From Shanghai through the Yangtze's Three Gorges to Chongqing, Chengdu and Zhangjiajie — a 14-day journey combining a 3-night river cruise, giant pandas, high-speed rail and Tianmen Mountain's Glass Skywalk.
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · speak to a real person, no form needed
I put this China Discovery — Natural China 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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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 for Shanghai.
From Shanghai through the Yangtze's Three Gorges to Chongqing, Chengdu and Zhangjiajie — a 14-day journey combining a 3-night river cruise, giant pandas, high-speed rail and Tianmen Mountain's Glass Skywalk.
A 3-night Yangtze River cruise through the Three Gorges, from Yichang to Chongqing
Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, Nanjing Road and a Huangpu River night cruise
Chongqing's Liziba Monorail Station, Jiefangbei, Ciqikou Ancient Town and Hongyadong night views
The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the Bailong Elevator and Tianmen Mountain's Glass Skywalk
High-speed rail travel between Chongqing–Chengdu and Chengdu–Zhangjiajie
Included meals (35)
12
Breakfasts
11
Lunches
12
Dinners
Accommodation (12 nights)
6 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.
Hyatt Place Shanghai Changfeng or similar 5-star hotel
Three Gorges cruise ship
Four Points by Sheraton Chongqing
Holiday Inn Chengdu Oriental Plaza or similar 5-star hotel
Wulingyuan Rêverie Mansen Wyndham Hotel or similar 5-star hotel
Hyatt Place Shanghai Changfeng or similar 5-star hotel
Interested in China Discovery — Natural China? 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 GoogleDiscover your destinations
Get to know the cities and landmarks along this route, with our guides to what to see and how to visit.
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Group departures from New Zealand (dates as published). Contact us to reserve a seat or request a private departure.
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