Air New Zealand is marking five years of flying to China with the launch of a special NZ$1399 fare offer to encourage even more Kiwis to discover this incredible holiday destination.

Kiwis have until the end of the month to snap up the bargain priced Economy fare to either Shanghai or Beijing for travel from February 21 to August 31, 2012. A special Premium Economy fare is also available for NZ$2799.

Air New Zealand became the first carrier to operate direct services between New Zealand and China in November 2006 with flights to Shanghai, followed by Beijing in July 2008.

China is the number one Asian destination for Kiwis with the number heading there up 30 percent on five years ago to more than 66,000 annually.

Inbound arrivals are similarly up 36 percent over this time with 135,000 visitors per annum, making China the fourth largest inbound market for New Zealand's tourism industry.

"China is a fantastic low cost place to holiday and probably offers the best value for money of any long haul destination we fly to," says Air New Zealand's group GM international airline, Christopher Luxon.

"As a destination it offers the best of both worlds. Visitors are blown away by ultra modern cityscape of Shanghai which is evolving so fast it changes from month to month. Known as the Paris of the East for its shopping, eating and pampering; Shanghai offers not just high end fashion but also some of the best value market shopping you'll find anywhere.

"Further north, the political and cultural capital of Beijing has easy access to World Heritage Sites such as The Great Wall and the incredible Forbidden City. There are also fascinating glimpses of everyday Chinese family life to be found by wandering through the ancient Hutongs as well as more fabulous food and shopping."

Air New Zealand is moving to a daily service to China from December, driven by increasing demand for its direct flights to both Shanghai and Beijing.

To celebrate Kiwi travellers' increasing enthusiasm for China, Air New Zealand is also offering Kiwis the chance to win one of five trips for two people to experience everything both Shanghai and Beijing have to offer via its new "Best of Both Worlds" website. Entry details are available at www.airnewzealand.co.nz/china