Trip notes

MORE INFORMATION:

wendywutours.co.nz

Cathay Pacific flies to Beijing via Hong Kong from Auckland three times a day. See cathaypacific.co.nz.

In Beijing, the Novotel Peace Hotel is located in the city centre, about a 10-minute walk from the night markets and other sites, including the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square. Standard rooms start from NZ$115 and breakfast is about $15 extra. They have standard, deluxe, club rooms and suites. In Gubeikou, Water Town Hotel features all the trimmings, including a karaoke room, indoor swimming pool and huge buffet breakfast. Superior rooms start from $158 per night, full buffet breakfast from $22 per person. Prices subject to change and a conversion from local currency to NZD. 15 per cent Chinese service tax has been included.

Wendy Wu Tours offers luxury escorted tours that include the Great Wall of China with English-speaking guides. Prices start from $7140pp for an 11-day tour that includes return flights from Auckland, Wellington or Christchurch on Cathay Pacific, 5-star accommodation, most meals and exclusive experiences and sightseeing – such as a Champagne toast on the Great Wall.

GETTING THERE: STAYING THERE: BEING THERE: