Gems of China

Uncover the ancient, modern, and natural gems on this all-encompassing tour of China's must-see sights and unforgettable experiences.

Marvel at China’s most incredible landscapes, from the sweeping views atop the mighty Great Wall, to the impressive Three Gorges onboard your 3-night Yangtze River cruise, and the soaring peaks that inspired the blockbuster film 'Avatar' at Zhangjiajie National Park. Immerse yourself in the local culture of Xian's Muslim Quarter, feast your eyes and taste buds on dumplings with a side of Tang Dynasty dancing, and get to know the nation's favourite bear at Chengdu's Panda Conservation Centre.

Your Holiday Package Includes:

• Return international economy flights to China
• 14-night fully inclusive Gems of China guided tour with Wendy Wu
• 3+/4-star accommodation, including a 3-night Yangtze River Cruise
• 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 14 dinners
• All sightseeing, entrance fees, transportation, transfers and expert guides

Tour Highlights:

• Walk along the iconic Great Wall of China
• Discover Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Temple of Heaven
• See the world-famous Terracotta Warriors in Xian
• Visit Chengdu’s Panda Conservation Centre
• Cruise the scenic Yangtze River and Three Gorges
• Explore Zhangjiajie National Park, the Bailong Elevator and Grand Canyon Glass Bridge
• Experience Tianmen Mountain and the glass skywalk
• Discover Shanghai, including Yu Garden, The Bund and a Huangpu River Cruise

Pricing is per person twin share and based on travel 3 June – 18 June 2027.

Based on departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide & Perth. Departures from other cities & flight upgrades available on request.

Physical Level 2

This tour requires a reasonable level of fitness, with sightseeing on foot, some steps, and getting on and off coaches, boats and cable cars. Highlights such as the Great Wall, Yangtze River Cruise and Zhangjiajie may involve inclines, walkways, stone steps and a glass bridge, so guests should be comfortable with active sightseeing days.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Fly to Beijing
Arrive in Beijing, China’s historic capital, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. This evening, meet your group and enjoy a welcome dinner as your Gems of China journey begins.

Day 2: Beijing
Start your sightseeing at Tiananmen Square before entering the magnificent Forbidden City, once the imperial home of China’s emperors. Continue through Beijing’s traditional hutongs, where narrow lanes and courtyard homes offer a glimpse into local life. Later, visit the beautiful Temple of Heaven before enjoying a traditional Peking duck dinner.

Day 3: Beijing
Travel outside the city to Juyongguan Pass and walk along the iconic Great Wall of China, taking in the dramatic mountain scenery. Afterwards, visit a Jade Factory to learn about this treasured Chinese stone before continuing to the Summer Palace, a peaceful retreat of lakes, gardens, temples and bridges.

Day 4: Beijing to Xian
This morning, board a bullet train to Xian, one of China’s most historic cities and the ancient starting point of the Silk Road. On arrival, wander through the lively Muslim Quarter, known for its food stalls and local atmosphere. This evening, enjoy a traditional Shui Jiao dumpling feast followed by a Tang Dynasty dancing performance.

Day 5: Xian
Discover one of China’s greatest archaeological treasures, the Terracotta Warriors. View the life-sized soldiers, horses and chariots created to guard Emperor Qin Shi Huang in the afterlife. Later, visit the Xian Art Ceramics and Lacquer Exhibition Workshop before strolling along the ancient city walls. Finish the day with a local brewery visit and beer tasting.

Day 6: Xian to Chengdu
Travel by bullet train to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province and home of the giant panda. On arrival, explore People’s Park, a popular local gathering place where you can see everyday life, including tai chi, dancing and the famous Matchmaker’s Corner.

Day 7: Chengdu to Yangtze River Cruise
Visit the Panda Conservation Centre, where you can see China’s beloved giant pandas in surroundings designed to reflect their natural habitat. Later, travel to Chongqing and board your Yangtze River cruise. Settle into your cabin and begin your scenic three-night journey along one of China’s most famous waterways.

Day 8: Yangtze River Cruise
Spend the day cruising along the mighty Yangtze River, surrounded by dramatic river scenery. Depending on local river conditions, enjoy a shore excursion to Mount Shuanggui, Shibaozhai Temple or Xiaoguanshan Folk Culture Park. There will also be time to relax onboard and enjoy the ship’s activities.

Day 9: Yangtze River Cruise
Continue through the spectacular Three Gorges, including Wu Gorge and Qutang Gorge, known for their steep cliffs, forested peaks and dramatic landscapes. Transfer to a smaller vessel for an excursion through Goddess Stream, or Shennong Stream depending on local conditions, before returning to your cruise ship.

Day 10: Yangtze River Cruise to Zhangjiajie
Visit the impressive Three Gorges Dam, the world’s largest hydroelectric dam, and learn about this major engineering project. Afterwards, disembark your cruise and travel to Zhangjiajie, famous for its misty sandstone pillars and dramatic mountain scenery. This evening, visit Zhangjiajie 72 Qilou, known for its unusual traditional architecture.

Day 11: Zhangjiajie
Explore Zhangjiajie National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage area known for its towering sandstone peaks and lush valleys. Ride the Bailong glass elevator up the mountainside and visit Yuanjiajie Scenic Area, where you can admire spectacular views including the famous Hallelujah Mountain. Later, continue to Emperor Mountain and enjoy a scenic sampan cruise on Lake Baofeng.

Day 12: Zhangjiajie
Discover the impressive Huanglong Cave, filled with colourful stalagmites, stalactites, underground rivers and limestone formations. Afterwards, visit Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and take an exhilarating walk across the famous Glass Bridge, one of the world’s highest and longest glass-bottomed bridges.

Day 13: Zhangjiajie to Shanghai
Travel up Tianmen Mountain, one of Zhangjiajie’s most dramatic natural landmarks. See Tianmen Cave, also known as Heaven’s Door, and experience the thrilling glass skywalk. If time permits, there may also be the chance to enjoy additional mountain walkways. Later, visit Jun Sheng Sandstone painting gallery before flying to Shanghai.

Day 14: Shanghai
Explore Shanghai, where modern skyscrapers meet historic streets and classical gardens. Visit Yu Garden and the atmospheric old town, then stroll along The Bund to admire the city’s famous colonial waterfront architecture. Stop at a silk mill before heading up Jin Mao Tower for sweeping city views, weather permitting. This evening, enjoy a Huangpu River cruise and sample traditional Shanghai cuisine.

Day 15-16: Depart Shanghai
Enjoy free time in Shanghai before transferring to the airport for your flight home. Your journey ends on arrival, after experiencing China’s ancient capitals, giant pandas, the Yangtze River, Zhangjiajie’s dramatic landscapes and the vibrant city of Shanghai.

Prices listed are per person in AUD, based on twin occupancy, including all discounts unless otherwise stated. The offer is subject to availability at time of booking and shown on the lowest category available at the time.  Fares are capacity controlled and are subject to change at any time without notice. Prices/Offers are correct as at 16-06-2026 and can be withdrawn without notice.   Cabin categories include prepaid government fees and port taxes unless otherwise stated.  Hotels may charge resort fees not included in this package, payable direct upon check in. Visas are not included.  Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.