From Modern Marvels to Ancient Wonders: An 8-Day Tour of China

Flying Air New Zealand direct from Auckland, arrive in the morning to this Oriental metropolis that’s an irresistible mix of ancient and modern. First stop is the Yu Garden and the Temple of the Town God. Yu Garden is a classical garden located in Shanghai's Old City built during the Ming dynasty and finished in 1577. Designed in the traditional Chinese garden style, it features elaborate rockeries, ponds, pavilions, and halls, each designed to create a serene and picturesque environment.

Located adjacent to Yu Gardens is The Temple of the Town God, one of the most important cultural and religious sites in Shanghai. The temple is dedicated to the spirit of the city, and includes several halls, courtyards, and altars, each decorated with traditional Chinese architectural elements.

In the afternoon visit Nanjing Road, the world's longest shopping district, stretching 5.5 km long, attracting thousands of fashion-seeking shoppers from all over the world. Options range from upscale designer brands to traditional stores and specialty shops providing silk goods, jade, embroidery and wool.  Have a bite to eat in one of the century-old traditional food stores.

This morning proceed to visit Zhujiajiao Ancient Town, often referred to as the "Venice of Shanghai”. This charming water town is known for its network of canals, traditional bridges, ancient buildings, and tranquil atmosphere, making it a popular destination for those seeking to experience old China. 

You can take a leisurely gondola ride along the canals, where you can get a unique perspective of the town and its scenic beauty. Afterwards browse around the different street food outlets, where you can enjoy a variety of local delicacies, including Zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), rice cakes, and other traditional snacks.

After lunch, return to the fast-paced city of Shanghai, where you can climb to the top of Shanghai Tower. Currently the third tallest building in the world standing at 632 meters, it has the fastest elevator in the world, capable of reaching speeds up to 20.5 meters per second, transporting visitors from the ground floor to the observation deck in just about 55 seconds.

In the evening, experience views of the glittering skyline and neon nights with a cruise on the Huangpu River. Offering breathtaking views, a cruise provides a unique perspective on the contrasting architectural styles and vibrant energy of Shanghai. 

This morning take the high-speed train from Shanghai to Wuhan in the Hubei Province. China's high-speed rail network is one of the most advanced and extensive in the world, with trains travelling at speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour. 

We then arrive in Wuhan, a city considered a “mid-sized city” in China standards with a population of over 11 million. Upon arrival visit the Hubei Provincial Museum, one of the best-known museums in China. It has a collection of over 140,000 objects, including the Sword of Goujian, an ancient set of bronze bells (Bianzhong) and extensive artifacts from the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng dating back more than 2,400 years ago.

Then in the evening witness one of the most memorable shows you’ll ever see with the Zhiyin Cruise Performance. Step onboard The Zhiyin and travel back to early 20th century China in an evocative and interactive performance. Blending powerful live and pre-recorded acting and an enlivening mix of music and ballroom dance styles, including jazz, country, and lindy hop, get hooked into the story of the struggles and aspirations of the people of Wuhan in the early 20th century. 

Start off the day visiting The Yellow Crane Tower, a renowned historic and cultural landmark in Wuhan. The original tower dates back to the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 AD). Over the centuries, it has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, and has a strong association with Chinese legends. 

The tower is immortalised in numerous poems by famous Chinese poets such as Li Bai and Cui Hao, who wrote about its beauty and the stories associated with it. Inside the tower, you can find exhibitions on its history, cultural significance, and the famous poems written about it. The top of the tower offers stunning panoramic views of the Yangtze River, Wuhan’s skyline, and the surrounding landscape, making it a prime spot for photos!

Next stop is East Lake, the largest urban lake in China and compared to New York’s Central Park. Covering about 88 square kilometers, it is a significant natural and recreational area renowned for its scenic beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and cultural attractions. With some 26 universities in the vicinity of the lake, it is a cultural hub for higher education.

In the afternoon it’s time to head on another high-speed train as we leave the cities behind and head up into the Wudang Mountains, renowned for its natural beauty, religious significance and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Get ready for some pinch me moments and breathtaking landscapes as you go on the Wudang Mountain Cableway and up to Summit Palace, a renowned Taoist temple complex perched atop Tianzhu Peak. Drawing visitors and pilgrims from around the world, the palace was built under the reign of Emperor Yongle in the early 15th century and is a significant site for Taoist worship.

Then visit Nanyan Temple renowned for its dramatic location, built into the steep cliffs of the southern face of the mountains. Constructed during the Yuan Dynasty and expanded during the Ming Dynasty, Nanyan Temple is dedicated to Zhenwu, the Perfect Warrior deity, like many other temples in the Wudang range.

Finally visit The Zixiao Palace, otherwise known as the Purple Cloud Temple. The temple complex includes several halls and buildings, such as the Grand Hall, the Dragon and Tiger Hall, and the Purple Cloud Hall, each adorned with intricate carvings and decorations. Purple Cloud Temple is renowned for its beautiful architecture, which harmoniously integrates with the surrounding natural environment.

Visiting these different temples in Wudang Mountain is going to take a lot of walking and a lot of stairs, so a moderate level of fitness is required. But it will all be worth it as you reach the top of the summits and see the stunning views of the mountains and valleys, as well as its spiritual ambiance and historical significance.

In the evening either rest your feet with a hot bath or go out and explore the township and interact with the locals. The Wudang Mountain area is not as tourist heavy as the cities of Shanghai and Beijing so the local community are very friendly and welcoming. 

After breakfast, head to Yuxu Palace for a Tai Chi experience like no other. Tai Chi, short for Tai Chi Chuan is more than a kind of Chinese martial arts, it’s a good way to create an overall well-being and improve physical health. Meet with masters who will perform a demonstration before teaching you a simple routine to follow. Wudang Mountain is believed to be the birthplace of Tai Chi and taking part in this experience will make you feel more connected to the area,

Then it’s time to say goodbye to the Wudang Mountains and head to Shiyan Wudang Mountain Airport to take a flight via Air China to the city of Beijing. China’s Capital, Beijing is full of political significance and world-famous attractions, making it a top destination in Asia. Foodies will be in their element with famous dishes to tuck into, such as Peking duck, dumplings, and hotpot.

Once you arrive in Beijing, visit the Temple of Heaven, which is the largest and highest-level sacrificial building complex in ancient China. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Temple of Heaven is a dignified complex of fine cult buildings set in gardens and surrounded by historic pine woods. It symbolises the relationship between earth and heaven – the human world and God's world – which stands at the heart of Chinese cosmogony. In the evening either venture out and discover Beijing at night, or have an early night as tomorrow is another full day! 

Today you will be ticking a lot of Beijing’s most famous tourist attractions so strap yourself in for a full day of exploring! 

This morning visit Tiananmen Square, this 440,000sqm public square can hold a whopping one million people and is known to most Westerners as the scene of the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989. 

Tiananmen Square has great cultural significance as the site of many important events in Chinese history such as the May Fourth Movement in 1919 and the proclamation of the People's Republic of China by Mao in 1949. Traffic stops twice daily to allow a troop of People's Liberation Army soldiers to march from Tiananmen Gate to perform the flag-raising ceremony at sunrise and the reverse at sunset.

From there, enter the Forbidden City. It’s an imperial palace complex that served as the political and ceremonial centre of Chinese emperors for nearly 500 years. Covering approximately 180 acres, it consists of nearly 1,000 buildings and represents the pinnacle of traditional Chinese palatial architecture.

In the afternoon experience a tricycle tour around the Hutong, passing by the Drum Tower, Baita Temple and surrounding neighborhoods. Then spend the evening at Qianmen Street, a historic commercial street that has been a bustling marketplace for centuries.. Qianmen Street combines the charm of old Beijing with the conveniences of modern urban life, making it a unique and lively part of the city's landscape. 

Start your final day in China by visiting Pearl Market, a well-known market dealing with pearls from around the world. It also offers clothing, baggage, appliances and digital products. It's a place notorious for bargaining so use your best negotiation skills to get a good discount!

Conclude your China trip by visiting arguably the most famous attraction in China, The Great Wall. Stretching over 13,000 miles and constructed over several dynasties, it was built to protect Chinese states and empires from invasions by various nomadic groups from the north.

The Great Wall features watchtowers, barracks, and signal stations, which were used for military defense and communication. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Great Wall of China is a symbol of China's enduring strength and cultural heritage, reflecting the ingenuity and resilience of its builders.

After conquering the Great Wall make your way to Beijing Capital International Airport for your flight back home to New Zealand. Air China operates direct flights to and from Beijing to Auckland, take their evening flight home full of memories of your China adventures, dreaming of your next journey to Asia. 

Get in touch with a Flight Centre Travel Expert today to get your own China itinerary underway!