New Zealand's China Specialists · Since 1928
Ancient dynasties. Electric cities. Misty mountains.
The China that takes your breath away — we'll take you there.
Direct operations · Small groups · Authentic access
Years in China
Kiwis Shown China
Handcrafted Journeys
Destinations Explored
We don't just know China — we live it. Our team has spent years on the ground so you don't miss a thing.
Founded in 1928, we've been taking travellers to China longer than most airlines have existed.
Our own offices and guides in China mean no middlemen, no surprises — just seamless travel from day one.
Small groups, local guides, off-the-beaten-track stops. The China that most tourists never get to see.
This season
High demand right now — our strongest recommendations for October, backed by our ad spend and the routes we're promoting first.
Trending · Limited October departures
October-ready from Auckland — Beijing's Forbidden City, Great Wall, and hutongs, then high-speed rail to Xi'an for the Terracotta Warriors. Many NZ leisure trips can use China's visa-free entry (confirm before you book); published group departure in October as listed on this page.
Trending · Limited October departures
October-ready from Auckland — Yangtze Delta loop: Suzhou gardens and Shantang Street, Wuxi lakeside sights and Three Kingdoms City, Hanfu and afternoon tea in Xinshi water town, Hangzhou's West Lake and Longjing tea, then Shanghai's Bund. Visa-free entry may apply for many NZ trips (confirm dates); mid-October departure published.
20+
Years
Our Expert
With over 20 years of experience in the Chinese travel industry, Baker Gu is our lead specialist. His deep knowledge of China's culture, history, and hidden gems ensures that our clients receive authentic and unforgettable travel experiences.
Baker has traveled extensively throughout China, from the bustling cities to remote villages, building relationships with local communities and gaining insider access to unique experiences. As our lead specialist, Baker designs our most exclusive tours, ensuring that every detail is carefully crafted to provide the best possible experience for our clients.
Learn MoreDiscover
Home to the Great Wall and Forbidden City
Home to the Terracotta Army and ancient city walls
A modern metropolis with skyscrapers and historical landmarks
Famous for pandas and Sichuan cuisine
Famous for its karst mountains and Li River scenery
Inspiration for Avatar's floating mountains
Our Tours
A 17-day journey through China's greatest imperial and cultural treasures — from Beijing's Forbidden City and the Great Wall to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, a Yangtze River Three Gorges cruise, and the dazzling skyline of Shanghai.
The ultimate 27-day China experience — from the Great Wall and Forbidden City to a Yangtze River cruise, giant pandas in Chengdu, the Li River in Guilin, classical gardens of Suzhou, West Lake in Hangzhou, and vibrant Shanghai.
Fifteen days from Beijing's Temple of Heaven, Forbidden City, Great Wall and hutongs, by high-speed train to Xi'an's Terracotta Army, then by air to Hangzhou via Puyuan's fashion ancient town, West Lake and Longjing tea, finishing in Shanghai before your return via Beijing.
Yunnan by air via Beijing — Erhai and Bai culture around Dali (including Shuanglang and “Santorini” viewpoints), Lijiang's Lashi Lake and Shuhe, then overland to Shangri-La through Tiger Leaping Gorge, Songzanlin Monastery, and Napa Lake before returning to Auckland via Beijing.
See our current Spotlight tours above, or browse all China Discovery tours.
What Our Travellers Say
Margaret & John Patterson
Auckland, NZ
“An absolutely magical experience! Baker arranged a private tai chi session on the Great Wall at sunrise. We have travelled extensively, but this trip was in a class of its own.”
China Signature Imperial Heritage
Sarah & Tom Williams
Christchurch, NZ
“We were nervous about travelling to China for the first time, but CTS made everything seamless. The hotels were beautiful, the guides were knowledgeable, and the itinerary was perfectly paced.”
China Signature Grand Tour
Paul & Linda Foster
Dunedin, NZ
“This was our 50th wedding anniversary trip and CTS made it truly special. From the surprise dinner at a courtyard restaurant in Beijing to the private calligraphy lesson, every moment was thoughtfully curated.”
China Signature Imperial Heritage
Resources
Beijing, the heart of China for over 3,000 years, seamlessly blends ancient imperial grandeur with contemporary urban dy...
Xi'an, once capital of 13 Chinese dynasties including the Qin, Tang, and Ming, stands as one of the world's oldest conti...
Shanghai, China's largest city and global financial centre, represents the nation's modernisation at warp speed. Rising...
Est. 1928 · China Travel Service Heritage
Let our specialists craft your perfect itinerary — backed by nearly a century of direct China operations.
