Just completed the 2014 China land tour. Anyone interested in China should give this a high priority if and when Ngaire does this again. This was the perfect combination in my view. The terra cotta warriors was the correct amount of time and not spending more time in this heavy smog area is the right thing to do.

Hangzou , the city on the shores of West Lake is a great city to visit. Loved the visit to the tea farm and the West Lake Impressions show. Outstanding.

RIVER CRUISE- The river cruise is a necessary event but not the most outstanding event. Ship is great and food on the ship good. Cabin is very comfortable and has plenty of space. This is perfect at 4 days and in the middle of the land trip the correct way to do it.

Chendu- Pandas are great. June held one and it is a high light of her experience. Can not do China without going to Chendu and seeing the pandas.

LIJIANG- Loved this city. As I like mountains this was a delight for me. The old town is an experience not to be missed. Found the Black Dragon pool to be most interesting as a people watching site.

SHANGHAI- A must do adventure in shopping. As we were there for 3 days on the before land trip cruise the two days post land was enough but could have spent a third night there to do more shopping post land tour. Ngaire has the shopping down to a science when it comes to the pearls. Loved the Peninsula Hotel. The rooms are fantastic and the location could not be better. First class service.

All in all a great trip. Found China more interesting then imagined. Ngaire has put together the ideal itinerary for anyone looking to visit China. It is a busy trip, not much down time and a fair amount of plane travel to get from one city to another but is necessary in such a big spread out country. Guides both national and local are hand picked by Ngaire and are excellent. Would not change anything.