Two of China's most talked-about cities in one 10-day trip — futuristic Chongqing's neon cliffside skyline, the famous monorail through a building, and UNESCO Dazu Rock Carvings, then laid-back Chengdu's giant pandas and teahouse culture. Connected by bullet train. Departs 1 November.
Next Departure
1 Nov 2026
Returns 10 November 2026
All departure dates
Dates refer to scheduled group departures — confirm at booking.
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · speak to a real person, no form needed
I put this China Discovery — Fire & Fuzz itinerary together for New Zealand travellers who want the route to feel human — hotels, pacing, and local guides are chosen so you spend your energy on the places, not on fixing problems on the ground. Ask our Auckland team if you want my eyes on the dates; I still review Discovery and Signature lines myself.
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Amend dates or travellers at no fee until 60 days before departure.
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Speak to a Kiwi consultant in Auckland — one team, enquiry to return.
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CTS Tours NZ has run Kiwi-led tours from Auckland since 2000 (25 years), backed by China Travel Service (founded 1928) — hotels, guides, transport we run ourselves.
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Depart Auckland in the evening on your international flight to Beijing. Meals served on board.
Two of China's most talked-about cities in one 10-day trip — futuristic Chongqing's neon cliffside skyline, the famous monorail through a building, and UNESCO Dazu Rock Carvings, then laid-back Chengdu's giant pandas and teahouse culture. Connected by bullet train. Departs 1 November.
Single supplement: NZD $400
Watch a real train pass through the middle of a residential building at Chongqing's legendary Liziba Station
Explore Hongyadong after dark — a glowing cliffside complex that looks like a scene from a Miyazaki film
Visit the Dazu Rock Carvings, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with 50,000 Buddhist sculptures carved over 1,000 years
Step inside the Huguang Guild Hall, a beautifully preserved Qing Dynasty merchant complex beside the Yangtze River
See giant pandas up close at the world-leading Chengdu Research Base -- best at morning feeding time
Witness the Matchmaking Corner at People's Park, where parents search for partners on behalf of their adult children
Travel city-to-city on China's high-speed bullet train -- Chongqing to Chengdu in under 90 minutes
Wander Ciqikou Ancient Town and Jinli Street for Sichuan street food, local crafts, and old-quarter atmosphere
Included meals (10)
7
Breakfasts
3
Lunches
0
Dinners
Accommodation (7 nights)
2 carefully selected properties
Sample hotels detailed below — final selection confirmed at booking.
Representative properties for this tour — actual hotels may vary by departure date and are confirmed at booking.
Pagoda SASA Design Hotel or similar 4-star, Chongqing
Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Gulou or similar 4-star, Chengdu
Official guides and destination hubs to help you prepare—visa timing, seasons, and places on this route.
Interested in China Discovery — Fire & Fuzz? We'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Cherie Fairley
21 Jun 2026
“We went on a recent trip to Dali and Lijiang from 19th to 30th May 2026. Well, what amazing places they are. Plus the nearby city of Shangrila. We both had an amazing time walking and exploring with only our phone app to translate, since little or no English was spoken or written. Contrary to what the Lonely Planet guidebook said! Everything worked out well which is why we want to thank Baker at CTS personally for an awesome trip, the trip of a lifetime. If any other tours, guided or unguided come up please let us know. This is Mikes second time holidaying with CTS and we will certainly highly recommend your company to friends. Mike Brooker & Cherie Fairley”
GReview from GoogleMaryam Absh
6 Jul 2026
“The china journey was well‑organized, I actually enjoyed all the moments without worrying about anything. Highly recommend the tour of tale of two cities china”
GReview from GoogleMurray Middendorf
16 Jun 2026
“Just came back from a tour of Xinjiang and a stopover in Xian. We had a fantastic time, the culture and scenery in Xinjiang is stunning and the tour was led by an experienced guide with excellent English. Highly recommended.”
GReview from GoogleGroup departures from New Zealand (dates as published). Contact us to reserve a seat or request a private departure.
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