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.
Next Departure
8 May 2027
Returns 3 June 2027
All departure dates
Dates refer to scheduled group departures — confirm at booking.
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · speak to a real person, no form needed
When clients ask for 'one big China trip,' I map this as a coherent arc — north, east, and highlights in between, with rail where it saves you grief. I only keep cities on the list if they earn their night.
100+ Years Heritage
Backed by CTS · Founded 1928
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Direct China Operations
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CTS Tours is a TAANZ member and IATA-accredited agency with local support in Auckland and direct operations in China—so you deal with one trusted team from enquiry to return.
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Free changes up to 60 days
Amend dates or travellers at no fee until 60 days before departure.
NZ-based specialist team
Speak to a Kiwi consultant in Auckland — one team, enquiry to return.
Backed by CTS · Founded 1928
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.
TAANZ bonded & IATA
Client funds held in a TAANZ-bonded trust — protected if travel plans are disrupted.
Flight to China.
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.
Single supplement: NZD $2,555
Walk the Juyongguan Great Wall and explore the Forbidden City
Discover the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
Cruise through the Yangtze River Three Gorges on a 5-star ship
Visit giant pandas at the Chengdu breeding base
Cruise the Li River to Yangshuo through karst landscapes
Experience West Lake and Longjing tea plantations in Hangzhou
Explore the classical Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou
Enjoy the Huangpu River cruise and Bund in Shanghai
Visit the Stone Forest in Kunming
Dress in traditional Hanfu at Xinshi Ancient Town
Included meals (50)
23
Breakfasts
17
Lunches
10
Dinners
Accommodation (24 nights)
12 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.
Wanda Meihua Hotel Dongba or similar 4-star
Mercure Bell Tower Hotel Xi'an or similar 4-star
5-star Yangtze Cruise
Holiday Inn Express Chengdu Gulou or similar 4-star
Dali Shuiyun Academy Hotel or similar 4-star
Ramada Encore Kunming or similar 4-star
Guilin Hotel or similar 4-star
Rezen Hotel West Street Yangshuo or similar 4-star
Guilin Hotel or similar 4-star
Radisson Hangzhou Liangzhu or similar
Holiday Inn Express Suzhou Bay or similar 4-star
Holiday Inn Express Shanghai Fangta or similar 4-star
Official guides and destination hubs to help you prepare—visa timing, seasons, and places on this route.
Interested in China Signature — China Panorama? 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.
signature · China
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