Discover China's dramatic natural landscapes on a 16-day journey from Shanghai through the Yangtze River Three Gorges to Chongqing, Chengdu and Zhangjiajie.
Next Departure
28 May 2027
Returns 12 June 2027
All departure dates
Departs 28 May 2027
Returns 12 June 2027
+ NZD $1,895 single supplement
Departs 14 June 2027
Returns 29 June 2027
NZD $7,849per person
+ NZD $1,895 single supplement
Departs 8 August 2027
Returns 23 August 2027
NZD $7,849per person
+ NZD $1,895 single supplement
Departs 8 October 2027
Returns 23 October 2027
NZD $7,849per person
+ NZD $1,895 single supplement
Departs 1 November 2027
Returns 16 November 2027
NZD $7,849per person
+ NZD $1,895 single supplement
Dates refer to scheduled group departures — confirm at booking.
Mon–Fri 9am–5pm · speak to a real person, no form needed
I built this route around the landscapes you can only really appreciate in person: the Three Gorges by river, the changing scenery between Chongqing and Chengdu, and Zhangjiajie’s sandstone peaks. The rail and flight connections keep the long transfers manageable.
Auckland Local Office
Local Support When You Need It
Direct China Operations
No Middlemen, Best Value
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Trusted by Kiwi Families
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
CTS Tours NZ runs Kiwi-led tours from Auckland, backed by China Travel Service — hotels, guides, transport we run ourselves.
TAANZ bonded & IATA
Client funds held in a TAANZ-bonded trust — protected if travel plans are disrupted.
Depart for Shanghai.
Discover China's dramatic natural landscapes on a 16-day journey from Shanghai through the Yangtze River Three Gorges to Chongqing, Chengdu and Zhangjiajie.
Single supplement: NZD $1,895
Cruise the Yangtze River through the Three Gorges from Yichang to Chongqing
See giant pandas and explore Chengdu's People's Park, Taikoo Li and Kuanzhai Alley
Ride the Bailong Elevator and Tianzi Mountain Cableway in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
Walk the Glass Skywalk and Guigu Plank Walk at Tianmen Mountain
Take high-speed trains from Chongqing to Chengdu and on to Zhangjiajie
Visit Shanghai's Yuyuan Garden, the Bund and enjoy a Huangpu River night cruise
See Chongqing's Liziba Monorail Station, Ciqikou and Hongyadong night scenery
Enjoy an optional Sichuan Opera face-changing performance in Chengdu
Included meals (38)
13
Breakfasts
12
Lunches
13
Dinners
Accommodation (14 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
On board international flight
Interested in China Signature — 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 GoogleScheduled group departures from Auckland. Prices are per person in NZD, twin share. See the inclusions on this page for exactly what the price covers.
| Departs Auckland | Returns | Price per person (twin share) |
|---|---|---|
| 14 June 2027 | 29 June 2027 | NZD $7,849 |
| 8 August 2027 | 23 August 2027 | NZD $7,849 |
| 8 October 2027 | 23 October 2027 | NZD $7,849 |
| 1 November 2027 | 16 November 2027 | NZD $7,849 |
Travelling solo? The single supplement (the extra cost of your own room) is NZD $1,895 — Covers land hotel accommodation and the Three Gorges cruise.
Check availability →A summary of our Terms & Conditions of Booking (updated March 2026) so there are no surprises. The full terms apply.
Cancellations must be made in writing. Charges run from the date we receive your written cancellation.
We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance at the time of booking to protect your deposit.
Discover your destinations
Get to know the cities and landmarks along this route, with our guides to what to see and how to visit.
Destination guide
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Landmark guide
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Landmark guide
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Group departures from New Zealand (dates as published). Contact us to reserve a seat or request a private departure.
signature · China
signature · China
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discovery · China
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discovery · China
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