14-Day Breathtaking Best of China with Yangtze River Cruise

14-Day Breathtaking Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Yangtze River, Shanghai, and Hong Kong Tour Highlights

Price to be advised.

Remarks: Please inquire about prices before booking.

Day 1 Arrival at Beijing

Meals: N/A

Accommodation：

Beijing Xinqiao Novotel **** or similar class

Regent Hotel Beijing ***** or similar class

Welcome to extraordinary China, with its rich 5000-year-old history, splendid culture, numerous historical heritages, and incredible Chinese food. Upon arrival, our local experienced tour guide and driver will hold a pick-up sign with your name, and meet with you at the Arrival Hall of Beijing International Airport. Then be transferred to your hotel in the downtown. The rest of the day, free to explore on your own. You will stay in Beijing for 3 nights.

Day 2 Beijing

Night Show: Legend of KUNG FU (Row 1-4 or Row 13-16)

Meals: Buffet breakfast, Chinese Lunch, Peking Roasted Duck Dinner at Quan Ju De Restaurant (Welcome dinner)

Accommodation：

Beijing Xinqiao Novotel **** or similar class

Regent Hotel Beijing ***** or similar class

After enjoying the breakfast, you will walk on Tiananmen Square, the biggest city square in the world. Covering 440,000 square meters, it has witnessed many important historical events taking place here. Next, discover the Forbidden City, one of the five most famous palaces in the world. 24 emperors from the Ming and Qing dynasties lived and ruled there for over 500 years. After that, Jingshan Park, the former imperial garden of the Ming and Qing dynasties where you can overlook the whole Forbidden City.
Lunch will be a delicious local Chinese meal.

This afternoon, continue on to visit the largest imperial garden, The Summer Palace, which was built in the late Qing Dynasty as the summer resort for the Empress Dowager Cixi. You can enjoy a fascinating landscape of the park there. Tonight, we will arrange you with the local specialty with a Peking Roasted Duck Dinner at the famous Quan Ju De Restaurant as the welcome dinner.

After dinner, drive to enjoy the fantastic Legend of Kung Fu Performance (Row 1-4 or Row 13-16 Central). Legend of Kung Fu Performance showcases the fantastic story that how a young child grows up to be a Kungfu Master. It perfectly combines the martial art, acrobatics, and dancing. After the show, drive back to the hotel.

Day 3 Beijing

Activities: Great Wall Hiking (Jinshanling)

Meals: Buffet breakfast, Snacks for Lunch

Accommodation:

Beijing Xinqiao Novotel **** or similar class

Regent Hotel Beijing ***** or similar class

This morning, you will be transferred to visit the world-famous Great Wall of China (Jinshanling Section) which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This section is the highlight of the Great Wall which is visited by fewer tourists. You will take 3-4 hours hiking on the Great Wall from Jinshanling to Simatai West. We would provide the walking stick, snacks, and water for lunch during the trip.

This section offers some of the finest hiking anywhere on the Great Wall. It is extremely picturesque, with over 15 watch-towers, and steep gradients that give constantly changing perspectives and wide, panoramic views. There are a wide variety of watchtowers here. Some have two storey, others three. Some have flat roofs, others rounded and others again are pitched with upturned eaves. This section of the wall is remote and extremely well-preserved. After the tour, transfer back to your hotel and relax.

Day 4 Beijing-Xi’an (by bullet train)

Activity: Rickshaw tour in Hutong.

Meals: Buffet breakfast

Accommodation：

Xi’an Grand Noble Hotel **** or similar class

Sofitel Hotel on Renmin Square***** or similar class

This morning, visit the famous Temple of Heaven, the landmark of Beijing, which was used to pray for good harvests, and hold the Heaven Worshiping Ceremony by the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasty. Then, take a leisurely rickshaw tour in Beijing Hutong. You will have the chance to see the original residences of the local people and experience its traditional lifestyle.

After the tour, drive to the railway station and experience the fastest bullet train in China from Beijing to Xi’an (around 5 to 5.5 hours, first class). We will book the luxury business class seats for you. Enjoy the landscape on the way between the two ancient cities. Once there, be picked up and transfer to visit the Night Market, where you can experience the local nightlife and taste the local snacks. After the tour, drive to check in at your hotel. Overnight in Xi’an.

Day 5 Xi’an-Chengdu (by bullet train)

Meals: Buffet breakfast, Chinese Lunch.

Accommodation：

Chengdu BuddhaZen Hotel(boutique hotel) or similar

Shangri_la Hotel Chengdu ***** or similar class

After breakfast, you will start to explore the ancient city. Firstly visit the well-known Terracotta Warriors. The Terracotta Army was created to guard Emperor Qin Shihuang's tomb and to protect him in the afterlife. It is estimated that there are over 7,000 life-size Terracotta figures and horses buried here.

Lunch will be a delicious local Chinese meal.

This afternoon you will visit the landmark of the city-Big Wild Goose Pagoda. Built in the Tang Dynasty, the square pyramid stands at 60 meters high and seven-storeys tall. It was built to restore the Buddhist scriptures brought by the famous Monk Xuanzang. The Former Residence of Family Gao features for the well-preserved courtyard of Han Dynasty. You can also enjoy the traditional puppet show there.

After the tour, drive to the railway station and take the afternoon bullet train (around 4-hours, first class seat) to the leisurely city Chengdu. Once there, be picked up and transfer to the hotel.

Day 6 Chengdu

Activities: One day Panda Keeper Program at Panda Valley.

Meals: Buffet breakfast, Chinese Lunch

Accommodation:

Chengdu BuddhaZen Hotel(boutique hotel) or similar

Shangri_la Hotel Chengdu ***** or similar class

As the national treasure and unique species in China, the lovely panda is definitely should be put on the schedule in your trip in Chengdu. Considered to be the “Living Fossil”, the giant panda is believed to exist for around 8 million years.

This morning, you will be picked up at your hotel lobby and transferred to the famous Panda Valley located in Dujiangyan (around 1.5 hours on the way). Founded in 2010, the Panda Valley is the branch organization of Chengdu Panda Research Base, and designed to do the rehabilitation training to all the pandas before returning to nature. The volunteer work starts at 9:30 am and ends around 3-4pm in the afternoon. After the tour, drive back to your hotel and end the tour.

Day 7 Chengdu-(by bullet train)-Chongqing-Yangtze River

Meals: Buffet breakfast, Hotpot meal for Lunch

Accommodation：

Century Paragon ***** Deluxe Cabin

This morning, continue on to tour to the famous Wenshu Temple, one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Sichuan Province, which features for the traditional architectural style of the western Sichuan Province. It is a fantastic spot with its cultural heritage, gardens, and ancient buildings. After that, visit Jinli Ancient Town. It features the traditional former residences of the Ming and Qing dynasties style. Afterward, take a relaxing stroll on Jinli Street, with its authentic Chengdu snacks and fine crafts.

Lunch will be served with local authentic hotpot food for lunch.

After the tour, drive to the railway station and take the bullet train to Chongqing. Once there, you will be picked up and transferred to Chao Tianmen Harbor, and start the Yangtze Cruise, a 5-star luxury Century Cruise (One of the best cruises on Yangtze River) down the Yangtze River (please see more details about Century Cruises on the website http://www.centuryrivercruises.com/en/index.html ).

Schedule of the Cruise (For reference only. Please refer to the exact itinerary from the ship when you on board.)

19：30-21：00 Embarkation

21:30 Departure in Chongqing

22:00 Embarkation Briefing

Day 8 Yangtze Cruise

Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Buffet Lunch, Buffet dinner

Accommodation:

Century Paragon ***** Deluxe Cabin

06: 30-7: 00 Free coffee, tea, and pastries

06:30-07:00 Tai Chi exercise

07:00-08:30 Breakfast (Buffet)

8:30 Optional Excursion to Fengdu Ghost City(river conditions permitting, on your own expense. You can book with the guide on board.)

09:30-11:30 Onboard Activities

12:00-13:30 Lunch (Buffet)

14:00-17:00 Shore excursion-Shibao Pagoda

18:00-19:00 Captain's welcome party

19:00-20:30 Dinner (Buffet)

21:00  Crew cabaret

Day 9 Yangtze Cruise

Meals: Buffet Breakfast, Buffet Lunch, Buffet dinner

Accommodation:

Century Paragon ***** Deluxe Cabin

06:30-07:00 Free coffee, tea, and pastries

06:30-07:00 Tai Chi exercise

07:00-08:30 Breakfast (Buffet)

07:30-09:30 Optional tour to White Emperor City ( on your own expense. You can book with the guide on board.)

10:00 (Est.) Cruising Highlights---Qutang Gorge

10:30 Activities

11:45 (Est.) Scenic cruising---Wu Gorge

12:00-13:00 Lunch (Buffet)

13:30-17:30 Shore excursion-Lesser Three Gorges or Shennong/Shennv Stream

18:15 Disembarkation briefing

19:00-20:30 Captain's farewell dinner

20:30-23:00 Settle the bills

21:00-22:30 Dancing Party / Karaoke Time / Bingo

22:00 (Est.) Sails through the ship-locks

Day 10 Yichang-Shanghai (by air)

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Accommodation:

SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai North Bund **** or similar class

Les Suites Orient, On the Bund ***** or similar class

06:30-08:00 Breakfast (Buffet)

08:00-10:30 Shore excursion---Three Gorges Dam Site

11:00 (Est.) Scenic cruising---Xiling Gorge

11:30 Check out.

Our local guide and driver will pick you up at the cruise terminal and transfer to the airport for your departure flight to the financial center of China, Shanghai. Once there, be picked up and driven to the hotel. You will stay in Shanghai for 2 nights.

Day 11 Shanghai

Night activity: Night Cruise on Huangpu River

Meals: Buffet breakfast, Special Lunch

Accommodation:

SSAW Boutique Hotel Shanghai North Bund **** or similar class

Les Suites Orient, Bund Shanghai ***** or similar class

After breakfast, start your full day tour to explore the metropolis. Firstly stroll around the romantic place The Bund, which is a famous waterfront area with 52 buildings of different architectural styles. You can enjoy a beautiful skyline of the city. Drive to visit the famous Yu Garden, which is the most famous private garden in Shanghai built in 1559 A.D. It is reputed as the “Stunning Pearl” of Shanghai. Then, stroll around the bustling Shanghai Old Town, which features the Qing Dynasty style architectures. It is considered to be the “Root of Shanghai”.

Lunch will be authentic Shanghai Cuisine at the famous Lvbolang Restaurant, which is visited by many presidents, celebrities and, high-level governors from the world.

This afternoon, visit the famous Shanghai Museum, one of the best museums in China, which features a large collection of bronze articles. Jade Buddha Temple is one of the most popular Buddhist temples in Shanghai. You can see the graceful and exquisite reclining Jade Buddha. Xintiandi, the new spotlight of Shanghai, which was renovated from local stone-arched houses, into trendy boutiques stores, bars, and restaurants. Dinner will be your own expense.

Tonight, you will take a leisurely cruise on the Huangpu River and enjoy the stunning night views of the metropolis. After the cruise, drive back to the hotel.

Day 12 Shanghai-Hong Kong (by air) 

Activity: Maglev Train ride (one-way)

Meals: Buffet breakfast, Chinese Lunch.

Accommodation:

Metropark Hotel Kowloon**** or similar class

InterContinental Hotel Grand Stanford***** or similar class

This morning drive to visit the landmark of Shanghai, the Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower. You will take a high-speed elevator up to the 263m observation hall where you can get a great panoramic view of the metropolis. Then visit the Shanghai History Museum and get to know the history and development of Shanghai. After that, drive around Lujiazui Financial Zone, which is considered to the “Wall Street of China” as many international banks and financial organizations are gathered here.

Lunch will be a local Chinese meal. After lunch, drive to experience the maglev train ride (around 7 mins from Longyang Rd Station to Shanghai Pudong International Airport) to the airport for your departing flight (we suggest you book the flight with a departure time after 5:00pm.). Thus, end of your memorable trip in China.

Day 13 Hong Kong

Tour duration: maximum 9 hours

Meals: N/A

Accommodation:

Metropark Hotel Kowloon**** or similar class

InterContinental Hotel Grand Stanford***** or similar class

After breakfast, you will be transferred to start a full day tour to explore the highlights of the famous international financial center, Hong Kong. Firstly, visit the famous Won Tai Sin Temple, built in 1921, which is the most visited Taoist temple in Hong Kong. Nan Lian Garden is a must-see place for anyone interested in Chinese culture, history, art, or gardening. The artfully cultivated trees are a wonder to behold. In Bird Garden, you can see over 150 categories birds. Continue on to visit Aberdeen, the local famous fishing village, which is well-known for the seafood and traditional lifestyle. Then, visit the fascinating Repulse Bay, which is considered to be the Asian Hawaii. The final stop is Victoria Peak. It is perhaps Hong Kong's most popular attraction among first-time visitors. You will take a tram, which is pulled by steel cables and climbs 373 meters up to the peak. Looking down from the Peak, you'll be impressed by the spectacular view of the surrounding city skyline, the world-famous Victoria Harbor. After the tour, drive back to your hotel.

Day 14 Hong Kong-departure.

Attractions: N/A

Meals: Buffet Breakfast

Today, you are free until being transferred to the airport for the departure flight. End your fabulous exploration tour of China.