note you will need to carry your own luggage on and off the train.
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Visit one of the world's most incredible historical discoveries: the Terracotta Warriors. Tour the excavation pits, visit a ceramics and lacquer workshop, and then take a walk along Xian's 14th-century Ancient City Walls, finishing with a craft beer tasting at a local brewery.
Guided tour of the world-famous Terracotta Warriors Museum
Demonstration at the Xian Art Ceramics & Lacquer Exhibition Workshop
Walk along Xian's historic 14th-century Ancient City Walls
Stop at a local craft brewery for beer tasting
Optional Afterhours Experience to visit Tang Ever Bright City at your own expense (time permitting, payable locally)
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Transfer to the airport for your flight south to Yichang. Upon arrival, board your cruise ship, the Century Oasis, to begin your four-night journey sailing up China’s grandest waterway.
Flight from Xian to Yichang
Boarding and embarkation onto the Yangtze River cruise vessel
Welcome onboard dinner
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Note Yangtze River cruise schedules are confirmed by the cruise operator after the tour commences, as sailing times depend on local river conditions and water levels. While local guides keep travellers fully informed of any adjustments, occasional schedule changes can occur. A detailed itinerary will be provided on board each day.
Shore excursions are subject to change depending on local conditions. If you choose to disembark independently, local port fees apply and disembarkation is subject to local conditions and security. Please note that stepping on and off the vessel can involve several stairs, especially at low tide. Cabin, deck, and amenity upgrades are also available to pre-book.
Contact your Wanderlust Travel Expert if you need any further assistance.
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Disembark the ship to tour the Three Gorges Dam site and learn about this monumental engineering feat. Return to the vessel to begin cruising through Xiling Gorge, the longest and deepest of the Three Gorges, before attending the Captain's Welcome Reception.
Guided tour of the Three Gorges Dam project and viewing area
Scenic cruising through majestic Xiling Gorge
Captain's Welcome Reception onboard
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Board smaller motorized boats for an excursion down the narrow, green canyons of Shennv (Goddess) Stream. Reboard your ship for lunch as you sail past the soaring cliffs of Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge, with an optional afternoon excursion to White Emperor City.
Small-vessel excursion along Shennv Stream
Scenic cruising through Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge
Optional afternoon shore excursion to White Emperor City
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Start your day with morning tea and optional deck Tai Chi. In the afternoon, enjoy a shore excursion to Fengdu Ghost City, famous for its temples, statues, and rich cultural folklore surrounding traditional Chinese afterlife beliefs.
Morning Tai Chi class on the sun deck
Shore excursion exploring Fengdu Ghost City
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Disembark your ship in Chongqing and visit the Giant Pandas at the Chongqing Zoo Panda House. Afterwards, transfer to the station for a five-hour high-speed bullet train journey south to scenic Guilin.
Morning visit to the Chongqing Zoo Panda House
High-speed bullet train journey to Guilin
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Embark on a picturesque four-hour boat cruise along the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, drifting past dramatic limestone karst mountains and rural countryside. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and spend the afternoon exploring the local town and markets.
4-hour scenic Li River cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo
Guided walk into Yangshuo and visit to the local markets
Optional Afterhours Experience to see the Sanjie Liu Night Show (time and weather permitting, payable locally)
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Take a gentle walk through Yangshuo's emerald green countryside before driving back to Guilin. En route, explore the subterranean rock formations inside the Reed Flute Cave and finish the day with a stroll around Ronghu Lake to view the Sun and Moon Pagodas.
Guided walk through Yangshuo's rural countryside
Guided tour through the colourful Reed Flute Cave
Stroll around Ronghu Lake to view the Sun and Moon Pagodas
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Board a short flight from Guilin to the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel before taking in the illuminated skyline on an evening Huangpu River cruise.
Flight from Guilin to Shanghai
Evening Huangpu River skyline cruise
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Discover the mix of ancient tradition and modern architecture in Shanghai. Tour the serene Yu Garden, stroll through Old Town, visit a silk mill, take in panoramic city views from the Jin Mao Tower, and walk along the historic Bund before a farewell dinner.
Guided tour of Yu Garden and Shanghai Old Town
Educational tour at a local silk mill
Panoramic views from the Jin Mao Tower observation deck
Scenic walk along the Bund and authentic Shanghainese farewell dinner
Meals Included Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Enjoy your final day at leisure in Shanghai for last-minute sightseeing or shopping along the waterfront. Later, meet your guide for your transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home, arriving back the following day.
Time at leisure for independent exploration
Airport transfer for your return international flight
Meals Included Breakfast
Late check-out is not included. Additional nights’ before and after your tour can be arranged.
What Your Journey Looks Like
Cultural Beijing Begin your adventure in China's historic capital, exploring iconic landmarks including Tiananmen Square, the magnificent Forbidden City, the Temple of Heaven, and the legendary Great Wall of China
Guilin & Yangshuo Discover some of China's most beautiful landscapes as you cruise the Li River past towering limestone karsts, traditional fishing villages, and peaceful countryside before exploring the charming town of Yangshuo
Modern Shanghai Complete your journey in China's cosmopolitan metropolis, where historic waterfront architecture on The Bund meets futuristic skyscrapers, elegant gardens, and vibrant city life
Tour Inclusions
Fully Inclusive Touring with Guides and entrance fees
Included Meals Breakfasts 14, Lunches 13, Dinners 14
International flights and current taxes
Accommodation 14 nights in 4-star accommodation
4-night Yangtze River Cruise. Your cabin will have a private bathroom and balcony
Max Group Size 28
Physical Rating 1 Walking, some steps and time on your feet
From $9,280 per person share twin based on departure dates 28 Feb & 07 Mar 2027.
Terms & Conditions Prices include airline fuel surcharge and taxes and are subject to change. 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. Based on departures from Auckland. Customary tipping amount of approximately RMB810pp (2025 & 2026), RMB850pp (2027) is paid locally in China. Price listed is based on new bookings only. Travel agent service & credit card fees are additional. All tours subject to availability at time of booking. For full terms & conditions, contact Wanderlust Travel Experts.
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