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Destination China

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Destination China

China offers travellers an epic adventure. Colossal in size, rich in history and cultural diversity, China spans thousands of miles from the snows of the Tibetan plateau to the sub-tropical forests of the southwest and from deserts to dynamic seaboard cities. And now, China Southern Airlines’ flights from Auckland to Guangzhou have opened a new gateway to exciting travel and business opportunities.

The fascination of travelling in China is to discover an emerging giant that is still mysterious. The powerhouse economy tells only part of the story. There is the sheer diversity of China’s terrain and its people, the allure of places of natural beauty as well as the dynamism of its cities. Born of an ancient civilisation, China leaves you wanting to know more. China Southern Airlines’ new flights from Auckland to Guangzhou have opened the door not only to an exhilarating centre of international trade but also to road, rail or air connections to all corners of this vast and intriguing country.

Correction statement

Within the printed copy of our Destination China publication we featured a map that did not include Tibet. We apologise for any offense this map may have caused, it is normal practice to only highlight on the map just the area being covered in the editorial of the booklet.

Download Destination China booklet

Top six sights

The Forbidden City

The imperial palace with its 9000 rooms and many courtyards remain behind walls in Beijing but entry is no longer forbidden. Yet the Forbidden City, China’s the best preserved collection of imperial architecture, still has a mysterious aura.

The Great Wall of China

Construction of the Great Wall began about 200 BC to prevent raiding nomad tribes from conquering China. Up until the 17th century, successive dynasties continued to extend the wall across China for at least 6500kms. Several sections are easily reached from Beijing.

Terracotta Warriors

China’s extraordinary army of terracotta warriors, chariots and horses lay buried near the tomb of Emperor Qin Shihunag for 2,200 years until they were discovered in 1974 by farmers digging fields near the ancient capital of Xian. Nearly 2000 figures have so far been excavated, with estimates of thousands more awaiting discovery.

Pandas of Sichuan

The Panda Research Base in Chengdu, capital of Sichuan Province, is one of the best places to see these endearing symbols of China. You will also be able to see pandas in their natural habitat at the Ya’an Bifengxia Panda Base, 140kms away by road through stunning mountain scenery.

Yangtze River

China’s great waterway courses from the glaciers of Tibetan plateau on a 6300km journey to the East China Sea, a lifeline to the people for thousands of years. Cruises on the mighty river include the magnificent Three Gorges between Chongqing and Yichang.

Yunnan

Yunnan Province, is home to some of China’s most spectacular scenery, from soaring, snow-capped mountains to subtropical rain forests. Tiger Leaping Gorge in the protected World Heritage Site known as Three Parallel Rivers is just one of the province’s many breath-taking sights and hiking trips.

Getting there

FLY CHINA SOUTHERN AIRLINES

Full service 4 star airline
Fly direct from Auckland to Guangzhou and onto 82 cities in China
Fly to 884 locations in 169 countries
Holds the prestigious Five-Star Flight Safety Award by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC)