Best of China tour with Yangtze River cruise

Beijing

Tag 1: Arrive in Beijing

Our guide will meet you when you arrive at the Beijing International Airport. After your transfer to a hotel in central Beijing, you can relax and enjoy a good night’s sleep.

Beijing

Tag 2: Visit the Forbidden City, and See Local Life

This morning, we will first visit the lovely Summer Palace. It is an immense park containing Chinese traditional architecture and was once a royal garden during the Qing Dynasty. Your next stop is the largest public square in the world–Tiananmen Square. After some time here, you will follow in the footsteps of emperors, court ministers and eunuchs as you head south to the impressive Forbidden City built by the Ming Dynasty in 15th century AD. Take a look around the palace of which several portions have been restored remaining true to the original layout and design.

You can then hike to Jingshan Park, for a wonderful panoramic view of the Forbidden City from the top of Coal Hill. In the late afternoon, enjoy a Hutong tour by rickshaw for a peek into the real life of the common people. You can also stop by the Lotus Market, located in the Houhai area. Free time in the evening.

Temple Of Heaven - Mutianyu

Tag 3: Walk Along the Mighty Great Wall of China

After breakfast, we will go for a visit to the Temple of Heaven. You can see local people doing their morning exercises at this time. Admire the beautiful temple that used to be a venue for the Ming and Qing emperors to offer sacrifices and pray for harvest.

Then, head to a section of one of China’s most famous attractions–the Great Wall. Visit the fabulous Mutianyu section of the wall in Beijing that was first built in the mid-6th century during the Northern Qi, making it older than the Badaling section. It also has the largest scale of construction. After lunch, you will get a chance to hike on the wall. Later, make a stop at the Olympic Village: Bird Nest & Water Cube (outside of it). Travel back to the city to enjoy a delicious Peking duck dinner–the capital's most famous dish that was once part of the imperial cuisine.

Beijing - Xi’an

Tag 4: Immerse Yourself in the World of Art

Get into the mood for art this morning on a visit to the 798 Art District in Beijing. "798” modern Art Zone was originally the site of a factory that produced electronics. Its design and layout create an interesting ambience. From 2002, the site became an area of international appeal, merging contemporary art, architecture, and culture with a historically interesting setting and a quirky, urban vibe. As you walk around, you can see various works of art and sculpture that give insight into cultural concepts and artistic expression. It’s a creative adventure that can be a lot of fun!

After lunch, you will be transferred to the Beijing West Railway Station to take a high-speed train to Xi’an in Shaanxi province. Upon arrival, our local guide in Xi’an will pick you up from the exit of the Xi’an North Railway Station and transfer you to the hotel.

Xian

Tag 5: Take a Look at the Magnificent Terracotta Army

After breakfast, we will drive to the site of the spectacular Qin Terracotta Army with an extension to the mausoleum of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. One of the greatest archaeological discoveries in the world, you will be amazed at the incredible army of life-size clay soldiers standing row after row poised for battle. Qin's tomb was built about 2500 years ago. It is estimated that there are around 8,000 soldiers, along with hundreds of chariots and horses, precious stones, and other valuable items here. After touring this UNESCO World Heritage site, we will drive back to Xi’an city in the afternoon.

Continue your Xi’an tour with a visit to the Great Mosque, and the Muslim Quarter. Later, at night, you will have a chance to enjoy a Chinese Dumpling feast with an enchanting Tang Dynasty dancing show.

Xian - Chengdu

Tag 6: See the Superb Sights in Xi’an

Step out to visit the Ancient City Wall, one of the oldest and best-preserved Chinese city walls. Later, stop by the Big Wild Goose Pagoda where you will have a chance to watch the North plaza fountain show. After lunch, go on a tour of Shaanxi History Museum to learn about the province’s ancient history through displays covering various periods of time.

You will be then transferred to the Xi’an North Railway station to board a high-speed train to Chengdu, your next destination, situated in Sichuan province. Our local guide will pick you up from the exit of the Chengdu railway station and transfer you to the hotel. You have the evening at leisure.

Chengdu

Tag 7: Observe Giant Pandas and Enjoy the Sichuan Opera

In the morning, we will go to the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding for an intimate interaction with these wonderful creatures. Observe these adorable animals–both adults and young ones–go about their lives. Once that’s done, relish a local Hot Pot for lunch, and visit Wenshu Temple in the afternoon, where you can spend some time sitting in its tea house. Enjoy a cup of tea and absorb the captivating atmosphere of Chengdu.

After dinner, attend the Sichuan Opera–a dazzling show performed with local instruments, hand shadows, candle storytelling, fire spitting, and face changing. Later, wander around the local market and bar street Jinli, taste local delicacies if you wish, and immerse yourself in the local life.

Leshan - Chengdu - Chongqing

Tag 8: Admire the Leshan Giant Buddha and Explore Shangli

Take a short drive to visit the Leshan Giant Buddha, the tallest stone Buddha statue in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the stunning statue is carved into the side of Mount Lingyun. After lunch, travel to Shangli Old Town which used to be an important stop along the ancient Tea Horse Route. Explore the town surrounded by mountains and water, dotted with charming wooden architecture of Ming and Qing Dynasties. After lunch in the town, walk around to look at the evergreen trees, wooden houses, stone-paved streets, ancient archways and historical stone bridges with a long history and wonderful designs.

At the end of the visit, drive back to Chengdu and take a high-speed train to Chongqing. Upon arrival, drive to Chaotianmen wharf and check-in at the Victoria cruise, which sets sail from Chongqing at 9:00 p.m. Begin your trip along the Yangtze River.

Shibaozhai

Tag 9: Cruise Along the Yangtze River

Enjoy your scenic Yangtze cruise! In the morning, you will have a short visit to Fengdu (2.5 - 3 hours, at your own expense) It is known as the 'Ghost City' to most Chinese people. Take a look at the interesting structures and sculptures here based on ancient Chinese beliefs. In the late afternoon, there is an excursion to Shibaozhai (around 1 - 2 hours)–a splendid wooden temple with lovely architecture built into the side of a hill by the river.  

Enjoy your breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets on board the cruise.

Yangtze River Cruise

Tag 10: Go on Exciting Excursions on Your Cruise

Today, on your cruise, you can go for an optional morning excursion at around 07:30 to the White Emperor City (2 hours, at your own expense). It overlooks the Qutang Gorge depicted on the back of the Chinese 10-yuan bill. Return to your cruise that will pass through Three Gorges. Take a good look at Qutang Gorge considered the most dramatic by many visitors as well as Wu Gorge known for its deep valleys and forest covered mountains. After lunch, you will have an excursion to Shennong Stream also called Goddess Stream. Experience the scenic natural landscapes and attractions of this area. 

Yichang - Shanghai

Tag 11: Explore the Three Gorges Dam

Set out on a morning visit to the Three Gorges Dam (2.5 - 3 hours)–said to be one of the largest hydroelectric projects in the world. After a tour of this fascinating place, have lunch and disembark at Yichang in the afternoon. Your tour guide will wait for you at the wharf. In Yichang, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Shanghai. Meet your Shanghai tour guide on arrival at the airport and head to your hotel. You have free time in the afternoon to do whatever you wish.

Shanghai

Tag 12: Spend a Day in Spectacular Shanghai

There’s plenty of sightseeing to do in Shanghai! After breakfast, drive to visit Yu Garden, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jade Buddha Temple, Nanjing Road, and the Bund. Yu Garden is one of the most famous gardens in China that has sections separated by curved white walls crowned with the head and body of a dragon on them. Take a look at the garden with pavilions, trees and ponds.

Next, see the Oriental Pearl TV Tower soaring 468 meters high. This stunning structure offers superb views of the city. Your next stop is the Jade Buddha Temple, home to the famous seated Buddha, adorned with jewels. Afterwards, make your way to The Bund, the popular waterfront area regarded as the symbol of Shanghai. It was the centre of Shanghai’s politics, economy and culture many years ago.

Shanghai

Tag 13: Farewell, China!

Today marks the end of your China tour. You will be taken to the airport for your flight back home.